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Now therefore, it is already an utter failure for you that you go to law against one another. Why do you not rather accept wrong? Why do you not rather let yourselves be cheated? (1 Cor. 6:7).
One may say, “I have been stripped of everything, and do you ask me to keep silent? I have been shamefully used, and do you exhort me to bear it meekly? How shall I be able to do this?” In fact, it is easy if you will look up to heaven; if you will behold the beauty that is in sight and remember that God has promised to receive you in heaven if you bear wrong nobly. Do this then, and looking up to heaven, think that you are now made like Him who sits there on the Cherubim. For He also was injured and He bore it; He was reproached and avenged not Himself; and was beaten, yet He asserted not His cause. Not even did this, but He in return was kind to those who did such things and kind in benefits without number. And He commanded us to be imitators of Him. Consider that you came naked out of your mother’s womb, and that naked both you and the one that has done you wrong shall depart; rather, the evildoer for his part, with innumerable wounds, breeding worms. Consider that things present are but for a season; count over the tombs of your ancestors; acquaint yourself accurately with past events and you shall see that the wrong-doer has made you stronger…Would you desire to know in how great are the blessings which await you who forgive? He opens for you the whole of heaven; He makes you a fellow-citizen with the saints; He makes you to be a part in their choir. And from sins He absolves and with righteousness He crowns you. Therefore, bear not your enemies with a poor spirit, but even pray for them that injured you. It is for yourself that you do this. Has the person taken your money? Well, he took your sins too, which was the case with Naaman and Gehazi. How much wealth would you not give to have your iniquities forgiven you? This, believe me, is the case now. For if you endure nobly and curse not, you have put on a glorious crown. It is not my word, but you have heard Christ speaking, “Pray for those who despitefully use you.” And consider how great the reward! “That you may be like your Father who is in heaven.” So then you have been deprived of nothing, yes, you have been a gainer. You have received no wrongs, rather you have been crowned; in that you have become better disciplined in soul; are made like to God; are set free from the care of money; are made possessor of the kingdom of heaven. – St. John Chrysostom
Church Announcements:
- We are fundraising for the purchase of the neighboring church. To donate, click here.
- Women’s Meeting:
- The next meeting will be Friday, Feb. 17th at 6:30 pm
- Men’s Meeting:
- The next meeting will be Thursday, Feb. 23rd at 7:30 pm
- The financial presentation will be on 2/26th after the liturgy
This Week’s Schedule:
- Monday:
- Midnight Praises: 8:00-9:30pm
- Midnight Praises: 8:00-9:30pm
- Tuesday:
- Bible Pleasure: 7:30-8:30 (In-Person and on Facebook)
- Wednesday:
- Liturgy: 8am-10am
- Thursday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10am
- GYP Meeting: 7:00-9:00pm
- Friday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-10:30am
- Youth Meeting: 8:00-9:00pm
- Saturday:
- Hymns: 5:00-6:00pm
- Sunday School: 6:00-7:00pm
- Vespers: 7:00-7:30pm
- Midnight Prayers: 7:30-9:30pm
- Sunday:
- Liturgy: 8:00-11:30am