Greatmartyr Marina of Antioch in Pisidia
Categories: uncategorized
Date: 17 July 2005 08:19:06
 Icon from OCA | Today, among others, we commemorated the Greatmartyr Marina of Antioch in Pisidia, whose life is well worth a read.
O Virgin and Martyr Marina, |
As well, we commemorated the Fathers of the Fourth Ecumenical Council. From our bulletin:
Held in Chalcedon, near Constantinople, 451.The council was concerned, once again, with the nature of Jesus Christ. The teaching arose that Christ's human nature (less perfect) dissolved itself in His divine nature (more perfect): like a cube of sugar in water. Thus, in reality, Christ had only one nature, the Divine. Hence, the term: Monophysites ("mono", one and "physis", nature). Monophysitism overemphasised the divine nature of Christ, at the expense of the human.
The Council condemned Monophysitism and proclaimed that Christ has two complete natures: the divine and the human, as defined by previous Councils. These two natures function without confusion, are not divided nor separate, and at no time did they undergo any change.
Our priest said that there has been great dialogue between the Orthodox and the so-called Monophysite churches [the most well-known probably being the Coptic church], and, perhaps, we may have believed the same thing but the problem was in the terminology employed. God willing, may the divisions between churches be healed.
Today's sermon was based on today's Gospel reading and we were exhorted to consider how we may be the "light on the hill". What can we do, not only to bring the message of Christ, but to love and help our neighbours? Do we even know if those around us are in need? Unordered has had similar thoughts on assisting those in need after reading the excellent [in my opinion] Angela's Ashes. What can we do?
Our priest had his daughter write a job description for the position of "Good Samaritan". It was amusing, but only in that it was completely opposed to any normal job description: no monetary renumeration, no holidays, working hours 24 x 7, no thanks at times, etc. But we, as Christians, are called to this. We are called to love, and assist, those in need -- our neighbours. May God help me this week to identify my neighbours and to be there for them.
We are truly blessed to have Fr A with us. As someone commented to me today, he certainly has a great gift of explaining the Scriptures and encouraging us. His sermons have been full not only of information, but of practical ways we may grow as Christians and may live lives to the glory of God. Thanks be to God for Fr A, who was sent to us in our time of need and who is a great blessing to us. Many, many years!