The Translation of the Relics of the Holy Elder Fr. Gervasios Paraskevopoulos

Today marks the fiftieth anniversary since the repose of the Holy Elder Fr. Gervasios Paraskevopoulos, the teacher and spiritual father of the city of Patras. Yesterday, 29 June 2014, His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras presided over the translation of the relics of Elder Gervasios at the Anaplastiki School in Patras, which was founded by the Elder and where he was buried. Following Great Vespers for the Holy Twelve Apostles, his sacred relics were transferred to the Church of Saint Paraskevi at the Camp of the School in a special reliquary, with great celebration. The church and youth camp were also founded by the Elder. When the Clergy, Monks and faithful beheld with tears the uncovering of the sacred relics of the Elder, they cried out the same thing that was said at his Funeral on July 1, 1964: "He is a Saint!"

Fr. Gervasios Paraskevopoulos, the Man of God: 

50 Years After His Repose

By His Eminence Metropolitan Chrysostomos of Patras

Fifty years have passed since the man of God, the ever-memorable Fr. Gervasios Paraskevopoulos, raised the sanctified white flag in the sacred fight for his pious leadership and allowed his soul to fly into the bosom of the heavenly Father.

Crowds of people sent him off to eternity with tears in their eyes, because their spiritual father was departing, who had taught them the word of God, supported them in their pain, rejoiced in their joy and illumined like a bright star the course of their lives.

He was born in 1877 in Granitsa, todays Nymphasia in Gortynia, at the holy soil of hero-bearing and saint-bearing Arcadia, and having eaten the bread of the pain of orphanhood, he arrived with toil and suffering to the city of Saint Andrew, which then was pastored by Hierotheos (Mitropoulos), another bright star whose origin was from Arcadia in the next town from where the late Fr. Gervasios saw the light of life.

In Patras he tasted the love and paternal affection, and experienced the flame and burning zeal of the wonderful and intense Hierarch Hierotheos, who struggled with passion against heresies and masonry, and left this life pained towards that which was incompatible with the sacred beliefs of the Greek Orthodox tradition, that he kept as the apple of his eye.

Thus Fr. Gervasios came with the zeal of Elijah to the sacred Vineyard of the Lord, as a monk then as a Deacon and Presbyter of the Church of the Slain Lamb.

The ever-memorable one truly shined brilliantly "as a torch on the lamp of the luminous throne of the Lord, radiating illumination, dogma and action", as St. Isidore of Pelusium says.

He had a prophetic form when conveying the message of the one true God, of the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church as the only body of salvation by which man can be saved.

With passion of soul he rebuked sin and apostasy from God, like another prophet, and was an unerring guide of the people with a biblical, patristic and strict hand, exuding love to all people.

His words were clear, like the starry water he drank for the first time in the rugged mountains of Gortynia; his life was like the brilliant sun, radiating and shining the luminance of the virtues.

He was an immobile rock of the revealed truth of God and in teaching the faith, never considering falsifying the alabaster of precious spiritual myrrh, namely the sacred Orthodox tradition, always having in his ears, or what am I saying, always having in his heart the words of the Holy Apostle Paul: "And even if an angel preaches a different gospel from what I have preached to you, let him be anathema" (Gal. 1:8).

As a Liturgist of the Most High, he was seen to elevate between heaven and earth and lived the moving experiences of the Saints of God. The Divine Liturgy for him was a divine mystagogy. Wedded perfectly to the Sacred Mystery, full of awe and solemnity, modest, with simple garb, he gave the impression of a heavenly being and guided souls to spiritual heights, to true elevation, according to the testimonies of many Clergy and Laity who lived these wonderful experiences near him.

As a spiritual father he was untiring, his zeal unabated, his love exemplary, his patience admirable. Neither his age nor his many years of service burned out his sacred enthusiasm for the salvific mystery of confession, from which thousands of people were reborn spiritually and found the way of salvation through their hearts being crushed with sincere repentance.

He particularly loved children and was the founder of Catechetical Schools for the Church of Greece. "Take care of the lambs of God", he would say about the children, who ran to be near him feeling the purity of his heart and sanctity of his life.

