Translation from the Book

Ὁ Θεός στήν ἱστορία τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, Βοήθημα Κατωτέρου Κατηχητικοῦ Γ΄,

ἐκδ. «Χριστιανική Ἐλπίς» Ὀρθόδοξη Ἀδελφότητα, Θεσσαλονίκη 2016, σσ. 42-46

A saint of the twentieth century
(November 9th)

  Have you ever realized that we might have a saint living among us? You might be wondering how this is possible in our time. Do not think that this is strange. Every age, even ours, has its saints. And these saints move very simply and silently among us, that is why no one realizes their presence immediately.
  Saint Nektarios was a simple child. He was the fifth out of six children from a poor family. When he was thirteen years old, in 1859, he left his birthplace, Silivria in eastern Thrace, and went to Constantinople to find work and get educated.
  He was a young child, but with strong faith. That is why he was not afraid in the face of difficulties. The merchant, near whom he would work, was suddenly forced to immigrate to a faraway place. Therefore, young Anastasis - that was his baptismal name - could not follow him. Thus, he found himself in the big city alone, unknown among strangers. He was not alone, though. He had an inseparable friend and companion, Jesus Christ, whom he believed in and loved. With His power he could face the problems of life with courage.
  He found work in a workshop where he had to stack tobacco balls in large boxes and crates. He had to work from very early in the morning until late at night. Unfortunately, his boss was constantly angry, he was furious at everyone. However, Anastasis did not lose his courage. Every day he did his prayer and started his work with confidence.
  And when night came, he had a special joy. He carried out a secret missionary plan that he had come up with: He took separately more than fifty wrappers, in which the boxes with the tobacco were wrapped, and he wrote passages from the Bible and words of the Fathers on them! He had collected such passages in a thick notebook, which he carried with him. He had learned a lot of them by heart, as well. He felt so happy that he could offer them to people! This poor man could donate the most precious pearls! And how wonderful! Ever since Anastasis started this beautiful habit, his work started flourishing. The orders they would get were increasing!
  But as winter arrived, poverty hit Anastasis hard. Because of time and effort, his clothes and his shoes were worn out. That year, the winter was heavy, with a lot of snow and endless rains. The child was cold and he suffered terribly. One night, he decided to approach his boss and ask for help. But he looked at him with contempt and spoke sternly to him. He showed no desire to support him.
  Anastasis soaked his pillow in tears that night. When he fell asleep for a while, he saw in his dream the omnipotent Christ. He asked him why he was crying, but he could not answer. When he woke up, it was still dawn, so he decided to write a letter. He took a piece of paper and a pencil and wrote: "Christ, you asked me why I was crying. My clothes and my shoes are worn out, my toes have come out and I suffer. I'm cold in the winter now. I went to my boss yesterday and he sent me away ... Christ, what can I do? Forgive me for bothering you. I worship and adore you, your slave Anastasios ". The child with the simple but strong faith put his letter in an envelope and wrote: "For the Lord Jesus Christ". Address: "To heaven".
  It was still dawn when he set off for the post office. He had to post other letters, as well. On the way to the post office, he met his neighbor, Mr. Themistoklis, who had a shop with frames opposite his workplace. He was also going to the post office. Seeing Anastasis running with holes in his shoes in the cold morning, he felt sorry for him and was he showed willingness to post his letters, too.
  Α week later, Anastasis was in for an unexpected surprise. He received a postal parcel. Sender: Jesus Christ! So, did he receive his letter? And now what does he send him? With trembling hands, full of wonder and emotion Anastasis opened the package. His eyes watered. The package contained brand new clothes and shoes! He fell on his knees and thanked his beloved Christ with tears.
  However, his sufferings were not over. His boss, as soon as he saw him well dressed, made some evil thoughts. He thought that Anastasis had stolen his new clothes and shoes, and started beating him mercilessly. "I'm not a thief, I'm not a thief, sir," the child repeated, crying.
  The neighbor heard their voices and immediately ran to reveal the truth. He was the "angel" who had sent the parcel on behalf of Christ. He was surprised when he saw the envelope with Jesus Christ and read its contents. Moved by the child's need and fervent prayer, he wanted to give him a present. Nevertheless, Anastasis was in for a second gift by Mr. Themistoklis: He was hired in his shop, to work in better conditions.
  After a few years, the little boy grew up. He became a teacher and later a monk, called "Nektarios". He studied at the Theological School of Athens and rose to high ecclesiastical positions in Alexandria, Egypt, until he became bishop of the Diocese of Pentapolis. However, his adventures in life were not over. Some people envied Saint Nektarios and slandered him with numerous false accusations. It is worthwhile to become familiar with his life in more detail, so as to admire the bravery of his soul, his trust in God, and his forbearance. Despite being very poor, and not having to eat for a few days, he did not say a bad word about any of his enemies.
  Later, he became director of the Rizarios Ecclesiastical School of Athens. Students there were destined to become theologians or priests. Saint Nektarios preached about faith and love to them. He used to lead by example. One night, he was cleaning the toilets of the school when he was "caught in the act" by the school principal. Why would he do such a thing? Well, the cleaner and his assistant, who constantly quarreled with each other, would often leave the toilets dirty, so Saint Nektarios did the job for them so as not to lose their salaries. His humiliation shocked both of them and they decided to change their behavior.
  Saint Nektarios remained humble until the end of his life, without malice for his enemies. That is why God glorified him. Immediately after his death, on November 9, 1920, the saint began to scent and perform miracles. Today in the island of Aegina a glorious temple has been erected in his name and many pilgrims embrace his holy relics with reverence.
  Saint Nektarios is a saint of the twentieth century. A lot of other saints followed: Saint Paisios, Saint Porphyrios, Saint Iakovos, Saint Sophia of Kleisoura. Our world has been constantly sending saints to heaven for centuries now. That's why we said in the beginning that maybe saints walk among us.
  What if a lot of people are falling more and more into corruption? There are always the few chosen of God. And they are "the salt of the earth" and "the light of the world" (Mt 5: 13, 14). We put a little salt in the food, but it makes it taste better. And a small candle is enough with its small flame to light the deep darkness. So, the few people of God make the lives of people "tastier" and beautiful and they enlighten the world with the light of hope. May all of us, with the help of Saint Nektarios and the desire to "become a saint" in our hearts, believe and love Christ with all the power of our hearts! Amen.

