Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa

Archdiocese of Good Hope

Sacred Lessons
8 September 2023
By the Grace of God Nativity of our Ever Blessed Lady, Theotokos
Compiled, Adapted, Edited & Printed
By Marguerite Paizis
Archondissa & Teacher by Divine Grace
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Alexandria & All Africa
Archdiocese of Good Hope
Holy Orthodox Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God
Port Elizabeth, Republic of South Africa

marguerite.paizis@gmail.com
or download directly from
Marguerite Paizis on Scribd – www.scribd.com/writers4574

Re-edited & Published - 05 September 2023

16. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER

 • St Theophylact pointed out that “... Activity has a part that shall
be taken away from it – the cares and distractions that
accompany it, for as we progress and attain to Divine Vision, we
H OLY G OSPE L A CC ORD ING TO S T L UKE 1 : 39 – 49 & 56
are freed tom distractions and troubles...
Ἐν ταῖς ἡμέραις ἐκείναις PRIEST In those days Mary arose and However, “... those who are engaged in Divine Vision shall never be
ἀναστᾶσα Μαριὰμ ἐπορεύθη εἰς went in haste to the hill country, deprived of ‘... that good part...’ which is the Vision of God ...
when they are Deified. Those who are found worthy to see God
τὴν ὀρεινὴν μετὰ σπουδῆς εἰς to a city of Judah, and she
become God-like...”
πόλιν Ἰούδα, καὶ εἰσῆλθεν εἰς entered the house of Zachariah
• By our own Humility and Obedience to God, we become Living
τὸν οἶκον Ζαχαρίου καὶ and greeted Elizabeth.
Examples of His Holy Gospel, thereby serving our Lord and
ἠσπάσατο τὴν Ἐλισάβετ. facilitating the spread of His Divine Truth.
Καὶ ἐγένετο ὡς ἤκουσεν ἡ And when Elizabeth heard the  “...a certain woman from the crowd raised her voice and said to
Ἐλισάβετ τὸν ἀσπασμὸν τῆς greeting of Mary, the infant leapt Him: “Blessed is the Womb that bore Thee, and the breasts that
nursed Thee!” And He replied: “More than that: Blessed are
Μαρίας, ἐσκίρτησεν τὸ βρέφος in her womb; and Elizabeth was
those who hear the Word of God and keep It!”
ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ αὐτῆς· Καὶ filled with the Holy Spirit and
• Although the smug Pharisees and Scribes had slandered and
ἐπλήσθη Πνεύματος Ἁγίου ἡ she exclaimed with a loud cry: blasphemed the Divine Miracles of Christ Jesus, this simple and
Ἐλισάβετ καὶ ἀνεφώνησε φωνῇ “Blessed art Thou among women, guileless woman Praised and Glorified them through her words
μεγάλῃ καὶ εἶπεν· “Εὐλογημένη and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy that worthily Honoured and Reverenced His All Pure and Holy
Σὺ ἐν γυναιξί καὶ Εὐλογημένος ὁ Womb! Mother.
Καρπὸς τῆς Κοιλίας Σου! • Nevertheless, our Sweet Lord corrected her – not by denouncing
His Ever Blessed Mother, but by emphasising Her amazing Faith
Καὶ πόθεν μοι τοῦτο ἵνα ἔλθῃ ἡ “And why is this granted to me, and Life of humble Obedience to God in all things.
Μήτηρ τοῦ Κυρίου μου πρὸς μέ? that the Mother of my Lord
• The Greek word “Menounge,” is also translated as “Yes, indeed!”
should come to me? for it corrects by amplifying – not by negating.
Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ὡς ἐγένετο ἡ φωνὴ τοῦ “For behold, when the sound of Thy • “...Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and keep it!” is a
ἀσπασμοῦ Σου εἰς τὰ ὦτά μου, greeting came to my ears, the very clear and concise Statement that we need to always keep
ἐσκίρτησεν τὸ βρέφος ἐν infant in my womb leaped for
in mind.
