The Annual Feast of St

The Annual Feast of St. #Mary of Zion: A Profound Celebration Beloved brethren who adhere to the Orthodox faith, let us delve into the deep spiritual significance of the annual Feast of St. Mary of Zion, celebrated on Hedär 21 (November 30 this year). This sacred observance is rooted in profound theological symbolism, historical events, and the enduring veneration of the Holy Virgin Mary, whose life and role as the Ark of Zion embody the divine mystery of our salvation. The Ark of Zion as a Symbol of the Holy Virgin Mary The Holy Virgin Mary is intimately linked to the Ark of Zion in both theology and devotion. As the Ark of the Covenant carried the divine presence, so too did the Virgin Mary bear the incarnate Word of God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The term Zion, meaning "refuge," signifies the spiritual shelter offered to humanity through the Virgin Mary, who is described as the "refuge of God" and the "basis of our salvation." Psalm 86:5 declares, "And of Zion it will be said, 'This one and that one were born in her; And the Most High Himself shall establish her.'” reflecting how Christ, the new Adam, entered the world through her womb to free humanity from the bondage of sin and death. For nine months and five days, the Holy Virgin carried Christ within her, becoming the living throne of the Almighty. She is exalted by the Orthodox faithful as pure and holy, both in spirit and body, covered in "fine gold inside and outside," signifying her unblemished virginity and purity. The Biblical Foreshadowing of the Ark of the Covenant The Ark of Zion, crafted by Moses according to God’s command, held the two stone tablets inscribed with the Law (Deuteronomy 10:1-4). This Ark prefigured the Virgin Mary, whose womb carried the eternal Word of God. Just as the Ark was made of incorruptible wood, signifying purity, the Virgin Mary’s sinless nature made her worthy to bear the Incarnate Word. The gold that adorned the Ark symbolizes her inner and outer sanctity. The Israelites carried the Ark into battle, and it brought them victory over their enemies. However, when they sinned, God allowed the Ark to be captured by the Philistines, who placed it in the temple of their god Dagon. The Ark's power was manifest when Dagon fell prostrate before it, his head and hands severed. Furthermore, plagues afflicted the Philistine cities until they returned the Ark. This narrative (1 Samuel 4:1-11) illustrates the Ark's sanctity and its divine power, foreshadowing the Virgin Mary's role as the bearer of God's presence. Historical Significance and Ethiopian Tradition The Ark of Zion is central to Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity. According to tradition, Menelik I, the son of King Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, brought the Ark to Ethiopia. It was housed in Axum, a city revered as a spiritual center. Over centuries, the Ark became a symbol of Ethiopian identity and faith, celebrated in song, procession, and liturgy. The Feast of St. Mary of Zion on Hedär 21 commemorates pivotal events: 1. The Vision of Prophet Zechariah: He saw Zion as a source of divine seals, pointing to the sanctity of the Virgin Mary and her role in salvation. 2. Menelik I’s Entry into Axum: The Ark of Zion’s arrival in Ethiopia marked the divine favor bestowed upon the land. 3. The Role of Yodit Gudit: Even during times of turmoil, the Ark remained a symbol of continuity and peace. 4. The Temple of Abraha and Atsba: In the early 4th century, a grand temple was constructed in Axum, signifying the Ark’s centrality to worship. The consecration of this temple and the celebration of the Mass in Axum further solidified Hedär 21 as a holy day. Theological Reflection and Spiritual Devotion About #Forgiveness Question፦ I have a question about retaliating and responding to evil with good. If a person is responding to mean people with good. Does the person also have to tolerate mean people and stay close to them if they are friends or family? Or can the person create boundaries and distance while being nice whenever they see them? In the bible it says, “If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. “ (Luke 6:29). Is this saying if someone is hurting you to keep letting them do that or what is the meaning of this verse? Thank you! Answer፦ Peace be upon you, my child. It warms my heart that you seek clarity on these matters, for the path of righteousness is often shrouded in the mists of human misinterpretation. You ask a poignant question about the delicate balance between enduring evil and establishing boundaries. Indeed, our Lord instructed us to "turn the other cheek" (Luke 6:29). This, however, does not advocate for becoming a passive recipient of mistreatment. The essence of this teaching lies in breaking the cycle of retaliation, in responding to hatred with a love so profound that it disarms the aggressor. Turning the other cheek is an act of strength, not weakness. It is a conscious choice to meet aggression with unexpected grace, to extinguish the flames of anger with the living waters of forgiveness. However, forgiveness does not necessitate enduring further harm. As Proverbs 22:3 reminds us, "The prudent see danger and take refuge, but the simple keep going and suffer for it." Setting boundaries is not an act of vengeance but an act of self-preservation, allowing you to interact with others from a place of strength and love, rather than from a place of woundedness. Remember, my child, that even our Lord Jesus Christ, the epitome of love and forgiveness, withdrew from those who sought to harm Him when the time was not right. He was not obligated to subject Himself to their malice constantly. Therefore, creating distance from those who consistently inflict pain, even if they are family or friends, can be an act of wisdom. This distance allows you to pray for them, to love them from afar, and to create a space of peace within your own heart. Continue to act with kindness and grace, but do not mistake this for an obligation to endure ongoing harm. Seek the guidance of your spiritual father, who can offer personalized counsel based on your specific circumstances. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. May the name of the Holy God be praised forever and ever in every tongue that He has created, today and always. May the blessings of God's mother, the virgin, and the cross be upon us. Amen. © John's Repentance Reach out to us on our social media platforms and share it with your friends: https://linktr.ee/johnsrepentance