Copyright © 2021 by Orthodox Christian Association «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ. All rights reserved.

Translation from the Book

Ὁ Θεός στήν ἱστορία τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, Βοήθημα Κατωτέρου Κατηχητικοῦ Γ΄,

ἐκδ. «Χριστιανική Ἐλπίς» Ὀρθόδοξη Ἀδελφότητα, Θεσσαλονίκη 2016, σσ. 12-17

  Do you know any other great apostle of Christ besides the Twelve Apostles? Apostle Paul!
  Do you know who was Paul before he met Christ? He was a fierce persecutor of Christians! He entered Christian houses, grabbed men and women and sent them to prison. Everyone was afraid and terrified because of him. He chased Christians not only in Jerusalem but also in other cities. He aimed to drag them all in chains to Jerusalem, leave none free.
  Why so much hatred? What Christ and His students were to be blamed for? Paul was a pure Jew. He loved God, he studied the Old Testament and he followed precisely its law. When he heard about Jesus, he thought that a new religion had emerged, which misled Jews from the worship of the real God. This infuriated him! He wished to eradicate Jesus's name and exterminate His followers.
  His actions were as a result of his zeal for the real God and his ignorance, so God did not leave him in the dark for long. He opened the eyes of his soul in a wondrous way.
  Paul was on his way to Damascus in Syria in order to arrest Christians. As he was approaching to the city, suddenly a light from the sky shone brightly around him. Dazzled and blinded he fell down. While he was lying on the ground he heard a voice; "Saul Saul why are you chasing me? (Saul was his Hebrew name and Paul his roman one). Who is talking to him? Where is the voice coming from?
- "Who are you Lord?", startled Paul asked.
- "I am Jesus whom you are chasing", the Unknown's voice replied. "Stand up and go to Damascus where you shall find what you have to do."
  The men of his company were also startled! They heard the voice but they could see nobody! When Paul stood up, his eyes were open but he couldn't see. His escort guided him by holding his hand until they reached Damascus. There he stayed for three days and three nights without being able to see. He neither ate nor drank anything.
  A pious Christian, named Ananias lived in Damascus. He received Christ's command to go to meet Paul and cure him. Ananias was hesitant at first.
- My Lord I have heard a lot about this man. Christians of Jerusalem have suffered immensely due to him! He came here with the same purpose, to bring bound to Jerusalem those who believe in You.
- Go Ananias, the Lord replied, for I have chosen him to preach my gospel to heathens as well.
  Indeed, Ananias went to the house where Paul was staying. He put his hands on him and said; "Saul, my brother, Jesus who revealed Himself to you on your way, sent me to you so that your vision is restored and you receive the Holy Spirit". Then something like scales fell off Paul's eyes! He could see! More importantly, he could see more clearly with the eyes of his soul that Christ was the real God. He was then baptized and he became a fiery apostle of Christ.
  He started preaching immediately. He went to the synagogues, places where Jews gathered to study the Old Testament, and he explained that Jesus is the Messiah whom prophets spoke of, using unarguable points. He confirmed Jesus is the Son of God.
  Everybody was surprised. "Isn't this man the fearsome prosecutor of Christians?" they wondered. Fanatic Jews even came up with a devious plan to kill him. They put guards at the gates of Damascus and waited for him to cross in order to kill him!
  Some Christians found out about this plan. For this reason, they lowered Paul down from the walls of Damascus, hidden in a big basket! Paul left Damascus and returned to Jerusalem.
  There fanatic Jews sought again to kill him. Therefore, Christians helped him escape and he found refuge in his hometown Tarsus.
  What did Paul do after this adventure? Was he scared? Did he cower in some corner and was silenced? No! Be proud of how the fiery apostle threw himself in the missionary work!
  From place to place, from town to town he speaks of Christ and His Resurrection. Think of the fact that there weren't advanced means of transportation at his time. He travels on foot for uncountable kilometers! He walks across dirt roads, over mountains and across the coast side. He doesn't spare fatigue or the threats against his life. In Lystra he is stoned and almost killed. The moment some Christians helped him up, he continued his mission with his wounds still open! Nothing could restrain him. He had only one wish, burning in his heart; to preach the Gospel to the whole world! Indeed he managed to preach not only in Palestine and several cities in Asia, but he also crossed seas, he reached Cyprus, Greece and even Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire. In other words, he traversed the whole known world of that era.
  Do you know where he preached in Greece? In Philippi, Thessaloniki, Veria, Athens, Corinth. He is the apostle of Greece! He was the first to bring the light of the Gospel and destroy the darkness of idolatry. In this wondrous work he had valuable partners, his student Timothy, the evangelist Luke, Silas and others.
  While he was touring the world, he was writing letters and epistles to Christians who lived in the cities he had passed or to his students, giving advice, resolving problems and answering questions. 14 Epistles are included in the New Testament, written under the influence of the Holy Spirit. Among them there are the Epistle to the Phillipians, two Epistles to the Thessalonians and two to the Corinthians.

Mission

  Paul the apostle dedicated his life to a great cause; preaching the Gospel of Christ everywhere. Wherever he went he was the mouth of Christ.
  Nowadays God is searching for children - not adults only- to give them this sacred mission too; to become His mouth, to carry His words, His truth, His light to all the people who don't know Him.
  There are kids in your school who know very few about Christ and His Gospel. There are people in your neighborhood, maybe even in your family, among your relatives who don't go to church, don't read the Holy Scripture, don't pray. Who will talk to them about Christ? Who will show them the right path?
God is searching. Will he find children who love Him to start a mission?
  ♦ To invite other kids to come to the Sunday school.
  ♦ To bring younger and older people to the church on Sunday.
  ♦ To give advise using Christ's words.
  ♦ To encourage others to read the Holy Scripture.
  ♦ To introduce a Christian magazine, to give a gift a Christian book.
  Το not rest unless they guide a soul towards Christ! Children who love Christ ask at their prayers; "Christ, please help me bring a soul closer to You!"
  Mission is the biggest benefaction. A former heathen who got baptized said; "If I am found worthy to go to heaven, firstly I will run and kneel before Christ for saving me with His sacrifice on the Cross. Immediately after, I will run and kiss the hands of the missionary who talked to me about Christ. He is my greatest benefactor since he is the person who introduced me to Christ my redeemer!"
  Imagine ourselves being able to offer such a great benefaction; to help people learn about Christ! Is there something else that can manage to give us more happiness than that?

