- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (HTML format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (Word DOC format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (HTML format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- The life of St Mary of Egypt as a parable, compared to the Parable of the Prodigal Son. (mp3 format)
- Stony insensibility, faith, humility, love. St Mary of Egypt and St Nectarios teach about all these. (mp3 format)
- 5th Sunday of Great Lent (mp3 format)
- "I have been wounded by the sword of pleasure, O Lord" Lent is a school to teach us to pursue happiness, not pleasure. (mp3 format)
- Fourth Week of Great Lent (mp3 format)
Fifth Sunday of Great Lent
1999
Also in Format: Word DOC
Also in Format: Word DOC
Mary Of Egypt
2002
2002
Mary Of Egypt
2004
2004
Saint Mary Of Egypt
2007-03-25
2007-03-25
Saint Mary Of Egypt
Who Loves The Most
Luke 7:36-50
2008-04-14
Who Loves The Most
Luke 7:36-50
2008-04-14
2009-04-05
2010-03-21
2011-04-09
Mary Of Egypt Shows Us How To Repent
How To Cultivate A Repentanct Spirit
2011-04-09
Also in Format: Word DOC or mp3
SYNOPSIS:In our continuing series of small homilies between Vespers and matins, based upon the texts of the services, we examine the repentance of St Mary of Egypt, and see how we can emulate it. Her repentance was not a one time, unique event! We must find ways to cultivate a repentant spirit; the hymns discussed today give us much to do to accomplish this.
"The pollution of past sins prevented thee from entering the church to see the elevation of the Holy Cross; but then thy conscience and the awareness of thine actions turned thee, O wise in God, to a better way of life. And, having looked upon the ikon of the blessed Maid of God, thou hast condemned all thy previous transgressions, O Mother worthy of all praise, and so hast gone with boldness to venerate the precious cross" (5th Sunday of Lent, Sat Vespers, Lord I have cried)
"I am held fast in the mire of sin, and there is no strength or courage in me; the tempests of my trespasses hast overwhelmed me. Look upon me, O Virgin, I entreat thee, for thou hast borne the Word who alone loves mankind. Deliver me from every sin, from all the passions that destroy my soul, and from every ill inflicted by the enemy, that I may sing with joy; Intercede with thy Son and God, O undefiled, that remission of transgressions may be given to those who in faith take refuge beneath thy protections." (5th Sunday of Great Lent, Matins, Sessional Hymn after the 3rd Ode)
How To Cultivate A Repentanct Spirit
2011-04-09
Also in Format: Word DOC or mp3
SYNOPSIS:In our continuing series of small homilies between Vespers and matins, based upon the texts of the services, we examine the repentance of St Mary of Egypt, and see how we can emulate it. Her repentance was not a one time, unique event! We must find ways to cultivate a repentant spirit; the hymns discussed today give us much to do to accomplish this.
"The pollution of past sins prevented thee from entering the church to see the elevation of the Holy Cross; but then thy conscience and the awareness of thine actions turned thee, O wise in God, to a better way of life. And, having looked upon the ikon of the blessed Maid of God, thou hast condemned all thy previous transgressions, O Mother worthy of all praise, and so hast gone with boldness to venerate the precious cross" (5th Sunday of Lent, Sat Vespers, Lord I have cried)
"I am held fast in the mire of sin, and there is no strength or courage in me; the tempests of my trespasses hast overwhelmed me. Look upon me, O Virgin, I entreat thee, for thou hast borne the Word who alone loves mankind. Deliver me from every sin, from all the passions that destroy my soul, and from every ill inflicted by the enemy, that I may sing with joy; Intercede with thy Son and God, O undefiled, that remission of transgressions may be given to those who in faith take refuge beneath thy protections." (5th Sunday of Great Lent, Matins, Sessional Hymn after the 3rd Ode)
Her Sins Which Are Many Are Forgiven For She Loved Much But To Whom Little Is Forgiven The Same Loveth Little
Luke 7-36-50, Mark 10-32-45
2011-04-10
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel for St Mary of Egypt presents a "riddle" to us: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.". The Lord tells us she is forgiven because of her love! What does this mean? It is very important to understand. We see in both Gospels 3 examples of what to do or not do to nurture this kind of love.
Luke 7-36-50, Mark 10-32-45
2011-04-10
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel for St Mary of Egypt presents a "riddle" to us: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.". The Lord tells us she is forgiven because of her love! What does this mean? It is very important to understand. We see in both Gospels 3 examples of what to do or not do to nurture this kind of love.