ἀγαλλιάσει ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ μου! Joy! • Our Lord Jesus explicitly told us that those who listen carefully
and then do everything possible to apply every Divine Word of
Καὶ Μακαρία ἡ πιστεύσασα ὅτι “And Blessed is she who Believed, Teaching and Commandment to their words, thoughts and
ἔσται τελείωσις τοῖς for there would be a Fulfilment of deeds – as our Lady, Theotokos did throughout Her entire Life
λελαλημένοις αὐτῇ παρὰ what was spoken to Her from the – are indeed Blessed by God.
Κυρίου.” Lord.” • Our Lady, Theotokos is Magnified and Blessed by God and all
mankind forever – not only because She consented to bear our
Καὶ εἶπε Μαριάμ· “Μεγαλύνει ἡ And Mary said: “My soul magnifies Great Divine Saviour, but – “... more than that...” because She
ψυχή μου τὸν Κύριον καὶ the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in was – from Her earliest childhood – Humble and Obedient to
ἠγαλλίασε τὸ πνεῦμά μου ἐπὶ τῷ God my Saviour, for He has God in all things.
Θεῷ τῷ Σωτῆρί μου, ὅτι regarded the lowly estate of His • We need to follow Her Perfect Example of absolute Humility and
ἐπέβλεψεν ἐπὶ τὴν ταπείνωσιν handmaiden! Obedience under all circumstances!
τῆς δούλης Αὐτοῦ.
Ἰδοὺ γὰρ ἀπὸ τοῦ νῦν ‘Μακαριοῦσί’ “For behold: henceforth all
generations will call me Blessed;
με πᾶσαι αἱ γενεαί. Ὅτι ἐποίησέ
for He Who is Mighty has done
μοι Μεγάλα ὁ Δυνατός καὶ Ἄγιον
great things for me, and Holy is
τὸ Ὅνομα Αὐτοῦ!”
His Name!”

2. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER 15.
 • We must overcome or control our grievous passions, and Strive to
attain Divine Vision, like St Mary of Bethany,
• If we are not strong enough, we must be like St Martha and devote
ourselves to Active Virtue by warmly welcoming Christ.
• St Martha’s complaint and appeal for help from our Lord reveals
their good, close Relationship.
 “...Jesus answered… “Martha! Martha! Thou art worried and
troubled about many things, but One Thing is needed, and Mary
has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from
her…”
• Hospitality is a Virtue, yet paying attention to the Words of Christ
is an even greater Holy Virtue.
• Although food nourishes our mortal body, the Divine Truth
sustains our immortal soul.
• Divine Truth Enlivens our immortal soul and enables us to operate
at our full capacity.
• Our Kind-hearted Lord did not rebuke St Martha for wanting to
serve them well by providing a good meal for everyone, but
rather for complaining about her sister and for being so
distracted by her worldly concerns.
• Only when she tried to draw her sister away from listening did our
Lord rebuke her because although hospitality is honourable, it
should not cause turmoil nor draw us away from what is more
important for us.
• According to St Theophylact “... when hospitality begins to hinder
us from doing what is more important, then paying attention to
the Divine Truth of God is preferable.”
• St Martha missed the point and purpose of His Visit to their home,
while her sister, St Mary, took advantage of the occasion to
learn whatever she could from Christ.
• Our Lord does not forbid hospitality but rather extravagance,
distractions and anxiety caused by it
• Hospitality ought to be simple so that we are able to pay full
attention to what is being spoken.
• St Martha signified active Virtue while St Mary signifies Divine
Vision.
• St Theophylact explained that “... action entails distractions and
disturbances but Divine Vision, having become the ruler of
grievous passions, devotes itself entirely to the Contemplation of
Divine Words and Judgements.”
• “... One Thing is needed... which shall not be taken away...” is
Divine Truth, which our Lord Jesus Christ has taught us.
• We must pay very careful attention to Christ’s Teachings and
Commandments so that we can apply every one of them to our
own thoughts, words and deeds – our personal circumstances.
14. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER
Ἔμεινε δὲ Μαριὰμ σὺν αὐτῇ ὡσεὶ Mary remained with her about
μῆνας τρεῖς καὶ ὑπέστρεψεν εἰς three months, and returned to
τὸν οἶκον Αὐτῆς. Her house.
On all Great Feasts of our Lady, the Ever Blessed Virgin Mary and All Holy
Theotokos, these passages are always read and contemplated.
 “...Mary arose and went in haste to the hill country, to a city of
Judah, and she entered the house of Zachariah and greeted
Elizabeth....”