Paul the Apostle of Christ
you spread His Word worldwide
His sacred message nowadays
please help me assert likewise!

Copyright © 2021 by Orthodox Christian Association «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ. All rights reserved.

 The Liturgy of the Faithful

  It’s time for the Great Entrance now. The priest comes out through the northern door, proceeds and comes before the Beautiful Gate. The congregation with their heads bowed in reverence welcome the precious gifts. Then the priest says: “May the Lord, our God, remember us all in his Kingdom, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.” These words are a petition to Christ. They are taken from the prayer which the grateful thief, who was crucified to the right of Christ, said, “Remember me, Lord, when you come into your kingdom” (Lk 23:42). At that moment of the Divine Liturgy, we remember this grateful criminal and we repeat his moving and touching prayer. He is presented as an example of faith and sincere repentance. No one is born a criminal or a saint. He becomes one. A child may be born with a heavy heredity which he receives from his parents and may have the inclination and tendency towards crime. But in spite of the pressure the sinful nature exercises on man, he is still free to choose the good or the bad.

   All of us know from the Holy Gospels that Pontius Pilate, the governor of Judea, made a great effort that Christ might not be condemned to death, as his fanatic enemies were asking. Pilate having in his mind a custom which took place during the holy day of Passover, according to which the governor would spare the life of a condemned convict, whoever the people wanted, proposed to set Christ free. But the mob which was made fanatical by the archpriests, the scribes and the pharisees, cried out “no”! Pilate retreated and signed the condemnation of Christ. Two thieves were to be executed together with him.
   So, the two thieves with Christ between them, carrying their crosses, climbed to terrible Golgotha. Many people accompanied them. Christ’s enemies even in this hour, cursed and mocked him. The two thieves were influenced by the general clamor and they too, were insulting him.
  But Christ on the cross, before delivering up his spirit to the heavenly Father, did a miracle. One of the thieves who was crucified at Christ’s right side, realized that Christ was not a common man, because he hid in himself an unattainable grandeur. In the cruel hours of the crucifixion, when people lost control of themselves, cursed and swore, Christ blessed and prayed for his crucifiers. His words “Forgive them, Father; for they do not Know what they do” (Lk 23:34), touched the thief’s heart. He undertook Christ’s defense and rebuked the other thief. If he were free, he would fall before Christ’s feet and ask for his mercy. His body was tied but his soul was free and flew to heavenly worlds and directed a prayer. It is a prayer which since then and until the end of the ages will touch the sinners’ hearts and will be their own prayer: “Remember me, Lord, when you come into your kingdom” (Lk 23:42).

Translation from the book:

Στεργίου Ν. Σάκκου, Ἑρμηνεία στό κατά Λουκᾶν Εὐαγγέλιο, τόμ. Α΄, 

ἐκδ. «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ, Θεσ/νίκη 2008, σσ. 122-130

(Stergios N. Sakkos [Read CV], A Commentary on the Gospel according to St. Luke, vol. A', pp. 122-130)

  It was the first time in 2:41-52 when Jesus revealed who he was, that God is his father. It is particularly interesting that already at the age of twelve Jesus identified himself as the Son of God. Then, during his public ministry, he gradually revealed his God-man nature through his preaching and signs. This passage also informs us where and how Jesus lived until the beginning of his public ministry, up to the age of thirty.

2,41. Καὶ ἐπορεύοντο οἱ γονεῖς αὐτοῦ κατ᾿ ἔτος εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ τῇ ἑορτῇ τοῦ πάσχα.
2:41 His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

  The family environment in which Jesus was born and raised was distinguished for the reverent observance of their ancestors’ Judaic traditions. According to the law (see Ex 23:14-17; 34:23-24; Lev ch. 23; Deut 16:1-17), the pious Israelites visited the temple of Solomon every year on the three great feasts: Passover, Pentecost and Tabernacles. Later, due to the dispersion in various places this was not easy. The people of Palestine, however, tried to go to the temple at least once a year. The law required only men to attend the feasts (see Ex 34:23). However, any pious women who wished to go were also allowed to be there. Mary followed Joseph “every year”, to Jerusalem on the feast of the Passover.
  The distance from Nazareth to Jerusalem was quite significant. The journey, which was made on foot or by animal, took about three days. Many times, the Samaritans prevented the Jews from passing through their country or the Jews themselves avoided passing through Samaria. So, they had to cross the Perea in order to avoid Samaria. The journey became more tiring and time-consuming. But their desire to get to God’s temple and meet with other brethren, overcame all obstacles. On their ascent to Jerusalem, they sang the “Song of Ascents” (see Ps 120-134 (119-133).

2,42. Καὶ ὅτε ἐγένετο ἐτῶν δώδεκα, ἀναβάντων αὐτῶν εἰς Ἰεροσόλυμα κατὰ τὸ ἔθος τῆς ἑορτῆς.
2:42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast.

