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“The number forty is put to our attention as one consecrated by a kind of perfection. Now fasting, in its large and general sense, is to abstain from the iniquities and unlawful pleasures of the world, which is perfect fasting: ‘That denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we may live temperately, and righteously, and godly in this present world.’ What reward does the Apostle Paul join to this fast? He goes on to say: ‘Looking for that blessed hope, and the appearing of the glory of the blessed God and our Savior Jesus Christ’ (Titus 2:12-13). In this world, then, we celebrate, as it were, the forty days’ abstinence when we live aright, and abstain from iniquities and from unlawful pleasures.“ – St. Augustine
Sermon:
St. Eudexia (Saint of the Week):
- Eudexia, which is interpreted “happiness” lived her early life in immorality. With the beauty of her face and physical appearance, she stumbled many and made them to fall into sin acquiring thereby great wealth. A saintly monk from Jerusalem called Germanus heard about her. He went to her, preached to her with solemn and frightful words, mentioning to her hell, worms, darkness, and the fearful punishments. She asked him: “Does the body rise after death, and after it becomes dust to be judged?” He replied “Yes”. She asked him: “What are the proofs since the Torah does not mention this?” He explained to her with biblical and logical proofs until she was convinced. She asked him: “If I go back on my evil works would God accept me?” He replied: “If you believe that the Lord Christ came to the world and took away our sins by His Crucifixion, and if you repent now a sincere repentance and are baptized, He will accept you and will not mention any of what you have done. You will be as if you just have been borne.”
Her heart opened to the faith and asked him to help her to fulfil that. He took her to the bishop in front of whom she confessed the Holy Trinity, the incarnation of the Word and His Crucifixion. While the Bishop was praying over the water to baptize her, the Lord opened her mind, she saw an angel attracting her to the water and the angels were rejoicing for her. Then she saw an wrathful, ugly terrifying looking person trying to drag her away from them. What she saw increased her desire for repentance and baptism.
After her baptism, she gave all what she gained from her sin to the poor and needy. She entered a convent of nuns, put on the garb of monasticism, and fought a good and perfect fight. Satan entered into some of her friends who informed the governor about her. The governor commanded his men to bring her. When she came into the governor’s house she found great lamentation and weeping for his son had just died. She came to where the son was laid, prayed entreating the Lord Christ for his sake and He raised him up from death. The Prince believed in Christ through her. Another prince called Diogenes heard about her. He brought her before him, and she saw a soldier standing before him, who was blind in one eye, she prayed and made the sign of the cross over the eye, and it was opened. The prince released her instantly.
Shortly after this, another Prince called Bekeyfius was appointed, and he heard about her and had her brought to him. She asked the Lord Christ to give her a portion with the martyrs. The Prince commanded to cut off her head, and she received the crown of martyrdom.
Church Announcements:
- Weekday Lent Liturgies Resume.
- Liturgy on Saturday for Feast of the Cross
Saints of the Week:
- St. Eudexia, Anba Serapamon – Monday, March 14
- St. Dioscorus – Tuesday, March 15
- St. Mary the Israelite, Sts. Philemon and Apollonius – Wednesday, March 16
- St. Mattias – Thursday, March 17
- St. Konan – March Feb. 18
- Feast of the Apperance of the Cross – Saturday, Mar. 19
This Week’s Schedule:
- Monday:
- Midnight Praises: 8:00-9:30pm
- Tuesday:
- Bible Study: 7:00-8:30pm (in-person and Facebook)
- Wednesday:
- Liturgy: 9:00-12:00pm
- Liturgy: 9:00-12:00pm
- Thursday:
- Liturgy: 9:00-12:00pm
- Liturgy: 9:00-12:00pm
- Friday:
- Liturgy: 3:00-6:00pm
- Saturday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:30am
- Hymns Class: 5:00-6:00pm
- Sunday School: 6:00-7:00pm
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm.
- Midnight Praises: 7:30-9:30am
- Sunday:
- Liturgy: 7:30-11:00am
- Liturgy: 7:30-11:00am