The Catalog of Good Deeds

Our father among the saints, Nicholas, was the only child born to wealthy parents, and was instructed in the Christian faith by his uncle (also named Nicholas), who was the bishop in the town of Patara, where St. Nicholas was born. When his parents reposed, Nicholas gave away his considerable inheritance to help the poor, and entered the monastery his uncle had established. It was his uncle who tonsured Nicholas as a monk, and who ordained Nicholas a priest. Throughout his life, Nicholas was known for his love and mercy, and for miracles worked both before and after his repose. Part of his legacy can be seen in his presence in our midst even today. Many nations, including Russia, look to him as a protector of their land and people, and more than 1,200 churches are named in his honor, including 400 in Great Britain – more than any other saint. It is estimated that western artists have depicted him more frequently than any other saint, apart from the most holy Theotokos. Many people don’t realize that the “right jolly old elf” dressed in red and driving a sleigh with reindeer has his origins in this saint: “Santa Claus” is the anglicized version of “Sinter Klaus” – Dutch for, “St. Nicholas.”

Most of us are familiar with certain aspects of the life of St. Nicholas. Probably the most well-known story is how the saint secretly provided gold coins to a family where poverty threatened to cause the sale of three daughters into prostitution. The gold – in some stories, it is dropped down a chimney to land in the stockings of the daughters, which had been hung by the fire in order to dry – spared the family from such a terrible decision. Many of us also know, and, in a way, sort of enjoy, the story of how St. Nicholas, enraged by the heretical teachings of Arius, struck Arius – according to some accounts, he punched Arius in the nose – at the Council of Nicaea in the year 325. Perhaps you even know how, on two separate occasions, St. Nicholas intervened to spare three men who had been wrongfully sentenced to be executed: once, when he confronted a regional governor who had taken a bribe to find three men guilty; and again when he appeared in a dream to the Emperor Constantine to tell him that three officials of the imperial court were innocent of the charges that had been brought against them. In each case, the condemned men were set free.

While these stories are familiar to us, we seem to be less familiar with the deeper details of the life of the saint, the details that make such actions as are celebrated in these stories possible. What power makes it possible to confront a government official, risking imprisonment or even death – and St. Nicholas certainly suffered for the faith during the persecutions under the emperors Diocletian and Maximian – to save innocent lives? What power makes it possible to stand up against popular false teachings to defend the Christian faith? What power – and this is particularly crucial in our world today – makes it possible to break the grip of wealth and possessions, and to give away a fortune? There is only one power capable of doing these things: the power of the love of God in Jesus Christ, that flows through those who love God above all else, and whose love flows to everyone made in the image of God, making them sources of God’s love for each one of us to everyone around them. If we do not love God, we will not put ourselves at risk to protest injustice and unrighteousness, to spare others from suffering or to save innocent lives. If we do not love God, we will not take a stand against false teachings; and we will even make compromises with teachings and practices that do not agree with those of the Orthodox Church and faith. If we do not love God, then we cannot truly love each other as we should; and the things of this world that attract and hold our attention – wealth, fame, honor, power, pleasure – these will capture us and keep us from rising toward heaven, as St. Nicholas rose, living as an angel on the earth in the midst of others.

St. Nicholas is loved by many because he loved so richly. His love for God caused him to turn his back on the world, giving away his worldly possessions, and not seeking any worldly honors. His love for God led him to be obedient when, in pursuing a solitary life, he was instructed by God to live his life in the midst of the people around him. His love for God led him to love every one of us – and in his love for us, to seek justice and righteousness for us, and to give gifts of love.

Brothers and sisters, let us love one another as Christ loves us – for He went to His passion and death through the power of His love. Let us love one another as St. Nicholas loves us, and ask for the grace to follow the example of his life.

Holy hierarch, father Nicholas, pray to God for us!

By Fr. John McCuen

Source: http://orthodoxsermonsonline.blogspot.com/2009/12/saint-nicholas-power-of-love.html

Commemoration of Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky

It happens that we have to meet people who bring us nothing except troubles and sorrows. Of course, we are beleaguered by fear and sadness, haunted by despondency and anguish.

What do we make out of it? What can we do?