• “…a city of Judah…” refers to one of the specific towns or cities
that were assigned to the Temple Priests and their families.
• Immediately after the Annunciation and the Conception of God
Incarnate, our Ever Blessed Lady went from Nazareth to Hebron
to visit her elderly aunt.
• Hebron was one of the cities assigned to the Levitical Priests (and
their families) who served various Sacred Duties at the Great
Temple in Jerusalem. It is situated about 19 miles or 30
kilometres to the South of Jerusalem, and was the second
largest city after Gaza, on the west bank.
• Hebron is important to both Judeans and Muslims for its historical
connections with our ancient Patriarch, St Abraham, being thus
regarded as the second Holiest city after Jerusalem.
• St Zachariah was of the Priestly Tribe of Levites and served as a
High Priest in the Temple of Jerusalem, and his wife, St
Elizabeth, was a sister of St Anna, Mother of our Lady,
Theotokos.
• Similar to the Venerable Parents of Panagia - St Joachim and St
Anna – the Marriage of St Zachariah and St Elizabeth had been
childless until, according to the Will of God, a Beloved Child
was granted to them – St John the Baptist and Forerunner of
Christ.
• The young Virgin Mary went to her maternal aunt, St Elizabeth, for
guidance and advice immediately after the Annunciation,
during which She had been informed by Archangel Gabriel of St
Elizabeth’s Miraculous Conception.
 “...And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the infant leapt
in her womb;...”
• St Elizabeth and St John, in his Mother’s womb, both reacted with
intense Joy at the very Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ Who
had been Conceived in Panagia’s Virginal Womb.
• St Elizabeth had conceived St John the Baptist and Forerunner to
Christ approximately 6 months before the Incarnation of our
Lord Jesus Christ in His All Pure Mother’s Womb.
• St John leapt for Joy
NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER 3.
  in the Presence of our Lord Jesus Christ – even though they
were both still growing in their respective Mothers’ wombs.
 when he heard the lovely voice of the Ever Virgin Mary, who is
“Full of (Divine) Grace” -“Keharitomeni.”
 ”… Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit...”
• St Elizabeth was Righteous and Faithful – totally devoted to our
Lord God
• Those who have a close Relationship with God and are “… Pure of
heart…” , are indeed “filled with Divine Grace” – the Indwelling
of God the Holy Spirit.
• God the Holy Spirit is always Present, and Works in Perfect Unity
with God our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
✳ “…she exclaimed with a loud cry: “Blessed art Thou among
women, and Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb! And why is this
granted to me, that the Mother of my Lord should come to me?
For behold, when the voice of Thy greeting came to my ears, the
babe in my womb leaped for Joy. And Blessed is She who
believed, for there would be a Fulfilment of what was spoken to
Her from the Lord.”
• When the Incarnation of the God-Man occurred at the
Annunciation, Divine Prophecy resumed in Israel.
• St John, the Last and Greatest Holy Prophet of God, announced the
Presence of our Divine Saviour by Rejoicing in his Mother’s
womb.
• His Joyfulness fulfilled the Inspired Prophecy of St Jeremiah
 Jeremiah 1:5 “... Before I formed Thee in the womb, I knew
Thee, and before Thou were born, I Sanctified Thee. I
established Thee as a Prophet to the Nations...”
• God’s Foreknowledge and His Calling are woven together.
• “... Blessed art Thou among women...” expresses the profound
Veneration of the All Pure, Holy and Ever Blessed Mother of
God, from both the Heavenly Angelic Hosts and mankind.
• St Gabriel, the Holy Archangel of God and Bearer of Good Tidings
to mankind had greeted our Lady Theotokos with this same
Proclamation, which is similarly expressed by St Elizabeth.
• “...Blessed is the Fruit of Thy Womb!” is the Divinely Inspired
Declaration of Faith.
• By the Power and Inspiration of God the Holy Spirit, St Elizabeth
acknowledged and Blessed the Divine Christ-Child Who is
indeed our long-awaited Messiah/Saviour.
• God the Holy Spirit grants us great Knowledge and Understanding
that is far beyond our natural abilities.
• God created both His Heavenly Angels and His beloved mankind
as intellectual beings, to whom, according to His Divine Will, He
grants extraordinary Knowledge and Understanding.
4. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER
 On every Great Feast of our Lady, Theotokos, and when we chant the
Small Paraklesis, this Reading is heard by the Faithful Disciples of
Christ.
 “...our Lord Jesus Christ entered a certain village; and a woman
named Martha welcomed Him into her house. And she had a
sister called “Mary,” who also sat at Jesus’ Feet and heard His
Word…”
• The “… certain village…” was Bethany, which was situated very
close to Jerusalem, at the foot of the Mount of Olives.
• It was the site of an Almshouse for the poor and the sick.
• The pious siblings - St Mary, St Martha and St Lazaros – lived in
Bethany and often hosted our Lord and His Disciples.
• St Simon the Leper also resided in Bethany and one day, while our
Lord Jesus had dined with him, a Repentant Woman had
anointed Christ with costly Myrrh, which was objected to by
Judas Iscariot.
• St Mary of Bethany “... sat at Jesus’ Feet and heard His Word..”
because her hunger and thirst for the Divine Truth of Christ
was more compelling that fulfilling her mundane household
duties. She put our Lord Jesus Christ before anything else.
 “…Martha was distracted with much serving, and she approached
Him and said: “Lord, dost Thou not care that my sister has left
me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me!”
• The different attitudes and priorities of the two devoted sisters
are contrasted.
• We can either
1. take time to listen carefully and pay close attention to God’s
Words of Divine Truth so that we gain Spiritual Wisdom and
Knowledge that Saves and Spiritually Benefits us when we
apply them to our thoughts, words and deeds.
2. or become so distracted by worldly cares and obligations that
we learn nothing that is Spiritually Beneficial and we
neglect our Eternal Salvation.
• St Martha of Bethany felt obliged to take care of their guests
before taking time to listen to Christ whereas St Mary of
Bethany did not want to miss anything He spoke of.
• Both women Loved our Lord Jesus Christ and were utterly devoted
to Him, but their priorities were different – just like ours.
• Being seated at the Feet of our Lord signified St Mary’s Active
Virtue.
1. It showed her readiness to fulfil His Teachings and
Commandments to the best of her ability –
2. it implied her Steadfast and Constant Commitment to Christ.
• Whoever sits at the Feet of Christ and Steadfastly follows and
imitates Him is indeed established in all Active Virtues.
NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER 13.
 • It is God the Holy Spirit Who by His Divine Grace enables us to
acquire abilities that are necessary for our earthly sojourn and,
especially, for our Spiritual Progress - the development and
HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE 10 : 38 - 42 & 11 : 27 – 28
strengthening of our immortal soul.
One Thing is Necessary
• St Elizabeth Confessed the Truth that the All Pure Virgin Mary is
Τῷ καιρῷ ἐκείνῳ, εἰσῆλθεν ὁ At that time, our Lord Jesus indeed “...the Mother of my Lord...” – the Ever Blessed Mother
Ἰησοῦς εἰς κώμην τινά· entered a certain village. of our Incarnate Lord God.
Γυνὴ δέ τις ὀνόματι ‘Μάρθα’ A woman named Martha welcomed • The exclusive, unique, most excellent and worthy Title
ὑπεδέξατο αὐτὸν εἰς τὸν οἶκον Him into her house.
“Theotokos” means that She is truly the Immaculate Bearer of
αὐτῆς. God Incarnate – our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
• Her Confession and others similar to it, whereby we address Her,
Kαὶ τῇδε ἦν ἀδελφὴ καλουμένη And she had a sister called “Mary,” as Faithful Disciples of Christ and Orthodox Christians, thereby
‘Μαρία,’ ἣ καὶ παρακαθίσασα who sat at the Feet of Jesus, confirm and declare that the Divine Infant of Her All Pure,
παρὰ τοὺς πόδας τοῦ Ἰησοῦ listening to His Word. Sanctified Womb is both human and Divine, for He is “the
ἤκουε τὸν Λόγον Αὐτοῦ. Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word of God,” our Heavenly
Ἡ δὲ Μάρθα περιεσπᾶτο περὶ Martha was distracted with much Father and also “the Son of Man(kind)” having been Incarnated
by God the Holy, Life-giving Spirit from the Flesh and Blood of
πολλὴν διακονίαν· serving.