He was distinguished for his fighting enthusiasm, like that of Joshua the Son of Nun, who even stopped the sun to win the battle (Josh. 10:12-14).

He was without comparison when performing his duties, in whatever position he served. This especially was seen when he served as Chancellor of the ever-memorable Archbishop Chrysanthos of Athens.

He also showed himself to be a flag-bearer when the Lord miraculously revealed to him the mark of the Honorable Cross within the pine tree, which the Elder planted in the location of the campground.

I remember a typical conversation I had with my Elder, the ever-memorable Metropolitan Theoklitos of Mantinea and Kynouria, who by the witness of Elder Gervasios became a Sacred Cleric. On the desk of the late Theoklitos was located by itself a photograph of the Elder, as well as a photograph depicting the inside of the tree with the mark of the Life-Giving Cross. "He was a sanctified man", said the ordained Hierarch about Fr. Gervasios. "He was in a state equal to that of the angels, and I exhort you paternally and beg you to be like him, walking in his footsteps."

The years passed, the Metropolitan departed for heaven, and the Lord sent me to Patra as a Hierarch. One of my first concerns was to perform a memorial at the grave of the late Elder Gervasios and embrace the tombstone, beneath which was kept the venerable and sanctified Relics of the fervent worker of the Sacred Gospel and luminous Liturgist of the Most High.

My visit with many of the pious faithful of Patras to his birthplace in Nymphasia of Gortynia, the celebration of the Divine Liturgy in the Sacred Church of the Holy Trinity, the memorial service at the place he was born, were experiences that were spiritually moving.

Fifty years have passed since the time Fr. Gervasios departed for heaven, on 30 June in 1964, the day of the Synaxis of the Holy Apostles. But his spiritual presence in Patras continues. He never forsook us. We feel his breath, his love, his blessing, his intercessions.

We have a sacred debt and holy duty to the spiritual father and teacher of Patras, to whom all our sacred Clergy and pious People bow reverentially, who guided us to receive the decision for the translation of his sacred Relics, glorifying God because He gave us Fr. Gervasios and gratefully honoring the memory of the late and brilliant Priest.

But the promise, after a long discussion, with the other diamond of Patras, the student and spiritual child of the ever-memorable Fr. Gervasios, the late Metropolitan Hierotheos (Tsantiles) of Hydra, Spetses and Aegina, guided our hearts to the above decision, so that his holy soul may have rest, by our promise and our spiritual commitment.

On the evening of Sunday the 29th of June, after Vespers that will take place at 5:30 in the Sacred Church of Saint Paraskevi at the Camp of Sychaina, which Fr. Gervasios himself founded, the translation of his relics will take place, that we may kiss his sanctified skull and by this bless the city of Patra, which the Elder loved so much, as well as its people, for whom he struggled till his last breath, in order to appear as an excellent shepherd before the throne of God.

Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.

The Holy Twelve Apostles as Models for our Lives

Holy Twelve Apostles (Feast Day - June 30)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

The birthday of a saint, on which the Church celebrates their memory, is considered the day of their death, because it is at the same time and day as their birth in the Kingdom of God. Thus, while each of the Twelve Apostles of Christ celebrates on different days, nevertheless for the Church to honor them and show the unity between them, it determined to celebrate the Twelve on June 30th every year. Besides the Twelve Apostles, Christ had a wider chorus of Apostles, seventy in number. The Twelve Apostles were His closest associates, who followed Him everywhere. After the deduction of Judas Iscariot from the chorus of the Twelve Apostles, his place was taken by Matthias. The names of the Twelve Apostles are: Simon (Peter), Andrew, James, John, Philip, Thomas, Bartholomew (Nathanael), Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Jude the Brother of God and Matthias.

Synaxis of All Saints of the Lavra of Saint Savvas in the Holy Land

On the Third Sunday after Pentecost, we commemorate all the Holy Fathers who shined brilliantly in the Lavra of the Venerable Savvas the Sanctified in the Holy Land.

These photos show various icons of the Holy Fathers of Saint Savvas Monastery as well as their sacred skulls.

