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June 22, 2016 + Why Does the Good Lord Permit Assaults on the Orthodox Church?

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by St. Nikolai Velimirovich

Why does the good Lord permit assaults and sufferings on the True Faith while He permits the pleasure of tranquility to heresies and paganism? Why? Even St. John Chrysostom asks and immediately replies: "So that you would recognize their weakness (the weakness of the heresies and paganism) when you see that they disintegrate on their own without any disturbance and also to be convinced in the power of faith which endures misfortunes and even multiplies through its adversaries.""Therefore, if we quarrel with the pagans or with the wretched Jews, it is sufficient to emphasize as evidence of divine power that the Faith (Christianity) which was subjected to countless struggles maintained victory" even when the entire world stood against her [the Church]. St. Isaac the Syrian says: "The wondrous love of God toward man is recognized when man is in misfortunes that are destroying his hope. Here, God manifests His power for his [man's] salvation. For man never recognizes the power of God in tranquility and freedom." 

The Prologue of Ohrid: Lives of the Saints, All Sebastian Press Publications

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Hieromartyr Eusebias of Samosata

Troparion — Tone 4

By sharing in the ways of the Apostles, you became you became a successor to their throne.
Through the practice of virtue, you found the way to divine contemplation,
O inspired one of God;
by teaching the word of truth without error, you defended the Faith,
even to the shedding of your blood.
Hieromartyr Eusebius, entreat Christ God to save our souls. 

Kontakion — Tone 4

Podoben: “Today You have shown forth...”
You lived piously as a bishop,
and trod the path of martyrdom.
You extinguished idolatrous burnt offerings,
Hierarch Eusebius.
Since you have boldness before Christ God, entreat Him that our souls may be saved!


Readings and Inspiration from the Diocese of Charleston Homepage


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