His All Pure Mother, the Ever Virgin Mary.
Ἐπιστᾶσα δὲ εἶπε· “Κύριε, οὐ μέλει She approached and said: “Lord, • At the Festal Vespers of the Annunciation, we joyfully proclaim “...
σοι ὅτι ἡ ἀδελφή μου μόνην με dost Thou not care that my sister It is the Word of God Who dwells in Her!...”
κατέλιπε διακονεῖν? Εἰπὲ οὖν has left me to serve alone? • It is of special significance that even while His physical, Incarnate
αὐτῇ ἵνα μοι συναντιλάβηται!” Therefore tell her to also help Body was beginning to fully form as God Incarnate in the
me!” Womb of His Ever Blessed Mother, our Divine Saviour was
Eternally the Son of God our Heavenly Father.
Ἀποκριθεὶς δὲ εἶπεν αὐτῇ ὁ Answering, Jesus said to her: • This Divine Truth utterly refutes and rejects the fallen, corrupted
Ἰησοῦς· “Μάρθα! Μάρθα! “Martha! Martha! Thou art world view that abortion is acceptable – that terrible, cruel and
Μεριμνᾷς καὶ τυρβάζῃ περὶ worried and troubled about brutal murder of innocent children – because those murderers
πολλά· many things. do not regard the developing infant human beings as
identifiable people – excusing their terrible sin by claiming “it
Ἑνὸς δέ ἐστι χρεία· Μαρία δὲ τὴν “One thing is needed. Mary has is only a foetus!” [despite heartbeat and movement from the
Ἁγαθὴν μερίδα ἐξελέξατο, ἥτις chosen that good part, which moment of conception]
οὐκ ἀφαιρεθήσεται ἀπ᾿ αὐτῆς.” shalt not be taken from her.”
• In Truth, from conception they are human beings with a heart and
immortal soul – most precious to God – who suffer from any
…Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῷ λέγειν Αὐτὸν ... As He spoke these things, a pain, discomfort or trauma inflicted upon them in the womb!
ταῦτα ἐπάρασά τις γυνὴ φωνὴν From their conception, they experience everything that their
certain woman from the crowd
mothers experience, which has a lifelong affect upon them to a
ἐκ τοῦ ὄχλου εἶπεν Αὐτῷ· raised her voice and said to Him: greater or lesser degree.
“Μακαρία ἡ Κοιλία ἡ “Blessed is the Womb that bore • Loving parents who long for their birth, name their infants as early
βαστάσασά Σε καὶ Μαστοὶ οὓς Thee, and the Breasts that as when conception is confirmed, which proves that they are
ἐθήλασας!” nursed Thee!” regarded as their beloved children – not meaningless,
Αὐτὸς δὲ εἶπε· “Μενοῦνγε He replied: “More than that: disposable, impersonal ‘tissue.’
Μακάριοι οἱ ἀκούοντες τὸν  “... “My soul Magnifies the Lord, and my spirit Rejoices in God my
Blessed are those who hear the Saviour, for He has regarded the lowly estate of His
Λόγον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ Word of God and keep It!” Handmaiden. For behold: henceforth all generations will call
φυλάσσοντες αὐτόν. me Blessed; for He Who is Mighty has done Great Things for me,
and Holy is His Name!”
This is an ancient Inspired Hymn of St Hannah. (1 Kings 2:1 -10)

12. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER 5.
 • It is now referred to as “the Megalinarion” or “Magnificat” [Latin]
for it was sung from the overjoyed heart of our Lady,
Theotokos.
• The Megalinarion is chanted during Matins and teaches us:
 Faithful Christians of every generation Honour and Venerate
the Ever Blessed, All Pure and Holy Virgin Mary, Theotokos,
just as She had prophesied.
 It is impossible to believe the Divinely Inspired Holy Scripture
without Venerating and Honouring our Lady – the Mother of
God Incarnate!
 She ascribed the Divine Miracle of the Incarnation to Almighty
God Who is the exclusive Source of Divine Grace.
 Everything about our Lady Theotokos shows Her natural, deep
Love, Humility, Obedience and Wisdom.
 Through the Incarnation of the Eternal Son of God, our Triune
Lord God is our Eternal Sovereign Ruler for He Reigns over
all His Creation.