When Russia was under the Mongol yoke, Batu Khan sent his envoys to Holy Right-Believing Prince Alexander Nevsky who was in Suzdal at that time. The envoys announced the following on behalf of the Khan, “I have conquered many kingdoms and peoples. How dare you not recognize my power, like all other Russian princes?” Alexander realized that it meant an invitation to the capital of the Golden Horde. He was sad and didn’t know what to do. He shared his doubts and sorrows with Bishop Kirill and asked him for advice. The holy hierarch listened to Alexander and told him, “You have to go to the Horde but first of all, you must fast, remember God at all times and, if necessary, be adamant in your decision to suffer for His sake.” Alexander promised to follow the bishop’s instructions, took communion of the Holy Mysteries, and then went to Batu Khan. When he arrived in the Horde, he was first of all requested to worship idols. Alexander declined and was ready to die as a result of that. He was amazed, though, when, in spite of his refusal to worship idols, the Khan met him amicably, praised him, and bestowed great honors on the prince! It turned out that where he had expected death, he encountered happiness instead. Where he had thought he would find trouble, he found joy instead.

In view of this, brethren, if you sometimes have to go to a place where you expect to have sorrows and misfortunes, do what Alexander did before going there: fast, promise God to remain honest and incorruptible, and entrust your fate to God’s hands. Hopefully, the anticipated sorrow will transform into joy, and grief will turn into happiness. This hope isn’t futile: here is what the Lord says about people who face sorrows and trust God nevertheless, Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name. He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honor him. (Ps. 91:14-15). Amen.

By Archpriest Viktor Gurev

Source: https://azbyka.ru/otechnik/Viktor_Gurev/prolog-v-pouchenijah-na-kazhdyj-den-goda/95

Dear friends! The Catalog of Good Deeds team starts a new series of personal stories devoted to the Feast of the Nativity. Our brothers and sisters are going to share with you some of their brightest Christmas memories from their childhood and explain how that influenced their own perception of this Great Feast.

You can also tell us about your own memories. Join us on Facebook to learn more.

In my soviet childhood, there was only one subtle hint of Christmas: in our family, the Christmas tree was always decorated right the day before December 25 and was standing in the room till January 8. That’s it. No more signs of the feast at all. It was the period of the 1970s, when the authorities in our country were fighting a war against “religious datura”. Shortly before my birth, the leader of our country claimed that soon he would show us all “the last priestling” on TV. The only small church in our city, where only 36,000 people lived, was open on Sundays and Great Feasts. However, only old women could come there with impunity. There were special people’s patrols, and on feast days even police patrols, that served near the church. Their aim was to ensure that younger people do not enter the church. Priest were forbidden to preach, there was no spiritual literature, while the faithful people were suffering from ostracism. So much for Christmas celebrations…

Anti-Christmas demonstration for Children. Banners say: "Parents! Stop confusing us! No Christmas, no Christmas trees!" and "Children must be educated by teachers, not God"

The wonderful feast of Christ's Nativity entered my life much later, when the Soviet Union collapsed, when the dangerous and hungry 1990s were lived through and when people could finally get their lives in a quiet and predictable order. Even my own son was already grown-up by that time.

That was the year when I finally believed, when I found my faith. Just at once. That year, the Feast of Nativity was really breathtaking for me. It entered my life with bright and clear happiness caused by my own understanding of God’s limitless trust towards us people – the trust of God, Who came to this world as a helpless infant and became as much vulnerable as we are. And with the understanding that I personally cannot betray this trust any more. My whole life changed completely and I hope these changes are forever.

By Sister Irina (Karpovich),

a Sister of Mercy, a member of the Catalog of Good Deeds team

More stories will come! Join our group on Facebook to share your childhood memories about Christmas with others and get a chance to receive one of our handmade gifts.

What is important for us to bear in mind during the fast? The fast, by definition, is a time of abstinence. Therefore, let us strive to abstain from everything that is unprofitable for our souls:

1. Television. It seems to me that television is first on the list of unprofitable things. Television shows compel viewers to squander a part of their lives “for someone else.” There was a case of a mother who refused to emigrate to be with her children because the country to which they had invited her had stopped showing “Santa Barbara.” When it comes time to say that television viewing should be limited during the fast, you will hear that people are ready to give up watching the news and to fast very strictly with regard to food, but they cannot give up watching television shows.

It is precisely this harmful obsession – one that teaches us to live an imaginary life and to sympathize with vice and passion, as dictated by directors and screenwriters – that we need to give up, at least during the fast. I also advise watching fewer movies: nearly everything said about television can be applied to the average film. The news is also unlikely to bring a calm and prayerful disposition to someone who is fasting. Therefore, if you have not yet disconnected the antenna from your television, now is the time to do so.

