Η αντιγραφή και αποθήκευση έχει καταχωρηθεί επιτυχώς!
Σας ενημερώνουμε ότι ο παρόν ιστότοπος χρησιμοποιεί λογισμικό διασφάλισης πνευματικών δικαιωμάτων.
Έχετε αντιγράψει το άρθρο στα αγαπημένα στις:
Σας ενημερώνουμε ότι ο παρόν ιστότοπος χρησιμοποιεί λογισμικό διασφάλισης πνευματικών δικαιωμάτων.
... many years ago I arrived in the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi, on my first trip to Mount Athos. The monastery that had offered me accommodation previously, was quite a distance easy and the travel to go there exhausted me. I found myself in big agony because I had made no arrangements for my stay in Vatopedi. So I wouldn’t know whether I would be allowed to stay there or where would I end that night. Fortunately, everything was settled and they accepted me in the monastery.
Quite tired I simply decided to visit the church and light a candle in the night vigil to follow and later go to sleep. «Let me pray tomorrow and watch the liturgy of tomorrow», I decided. Indeed, shortly after the start of the service, my tired feet brought me to the church.»I must stay for 5 minutes» I thought, «it shouldn’t be right if I left immediately». After all, the Archangels” celebration is dawning». And these 5 minutes became 5 hours. And there I was, motionless, stunned, watching with my entire senses alert. The choruses changing one another, the melodies bedazzling, the angelic voices of the monks astonishing under the dim, candle light. And occasionally a monk gently wiggling the huge chandelier … The ritual so grand and strict that left you wondering whether you are about to see the form of a Byzantine emperor into the thin light… The whole congregation stood there still, intent, contemplating the words of the liturgy taking place in memory of the synaxis.
I do not know how much time had passed when an elder monk stood in the middle of the church and in a calm and firm voice, read the Mass book: «… the most beautiful, stronger and brighter, boasted … above the stars of heaven I will put my throne, and I will be like the Highest … then he fell and along with him dragged many angels … at this critical time Archangel Michael stood in the middle of the sky and praised loudly the Lord: «Let us stand well, let us stand with fear.»And immediately the Angels stood in their place and began chanting: «Holy, Holy, Holy Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are full of your glory.» And so the falling stopped. On November 8, therefore, we are not celebrating the fall for which we regret, but the congregation. » My eyes wept.
He gave us free will. And we, ourselves, betray Him… Our course and outcome are of our responsibility… But He, in his boundless love for His creation, came to earth, taught, surrendered, was crucified, took upon Himself the sin of the whole human race, resurrected and has not ceased to forgive… Asking us for what? To simply say «I apologize, I have sinned». To accept the mistakes we have done without excuses and ask for forgiveness. And if our repentance is true, then His hands are open and His joy great. Because everyone who turns to Him is not a sheep returning to the herd, but the prodigal son who returns to his Father… My soul bowed. And before the tears flood my eyes, I approached the image of the Mother Mary Esfagmeni (slain). I kneeled and asked for Her mediation and help, and I departed as discreetly as I could. I hope to find myself again, on such a day, to Vatopedi and live again the same experience. With a difference though: Being the prodigal who has finally found his way…
Angels of God, mediate for us…
Source: choratouaxoritou.gr , giorgistaxideutis.gr