  Every year Joseph and Mary went to Jerusalem on the days of the Passover but it is not stated whether they took Jesus with them. In the incident recorded by Luke, it was probably the first time Jesus had ever gone up to Jerusalem. According to the rabbis’ teaching, the boy of a Jewish family was to begin his sacred studies at the age of five. When he was in his twelfth year, he was to know Yahweh’s whole law, he was called “son of the law”, was considered an adult and was obliged to observe the legal regulations as an adult. At this age he also began to attend the synagogue.
  In the earlier years Joseph and Mary probably did not take Jesus in Jerusalem, because they considered it dangerous for him to appear there, while King Archelaus was in power (see Mt 2:22-23). He was Herod’s son, just as wicked as his father who murdered the little children. But after nine years of reigning, Archelaus had already been exiled to Switzerland. To this nine-year period, if we add two more years, corresponding to the age of Jesus on his return from Egypt, we conclude that Archelaus' exile coincided with the completion of Jesus' eleventh year. Therefore, Jesus who was twelve years old, could have been presented fearlessly in Jerusalem.
  For the expression “they went up to Jerusalem” see comments on 2:4.

2,43. καὶ τελειωσάντων τὰς ἡμέρας, ἐν τῷ ὑποστρέφειν αὐτοὺς ὑπέμεινεν Ἰησοῦς ὁ παῖς ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ, καὶ οὐκ ἔγνω Ἰωσὴφ καὶ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ.
2:43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the boy Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem, and Joseph and his mother did not know it.

  Seven days lasted the celebration of the Passover, during which the Jews ate unleavened bread (see Lev 23:6; Deut 1:3), as their ancestors had eaten before they had left Egypt (see Ex 12:8; 15). The believers, however, were obliged to stay in Jerusalem on the two main days of the feast. They made sure they were there on the eve of the 14th of Nisan, ate the Passover lamb with bitter greens, and left on the third day. Many, of course, who came from distant lands stayed in the holy city until they also celebrated Pentecost (cf. Acts 2:5). The Galileans, poor people, usually came for two or three days and then returned to their work; those who could, came again for Pentecost. Luke notes “when they had fulfilled the days” to show that the holy family remained in Jerusalem for the seven days of the feast.
  Joseph and the virgin Mary, therefore, after the end of the feast, set out for their homeland. But Jesus did not return with them; he “remained”, he stayed behind. By divine providence, “Joseph and his mother did not know it” did not perceive Jesus’ absence, lest they should prevent him from fulfilling his plan. Many, of course, wonder how it was possible that the parents could not have been aware of the child's absence during the whole day. The question is solved in the following verses.

2,44-45. Νομίσαντες δὲ αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ συνοδίᾳ εἶναι ἦλθον ἡμέρας ὁδὸν καὶ ἀνεζήτουν αὐτὸν ἐν τοῖς συγγενέσι καὶ ἐν τοῖς γνωστοῖς· καὶ μὴ εὑρόντες αὐτὸν ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς Ἰερουσαλὴμ ζητοῦντες αὐτόν.
2:44-45 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day's journey; and they sought him among their relatives and acquaintances; and when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking him.

  All those who travelled to Jerusalem formed a great caravan. The women with the little children marched in front, and the men with the older ones behind. So, Jesus' mother thought that the child was with Joseph, while Joseph thought that Jesus was with his mother. After all, they trusted him completely. His exemplary obedience and his amazing prudence had never caused them any worry. So, they did not seek him out until the time they had to settle in for the night. Because they could not find him among the relatives and acquaintances, among whom they sought him, they returned to Jerusalem.

2,46-47. Καὶ ἐγένετο μεθ᾿ ἡμέρας τρεῖς εὗρον αὐτὸν ἐν τῷ ἱερῷ καθεζόμενον ἐν μέσῳ τῶν διδασκάλων καὶ ἀκούοντα αὐτῶν καὶ ἐπερωτῶντα αὐτούς· ἐξίσταντο δὲ πάντες οἱ ἀκούοντες αὐτοῦ ἐπὶ τῇ συνέσει καὶ ταῖς ἀποκρίσεσιν αὐτοῦ.
2:46-47 After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the rabbis, listening to them and asking them questions; and all who heard him were amazed at at his intelligence and his answers.

  Jesus was found “after three days”; on the evening of the first day Joseph and the Virgin realized his absence, on the second day they returned -"went a day's journey" again (v. 44)- and on the third they found him. He was “in the temple”, in one of the galleries where the teachers of the law taught. It seems that even after the end of the feast some Jews of the diaspora remained in Palestine. The pious teachers stayed in the temple and taught God’s law. Jesus participated in such a group, too.
  The expression “sitting among the rabbis” shows that the Lord took the place of the teacher. He was evidently listening to the rabbis’ teaching and was asking his questions as a disciple, since Joseph and the virgin Mary found him “listening to them and asking them questions”. But such was his wisdom that he quickly turned his teachers into disciples. There were, moreover, certain issues which the rabbis ignored and others which they misunderstood. Jesus clarified many points, answered questions, and offered valuable knowledge. Everyone who heard him was “amazed”, astonished, and filled with admiration. A twelve-year-old child made them hang on his every word!
  It is not stated what the subject of their discussion was. It might had been on the hot issue which preoccupied the Jews: the coming of the Messiah, the hope of Israel, the redemption. Perhaps he explained to them that the kingdom of the Son of Man would not be earthly, perhaps he would also allude to his passion. We do not know for sure. But we can assume all these, as they became later Jesus’ preaching and revelation.

2,48. Καὶ ἰδόντες αὐτὸν ἐξεπλάγησαν, καὶ πρὸς αὐτὸν ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ εἶπε· τέκνον, τί ἐποίησας ἡμῖν οὕτως; ἰδοὺ ὁ πατήρ σου κἀγὼ ὀδυνώμενοι ἐζητοῦμέν σε.
2:48 When they saw him, they were astonished and his mother said to him; "My child, why have you behaved thus to us? Behold your father and I have been searching for you anxiously."

  Joseph and the virgin Mary “were astonished”, marvelled and wondered at the place where they found the child, and at the words which they heard. As is evident from their surprise, they did not immediately interrupt him, but listened to his dialogue with the teachers who surrounded him. There were also some other instances for which they were amazed because of the little Jesus (see Lk 2:18. 33). Now another fact was added that made a special impression on them.
  With the anxiety of a loving mother, Mary was the first to speak. She, after all, was more closely connected with the child than Joseph. She did not, of course, rebuke Jesus. She expressed her wonder, “why have you behaved thus to us”, she is unaware of the reason for his action which caused them disturbance and sorrow. “Your father and I have been searching for you anxiously" his mother emphasized. As it is known from the historians of that time, Palestine was living through days of great political upheaval and national turmoil. Jerusalem, as a national and religious centre, was the focus of revolutions and rebellions against the conquerors. It became therefore, obvious that the parents' anxiety over the absence of young Jesus, was intensified.
  Mary called Joseph Jesus’ "father", because that was how he appeared in the people’s eyes.

