Saint Paisios the Athonite and his Obedient Frog

The grave of Papa-Tychon near the Cell of the Honorable Cross.

When Metropolitan Amfilohije (Radović) of Montenegro and the Littoral was a student in Greece, where he was tonsured a monk and after completing his doctorate at the University of Athens with a thesis on Saint Gregory Palamas, he went to Mount Athos for a year where he lived in the Hut of the Archangels in Kapsala as an ascetic, about a half hour walk from the hut of Saint Paisios the Athonite, which at that time was the Cell of the Honorable Cross, where his spiritual father Papa-Tychon had lived. It was during this time that he witnessed a wonder that left an indelible impression on him. As he himself narrates:

Holy Martyrs Stephen, Barnabas, Trophimos, Dorymedon, Kosmas, Damian, Savvas, Bassa, Abramius and Those With Them

Sts. Stephen, Barnabas, Trophimos, Dorymedon, Kosmas,
Damian, Savvas, Bassa, Abramius and those with them
(Feast Day - October 31)

Verses

Nine athletes with a multitude of fellow athletes,
Together partook of crowns in the heavens.

On this day we commemorate the Holy Martyrs Stephen, Barnabas, Trophimos, Dorymedon, Kosmas, Damian, Savvas, Bassa, Abramius and those with them. We do not know any other details about these Saints except their names and that they died by martyrdom.

The Leaning Church of Palaioselli: A Church in Greece That Has Tilted for Over a Hundred Years

In the Greek village of Palaioselli, which is part of the municipality of Konitsa in Ioannina, on Mount Smolikas, there is an extraordinary and rare phenomenon: a church that tilts yet still stands and operates, dedicated to Saint Paraskevi.

A few years after its completion in 1864, due to landslides, the Church of Saint Paraskevi began to tilt, but without simultaneously presenting failures and generally severe cracks in the masonry walls!

It has tilted like it does today since 1901. It can therefore be called the Leaning Church of Saint Paraskevi.

Saint Anastasia the Roman and Archimandrite George Kapsanis

By Monk Damaskenos of Gregoriou

Our Revered Elder and Abbot of our Holy Monastery [of Gregoriou], Archimandrite Fr. George Kapsanis, took over the helm of the monastery in October 1974, and suffered a triple stroke in 1990.

He was in bed for nine months with horrible pain. Saint Anastasia appeared to an Orthodox African, Fortunatos, now Monk Neophytos, who was working as a missionary in the Orthodox Unit in Kananga of Congo. He was a guest of our monastery for six years, and in his sleep she gave him an envelope, saying: "Give this envelope tomorrow to the Elder." The next day, our Elder's health had been completely restored.

Relics of St. Anastasia the Roman at Gregoriou Monastery in Mount Athos

 

 

Saint Abramius of Rostov (+ 1077)

St. Abramius of Rostov (Feast Day - October 29)

Venerable Abramius, in the world Iverik, was born in Chuhloma, which is in Kostroma region and near the railway node Galich, in the tenth century. He was very ill as a child and suffering from an unknown disease. When he was eighteen he overheard some merchants from Novgorod talking about Christ, whom he had never heard of before. Being a pagan he prayed to the Christian God for his healing and recovered from his illness. Thus he decided to be baptized and to become a monk in Valaam, where he was tonsured with the new name Abramius (Abraham). Having assumed the monastic schema, Abramius settled at Rostov on the shore of Lake Nero. In the Rostov lands there were many pagans, and the Saint worked intensely at spreading the true faith.

Saint Serapion of Zarzma (+ c. 900)

St. Serapion of Zarzma (Feast Day - October 29)

Saint Serapion of Zarzma was the son of a Klarjeti aristocrat famed for his wealth and good deeds. Serapion had two brothers, who were still young when their mother died.

Their father also reposed soon after.

From childhood Saint Serapion longed to lead the life of a hermit. With his younger brother, John, he set off for Parekhi Monastery, where he requested the spiritual guidance of “the spiritual father and teacher of orphans,” the great wonderworker Michael of Parekhi.

The older brother remained at home to continue the family tradition of caring for wanderers and the poor.

Saint Athanasios I, Patriarch of Constantinople (+ 1310)

St. Athanasios I of Constantinople (Feast Day - October 28)

Verses

Who will not glorify you Athanasios,
For the Trinity has glorified you everywhere?