Saint Paul the Apostle as a Model for our Lives

Holy Apostle Paul (Feast Day - June 29)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

The principal facts of the life of the Apostle Paul are known, such as his zeal for the traditions of his fathers, his miraculous conversion to Christ, his journeys and his suffering. What is perhaps less known are his ascetic struggles, his spiritual warfare, his inner life which was hidden from the eyes of the world, for it was "hidden with Christ in God" (Col. 3:3). However he himself made some allusions to his ascetic way of life, saying that he brings violence against his flesh, hardening and subduing his body that he may not be disqualified (1 Cor. 9:27).The subject of his salvation seriously occupied him and truly showed that he was frightened at the thought that perhaps others would be saved through his preaching and miracles, and yet he remain outside the "bridal chamber". The incurable illness of his body integrated him into this perspective. He considered it a blessing and gift of the love of God, given to him to protect him from falling into the great passion of pride due to the many miracles he performed, as well as the major revelations given to him.

Saint Peter the Apostle as a Model for our Lives

Holy Apostle Peter (Feast Day - June 29)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

The Apostle Peter had fiery zeal and great love for Christ. Of course, during the Passion he denied Him three times with an oath, but he repented. He remembered, after the crow of the rooster, the word of Christ, who had foretold his fall into the sin of denial, and after he went out and wept bitterly. Christ, after His resurrection, restored him to the apostolic office, after he asked three times if he loves Him, and gave him the mandate to shepherd His reasonable flock.

Father Moses the Athonite (+ June 1, 2014)

By His Eminence Metropolitan Hierotheos

of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou

On June 1st, the beloved and respected Fr. Moses the Athonite, well known to us all, fell asleep in the Lord in Kastoria, where he received the generous love of His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Kastoria and his self-sacrificing escorts, and as always the affection of his disciple Fr. Chrysostomos, who for many years was his guardian angel, with his kindness and authentic way of behavior. All those who served Elder Moses will receive their just praise and blessing from God, because they served a contemporary venerable ascetic, a witness for Christ, a confessor of the faith, a true missionary, an authentic teacher.

I have followed Fr. Moses for years and saw his struggling spirit and his Athonite conscience, distinguished by intense spiritual concerns and blessed cardiac shock.

I will write some simple thoughts about this wonderful personality.

Saint Porphyrios and the Singing Nightingale (audio narration)

In the audio above Saint Porphyrios narrates an incident from early in his monastic life on the Holy Mountain where he did perfect obedience, and had purity of the nous and noetic prayer after his encounter with Old Demas in the church of Great Lavra Monastery. Then in the wilderness of Mount Athos he heard the singing of a nightingale hidden in the foliage of trees, and he realized it was singing in the quiet glorifying God. His narration of this incident in his later years is amazing (the narration below is not the exact same as the one in the audio, but it speaks of the same incident):

Saint Sampson the Innkeeper as a Model for our Lives

St. Sampson the Innkeeper (Feast Day - June 27)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saint Sampson lived in the sixth century and came from a rich family of Rome. He studied the sciences of his time and especially medicine, which he also practiced. He had much love for all without discrimination. When his parents departed from this world, he distributed his property and inheritance to the poor and departed for New Rome. In Constantinople he lived in poverty and served and healed those who suffered mentally and physically. Many incurable diseases were healed by his prayers, yet so the people would not understand and praise him, he pretended they were healed from ointments and herbs. Once he healed Emperor Justinian from an incurable and painful disease and then he, out of gratitude to the Saint, built a large hospital for him, which was also an inn, hence his name as "the Innkeeper", where he gave free hospitality to the poor and needy.

Saint Porphyrios: "They Have Committed Every Sin Of The Flesh, But I Love Them"

The Elder told me one day:

"Boys and girls come to me sometimes. Those poor children, and what haven't they done. They have committed every sin of the flesh, but I love them."

Wondrous Discovery of an Icon of St. Irene Chrysovalantou in Kefallonia

John Papadatos

June 21, 2014

InKefalonia.gr

The apple tree "spoke" and showed the secret it hid in its roots for years! A truly beautiful story was revealed a few days ago outside the church of Valsamata (Pammegiston Taxiarchon = All-Great Ruling Order of Archangels).