• Her All Pure soul “… Rejoiced in God my Saviour ...” because
1. She was Chosen by God to carry His Son in Her Virginal Womb
2. The Divine Infant She carried was the long-awaited Messiah for
Whom the Old Covenant Prophets and Scriptures had
prepared God’s People for centuries.
3. The Divine Saviour would Save God’s Faithful – and all mankind
- from the Curse of Ancestral sin.
• Her utter amazement as well as Her profound Humility and
Obedience to God is expressed by the words: “...He has
regarded the lowly state of His Maidservant. for all
generations shalt call me ‘Blessed.’ For He Who is Mighty has
done Great Things for me...” expressed the unique, infinite
ramifications of
1. being the actual Mother of God (Incarnate) – the Ever
Blessed Mother of the Divine Messiah Who had been
awaited for centuries.
2. the greatest of all Divine Honours and Grace, which Her
genuine Humility would never have even hoped to
receive.
• The Old Covenant Judeans – especially those who studied the Holy
Scriptures – knew that “a Virgin” would give Birth to the Great
Messiah.
• She had studied the Holy Scriptures throughout Her childhood at
the Temple, so was well aware of that Divine Prophesy but
certainly had never expected to be the Virgin Mother of our
Great Divine Saviour – God Incarnate.
• Not only is our Lady Theotokos “Ever Blessed,” but She is also
“Ever Virgin,” having taken a Sacred Vow of Chastity that
would never be broken.
6. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER
1. we are Restored, Regenerated and Redeemed
2. we are able to see and Repent our destructive and enslaving
sins.
3. we are able to understand and fulfil the Will of our Heavenly
Father
4. we are able to receive the Divine Grace - the Power and Energy -
of God the Holy Spirit.
5. we are able to Strive for Spiritual Perfection
• “...every tongue should Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord...” because
as intellectual beings, we should acknowledge, proclaim and
thank Him as our Lord God and Divine Saviour, Who provides
us with everything necessary for this short existence and
especially for Eternal Life in His Heavenly Kingdom of Love.
• We ought to be ever humble and respectful of our Lord Jesus
Christ for we are neither His contemporaries nor His equals.
• We are, by our Divine Adoption, Co-Heirs with Him to our
Heavenly Father’s Kingdom, but we must address Him with
complete Respect, Honour and Worship as the Eternal Son of
God – as True God of True God.
• The manner whereby we address or refer to our Lord Jesus Christ
1. is a Sacred Proclamation of Faith
2. is a Sacred Confession of our True Belief
3. reveals the degree of our Love and Respect for God.
• Therefore, as Orthodox Christians – as His humble and obedient
Disciples - we must always address our Lord Jesus Christ by
His full Divine Titles – not casually on first name basis as
though He was merely one of our ordinary human friends!
• St Paul very seldom addressed our Lord Jesus Christ by His first
Name – always speaking of Him with the utmost respect and
reverence – which we ought to do as well!
(This is the difference between Orthodoxy and Protestantism.)
• “...every tongue should Confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the
Glory of God the Father...” because our Faith in our Lord Jesus
also Glorifies and Honours our Heavenly Father Who sent Him
to us for our Eternal Salvation.
• We must imitate our Lord Jesus Christ Who never took credit for
anything but always gave - and instructed His People - to
Glorify God our Heavenly Father.
• As His Faithful Disciples – Orthodox Christians – everything we
accomplish is by Divine Grace - for the Glory, Honour and
Worship of our Lord God – the Father, and the Son and the
Holy Spirit.
NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER 11.
 • Our Lord Jesus is the “New Adam” – the Perfect Man. • The Name of our Lord God – of the Father, and of the Son, and of
• Only by imitating Christ – by becoming like our Divine Saviour in the Holy Spirit – is indeed Most Sacred and should always be
our thoughts, words and deeds – can we, too, become spoken with utmost respect, Love and Awe.
Spiritually Perfected. • By invoking any of the Names whereby we address our Triune
• We were originally created in His Perfect, Divine Likeness and Lord God, we beseech His Great Mercy and Love.
Image. • His Name is a Prayer in itself.