Saint Athanasios I, Patriarch of Constantinople (1289-1293; 1303-1311), in the world Alexios, was born in Adrianople around 1235. While still in his youth, his father died and he was brought up by his mother. One day, while reading the life of Saint Alypios the Stylite, who was an orphan like himself, he left his home and went to Mount Ganos in Thrace, where he was tonsured in one of the monasteries with the name Akakios. He soon withdrew to Mount Athos, where he lived in a cave near Iveron Monastery (that still exists today), and then joined the brotherhood of Esphigmenou Monastery, where for three years he served in the refectory.

Saints Firmilian, Archbishop of Caesarea, and Melchion the Sophist, Presbyter of Antioch

St. Firmilian of Caesarea and Melchion of Antioch (Feast Day - October 28)

Verses

The friends of peace died peacefully,
Firmilian together with Melchion.

Born to a noble family of Caesarea in Cappadocia, our Venerable Father Firmilian studied under Origen with his friend Saint Gregory the Wonderworker (Nov. 17). He became Bishop of Caesarea around 230. In 252 he took part in the Synod of Antioch, which condemned the schismatic Novatian and his followers, who denied all hope of repentance and restoration to the Church for those who had denied the Christian faith to avoid persecution.

 

Saint Febronia, Daughter of Emperor Heraclius

St. Febronia, Daughter of Emperor Heraclius (Feast Day - October 28)

Verses

The Kingdom of Heaven Febronia,
You preferred over your inheritance as one who is shrewd.

Emperor Heraclius (610-641) had a daughter named Febronia by his second wife Martina, with whom they bore at least ten children. Febronia was likely named after the Holy Martyr Febronia of Nisibis, whose veneration spread to Constantinople in the seventh century, probably through Emperor Heraclius when in Mesopotamia, and in Constantinople she became known as a wonderworker with Saint Artemios. We know nothing about her life, though it seems she became a nun (at which time she may have received the name Febronia). She reposed in peace.

Synaxarion of the Holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla with their Seven Children

On the 28th of this month, we commemorate the Holy Martyrs Terence and Neonilla who were yoked together, and their children Sarbelos, Nita, Hierakos, Theodoulos, Photios, Bele and Eunike.

Verses

The twofold couple with their seven children,
Were led to the honor of being decapitated by the sword.
On the twenty-eighth Terence endured beatings.

They all lived in the same household, as one family, where they secretly worshiped God. They were accused before the governor and stood before his judgement seat. Because they confessed Christ as the true God, they mocked the idols, and for this they were suspended, where they were lacerated without mercy. On their wounds they were sprinkled with the most bitter vinegar and salt, while underneath they were being burned with a fire. Having suffered these things, the Saints prayed, and with a quiet voice they urged one another on towards martyrdom. The Lord did not overlook their prayers, but invisible Angels were sent to free them from their bonds, and to heal their wounds. When the impious ones saw this, they were together astonished and afraid. The Saints were then cast into prison.

Holy Protection of the Theotokos: Gospel and Epistle Reading

Holy Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos

Matins Gospel Reading

Gospel According to Luke 1:39-49, 56

English

In those days, Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, to a city of Judah, and she entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth. And when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and she exclaimed with a loud cry, "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb! And why is this granted me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her from the Lord." And Mary said, "My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has regarded the low estate of his handmaiden. For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed; for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name." And Mary remained with her about three months, and returned to her home.

Seventh Sunday of Luke: Gospel Reading

Seventh Sunday of Luke

Gospel According to Luke 8:41-56

The Raising of Jairus' Daughter

English

At that time, there came to Jesus a man named Jairus, who was a ruler of the synagogue; and falling at Jesus' feet he besought him to come to his house, for he had an only daughter, about twelve years of age, and she was dying. As he went, the people pressed round him. And a woman who had had a flow of blood for twelve years and had spent all her living upon physicians and could not be healed by anyone, came up behind him, and touched the fringe of his garment; and immediately her flow of blood ceased. And Jesus said, "Who was it that touched me?" When all denied it, Peter and those who were with him said, "Master, the multitudes surround you and press upon you!" But Jesus said, "Some one touched me; for I perceive that power has gone forth from me." And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trembling, and falling down before him declared in the presence of all the people why she had touched him, and how she had been immediately healed. And he said to her, "Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace." While he was still speaking, a man from the ruler's house came and said, "Your daughter is dead; do not trouble the Teacher any more." But Jesus on hearing this answered him, "Do not fear; only believe, and she shall be well." And when he came to the house, he permitted no one to enter with him, except Peter and John and James, and the father and mother of the child. And all were weeping and bewailing her; but he said, "Do not weep; for she is not dead but sleeping." And they laughed at him, knowing that she was dead. But taking her by the hand he called, saying, "Child, arise." And her spirit returned, and she got up at once; and he directed that something should be given her to eat. And her parents were amazed; but he charged them to tell no one what had happened.

Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost: Epistle Reading

Nineteenth Sunday of Pentecost

St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 11:31-33; 12:1-9

English

Brethren, the God and Father of the Lord Jesus, he who is blessed for ever, knows that I do not lie. At Damascus, the governor under King Aretas guarded the city of Damascus in order to seize me, but I was let down in a basket through a window in the wall, and escaped his hands. I must boast; there is nothing to be gained by it, but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord. I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven -- whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows. And I know that this man was caught up into Paradise --whether in the body or out of the body I do not know, God knows -- and he heard things that cannot be told, which man may not utter. On behalf of this man I will boast, but on my own behalf I will not boast, except of my weaknesses. Though if I wish to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I shall be speaking the truth. But I refrain from it, so that no one may think more of me than he sees in me or hears from me. And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated. Three times I besought the Lord about this, that it should leave me; but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." I will all the more gladly boast of my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Elder Daniel of Katounakia (1846-1929)

By Monk Moses the Athonite

Elder Daniel of Smyrna was a sacred offshoot and fragrant flower from the martyric land of Ionia. His fragrance brought delight to many, when he was transplanted to the Garden of the Panagia, and the fruits of his virtues as well.

The son of most-devout parents, he studied Holy Scripture and the Philokalia, and graduated with excellence from the Evangelical School of Smyrna. After venerating monasteries and churches in the Peloponnese and the islands of the Aegean, and at the urging of Venerable Arsenios (1800-1877) in Paros, he entered the Athonite Monastery of Saint Panteleimon.

Holy Martyrs Papias, Diodoros and Claudius

Sts. Papias, Diodoros and Claudius (Feast Day - October 25)

Verses

The sword cut off the three heads of the three athletes,
The mind in their heads was therefore threefold.

The Holy Martyrs Papias, Diodoros and Claudius contested during the reign of Emperor Decius (249-251) and were from Attaleia of Pamphylia. They were breeders by occupation of various cattle. Because they worshiped the one true God and denounced the worship of idols, converting many pagans to the faith of Christ, they were arrested by Governor Pouplios of Pamphylia. Being questioned by him, they boldly confessed the name of Christ, our true God, and taught that He created the heavens, the earth, the sea, and everything therein, and besides Him there is no other God. Hearing this, the governor became enraged and gave them up to various harsh tortures.  Unable to change their minds to deny Christ, he had them beheaded, and in this way they received crowns of martyrdom. They were honorably buried by Christians, to the glory of Christ our God.

Holy Martyrs Nikephoros and Stephen

Sts. Nikephoros and Stephen the Martyrs
(Feast Days - October 25 and February 8)

Verses

Nikephoros and Stephen were scraped,
A crown of victory was weaved for your death.

The Holy Martyrs Nikephoros and Stephen met their end by scraping.

Elder Hieronymos of Simonopetra (1871-1957) - Part 3 of 3

...continued from part two.

The Spiritual Gifts of Elder Hieronymos

His discernment and humility was covered also by the gift of foresight and clairvoyancy of souls and the future. This was the result of his great love for God and the illumination he received from Him. He knew the secret depths of the human soul. He saw the entire human being. What he asked for most of those who went to confession to him was a sense of their sinfulness and humility. Full of love for suffering human nature he truly saved the souls he received, those who showed him their sores and pain. His wondrous stole, repentance, the fiery prayer of the God-bearing father for divine mercy and forgiveness, gave meaning to people's lives and opened paradisaical paths. He expressed himself not so much with terminology but with simple words. His illumined pure thoughts knew how to strengthen, bring joy and save. To all those who approached him he was a symbol of a wise spiritual father.

Elder Hieronymos of Simonopetra (1871-1957) - Part 2 of 3

...continued from part one.