An Encyclical On Ecumenism and the Recent Meeting Between the Ecumenical Patriarch and the Pope in Jerusalem

On June 1, 2014 His Eminence Metropolitan Nicholas of Mesogaia and Lavreotiki issued the following beneficial, challenging and balanced encyclical to mark the meeting between Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and Pope Francis in Jerusalem on the 50th anniversary of the mutual lifting of the anathemas.

Saint David of Thessaloniki as a Model for our Lives

St. David the Dendrite of Thessaloniki (Feast Day - June 26)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

The venerable David came from Thessaloniki and lived in the sixth century during the reign of Emperor Justinian I. His way of life was austere and ascetic and a continuous sacrifice on the altar of love and philanthropy. In emulation of the stylites he remained for three consecutive years in a tree praying continuously. Burning with love for God he endured "the heat of the day and the frost of night", "striking a blow" to his body that he may not find himself to be "disqualified", according to the words of the Apostle Paul. He especially liked to pray the words of the sacred Psalmist, which he applied in his own life: "I have become like a pelican of the wilderness; I have become like an owl in a ruined house. I have watched, and am become as a sparrow dwelling alone on a roof" (Ps. 101:6-7 LXX).

Saint Febronia as a Model for our Lives

St. Febronia the Venerable Virgin Martyr (Feast Day - June 25)

By Protopresbyter Fr. George Papavarnavas

Saint Febronia lived in the third century, during the period of persecution against the Church. At the age of 17 she went to live in a monastery in Mesopotamia, where her aunt Nun Bryenni was the abbess. She was endowed with many gifts and was distinguished from the other nuns for her zeal towards the spiritual life and for her love towards God, as well as each and every fellow human being. Her soul was most-beautiful and bright, but Saint Febronia was also endowed with physical beauty. Her sacred Synaxarion states that she had dazzling beauty and this was the reason for her martyrdom.

The Political Vision of Athanasios Parios and His Disputes With Koraes

Athanasios was indeed a restless spirit. This made him use a thematology that did not remain within a narrow theological framework, but was broader socially and politically. He was simultaneously a polymath and polyglot, that resulted in him realizing the deep upheavals brought about by the Enlightenment in Europe. Thus he began with fairly conservative language to determine the polar events and constructs in Europe and attacked their heretical arbitrariness, as he called it. So he wrote a book (Patristic Teaching) which opposed the liberal proposals of the Enlightenment revolution. This book was published by the Patriarchate and seemed aimed at expressing the political considerations and requirements of the Gate, and for this reason may not fully reflect the views of the author. This book is the cause for attacks against the Church by the Enlighteners, who accused them of being Turkophiles with a slave mentality, even though it was obvious that it reflected the views of the vast majority of Phanariotes, who lived with the constant fear that a local revolt, even if successful, would also expose the rest of the Greeks to the vengeful fury of the Turks. This was a fear not at all unfounded, since it was based on events that preceded this time (e.g. Orlov Revolt) and continued until 1922.

Synaxarion for the Nativity of the Honorable Forerunner John

On the 24th of this month [June], the Nativity of the honorable, 
glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John

Verses

Zachariah danced with his wife,

Not with many children, but with one great one.

The mother bore the Forerunner on the twenty-fourth.

Transitioning Gender and Transcending Gender

The "New Man" of the "Third Indeterminate Gender"

By His Eminence Metropolitan Hierotheos

of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou

Until now we knew that there were two genders, the male and the female, or man and woman. There were also some who wavered between these for various reasons, primarily due to the passions. But recently there has arisen another person of the "third gender", as it has been named by the courts, after many years of battles made by such people of an "indeterminate gender" or "third gender".