2,49. Καὶ εἶπε πρὸς αὐτούς· τί ὅτι ἐζητεῖτέ με; οὐκ ᾔδειτε ὅτι ἐν τοῖς τοῦ πατρός μου δεῖ εἶναί με;
2:49 And he said to them, "How is it that you sought me? Did you not know that I must be in my father's house?"

  This short verse reveals great truths. Some argue that Jesus' conversation with his mother took place in private, when they had already departed from the teachers. But Jesus' response, which shows his intention to reveal his divine nature, does not lead to such a conclusion.
  Jesus rebuked his parents because they were worried. Was it possible for him to be lost? Shouldn't they have known where to find him after all the hints they had about him? Moreover, when his mother said to him, "your father and I have been searching for you anxiously", Jesus gently but firmly corrected her, saying, "Did you not know that I must be in my father's house?" She spoke to him of his supposed father; but he revealed his real father, revealing that he is God’s Son (cf. Jn 5:18). These are Jesus’ first words, recorded in the Gospels, his first preaching, before he even began his public ministry.
  No one before Jesus called God his father. Later, through the Sunday prayer, he taught his disciples to call him so. This is the name of God, which Jesus revealed -according to his word "I have manifested your name to men" (Jn 17:6)- that God is triune and is our Father. This sweet name we ourselves also pronounce. For Jesus, of course, God is his natural father but we are his children thanks to his grace (cf. Jn 20:17; Rom 8:14-17; Gal 4:6-7).

2,50. Καὶ αὐτοὶ οὐ συνῆκαν τὸ ῥῆμα ὃ ἐλάλησεν αὐτοῖς.
2:50 And they did not understand the saying which he spoke to them.

  Luke inserted this verse into the narrative of this incident, probably an explanation of the Virgin herself, to show that Jesus' words contain a depth that could not be explored. Joseph and Mary gradually penetrated it. At that particular moment they could not understand why Jesus made this revelation, the proclamation that God is his Father. Would he begin his public ministry or would he continue to be with them?

2,51. Καὶ κατέβη μετ᾿ αὐτῶν καὶ ἦλθεν εἰς Ναζαρέτ, καὶ ἦν ὑποτασσόμενος αὐτοῖς. Καὶ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ διετήρει πάντα τὰ ῥήματα ταῦτα ἐν τῇ καρδίᾳ αὐτῆς.
2:51 And he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. And his mother kept all these incidents in her heart.

  The phrase “was obedient to them” briefly summarizes Jesus’ life up to the age of 30 years old. Jesus is a model of submission for all children. He, to whom everything is submitted, submitted to Joseph and worked with him! Not even to angels were granted such an honor to that which was done to Jesus’ "parents". Indeed, after the event described in this passage, it seemed that he could be freed from their guardianship. But until he took up his public ministry, he continued to live humbly and informally, poorly and simply, in obedience to Joseph, his supposed father, and to the virgin Mary, his mother. His life in its outward behavior was like that of the other children of the peasants. He spent his days in silence and obscurity, occupied with the daily chores of the family, like David who was caring for his father's sheep, like Jeremiah in his priestly family in the Anathoth of the Benjamin’s land, like Amos in the little town of Tekoa among his sheep and the sycamore trees which he cultivated.
Nowhere else in the rest of the Gospel do we find Joseph. We conclude from this that Joseph died before Jesus began his public ministry.
  The Virgin always “kept all these incidents in her heart”, she kept in her heart all the miraculous events concerning Jesus (cf. v. 19). Much more, of course, she kept as a precious treasure the words and deeds of her own son. Besides, mothers undoubtedly record in their memory with historical consistency the details of their children's early years. The evangelist Luke's observations on the inner world of the virgin Mary is another proof that reinforces the view that Jesus’ mother was the basic and fully reliable source of his information.

2,52. Καὶ Ἰησοῦς προέκοπτε σοφίᾳ καὶ ἡλικίᾳ καὶ χάριτι παρὰ Θεῷ καὶ ἀνθρώποις.
2:52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man.

  Luke points out the threefold progress that Jesus displayed as a child; he increased in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and man. That is, the more he grew in age, the more his wisdom (see comments on v. 40) and grace increased in the eyes of God and men; "he satisfied God with his deeds and people praised him".

Copyright © 2021 by Orthodox Christian Association «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Στ. Ν. Σάκκου