Elder Hieronymos as Abbot of the Monastery (1920-1931)

In the proceedings for 2 January 1920, he was proposed as a candidate for the office of Abbot. In the same year, Metropolitan Irinaios of Kassandreia ordained him deacon on April 11 and priest on April 12, also raising him to the rank of archimandrite and spiritual father, by the laying on of hands. On 18 April, the Sunday of the Myrrhbearing Women, he was given the Abbot’s staff, by a unanimous decision of the brotherhood.

Ecumenical Patriarch Announces the Canonization of Elder Sophrony of Essex

Today, 22 October 2019, shortly before his departure from Mount Athos, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew announced that he will proceed with the canonization of Elder Sophrony of Essex (+ 1993), spiritual child of Saint Silouan the Athonite. He joins the list as the fifth revered 20th century Athonite Elder whose canonization was announced by Patriarch Bartholomew upon his visit to the Holy Mountain. The other four include: Hieronymos of Simonopetra (+ 1957), Daniel of Katounakia (+ 1929), Joseph the Hesychast (+ 1959) and Ephraim of Katounakia (+ 1998).

Elder Hieronymos of Simonopetra (1871-1957) - Part 1 of 3

By Alexandros Christodoulou

Childhood Years (1871-1888)

Elder Hieronymos was born in the village of Reïz-Dere in the Krini region of Asia Minor in 1871 to poor yet pious parents, Nicholas and Maria Diakogiorgis.

The village was entirely Christian and was five kilometers northeast of Alatsata [Alaçatı] and two and a half kilometers from the sea. Most of the inhabitants were farmers or vine-growers and had come originally from Crete or the Peloponnese.

At his baptism, he was given the name John. When he went to school he was a good student, surpassing the others in intelligence and maturity. As soon as he completed Primary School, the teacher sent him to the neighboring little town for a short time to work as a teacher.

Holy Newly-Appeared Martyrs Andrew, Stephen, Paul and Peter

Sts. Andrew, Stephen, Paul and Peter the Martyrs (Feast Day - October 21)

Verses

You had three crowned with you O Stephen,
Who contested with you by the same sword.

The Holy Newly-Appeared Martyrs Andrew, Stephen, Paul and Peter met their end by the sword.

Holy Venerable Martyr Zacharias

St. Zacharias the Venerable Martyr (Feast Day - October 21)

Verses

On the path to the sea Zacharias sang psalms,
By traversing this path you attained Heaven.

The Holy Venerable Martyr Zacharias met his end in the sea by drowning.*

Notes:

* There is another Zacharias who died as a martyr by drowning in the sea commemorated on October 22nd, however there he is simply called a martyr while here he is a venerable martyr, and they both have different iambic verses. They are probably the same person, though St. Nikodemos the Hagiorite says there are enough differences to indicate they are different people.

Holy Venerable Martyr Eukrates

St. Eukrates the Venerable Martyr (Feast Day - October 21)

Verses

Before the blood from your neck was the shedding of your tears,
They mixed together to be a tempered mix O blessed one.

The Holy Venerable Martyr Eukrates (or Eukratos) met his end by the sword.

Venerable Baruch

Venerable Baruch (Feast Day - October 21)

Verses

Baruch the divine left behind the burden of dwellings,
There he now dwells in a place of green pastures.

Venerable Baruch met his end in peace.

Holy Martyr Azes

St. Azes the Martyr (Feast Day - October 21)

Verses

Azes lived a true life that knows no end,
Even though he died in the flames.

The Holy Martyr Azes met his end by fire.

Ecumenical Patriarch Announces the Canonization of Four 20th Century Athonite Elders

This morning, 20 October 2019, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew announced during his sermon at the Protaton Church in Karyes of Mount Athos, the canonization of four Athonite Elders beloved throughout the Orthodox world: Hieronymos of Simonopetra (+ 1957), Daniel of Katounakia (+ 1929), Joseph the Hesychast (+ 1959) and Ephraim of Katounakia (+ 1998).

Homily on the Resurrection Apolytikion in the First Tone

By Metropolitan Hierotheos of Nafpaktos and Agiou Vlasiou

The incarnation of the Son and Word of God is a great mystery, which in theological language is characterized as a mystery of the Divine Economy.

It is called a mystery of the Divine Economy, because it clearly shows God economized to save humanity. He did not do it to punish humanity nor to satisfy divine justice as western theologians call it, but with His love and philanthropy. He received a body subject to mortality and suffering, without sin, and He became a spiritual physician, spiritual medicine and spiritual hospital.