Synaxis of Panagia Arvanitissa in Chios

Panagia Arvanitissa (Feast Day - Ascension Day and Second Sunday After Pentecost)

The Church of Panagia Arvanitissa

In Karyes, Chios there is a church (chapel) dedicated to Panagia Arvanitissa. Emperor Constantine IX Monomachos (1042 - 1054 A.D.) sent masons (who came from Northern Epirus) to build Nea Moni in Chios. After the construction of Nea Moni (which, despite looting and destruction by the Turks, still survives) these people remained on the island and became residents. Their descendants were shepherds and settled in Kochlia (which includes the villages of Karyes, Avgonyma, Anavato and Dafnona).

Group of 75 Are Baptized Orthodox in Harare, Zimbabwe

On Saturday, June 21, Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe baptized a group of 75, both young and old, in Harare, at the Missionary Center of Saint Nektarios of the Holy Archdiocese of Zimbabwe.

Mount Athos, a Sleepless Vigil Lamp

On the Second Sunday of Matthew, which falls on the Second Sunday After Pentecost, we celebrate the Synaxis of All Saints of Mount Athos, as it was established by St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite. Beginning from the night before, every Athonite monk and ascetic, in every monastery, skete and cell of Mount Athos, keeps vigil in honor of all the Holy Fathers who shined brightly through their life and deeds on the Holy Mountain for over a thousand years. Below is a brief reflection by the Orthodox Awareness Network about the significance of the Holy Mountain to the world, as well as a prayer for those who ceaselessly pray for us.

The German Protestant Who Was Told By St. Nektarios To Become Orthodox

On June 20th we went with the Association for the Protection of the Unborn Child on a pilgrimage trip to Aegina.

We venerated the grace-flowing relics of Saint Nektarios and went into his bedroom, his tomb and in his majestic new church, which was built by the late Metropolitan Hierotheos of Hydra.

A nun told us about many miracles of Saint Nektarios, such as healing those suffering with cancer, those who have been seriously injured, and even the clinically dead. She also told us about apparitions of the Saint as well as the following amazing incident:

Historic Liturgy at an Isolated Hermitage of Meteora

A historic Divine Liturgy took place on May 24, 2014 at an isolated hermitage of Meteora that can only be accessed by rock climbing.

Crowds of Turks Gather to View the Body of an 1100 Year Old Nun in Cappadocia

Nikos Chiladakis

May 31, 2014

Enromiosini.gr

A relic of a Greek Orthodox nun, which lies exposed in the museum of the city of Nigde in Cappadocia, has sparked huge interest among Turks who come in droves to see and admire in awe. As much as this sounds surprising, this relic comes from a period and place known as saint-bearing Cappadocia, where monasticism flourished, leaving until today a great historical legacy for the current residents of modern Turkey.

After 16 Centuries the Relics of St. Myron are Wondrously Uncovered in Crete

May 12, 2014 was an important day for Orthodoxy in Crete and the village of Agios Myronas in Heraklion. It was on that day that around 200 portions of the relics of St. Myron the Wonderworker (Aug. 8) were discovered in the church that bears his name in the village that bears his name.

Milos is Consecrated a "Sacred Island" for its Ancient Christian Catacomb

The catacombs of the island are the oldest Christian monuments of Christendom.

June 15, 2014

Naftemporiki.gr

Famed for its indented coastline, Milos has been declared a "sacred island" as it hosts the unique monument of early Christian catacombs.

31 Baptized Orthodox and Medicines Given in Dolisie, Congo

June 13, 2014

BAPTISMS OF ORTHODOX CHRISTIANS IN THE CITY OF DOLISIE

On the morning of 12th June 2014, His Grace Panteleimon, Bishop of Congo-Brazzaville and Gabon arrived in the city of Dolisie, where he baptised thirty-one newly-enlightened Christians of all ages, at the outdoor baptistery at the Holy Parish Church of St Irene.

The Exhumation and Translation of the Relics of St. Justin Popovich

Aimilios Polygenis

June 16, 2014

Romfea.gr

Over fifteen thousand pilgrims arrived at the Monastery of Valjevo in Celje, to participate in the historic event of the exhumation of St. Justin Popovich.

The First Church Dedicated to St. Nikephoros the Leper

Sacred Metropolis of Thera

June 17, 2014

Romfea.gr

By the grace of God construction work for the Sacred Parish Church of Saint Nikephoros the Leper has been completed in Thera.

