The Annual Feast of the

About the Annual Feast of the Holy #Trinity: A Profound Reflection on Divine Mystery Beloved in Christ, greetings in the name of the Holy Trinity! Let us immerse ourselves in the sacred teachings surrounding the Feast of the Holy Trinity, celebrated on Tir 7. This solemn occasion not only commemorates divine intervention but also offers a profound lesson in humility, faith, and the unity of the Godhead. The Miracle in Babylon: A Lesson in Obedience The Feast of the Holy Trinity recalls the miraculous events in Sennaor (Babylon), as narrated in Genesis 11:1-9. After the flood, Noah’s descendants multiplied and settled in the wide plains of Babylon. Under the leadership of Nimrod, the people undertook the construction of a great tower. In their arrogance, they aimed to pierce the heavens and defy the divine will, proclaiming, “Let us stab them and keep death away.” This act of rebellion provoked divine intervention. The Holy Trinity, in mercy and justice, disrupted their work, confounding their language and scattering them across the earth. Their unfinished tower stood as a testament to the consequences of human pride and disobedience. The Significance of the Trinity in This Event The Trinity’s intervention in Babylon underscores several key lessons: Divine Authority: All power resides with God, and any endeavor undertaken in arrogance or defiance of divine will is doomed to failure. The Call to Repentance: Humanity is reminded to live in humility and steadfast faith, acknowledging the authority of the Trinity and seeking to align our will with God’s. The Necessity of Baptism: As believers, we are called to baptize our children in the name of the Trinity, wash ourselves with repentance, and remain steadfast in conduct. The Apostle Paul reminds us, “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God in which you are sealed” (Ephesians 4:3). Theological Reflections on the Holy Trinity The concept of the Trinity is both profound and mysterious. Derived from the Ge’ez root meaning "thirty," the term "Trinity" signifies a unity within diversity. This mystery can be understood as both one and three: Unity in Character, Existence, and Will: God is one in essence and purpose. Trinity in Name, Person, and Action: God is revealed as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Scriptural Testimonies to the Trinity The Bible provides numerous insights into the mystery of the Trinity: - Creation: “Let us make man in our image, after our likeness” (Genesis 1:26). Here, the singularity of “God” and the plurality of “us” reflect the unity and distinction within the Trinity. - Fall of Man: “Behold, the man has become like one of us” (Genesis 3:22). This statement highlights the collaborative nature of the Trinity. - Abraham’s Encounter: In Genesis 18, Abraham encountered three visitors under the oaks of Mamre. Though three in appearance, they represented the unified presence of God. Isaiah’s Vision: The seraphim cry, “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts” (Isaiah 6:3), affirming the triune holiness of God. - The Baptism of Christ: At the Jordan River, the voice of the Father, the presence of the Son, and the descent of the Holy Spirit revealed the Trinity in action (Matthew 3:16). - The Transfiguration: On Mount Tabor, the glory of the Trinity was manifest in the radiance of Christ (Matthew 17). Analogies to the Trinity To aid our understanding, analogies are drawn from creation: - The Sun: Comprising a circle, light, and heat, it remains one entity. - Fire: Consisting of flame, brightness, and warmth, it is singular in essence. Similarly, the Trinity, though distinct in persons, is one in essence and will. St. Paul writes, “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all” (2 Corinthians 13:14). The Role of the Trinity in Worship The mystery of the Trinity permeates all aspects of Orthodox faith and practice: The Fast of #Gehad: A Sacred and Transformative Practice Beloved brethren who walk in the light of the Orthodox teachings, may the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Let us delve into the profound depths of the Fast of Gehad, a spiritual treasure of our Holy Church that illuminates the path toward divine union and sanctification. --- Fasting: A Commandment of the Holy Church Fasting is not merely a ritual; it is one of the seven decrees ordained by the Holy Church. It serves as the nourishment of the soul, elevating us toward God, diminishing the dominance of the flesh, and opening the gates of grace. The Fast of Gehad holds a unique place among these practices, intricately tied to the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. --- The Meaning of "Gehad" The term Gehad is a rich tapestry of meaning, signifying "change," "substitution," or "revelation", "revealed". We fast the eve of the nativity and the eve of Epiphany in rememberance of his revelation to us which takes two forms: 1. Revelation through Nativity (Incarnation): The moment when the eternal God, unbounded and omnipotent, took on human form—a short stature, a narrow chest, and a humble presence—to dwell among us in the flesh. 2. Revelation through Baptism: At the Jordan River, Jesus, who had lived among humanity for 30 years without recognition as the Messiah, was revealed when the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended as a dove, and the voice of the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son; listen to Him." --- The Dual Nature of Enlightenment The Fast of Gehad aligns with two sacred moments in the life of Christ: 1. His Birth: The incarnation, where the divine Word became flesh. 2. His Baptism: The manifestation of His divine identity and mission, marking the beginning of His public ministry. These events are not merely historical but deeply theological, revealing the mystery of God becoming man and the salvation that flows through His revealed presence. --- Observance of the Gehad Fast The Gehad fast is intricately linked to the timing of the feast days of Christ's birth and baptism. Here is the structure and significance of this holy observance: 1. When the Feast Falls on Wednesday or Friday: These are traditional fasting days in the Church. On such occasions, the faithful fast on the preceding Tuesday and Thursday to maintain the sanctity of these feast days while honoring the fasting tradition. During these days, believers partake in celebratory meals reflective of the Pentecost feast, breaking the fast with joy in the morning. 2. When the Feast Falls on Sunday: Saturday evening is marked by a complete abstinence from food, preparing the soul for the Sunday celebration. 3. When the Feast Falls on Monday: Saturday and Sunday both become days of preparation and abstinence, though the fasting does not follow the usual grain-and-water regimen of other fasting days. --- The Spiritual Essence of Fasting The Fetha Negest or the law of the Kings articulates the purpose of fasting as follows: Atonement for Wrongdoing: Fasting allows a person to confront and repent for their sins, aligning themselves with God's grace. Obedience to Divine Law: It is an act of love and submission to the Creator who established this holy ordinance. Subduing the Flesh: By denying physical hunger, the soul ascends, free to commune with God. Enhancing the Soul's Value: Through fasting, one grows in humility and is strengthened to follow the prophets' call. Fasting, therefore, is not a mere ritual but a transformative act that connects the believer with God, disciplines the soul, and paves the way for enlightenment.