Translation from the Book

Ὁ Θεός στήν ἱστορία τῆς Ἐκκλησίας, Βοήθημα Κατωτέρου Κατηχητικοῦ Γ΄,

ἐκδ. «Χριστιανική Ἐλπίς» Ὀρθόδοξη Ἀδελφότητα, Θεσσαλονίκη 2016, σσ. 7-11

  Have you ever met someone who can speak several foreign languages? It needs a lot of effort and an aptitude in order to be able to communicate in many languages.
  Yet, some low-educated people managed to talk all the known languages in a single day - no, it's better to say in a moment! Listen to the incident, as it is described in one of the books of the New Testament which is called "Acts of the Apostles".
  Jerusalem was crowded. It had been about fifty days since Passover, the greatest Jewish feast day. Do you remember what Jews celebrated on Passover? The miraculous passing through the Red Sea, their liberation from slavery in Egypt. Since it was their most important religious celebration, they made sure to be in Jerusalem during that time, even those who lived far away. In addition, most of them decided to stay in Jerusalem until Pentecost, another important feast day. It was a harvesting celebration, meaning that they rejoiced in collecting the first crops. They offered sacrifices in the Temple to thank God for the first crops from the land. It was called Pentecost because this celebration took place fifty days after Passover.
  It was time for the Pentecost celebration, when suddenly there was a commotion in the city of Jerusalem. A loud rumble from the sky, like an extremely strong wind, startled everyone! They rushed to see what was happening. The rumble led them to assemble outside a house. Who lived in that house? Christ's students were gathered there. The loud rumble being heard, twelve fiery tongues, like flames, appeared and spread equally, each above an apostle. At that moment Christ's students were overrun by the Holy Spirit and they started talking in foreign languages!
  The crowd outside heard them talk and they felt curious and impressed! How could those low-educated people speak so many languages? "They come from Galilee, don't they? How is it possible to hear them talk in our own dialect?" people discussed. "Parthians, Medes, habitants of Mesopotamia, of Judah, of Cappadocia, of Pontus, of Asia, of Egypt, of Libya, people who came from Rome, Crete and Arabia, we all hear these men talk in our language!" It's truly bizarre and wondrous! What all these mean?
  Others, however, mocked the apostles. "They are drunk" they dared say. Is that what drunk people look like? The apostles talked with boldness about Christ and preached His Resurrection before the crowds. Their speech was so persuasive that about 3000 people believed in Christ and got baptized that day! Those people constituted the first Church.
  In other words, that day is the birth day of our Church! It was the fiftieth (Pentecost) day after Christ's Resurrection. So, every year, fifty days after Easter we celebrate Pentecost and commemorate the birth day of our Church.
  Since the great day of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit is always among us, both in the Church and with each Christian.
  What is the Holy Spirit? It's neither a spirit, nor a wind, nor a fire. It appeared that way on the day of Pentecost in order to make his presence known. The Holy Spirit is God, the third person of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit).
  Since the day of our baptism, we host the Holy Spirit inside us. He grants us with his gifts: love, happiness, peace, kindness and many more (see Gal 5:22-23).
  His other name shows how much he loves us; he is called Paraclete. What does this word mean? Paraclete is the one who consoles, gives strength and guides to the right pathway.
  The Holy Spirit or Paraclete conducts the seven sacred Mysteries/sacraments of the Orthodox Church; Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, Holy Communion, Unction, Marriage and Ordination.
  Each Mystery or religious Service begins with a prayer to the Holy Spirit. You have definitely heard of it. We recite it here in our church school, too. Let's say it all together.
  What do we ask from the Holy Spirit?
  a) Come and dwell in us; to come and make our heart his home. Of course, he came the day we were baptized. But the Holy Spirit gets sad with our sins, so he is forced to move away. We pray so that the Holy Spirit forgives us and returns in our heart. How wonderful it is to be with Paraclete!
  b) And cleanse us from every stain; to clean us from every sin. When we first received the Holy Spirit on the day we got baptized, our soul became crystal white. However, our sins stain our soul. That's why we plead Paraclete to clean us from our sins.
  c) And save our souls, O Good One. Satan wants to pull our souls away from God. He sets traps for us all the time. We plead the Holy Spirit to keep us safe from every danger that threatens our soul.
Let us pray, either all together here in the church school or when we are alone, let us plead whole-heartedly Paraclete, the Holy Spirit to stay forever inside us and to fill us with Its precious gifts.

You, the Holy Spirit
you are the Heavenly King
Become our strength
Come and inhabit our being

Copyright © 2021 by Orthodox Christian Association «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ. All rights reserved.

Translation from the book:

Στεργίου Ν. Σάκκου, Ἑρμηνεία στό κατά Λουκᾶν Εὐαγγέλιο, τόμ. Α΄, 

ἐκδ. «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ, Θεσ/νίκη 2008, σσ. 108-121

(Stergios N. Sakkos [Read CV], A Commentary on the Gospel according to St. Luke, vol. A', pp. 108-121)

2,22. Καὶ ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι τοῦ καθαρισμοῦ αὐτῶν κατὰ τὸν νόμον Μωϋσέως, ἀνήγαγον αὐτὸν εἰς Ἰεροσόλυμα παραστῆσαι τῷ Κυρίῳ.
2:22 And when the time came for their purification according to the law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord.

  According to the Mosaic ritual, forty days after the birth of a male child and eighty days after the birth of a female child, the mother and her newborn were to present themselves in the temple and offer the appointed sacrifice for the mother’s legal purification (see Lev ch. 12). The Virgin Mary, of course, had no need of purification, because she conceived her son supernaturally by the Holy Spirit and gave birth to him without suffering the slightest bodily injury or change. However, she accepted the purification as her son who accepted the circumcision, so that she would not appear to be breaking the Mosaic law.
  Many fathers and scripture interpreters maintain that the Virgin gave birth to Jesus without pains. This is indeed very likely, both because the infant was of divine origin and because the mother was of exceptional holiness. The mother of the Son of God was not included in the curse that was heard for Eve when she sinned; "in sorrow you shall bring forth children" (Gen 3:16). In the 12th chapter of Revelation, of course, the "woman clothed with the sun", a symbol of the Most Holy Virgin and of the whole Church, appears to have childbirth pains (see Rev 12:1-2). But that is a symbolic expression; it indicates the pain which like a sword struck Virgin Mary’s heart according to Simeon’s prophecy (see v. 35), as well as the difficulties and problems which the enlisted faithful in the Church encounter in all ages.
  Along with the mother’s purification, the dedication of the firstborn boy to God took place. The verb to “present=παραστῆσαι” occurs very often in the Holy Bible as a term denoting the presentation of the sacrifices on the altar during the Levitical worship. It is also used for the presentation of slaves to masters, of workers to employers, of subjects to the king, of soldiers to the general, of the bride to the bridegroom; finally, for the complete surrender of believers to God (see Rom 12:1).

2,23. καθὼς γέγραπται ἐν νόμῳ Κυρίου ὅτι πᾶν ἄρσεν διανοῖγον μήτραν ἅγιον τῷ Κυρίῳ κληθήσεται.
2:23 as it is written in the Lord’s law that every male that opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.