As Many As Have Been Baptized Into Christ Have Put On Christ
How Much More Shall The Blood Of Christ Purge Your Conscience From Dead Works
Hebrews 9-11-14-Galatians 3-23-29
2012-03-31
SYNOPSIS:The 2 epistles for the 5th Sunday of Great Lent describe well the life of St Mary of Egypt, and also how we must live. Truly, after her repentance, she "Put on Christ", and had her conscience purged from dead works. We look in some detail at her life and how these scriptures will fulfilled in her life, and must also be fulfilled in ours.
How Much More Shall The Blood Of Christ Purge Your Conscience From Dead Works
Hebrews 9-11-14-Galatians 3-23-29
2012-03-31
SYNOPSIS:The 2 epistles for the 5th Sunday of Great Lent describe well the life of St Mary of Egypt, and also how we must live. Truly, after her repentance, she "Put on Christ", and had her conscience purged from dead works. We look in some detail at her life and how these scriptures will fulfilled in her life, and must also be fulfilled in ours.
Learning Takes Time
A Lesson In Humility
Mark 10-32-45
2012-04-01
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent not only sets the stage for our Lord's passion, which we will shortly go through on our way to Pascha, but also teaches two important truths. Firstly, learning takes time. This may seem like a simple and obvious truth, but it is often an ignored truth. Second: without humility, there will be no learning at all.
A Lesson In Humility
Mark 10-32-45
2012-04-01
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel for the 5th Sunday of Lent not only sets the stage for our Lord's passion, which we will shortly go through on our way to Pascha, but also teaches two important truths. Firstly, learning takes time. This may seem like a simple and obvious truth, but it is often an ignored truth. Second: without humility, there will be no learning at all.
Greatest Miracle In The Life Of Saint Mary Of Egypt
2013-04-20
SYNOPSIS:The life of St Mary of Egypt is filled with amazing miracles. Which is the greatest? Without s doubt, it is one that most will not mention. Let us look at the first 17 years of her repentance and learn of the mercy of God. We must apply this lesson to our own repentance.
2013-04-20
SYNOPSIS:The life of St Mary of Egypt is filled with amazing miracles. Which is the greatest? Without s doubt, it is one that most will not mention. Let us look at the first 17 years of her repentance and learn of the mercy of God. We must apply this lesson to our own repentance.
Repentance And Gratitude
Her Sins Are Forgiven For She Loved Much But To Whom Little Is Forgiven The Same Loveth Little
Luke 7-36-50
2013-04-21
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel read for St Mary of Egypt is the same as we read for female martyrs - the sinful woman who washed the feet of Jesus. This Gospel and the life of St Mary teach us the relationship between repentance, gratitude and action. Without the latter two, there is NO repentance.
Her Sins Are Forgiven For She Loved Much But To Whom Little Is Forgiven The Same Loveth Little
Luke 7-36-50
2013-04-21
SYNOPSIS:The Gospel read for St Mary of Egypt is the same as we read for female martyrs - the sinful woman who washed the feet of Jesus. This Gospel and the life of St Mary teach us the relationship between repentance, gratitude and action. Without the latter two, there is NO repentance.
Saint Mary Of Egypt
The Others In The Story
2014-04-03
SYNOPSIS:In the story of St Mary of Egypt, there are others involved whose experiences can greatly edify us. We look at St Zosimus, the youth who laughed, and the youths whom Mary seduced. We can learn much from them and find some important consolation. The joy of Mary and her peace, even though she remembered that she ruined the lives of many youths, is a critical piece of this consolation. We also discuss how the Theotokos, as our mother, has a deep, intimate relationship with us. This story is very early, and proves that our love for the Theotokos is long-standing and apostolic. This homily was given in the presence of the Kursk Root icon of the Holly Theotokos, and we discuss how to approach this icon, in a way similar to St Zosimus, with deep desires in our heart.
The Others In The Story
2014-04-03
SYNOPSIS:In the story of St Mary of Egypt, there are others involved whose experiences can greatly edify us. We look at St Zosimus, the youth who laughed, and the youths whom Mary seduced. We can learn much from them and find some important consolation. The joy of Mary and her peace, even though she remembered that she ruined the lives of many youths, is a critical piece of this consolation. We also discuss how the Theotokos, as our mother, has a deep, intimate relationship with us. This story is very early, and proves that our love for the Theotokos is long-standing and apostolic. This homily was given in the presence of the Kursk Root icon of the Holly Theotokos, and we discuss how to approach this icon, in a way similar to St Zosimus, with deep desires in our heart.