• As God’s Beloved creatures we were ‘personified Agape/Love’ – • Thus, using our Lord’s Name in vain. as an ‘expletive’ or
Spiritually Perfect Beings who Loved and Lived with God in mockingly, is blasphemy and anathema! to be avoided at all
Perfect Harmony and Co-operation. costs!
• The Fall of Adam and Eve caused all mankind to suffer the  “...And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned
consequences of Ancestral Sin. to Her home.”
• However, God in His Great Mercy and Love for mankind, has • The very young Theotokos remained with her aged Aunt for the
provided every means possible for us to be Redeemed and first trimester of Her Sacred Pregnancy.
Restored to our former Sanctified Relationship with Him, • The young, innocent Virgin needed the guidance and advice of Her
through our Lord Jesus Christ. elderly Aunt as She had no Mother to help Her understand the
 “...God …has Highly Exalted … and given Him the Name, which is changes occurring in Her Ever Virginal Body.
above every other name – that at the Name of Jesus every knee • By the time the Ever Blessed Virgin returned to Her home, St
should bend …and that every tongue should Confess that Jesus Elizabeth was about to deliver her own son, St John the Baptist
Christ is Lord, to the Glory of God the Father.” and Forerunner to Christ.
• God our Heavenly Father “…Highly Exalted…” our Lord Jesus
Christ in His human Nature when He acknowledged and
proclaimed Him as His Beloved Son
1. in the River Jordan, when He was Baptised T H E E PISTLE OF S T P AUL TO TH E P H IL IP P IANS 2 : 5 - 11
2. on Mount Tabor when He was Transfigured in all His Divine Preserving Unity in Humility
Glory and Majesty. Ἀδελφοί, …τοῦτο γὰρ φρονείσθω Brethren: …let this mind be in you,
• “…at the NAME of Jesus every knee should bend…” expresses the ἐν ὑμῖν ὃ καὶ ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ· which was also in Christ Jesus,
Absolute SANCTITY and DIVINITY of our Lord and Saviour, ὃς ἐν Μορφῇ Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων, Who, being in the Form of God,
Jesus Christ.
οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι did not consider it robbery to be
• His Name alone is a Prayer in itself.
ἶσα Θεῷ, ἀλλʼ Ἑαυτὸν Equal to God, but made Himself
• Our Lord Jesus Christ should be Honoured, Glorified and ἐκένωσεν, μορφὴν δούλου of no reputation, taking the
Worshipped by all mankind as our Eternal Lord God because
1. He is the Second Person of the Holy Trinity – our Triune,
λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων form of a bondservant and
Almighty God γενόμενος· Coming in the likeness of men.
2. He is the Eternal, Only-Begotten Son of God Who shares all the Καί σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς And being found in Appearance as
Divine Attributes of our Heavenly Father.
Ἄνθρωπος, ἐταπείνωσεν a Man, He Emptied Himself and
3. He is the Son of Man[kind] Whose Incarnate Attributes have
been Elevated and Glorified by our Heavenly Father. Ἑαυτόν, γενόμενος ὑπήκοος became Obedient to the point of
4. He is worthily and righteously “Christ” because he has been μέχρι Θανάτου, Θανάτου δὲ death – even the death of the
Divinely Anointed by God our Heavenly Father. Σταυροῦ. cross.
5. He is the Supreme Blood Offering for all mankind’s sins – once
and for all
Διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν Wherefore also, God has highly
6. He is Exalted and Glorified by God our Heavenly Father. Ὑπερύψωσεν, καὶ ἐχαρίσατο Exalted Him and given Him the
• All Creation – visible and invisible - ought to bow down before our Αὐτῷ Ὅνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν Name, which is above every
Lord Jesus Christ in Humble Gratitude ὄνομα· ἵνα ἐν τῷ Ὀνόματι other name – that at the Name of
• Our Lord Jesus Christ is our Divine Creator and Saviour through Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ Jesus every knee shalt bend – of
Whom ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ those on Earth and of those

10. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER 7.
 καταχθονίων, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα under the Earth – and that every
Ἑξομολογήσηται ὅτι Κύριος tongue shaltConfess that Jesus
Ἰησοῦς Χριστός, εἰς Δόξαν Christ is Lord, to the Glory of
Θεοῦ Πατρός. God the Father.