  On the night of the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt, God smote the Egyptians’ firstborns. The Jews’ firstborns were saved by the blood of the lamb, which they spread on the doorposts of their houses. From then on, every firstborn son was "holy", dedicated to God’s service (see Ex 13:2). Because God chose the Levites to serve him instead of these firstborns (see Num 3:12), the Jews could redeem their firstborns by paying the price of 5 shekels to the temple (see Num 18:15-16). Not only first-born children were considered 'holy', but also the first-born of domestic animals and the first-fruit (see Ex 22:29-30) which were offered to the temple.

2,24. καὶ τοῦ δοῦναι θυσίαν κατὰ τὸ εἰρημένον ἐν νόμῳ Κυρίου, ζεῦγος τρυγόνων ἤ δύο νεοσσοὺς περιστερῶν.
2:24 and to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the Lord’s law, a pair of turtle doves or two young pigeons.

  On the day of the purification of the mother and the child’s dedication, the parents in addition to the sum of five shekels which they offered to the temple, sacrificed a one-year- old lamb and a young pigeon or a turtle dove. If they were poor, the law required them to offer a pair of turtle doves or two small pigeons (see Le 12:6.8). From the fact that only the second case is mentioned in this verse, we conclude that Joseph and Mary were poor.

2,25. Καὶ ἰδοὺ ἦν ἄνθρωπος ἐν Ἰεροσολύμοις ᾧ ὄνομα Συμεών, καὶ ὁ ἄνθρωπος οὗτος δίκαιος καὶ εὐλαβής, προσδεχόμενος παράκλησιν τοῦ Ἰσραήλ, καὶ Πνεῦμα ἦν Ἅγιον ἐπ᾿ αὐτόν.
2:25 Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

  The event of the legal purification of the Blessed Mother and Jesus’ dedication is connected to an encounter. Two people from the chosen remnant of Israel, Simeon and Anna, met the Messiah, whom they had been longing for. For this reason, the corresponding despotic feast which our Church has set forty days after Christmas is called "The Meeting of the Lord in the Temple" (υπαπαντή = meeting).
It has been suggested that Simeon was one of the Septuagint members who translated the Old Testament, that he was a high priest or rabbi, father of Gamaliel. This information, however, is inaccurate; it comes mainly from apocryphal texts. If Simeon had anything to do with the priesthood, Luke would have clearly stated it along with the other details of his identity. Simeon was a simple and faithful man, like the shepherds and the prophetess Anna.
  Besides his name and place of residence, we also learn that he was “righteous and devout”, which means that he was a God’s man. Some interpreters believe that the designation “devout” refers to his relationship with God, while “righteous” refers to his relationship with people. In the Bible, however, the pious and godly are also described "righteous" (see comments on 1:6). In other words, two words are used here which express the same meaning (the form "in twofold = ἕν διά δυοῖν").
  Simeon was a man of “waiting for”, looking forward with intense desire and deep longing, to “the consolation of Israel” i.e., the Messiah. The verb "παρακαλῶ" means "to comfort, to support". In general, it denotes the work of spiritual support and spiritual cultivation. Simeon waited for God to send the Paraklitos (= Comforter) Messiah, to strengthen and cultivate the nation of Israel, to fulfill its expectations.
  Finally, it is emphasized that “the Holy Spirit was upon him”, so that Simeon's prophetic character could be seen. He, after Elizabeth (1:42-45) and Zechariah (1:68-79), proclaimed that the Messiah had come.

2,26. καὶ ἦν αὐτῷ κεχρηματισμένον ὑπὸ τοῦ Πνεύματος τοῦ Ἁγίου μὴ ἰδεῖν θάνατον πρὶν ἢ ἴδῃ τὸν Χριστὸν Κυρίου.
2:26 and it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he should not see death before he had seen the Lord's Anointed One.

  Simeon was informed by the Holy Spirit, “it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit” -whether by an angel or by a vision-, that he would not see death, he would not die, before he had seen the Messiah.
  “Lord's Anointed One” is called the one anointed by God the Father, he is the one sent to bring salvation to the race of men (see 2:11). Jesus is, indeed, the one sent by God the Father, but at the same time he is also the Lord and God himself.

2,27-28. Καὶ ἦλθεν ἐν τῷ Πνεύματι εἰς τὸ ἱερόν· καὶ ἐν τῷ εἰσαγαγεῖν τοὺς γονεῖς τὸ παιδίον Ἰησοῦν τοῦ ποιῆσαι αὐτοὺς κατὰ τὸ εἰθισμένον τοῦ νόμου περὶ αὐτοῦ, καὶ αὐτὸς ἐδέξατο αὐτὸν εἰς τὰς ἀγκάλας αὐτοῦ καὶ εὐλόγησε τὸν Θεὸν καὶ εἶπε.
2:27-28 And he came by the Spirit into the temple; and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the law, he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said.

  Simeon came “by the Spirit”, by the exhortation of the Holy Spirit, into the temple. At that moment the holy family came there to fulfill what the Mosaic law prescribed. Luke does not hesitate to use the word "parents" for the virgin Mary and Joseph. They appeared and acted, according to the divine counsel, in this capacity at that time.
  The elder Simeon is called "God holder = θεοδόχος" because he held the divine infant in his arms. He touched God himself in his heart, which overflowing with love and happiness burst out in hymn and praise.

2,29-32. νῦν ἀπολύεις τὸν δοῦλόν σου, δέσποτα, κατὰ τὸ ῥῆμά σου ἐν εἰρήνῃ, ὅτι εἶδον οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου τὸ σωτήριόν σου, ὃ ἡτοίμασας κατὰ πρόσωπον πάντων τῶν λαῶν, φῶς εἰς ἀποκάλυψιν ἐθνῶν καὶ δόξαν λαοῦ σου Ἰσραήλ.
2:29-32 Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in view of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for the glory of Israel, your people.