Sixth Sunday of Luke: Gospel Reading

Sixth Sunday of Luke

Gospel According to Luke 8:26-39

Healing of the Gadarene Demoniac

English

At that time, as Jesus arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, there met him a man from the city who had demons; for a long time he had worn no clothes and he lived not in a house but among the tombs. When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell down before him, and said with a loud voice, "What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beseech you, do not torment me." For he had commanded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. (For many a time it had seized him; he was kept under guard, and bound with chains and fetters, but he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the desert.) Jesus then asked him, "What is your name?" And he said, "Legion"; for many demons had entered him. And they begged him not to command them to depart into the abyss. Now a large herd of swine was feeding there on the hillside; and they begged him to let them enter these. So he gave them leave. Then the demons came out of the man and entered the swine, and the herd rushed down the steep bank into the lake and were drowned. When the herdsmen saw what happened, they fled, and told it in the city and in the country. Then people went out to see what had happened, and they came to Jesus, and found the man from whom the demons had gone, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind; and they were afraid. And those who had seen it told them how he who had been possessed with demons was healed. Then all the people of the surrounding country of the Gadarenes asked him to depart from them; for they were seized with great fear; so he got into the boat and returned. The man from whom the demons had gone begged that he might be with him; but he sent him away, saying, "Return to your home, and declare how much God has done for you." And he went away, proclaiming throughout the whole city how much Jesus had done for him.

Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost: Epistle Reading

Eighteenth Sunday of Pentecost

St. Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians 9:6-11

English

Brethren, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work. As it is written, "He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures for ever." He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God.

Hesychasterion of the Prophet Joel in Kalamata

A hesychasterion is a small cell or hermitage where intensive hesychasm is practiced, distinct from the cenobitic life of a monastery. Τhe Hesychasterion of the Prophet Joel is in Fares or Giannitsanika in eastern Kalamata and is the only one of this type of monastic life that belongs to the Metropolis in Messinia.

The Hesychasterion was founded in 1962 by Archimandrite Joel Yiannakopoulos and two nuns, with whose money the property was purchased and cells were built. The church in the Hesychasterion of the Prophet Joel was founded in 1963 and was consecrated a year later; it is of Byzantine cross-style with a dome, and is dedicated to the Prophet Joel. It therefore celebrates on October 19th, when the Orthodox Church celebrates the Saint.

Prophet Joel Resource Page

Holy Prophet Joel (Feast Day - October 19)

Verses

On earth Joel was made known through tragic suffering,
From earth he went to a place having power over suffering.
On the nineteenth Joel met his fate in the grave.

 

Holy Prophet Joel

  

Holy Prophet Joel as a Model for our Lives

  

Joel, the Prophet of Pentecost

 

Prophets and Prophecy in the Church

 

Preface to the Commentary on the Prophet Joel (St. Cyril of Alexandria)

 

Hesychasterion of the Prophet Joel in Kalamata

 

Speech at the Consecration of the Temple of the Prophet Joel and Saint Irene (Archimandrite Joel Yiannakopoulos)
 

Preface to the Commentary on the Prophet Joel (St. Cyril of Alexandria)

Commentary on the Prophet Joel

By St. Cyril of Alexandria

Preface

The divinely inspired Joel probably prophesied at the time when those placed before him—namely, Hosea and Amos—would also be thought to have done so. The Hebrews, in fact, decided that he should be ranked with them and not after Micah. His denunciation, at least in my opinion, is of the people of Israel, and he raises an extremely loud outcry against them for then reaching such a degree of insolence, stupidity, and insensitivity as not to be diverted from evil by anyone at all, and to succumb to calamities of such frequency, not to say successive occurrence, despite no interval occurring when some respite from trouble might be given, brief though it be. We shall find the blessed Prophet Isaiah also speaking in similar terms; he said, remember, "The anger of the Lord of hosts was enkindled against his people, and he stretched out his hand against them and struck them. The mountains quaked, and their corpses were like dung in the open street. For all this, his anger was not turned away; instead, his hand was still uplifted" [Is. 5:25].

The Mysterious Fire of the Monastery of Mega Spelaion in 1934

On the night of July 19, 1934 a devastating fire destroyed a section of the Monastery of Mega Spelaion in Kalavryta, Greece together with some of its unique treasures.

According to a 30-minute documentary that aired in 1983 called Panorama of the Century, which presents archival footage of the fire in a 40-second clip, a monk who was a refugee from Asia Minor twelve years earlier, managed to rescue the wonderworking icon of the Mother of God which was said to have been sculpted by the Apostle Luke, together with a cross, some liturgical fans (exapteriga), and the incorrupt hand of Saint Haralambos.