2. Unlimited cell phone service. Unless your work requires you to have unlimited phone service, it would be better to give it up during the fast. Unlimited communication is very unprofitable during the time the Church has allocated for prayer and spiritual reading; it greatly weakens the soul. Let us also be careful with our land line phones.

3. The Internet. The best thing is to draw up a precise list of websites that you can visit during the fast. Everything not related to work or obedience should be strictly regulated. Even a familiar website that is completely innocuous at regular times might provide information that is unprofitable during the fast. Therefore, before you follow a link, give some thought to what the consequences will be for your soul that is fasting.

4. Personal communication. It goes without saying that someone fasting should not put his abstinence on display. Nonetheless, it is very important for the sake of spiritual benefit to limit communication. This should be done carefully, so as not to offend anyone by our refusal. Sometimes it is necessary for the sake of a neighbor to neglect our silence. Sometimes our engagement can save a neighbor’s soul, or even his life. However, gossip, tittle-tattling, and empty chatter can cause harm not only to the person who is fasting, but also to those around him. Let us be careful with our words, those double-edged swords capable of both healing and destroying.

5. Excessive rest. Just as immoderate labor is bad for one’s health, and even for one’s soul, so too is excessive rest permissible only for the ill. By resting excessively during a fasting period we deprive ourselves of the benefits of spiritual struggle.

6. Other amusements. Here it is extremely important to determine for oneself what is and is not acceptable during this time, when the soul is like a bee gathering honey. Just as a bee labors during flowering season, so should someone who is fasting not be distracted by anything that interferes with the primary purpose of the fast. This applies to music, games, the celebration of various anniversaries, and much else. Nevertheless, all things in moderation: your guests will be puzzled if a celebration turns into an edifying conversation over dry cabbage.

7. Travel. One can welcome going on pilgrimage, but even this needs to be done within limits. It is better yet to spend the fast in the quiet of one’s own home if possible. One cannot always postpone a vacation to a holiday spot, but in that case one needs to remember that one has already broken the fast to some extent. Therefore, in such cases it is important to decide on one’s priorities. After all, children sometimes need a break from the city. Moreover, vacation schedules do not always depend on us.

8. Food. Someone who is fasting should know what he is capable of abstaining from during the fast, so that he will not undermine his health. Meat, of course, should be permitted only to those with a serious illness; as for everyone else, their fasting should be within reason. A steelworker should not give up milk, just as a student should not give up fish. The many church calendars that include the monastic rules of fasting are not, generally speaking, suitable for the laity. It is more important to give up foods that feed the passions than those that feed the body: for example, sweets and gourmet foods are more harmful to the soul than a glass of milk is to someone who engages in a great deal of physical labor. Abstinence from food is nothing more than a mean towards maintaining soul and body in a disciplined state – it is not an end in itself. This is extremely important. Therefore, if you are invited to be someone’s guest, there is no point traumatizing your hosts with your display of abstinence. It would be better to increase the strictness of your fasting later, so that the fast might be profitable to your soul and body without alienating non-church-goers from Orthodoxy.

9. Alcohol. It should be borne in mind that any amount of alcohol consumed during the fast should be considered to some degree non-fasting, since any alcoholic drink weakens the soul to a greater or lesser extent, rendering it incapable of the labors of the fast. Wine is permissible only on feast days, and even then strictly in moderation.

10. Marital relations. Regardless of the wide-ranging discussions that have taken place in recent years regarding this question, I am certain that marital relations during the fast cannot but affect the quality of fasting. But in order to engage in such strictness of fasting, when spouses are abstinent for the entire fast – BY MUTUAL CONSENT and without harming their marriage – one has to acquire spiritual maturity. Therefore, in the given case it is important to act reasonably and prudently. The most important thing to remember is that, although you might be able to cook for one in a single pot, in the case of marital relations – and especially in bed – the question must be considered mutually. It is better to violate the fast than to inflict pain on one’s “second half” by refusing them.

By Archpriest Andrei Efanov

Source: http://www.pravmir.com/the-fast-10-beneficial-and-10-harmful-things/

The Sundays before the Nativity feast (Christmas) are dedicated to the Holy Forefathers and Ancestors of Jesus Christ. Among all the Old Testament Saints commemorated on these days, Abraham is perhaps the supreme example, being the common patriarch of Judaism (as the founding father of the Covenant between man and God) and Christianity (being seen as the prototype of all believers). This patriarchal image of Abraham has influenced his representation in iconography, and has resulted in many images – in the east and west – of “the Bosom (or Embrace) of Abraham“.