St Paul had founded the Church in Philippi, which was the first in
Europe, on his Second Missionary Journey circa 50-51, (Acts 16: 11
– 40) On his Third Missionary Journey he made two brief visits to
Philippi, circa 57 – 58. (Acts 20: 1 & 6)
While under house arrest in Rome, St Paul wrote this Epistle to the
Faithful Disciples of Christ who live in and around Philippi, while
being able to received visitors and correspond with his Spiritual
Children.
An early Christian Community was established by St Paul in Philippi,
which was situated in Eastern Macedonia, Greece. Today it is
known as “Kavala” and is administered by the Holy Church of
Greece as “the Metropolis of Philippi, Neapolis and Thasos.”
Salvation is a dynamic, ongoing Experience that is not merely
personal but shared among all Faithful Disciples of Christ.
St Paul urged us to continue Striving to maintain our Holy Unity,
while Struggling to acquire Love, Humility, Obedience, selfless
generosity and Joy in Christ our Lord.
St Paul cautioned the Faithful against
1. any interference from self-serving, self-appointed
“Evangelists”
2. the antagonism of heretics – particularly the legalistic
Judaizers.
3. persecution from enemies of the Holy Church of Christ –
from those inside and outside the Holy Church of Christ.
The Church of Philippi was known for their generosity and support of
the Apostolic Ministry.
 “...let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, Who,
being in the Form of God, did not consider it robbery to be Equal
to God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a
bondservant and Coming in the likeness of men...”
• This is a Hymn that was already in use in the early Christian
Church. This passage has been incorporated into many of our
Orthodox Christian Hymns.
• St Paul quoted it in order for us to contemplate, understand and
implement
1. the infinite Humility and Obedience of our Lord Jesus Christ to
the Will of God our Heavenly Father.
2. the Divine Truth that is necessary for all suffering Christians to
understand.
3. everything that makes it possible to acquire the same Holy
Virtues as our Lord Jesus and to apply them to our words,
thoughts and deeds.
8. NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER
• “... Being in the Form of God...” our Divine Saviour is truly “...Equal
to God....”
• Our Lord Jesus “... made Himself of no reputation...” revealing His
absolute Humility, because He never Glorified Himself, but
only Glorified God our Heavenly Father.
• He voluntarily took on “... the form of a bondservant...” because He
willingly accepted the status of a servant or slave – the lowest
rank of any society.
• Our Creator, through His voluntary Incarnation, became like one
of His creatures by accepting the Flesh and Blood of His All
Holy Mother so that He Experienced in full our weak, powerless
human condition, with the exception of our inclination to sin.
• Our Lord chose to become Someone Who was a hard-working
Carpenter, Who physically laboured and served the needs of
His People whom He had created from nothing!
• Our Lord deliberately chose not to Appear in all His Divine Majesty
nor to be born into a rich, powerful strata of society.
• By “... Coming in the likeness of men...” our Lord shows clearly how
much God our Heavenly Father Loves us and wants to Redeem
us from our fallen state.
• His physical Incarnation as the sinless and Spiritually Perfect “Son
of Man” uplifted and Glorified all mankind after the Fall of our
first Ancestors, Adam and Eve.
 “…And being found in Appearance as a Man, He Emptied Himself
and became Obedient to the point of death – even the death of
the Cross…”
• The Eternal, Only Begotten Son and Word of God
1. became Incarnate - became God-Man
2. lived and worked with us,
3. Revealed His Divine Truth
4. taught us how to LIVE accordingly by His own Good Example.
• “... He Emptied Himself...” of all His Divine Power, Majesty and
Glory while He Lived in our midst as “the Son of Man,” Who
fully experienced our human condition.
• Our Lord Jesus Christ has two separate Natures:
1. His Eternal Divine Nature – “Son of God”
2. His Incarnate Human Nature – “Son of Man”
• He became Incarnate – physical and visible as the “Son of Man” -
in order to fully endure every aspect of our human nature and
condition – even mortal death – yet remained completely
sinless.
• Being the Personification of Divine Love and Truth Itself, our Lord
Jesus Christ cannot and shall not commit anything that is
sinful.
• The wicked, malicious and devastating inventions of the evil one
are utterly alien to our Lord God.
NATIVITY OF THE EVER BLESSED VIRGIN MARY, THEOTOKOS – 8 SEPTEMBER 9.