The Experience of an American Professor Who Visited the Monastery of Mega Spelaion in 1856

The Monastery of Megaspelion, 1876, by Edward Lear, 
Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The following excerpt comes from the travelogue of Henry Martyn Baird (1832-1906), an American historian and educator, who was a professor of Greek language and literature at New York University from 1859 until his death, and who lived in Greece for a year and recorded his travels and experiences. The travelogue is titled Modern Greece: A Narrative of a Residence and Travels in that Country with Observations of Its Antiques, Literature, Language, Politics, and Religion and it was published in 1856. The excerpt below records his experience at the Monastery of Mega Spelaion (Great Cave) in Kalavryta, Greece.

From Calavryta we had before us a two hours' ride to Megaspelion, along the pleasant banks of the small river Buraicus, winding through a narrow valley toward the Corinthian Gulf. The monastery is by far the greatest, richest, and most famous in Greece proper. Imagine a vast cavern upward of a hundred feet in height, and much wider, as the niche in which this curious establishment is situated, and this on the steep side of a mountain at a considerable distance above the ravine. The approach is along the hill-side by a path winding gradually toward it, and which might easily be defended against a host of invaders. The steep land-slopes are cultivated in front of it in a succession of terraces, each presenting the appearance of a garden. As we drew near the building, there could be nothing more singular than its appearance. A single wall, one hundred and eighty feet long, and seventy or eighty high, closes up the lower part of the cave's aperture. It is no less than twelve feet thick, and offers little hope to the assailant of his being able to force his way within. Above, it is pierced with windows, and surmounted by seven or eight wooden houses of curious and diverse aspect, built more or less lofty, according to the irregularities of the cave's mouth, and leaning against the almost perpendicular rock that towers three or four hundred feet aloft. The light materials of which they are constructed contrast singularly with the massive proportions of the wall that supports them, and from which they project considerably in different places with staircases and covered galleries sustained by props.

Retiring

Dear Readers:

Recently we had a storm in the area, and my computer hasn't been the same ever since. I wasn't home at the time, but I think it was the sudden power outage that did it. Not only the computer itself, but the monitor also. I'm gonna have to retire it today, because its just too slow. This means I need a replacement to continue my daily posts here.

The reason I'm sharing this, is because I need your help for the replacement, which will cost about $1200 for a replacement that fits my needs. I normally wouldn't ask for help for something like this, but in the past few months I've had some sudden major expenses that I need to prioritize over a new computer and I need to get back on my feet. By the time I raise funds for a new computer, it could take well over a month or two, maybe more.

Normally I ask for financial contributions twice a year, before Christmas and after Easter, but this year it will be a third specifically focused on getting a new computer. When enough funds are raised for a computer, I will immediately buy it. Next time you see a new post here means I have raised the necessary funds.

Since this request comes out of season, I have a few items to encourage the raising of funds. First is my personal icon collection which I have offered for sale in the past. Though most of those items have been sold, there are some things left which can be purchased. Please see the post before this one to view a list of the items and how to order.

The second item is a something that was offered to me by a friend some months ago to help with my next fundraising effort. I was going to offer this before Christmas, but since I'm desperate for funds now I have been granted permission to offer it. From my understanding, it is basically a dagger to commemorate the Greek Revolution with an inscription date of 1820. The dagger comes in a beautifully carved sheath. Photos are below for those interested in this item. My anonymous friend originally wanted me to offer it to the highest bidder, but I don't know how to track something like that, so instead he said he is willing to part with it to the highest donor of at least a $300 contribution, though he would prefer to see a higher donation for it.

All donations can be submitted below, either through Paypal or Mail. I'm ready to go out and get the computer at any moment. Thank you in advance.

With love in Christ,

John Sanidopoulos

Click on the DONATE button to make a one-time donation (a Paypal account is not needed to make a one-time donation):

To make a monthly contribution, choose from the options below to set your amount and click on the SUBSCRIBE button (please use a browser other than Mozilla Firefox to change the amount of the monthly donation).