The Recent Repose of Three Scholarly Athonite Elders

By John Sanidopoulos

Within one week three renowned scholarly Athonite Elders, noted for their important writings and social work, reposed in the Lord. The first to pass away was the prolific Elder Moses the Athonite. A few days later Elder Nikodemos Bilalis, founder of the Pan-Hellenic Union of Friends of Those Who Have Many Children, fell from the roof of his cell in Kapsala while on a ladder. And on the day of Pentecost the well-known Abbot of the Holy Monastery of Gregoriou, Archimandrite George Kapsanis, gave up his spirit.

Saint Gregory of Mystra, Patron of Sparta

St. Gregory Mystriotis from Strongyli in Lichada
(Feast Day - Sunday of All Saints and July 23)

The venerable Gregory was an offspring of an official Christian family in the region known as Mystra, and he lived in the eleventh century. From an early age he was taught the sacred writings and showed zeal for the monastic life.

Apostles Fast Resource Page

"After the long feast of Pentecost, fasting is especially necessary to purify our thoughts and render us worthy to receive the Gifts of the Holy Spirit ... Therefore, the salutary custom was established of fasting after the joyful days during which we celebrated the Resurrection and Ascension of our Lord, and the coming of the Holy Spirit."

- St. Leo the Great

Second Sunday After Pentecost

Second Sunday of Matthew Resource Page


Third Sunday After Pentecost

Third Sunday of Matthew Resource Page


About the Apostles Fast

A History of the Apostles' Fast

Saint Leo the Great on the Apostles Fast and its Significance

On the Fast of the Apostles (St. Symeon of Thessaloniki)

The Fast of the Holy Apostles and the New Calendar

Holy New Martyr James of Kastoria and his Two Disciples James the Deacon and Dionysios the Monk (+ 1520)

Fasting Resource Page


June 29 - Feast of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul

Apostles Peter and Paul Resource Page


Saint Paul the Apostle

Apostles Peter and Paul Resource Page


Saint Peter the Apostle

Apostles Peter and Paul Resource Page


June 30 - Synaxis of the Holy Twelve Apostles

Twelve Apostles Resource Page


Apostle Andrew the First-Called (Nov. 30)

Apostle Andrew Resource Page


Apostle James, the Son of Zebedee (Apr. 30)

Holy Apostle James, the Son of Zebedee


Apostle John the Evangelist and Theologian (Sep. 26 & May 8)

Saint John the Theologian Resource Page


Apostle Philip (Nov. 14)

Saint Philip the Apostle Resource Page


Apostle Bartholomew (June 11)

Apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas Resource Page


Apostle Thomas (Oct. 6)

Saint Thomas the Apostle Resource Page


Apostle Matthew the Evangelist (Nov. 6)

Saint Matthew the Evangelist Resource Page


Apostle James, the Son of Alphaeus (Oct. 9)

Holy Apostle James, the Son of Alphaeus


Apostle Jude, Brother of the Lord (June 19)

Holy Apostle Jude of the Twelve


The Grandchildren of the Apostle Jude and Relatives of the Lord


Apostle Simon the Zealot (May 10)

Synaxarion of the Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot

Holy Apostle Simon the Zealot

Saint Simon the Zealot and Apostle of Georgia


Apostle Matthias (Aug. 9)

Holy Apostle Matthias of the Twelve

Holy Apostle Matthias as a Model for our Lives

The Grave of the Apostle Matthias in Georgia

How Are We To Understand the Casting of Lots in Scripture?


Apostle Mark the Evangelist (Apr. 25)

Holy Apostle Mark the Evangelist

Saint Mark the Evangelist as a Model for our Lives


Apostle Luke the Evangelist (Oct. 18)

Apostle Luke Resource Page


Apostle James, Brother of the Lord (Oct. 23)

Apostle James the Brother of God Resource Page

An Important Message Before I Return

Dear Readers:

Before I return to my regular posting schedule on this site, there are a few updates I wanted to inform you about.

First of all, I want to thank all those who have financially contributed to this ministry and placed value in it. Without you, we would not exist.