The feast of #Saint #Gabriel the Archangel
In the morning, when Nebuchadnezzar looked from his balcony, he saw four of them walking in the fire. Yesterday we tied three men and threw them out of the fiery furnace, but today I see four of them released and walking in the fire. And immediately he went out of the oven and said to them, come out. They ran out. Not even an ash was found on their clothes. Nebuchadnezzar saw this and said, "Praise be to God, the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who sent his angel and saved the poor." 'King, do you think it's true? It was because of their magic' said the Babylonians. And the king said 'If by magic, save yourselves by your magic for there is none greater than you, and then added the Babylonians to the fire and burned them.
And the king returned the decree with a decree saying that there is no one who can save except the God of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego. (Dan chapter 3)
👉🏾 In addition to the above, here are some of the main works of intercession and mediation that the angel Saint Gabriel is known for, which he performed by the grace given to him from the Creator:-
👉 1st/ He told the prophet Daniel in a vision about what was going to happen. 15:16)
👉 2. Also, in the vision that the prophet Daniel saw again, he said this about the angel, "While I was still praying, the angel I had seen in the vision before, Gabriel, came flying... He taught me and told me... Daniel, I have come now to give you wisdom and understanding" (Dan 9: 21-23)
👉 3rd / Saint Gabriel is the angel who saved Daniel from the lion's mouth.
👉 4th / Saint Gabriel saved the three men named Ananya, Azaria, and Misael from the furnace fire.
👉 5th/ He announced to the priest Zacharias and Saint Elizabeth that they would give birth to John the Baptist in their old age.
👉 6. He announced to the Virgin Mary that the physical word Jesus Christ, who is the cure of the world, would be born from the her.
👉 7th/ He saved St. Jeletan and the child Kirkos from a boiling fire in an iron tank.
👉 8th/ He led the wise men to the city of Bethlehem where the Lord was born, leading them with the sign of a star.
👉 9th/ Old Joseph was told in a dream to take his mother and baby and flee to Egypt.
👉 10/ In addition, Saint Gabriel announced the conception of Samson; He brought forth water for Agar in the desert. He who interpreted the mystery to Daniel; He is an angel appointed over serpents and scorpions.
In general, we find this angel's intercession and guardianship in many readings of the holy books; God has helped us to write to you on the occasion of the monthly holiday that we celebrate today, March 28th, so that we may all receive the intercession and blessings of the angel Saint Gabriel.
Therefore, if the Lord God had not sent his angels to protect us night and morning, day and night, on the road, when we sleep at home and when we get up, Satan's army would have prevent us from having life in this world and the next .
God's prophet, Saint David, said, "No calamity will enter your house. He will raise up angels for you to guard you on your way. They will lift you up with their hands so that your feet will not stumble over a stone..." Telling us about the guardianship and protection of angels.
In another paragraph, he said, "God's angel will live around those who fear him, and will save them." He said that angels will save people who believe in the guardianship and intercession of angels, and that they will save us from physical and spiritual suffering. (Ps 33:7, 90/91:10')
Since angels are appointed to have authority over all creatures, the prophet Enoch told us about the power of intercessor and guardianship of Saint Gabriel saying that he is one of the noble angels appointed over the serpents, the righteous in heaven, and the cherubim. (Enoch 6:7)
May the prayers and supplications of this great angel of light rest upon us
©ዮሐንስ ንስሐ
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On #Faith and #Works
The Sacred Bond of Faith and Works
In the golden words of our Apostle James: "Faith without works is dead" (James 2:20). This is a profound testament to the Orthodox belief: faith, although essential, is but one side of the coin, the other being righteous deeds. Just as the body yearns for the soul to be complete, faith seeks works to find its true meaning.
God’s Revelation and the Moral Imperative
God's revelation to mankind has always been a beacon of hope and guidance. When humanity was submerged in ignorance, it was the innate moral compass, bestowed upon us by the Divine, which signaled the presence of a higher reality. As the Apostle Paul remarks, even those unfamiliar with the law of God demonstrate its truths in their actions (Romans 2:14-15). This moral foundation acts as a testament to God’s omnipresence, guiding each soul towards righteousness.
A Misunderstanding Corrected
There exists a prevalent misconception: "Believe, and salvation is yours." While faith is crucial, devoid of virtuous actions, it resembles a barren tree. This is the very sentiment Saint James conveys when he challenges the hollow proclamation of faith without deeds. Furthermore, echoing the insights of St. John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, a Christian life absent of virtuous conduct is as foundationless as a building suspended in air.
The Lord’s Call for Perfect Works
Our Savior, in His boundless wisdom, presents Himself as the model of humility and love, beckoning us: “Take my yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). His teachings repeatedly emphasize the amalgamation of faith and action. In His parables and sermons, Christ elucidates that belief is actualized through charity, love, and service.
Being the Salt of the Earth
As Christ's followers, we are reminded of our distinctive role in the world: “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13). Our faith, if true and unwavering, must infuse the world with virtue and righteousness. It is not enough to resist temptation; we must actively pursue goodness, embodying the Gospel in every deed.
Demons Believe, But Do Not Act
A belief without righteousness is empty, and this truth is exemplified when demons recognize Christ's divinity. As it is written, even the unclean spirits knew Him and trembled before His majesty (Mark 3:11; Mark 5:5-8). Yet, this recognition did not translate to righteous deeds or salvation. Thus, mere belief, even if rooted in profound truths, is insufficient for salvation.
The Present World and Our Moral Duty
Our world today, marred by conflict and division, yearns for the light of Christ’s teachings. Faith and works, in harmonious unison, can offer solace and healing. As the Psalmist aptly declares, “Depart from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).
In conclusion, beloved in Christ, while faith plants the seed of salvation, it is through our works that this seed sprouts and blossoms. Let us, therefore, ardently strive to ensure that our faith is not merely a proclamation but a living testament reflected in our every deed.
© John's Repentance
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