Option 1 : $5.00 USD - monthly Option 2 : $10.00 USD - monthly Option 3 : $15.00 USD - monthly Option 4 : $20.00 USD - monthly Option 5 : $25.00 USD - monthly Option 6 : $30.00 USD - monthly Option 7 : $40.00 USD - monthly Option 8 : $50.00 USD - monthly Option 9 : $60.00 USD - monthly Option 10 : $75.00 USD - monthly

To send in your donation, please do so to the following address:

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PO Box 320284
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MYSTAGOGY STORE OF ICONS & ECCLESIASTICAL ITEMS

Dear Readers:

Welcome to the Mystagogy Store of Icons and Ecclesiastical Items!

Most of the items for sale here come from my own personal collection. For many years, after moving around numerous times, most of these items have never been put to use, and been boxed away. Therefore, in an effort to raise funds for the ministry of the Mystagogy Resource Center, I will be selling most of my ecclesiastical items I don't use, hoping they will find a better home where they can be appreciated and put to their proper use. Please look through my items, and if you have any interest, email me at mystagogy@aol.com to confirm its availability before I instruct you how to make the purchase, including shipping and handling charges.

Thank you and happy shopping,

John Sanidopoulos

ICONS

 

St. Stylianos, 5x4

$10

 

St. George of Monemvasia, 4x3

$5

 

Theotokos, 2.5x2

$5

 

Theotokos from Tinos, 3.5x2.5

$7

 

Triptych Icon of Christ with scenes from the Annunciation

$10

 

Diptych Icon of the Theotokos and St. Nicholas

$5

 

Diptych Icon of the Theotokos and St. Andrew

$5

 

Plate with St. John the Russian

$15

 

St. Nektarios, 5x4

$10

 

St. Nicholas of Myra, 10x7

$20

 

Archangel Michael of Mantamados, 7x8

$15

 

Panagia Myralaion of Evia, 9x7

$15

 

St. Isaac the Syrian, 5x3

$5

 

Holy Unmercenaries Kosmas and Damian, 4x3

$5

 

Nativity of Christ (Christmas ornament), 5x4

$5

 

St. John of Kronastadt,  St. Nektarios, Elder Joseph the Hesychast, Fr. Seraphim Rose, 8x11

$15

 

Christ and the Theotokos folded icon, 5x8 

$10

 

Christ, 8x6

$10

 

The Theotokos, 8x6

$10

 

 St. John the Baptist, 8x6

$10

 

 Sts. Ephraim the Syrian and Mark of Ephesus, 8x6

$10

 

Sts. Marina, Sophia and her three daughters, and Kyriaki, 7x13

$10

 

St. Marina, 6x4 

$12

 

 St. Stephen the Protomartyr, 6x4 

$12

 

 St. George the Great Martyr, 6x4 

$12

 

 St. Demetrios of Thessaloniki, 6x4 

$12 

 

 Crucifixion of Christ, 6x4 

$12

 

 St. Pelagia of Tinos, 6x4 

$12

 

 St. Anthony the Great, 6x4 

$12

 

 St. Irene the Empress, 6x4 

$12

 

Apostles Peter and Paul, 9x5

$25

 

Archangel Michael, 10x6

$30

 

Archangel Gabriel, 10x6

$30

 

Sts. Symeon the Stylite and Symeon of the Wonderful Mountain, 10x7

$25

 

St. Nicholas of Myra, handpainted, 10x8. 

$75

 

St. Haralambos, 8x6.

$30

 

Mother of God "Axion Estin", 10x7.

$30

 

Elevation of the Holy Cross, 10x8.

$30

 

Jesus Christ, silver encased, 9x7.

$40

 

Christ the Bridegroom, silver encased, wrapped in plastic, 10x8.

$30

 

Mother of God, 10x8.

$20

 

All Saints, 10x8.

$20

Ladder of Divine Ascent, white wooden frame, glass covered, 15x12. 

$50

 

St. Gregory Palamas, white wooden frame, glass covered, 15x12.

$50

 

 St. Nicholas of Myra, 6x4.

$12

 

Life of St. Constantine the Great,  Ceramic tile, 8x6.

$20

 

Virgin Mary embracing Christ Child, 7x5. (Qty. 2)

$20

ECCLESIASTICAL ITEMS

 

St. Nektarios keychain

$10

 

Blessed Greek phylakto (amulet) 

$5 each

 

Prayer ropes (for wrist and finger) 

$10 for wrist, $5 for finger

 

Traditional prayer rope 

$20

 

Prayer rope

$15

 

Wedding Crowns

$50

 

4 different scents of incense from the Monastery of Panagia Eleousa in Patras, Greece

$10