Saint Mary Of Egypt
The Crowd And Person Who Gave The Coins
2014-04-04
SYNOPSIS:A meditation on the crowds of people mentioned in the life of Mary of Egypt, who were able to venerate the Precious Cross unhindered, and our recent small crowd of people who venerated the Kursk Root Icon in our church. Holiness happens (all around us, all the time), and how often do we notice it, and benefit from it?
The Crowd And Person Who Gave The Coins
2014-04-04
SYNOPSIS:A meditation on the crowds of people mentioned in the life of Mary of Egypt, who were able to venerate the Precious Cross unhindered, and our recent small crowd of people who venerated the Kursk Root Icon in our church. Holiness happens (all around us, all the time), and how often do we notice it, and benefit from it?
Saint Mary Of Egypt
The Youth Who Laughed
2014-04-04
SYNOPSIS:When St Mary of Egypt was telling Abba Zosimus about her life, she mentioned a "youth who laughed" at her unclean jesting. We are in a culture saturated with uncleanness and unholy laughter. This youth should help us gain some sobriety. Holiness, and evil things are happening all around us. Do we recognize them? How much grace do we lose because of our laughter? What do we miss?
The Youth Who Laughed
2014-04-04
SYNOPSIS:When St Mary of Egypt was telling Abba Zosimus about her life, she mentioned a "youth who laughed" at her unclean jesting. We are in a culture saturated with uncleanness and unholy laughter. This youth should help us gain some sobriety. Holiness, and evil things are happening all around us. Do we recognize them? How much grace do we lose because of our laughter? What do we miss?
Mary Of Egypt
Priest At Church Of John The Baptist As Many As Have Been Baptised Into Christ Have Put On Christ
Gal 3-23-29
2014-04-05
SYNOPSIS:In the life of Mary of Egypt is an unnamed great man who broke with protocol and communed Mary of Egypt before she crossed the Jordan to begin her saving struggle. God knows his name, and he was instrumental in her success; perhaps he had spiritual insight. We also discuss what the words read on her Sunday: "As many (of you) as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" and why this is a most appropriate reading to commemorate this great saint.
Priest At Church Of John The Baptist As Many As Have Been Baptised Into Christ Have Put On Christ
Gal 3-23-29
2014-04-05
SYNOPSIS:In the life of Mary of Egypt is an unnamed great man who broke with protocol and communed Mary of Egypt before she crossed the Jordan to begin her saving struggle. God knows his name, and he was instrumental in her success; perhaps he had spiritual insight. We also discuss what the words read on her Sunday: "As many (of you) as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ" and why this is a most appropriate reading to commemorate this great saint.
Mary Of Egypt
What Is Repentance
Luke 7-36-50
2014-04-06
SYNOPSIS:The gospel about the woman who was a sinner who annointed the feet of Jesus teaches us what repentance really is. It is more than being sorry, and more than trying to change. Her story is read on the day we commemorate Mary of Egypt. We explore her life in light of this Gospel.
What Is Repentance
Luke 7-36-50
2014-04-06
SYNOPSIS:The gospel about the woman who was a sinner who annointed the feet of Jesus teaches us what repentance really is. It is more than being sorry, and more than trying to change. Her story is read on the day we commemorate Mary of Egypt. We explore her life in light of this Gospel.
Mary Of Egypt
Fire In The Belly
Hebrews 9-14
2015-03-29
SYNOPSIS:The Life of St Mary of Egypt teaches us all the steps of repentance. Too many people avoid thinking of themselves as sinners. They do not like the feeling it gives them. Take courage, and learn to have the honesty of St Mary of Egypt, and to have fire in your belly!
Fire In The Belly
Hebrews 9-14
2015-03-29
SYNOPSIS:The Life of St Mary of Egypt teaches us all the steps of repentance. Too many people avoid thinking of themselves as sinners. They do not like the feeling it gives them. Take courage, and learn to have the honesty of St Mary of Egypt, and to have fire in your belly!
2016-04-17
SYNOPSIS:The life of St Mary of Egypt is real history, and every word of it is true, how never it has striking parallels and important differences with the parable of the prodigal son. Why do we tell and hear parables? In order to improve! We have much to get better at, and the life of St Mary gives us great encouragement and a great rebuke. We tell it in the context of the parable of the prodigal son, so that we can get better.
SYNOPSIS:The life of St Mary of Egypt is real history, and every word of it is true, how never it has striking parallels and important differences with the parable of the prodigal son. Why do we tell and hear parables? In order to improve! We have much to get better at, and the life of St Mary gives us great encouragement and a great rebuke. We tell it in the context of the parable of the prodigal son, so that we can get better.