The bosom of Abraham is an image used to refer to a place of comfort for the reposed, found in Judaic, and subsequently Christian, literature. In most religions, even if only symbolically, Paradise is referred to in terms of joyous feasting with all the other righteous. Among the Jews around the time of Jesus, it was normal to eat reclining on the left elbow on couches, with the right arm at liberty to eat. As couches were often shared one person would naturally recline “in the bosom” of the person to his left. It was considered a mark of honour to recline in the bosom of the master of a feast (c.f. John 13:23). Therefore, to be in the bosom of Abraham – the father of all the faithful – is to be in a particularly favourable place in the “feast” of the afterlife. The most well-known reference to the bosom of Abraham comes when Jesus tells the story of the “Rich man and Lazarus”, where the beggar ends up in Abraham’s bosom whilst the rich man is in hell (Luke 16:19-31).

Most iconographic representations of Abraham’s bosom in the East, then, are shown in the context of paradise. They show this place of the afterlife quite literally, with numberless child-like souls (c.a. Matt 18:3) nestling in Abraham’s chest, covered partially by his robe. He may also be holding out a sheet which supports the souls. As it is an image of paradise, Abraham is shown as part of a larger picture – most commonly as a small part of a composition of the Last Judgement. Abraham’s bosom can also be found in the bottom corner of the All Saints icon. Here too, though, the image being shown is that of paradise, indicated by the luscious trees in the background (in this late 18th century Russian example, the trees are native “Christmas trees” which would be recognizable to the locals).

More often than not, Abraham is shown with two other patriarchs: his son, Isaac and his grandson, Jacob (renamed Israel in the Old Testament narrative). They are usually shown on either side of Abraham, all seated as befitting a person of honour; sometimes they are also shown “nursing” small souls in their breasts. Jacob might have 12 small men in his breast, indicating the 12 sons – and tribes – of Israel. To include Isaac and Jacob in this image of paradise is no mystery: Jesus also includes the three patriarchs in His images of paradise: “And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt 8:11; emphasis mine). “Sitting down” once again suggests paradise as being in a place of honour (i.e. reclining on the breast of the patriarchs) at a great feast.

As Jesus Christ’s earthly line is traced back through Jacob, Isaac and Abraham. The three are often considered together in the hymns of the Church:

“Let us venerate the greatest of the Fathers: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; for in taking flesh of the Virgin from their line, Christ has been manifested as the Mighty God!” (Ode 4, Canon of the Fathers at Matins)

and

“… for Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were the foundation of the prophets…” (Ode 9, ibid.)

and

“O Sion, city of our God, lift up your voice and celebrate the memory of the Fathers, honoring Abraham, Isaac and Jacob…” (Stichera for the Fathers at Lauds)

The hymns of the Church even present us with the image of all three Patriarchs in paradise, with the saved righteous (and the Mother of God):

“O Virgin, contemplating the bright splendour of your conception, Abraham, the friend of God, together with Isaac, and Jacob, rejoices with the choir of chosen holy ones…” (Ikos from Canon of the Fathers at Matins)

Clearly the images of young souls reclining in the bosom of Abraham are symbolic, as are related images of feasting in paradise with the Three Patriarchs. However, the popularity of the image is precisely because of its “earthiness”. The image was used by Jesus in His teachings, after all: God in the flesh here to tell us ‘fleshy’ stories in order to lead us to Heaven. It is not unsurprising that a very early depiction of Abraham’s bosom (6th century) can be found in the Syrian Monastery in Egypt. As mentioned in another post on the Milk-Giver icon, this monastery was established by monks fleeing the Julian heresy which denied the corruptibility (i.e. human-ness) of Christ’s body before His Resurrection. As well as frescoes showing the Mother of God breast-feeding Jesus, we also find very intimate images of the righteous in Abraham’s bosom:

Here the child-like souls of the righteous are not only feasting with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; they’re not only reclining on the breasts of the patriarchs; they are being hand-fed by them!

“Lord of the living and the dead, the immortal King and Risen Christ, our true God, through the intercessions of… the holy and glorious forefathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob… place the soul of His servants, departed from us, in the dwelling place of the righteous; give rest to them in the bosom of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob; and number them among the saints and have mercy on us, as a good God who loves mankind.” (from the dismissal at the Memorial Service)

Source: https://iconreader.wordpress.com/2017/12/31/icons-of-the-bosom-of-abraham/#more-2521

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