6th Sunday of Great Lent: Mary of Egypt
St Nectarios of Aegena
Mark 10:32-45, Luke 7:36-50
2017-04-02
SYNOPSIS:A synthesis of the two Gospels read today (Mark 10:32-45, then Luke 7:36-50) , and two Saints very similar in essence, although different in external life: Mary of Egypt, and Nectarios of Aegina. In proving their similarity, we discuss the sin of "stony insensibility", and that we MUST suffer if we are to be true Christians (and what this suffering ALWAYS must entail, regardless of whether we suffer in any "physical" or other ways, such as the Martyrs, St Mary and St Nectarios did). We also discuss humility, and being a servant, as illustrated in the amazing life of St Nectarios, and the comparison of St Mary with the woman "who was a sinner", who truly loved our Lord. The crux of the similarity between these two saints, and all who love God is the enigmatic saying of our Lord: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." Here, two kinds of love are described, and we must possess both, if we are to truly be Christians.
St Nectarios of Aegena
Mark 10:32-45, Luke 7:36-50
2017-04-02
SYNOPSIS:A synthesis of the two Gospels read today (Mark 10:32-45, then Luke 7:36-50) , and two Saints very similar in essence, although different in external life: Mary of Egypt, and Nectarios of Aegina. In proving their similarity, we discuss the sin of "stony insensibility", and that we MUST suffer if we are to be true Christians (and what this suffering ALWAYS must entail, regardless of whether we suffer in any "physical" or other ways, such as the Martyrs, St Mary and St Nectarios did). We also discuss humility, and being a servant, as illustrated in the amazing life of St Nectarios, and the comparison of St Mary with the woman "who was a sinner", who truly loved our Lord. The crux of the similarity between these two saints, and all who love God is the enigmatic saying of our Lord: "Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little." Here, two kinds of love are described, and we must possess both, if we are to truly be Christians.
Mary Of Egypt
Her Sins Which Are Many Are Forgiven For She Loved Much
2019
Her Sins Which Are Many Are Forgiven For She Loved Much
2019
3rd Tuesday of Great LentTuesday
Sticheron From Vespers
2016
SYNOPSIS:Comments on a hymn from Vespers, Tue, week 3 of Great Lent explaining the difference between pleasure and happiness: "I have been wounded by the sword of pleasure, O Lord, / and a shameful death has befallen me. / O Master, pierced by a spear, / who as Savior bringest healing to those wounded by the arrows of the enemy, / heal and restore to life my humble soul, // and grant me to share in Thy Holy Passion."
Sticheron From Vespers
2016
SYNOPSIS:Comments on a hymn from Vespers, Tue, week 3 of Great Lent explaining the difference between pleasure and happiness: "I have been wounded by the sword of pleasure, O Lord, / and a shameful death has befallen me. / O Master, pierced by a spear, / who as Savior bringest healing to those wounded by the arrows of the enemy, / heal and restore to life my humble soul, // and grant me to share in Thy Holy Passion."
He Sighed And Saith Unto Him Ephphatha That Is Be Opened
All That Are In The Graves Shall Hear His Voice
Mark 7-31-37-John 5-24-30
2015-03-21
SYNOPSIS:On the 4th Saturday of Great Lent, we celebrate liturgy and commemorate the dead, and the two Gospel readings, one about death and the resurrection, and the other about a deaf and dumb man who is healed, talk about hearing. When we read the scripture it is about us! Therefore when the Lord sighs and says "Ephphatha, that is, Be opened!" it must mean that we should also pray that our ears be opened and our tongue loosed. We should not make the critical error of assuming our ears are open, even though we believe and pray! Let us sigh and long for our ears to be open, and our tongue loosed to be able to glorify God perfectly, in absolute purity and without shame or confusion, so that after the last trump, our ears will hear (and understand!) when at that time "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice"! There is only ONE way to assure our ears are open at that time, and we discuss this.
All That Are In The Graves Shall Hear His Voice
Mark 7-31-37-John 5-24-30
2015-03-21
SYNOPSIS:On the 4th Saturday of Great Lent, we celebrate liturgy and commemorate the dead, and the two Gospel readings, one about death and the resurrection, and the other about a deaf and dumb man who is healed, talk about hearing. When we read the scripture it is about us! Therefore when the Lord sighs and says "Ephphatha, that is, Be opened!" it must mean that we should also pray that our ears be opened and our tongue loosed. We should not make the critical error of assuming our ears are open, even though we believe and pray! Let us sigh and long for our ears to be open, and our tongue loosed to be able to glorify God perfectly, in absolute purity and without shame or confusion, so that after the last trump, our ears will hear (and understand!) when at that time "all that are in the graves shall hear his voice"! There is only ONE way to assure our ears are open at that time, and we discuss this.
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