  The verb "depart (= ἀπολύω)" (cf. Ge 15:2; Num 20:29) is synonymous with "ἀναλύω" (see Phil 1:23; 2 Tim 4:6). The verb "ἀναλύω" is used literally of soldiers and travellers, who "ἀναλύουν" unload their cargo, when they reach their destination. The "ἀπολύω" is literally used of ships tied up in port; they "ἀπολύουν" them, untie them to leave the port and open out to sea. Death is an unloading and a departure. The soul unloads the burden of the body and freely departs from this earth for the port of heaven.
  Simeon called himself a “servant” and addressed God by calling him “Lord”. The status of a captive servant was surely the most terrible and degrading thing for man who was created to be free. But for the believers it is a title of honor to be called "Lord’s servants". The apostles refer to this title with modest boasting (see Rom 1:1; Phil 1:1; Tit 1:1; Jas 1:1; Jude 1; Rev 1:1).
  The venerable old man succeeded in receiving into his arms the redeemer whom the ages had been waiting for. “According to” the Lord's “word”, according to the divine promise, the strongest desire of his life was fulfilled. He saw not by faith nor by desire and hope, but with his own eyes Messiah’s coming. That is why he departs this world “in peace”.
  The word “salvation”, which is often mentioned in the Old Testament, means the Lord’s saving and redeeming work in general, but especially the Savior Himself. Simeon managed to see in Jesus’ person the one all the prophets expected and longed to see.
  God planned and prepared salvation for all the peoples of the earth. Simeon referred to the universality of salvation by saying that was “prepared in view of all peoples”. Furthermore, in the prophecies of the Old Testament despite the narrow nationalistic spirit of that time, there is clear reference to universal salvation, too. The prophet Isaiah clearly declares: "The Lord hath made bare his holy arm in the eyes of all the nations; and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God" (52:10).
  The “salvation” is clarified by the “light” and “glory”, and the “peoples” by the “Gentiles” and “Israel”. It is appropriately said about the Gentiles, who were deprived of the true knowledge of God and divine revelation, that they will be given the light that will dispel the darkness of error and ignorance, so that the truth may shine in their eyes. Messianic salvation and the Messiah were already announced by the prophets as "the light of the Gentiles" (Is 42:6; 49:6; 51:4). The Messiah is glory for Israel, God's people, for "salvation is of the Jews" (Jn 4:22).
  Simeon’s hymn possesses a special place in the worship of our Church. It is heard by the priest at the end of the Vespers service. In this solemn service, which reminds us that as the day ends, so will our lives, Simeon’s hymn is an exhortation; to be ready at any moment to surrender ourselves into the Lord’s arms and to be with him in the land of the living.

2,33. Καὶ ἦν Ἰωσὴφ καὶ ἡ μήτηρ αὐτοῦ θαυμάζοντες ἐπὶ τοῖς λαλουμένοις περὶ αὐτοῦ.
2:33 And Joseph and his mother marveled at what was said about him.

  Joseph and the child’s mother listened with admiration to Simeon’s prophetic words (cf. Lk 2:18).

2,34. Καὶ εὐλόγησεν αὐτοὺς Συμεὼν καὶ εἶπε πρὸς Μαριὰμ τὴν μητέρα αὐτοῦ· ἰδοὺ οὗτος κεῖται εἰς πτῶσιν καὶ ἀνάστασιν πολλῶν ἐν τῷ Ἰσραὴλ καὶ εἰς σημεῖον ἀντιλεγόμενον.
2:34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother; behold, this child is set for the fall and uprising of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be spoken against.

  The old man Simeon, by the right which his age gave him, “blessed” Joseph and Mary, and invoked for them God’s grace and blessing. Then he turned only “to Mary”, because enlightened by the Holy Spirit he knew that she was the child’s mother while Joseph was only their caretaker.
  The best commentary for Simeon's prophecy, “behold, this child is set for the fall and uprising of many in Israel and for a sign which shall be spoken against”, is the History itself. The Lord was rightly described as "a stumbling stone and a rock of offence" (Rom 9:33; cf. Is 8:14); those who stumbled upon him, either tumbled into the abyss, or were hurled into the heights of divine grace. Apostle Paul wrote accurately: “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God." (1 Cor 1:18). Those who were scandalized by the humiliation of the cross and rejected Christ, were cut off from salvation. But those who embraced Lord’s cross became partakers of his resurrection. He himself said that he came into the world as light. Those who do evil works hate the light and shun it. On the contrary, those who are connected to the truth approach him fearfully and in love (see Jn 3:19-21). It is a fact that no name has been fought with such cruelty, with such terrible fury, with vicious slanders and with abysmal malice as Jesus’ name. But also, no name was loved with more power and touching devotion than Jesus’. The presence of the God-Man, as it divided history in the B.C. and A.D. eras, in the same way it divided mankind into two factions - those who hated and fought him and those who believed and loved him.

2,35. Καὶ σοῦ δὲ αὐτῆς τὴν ψυχὴν διελεύσεται ῥομφαία, ὅπως ἂν ἀποκαλυφθῶσιν ἐκ πολλῶν καρδιῶν διαλογισμοί.
2:35 And a sword will pierce through your own soul also, that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

  Some interpreters, taking the word “sword” literally, have argued that the Virgin Mary died a martyr's death. But this is not attested by tradition. Simeon did not refer to martyrdom of the body but of the soul. He used a very characteristic expression to prophesy the pain of Jesus' mother at the death of her son. This prophecy was fulfilled when the virgin Mary saw Jesus on the cross. Simeon implicitly prophesied that the Messiah was vulnerable. As sinless, of course, he was immortal. But he willingly endured crucifixion and burial, in order to redeem man from death and sin. Through Simeon’s prophecy, the Virgin was also prepared for the tribulation that would pierce her heart.
  According to Simeon's prophecy, the Lord's death on the cross indeed manifested the thoughts of many, “that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed”. The different attitude which the two thieves took towards the Crucified One (see Lk 23:39-43), the centurion’s confession (see Mt 27:54; Mk 15:39; Lk 23:47), the courage of Joseph's from Arimathea (Mt 27:57; Mk 15:43; Lk 23:50; Jn 19:38), and the betrayal of Judas (Mt 26:47-51; Mk 14:43-46; Lk 22:47-48; Jn 18:3-5), were some of the fulfillments of this prophecy.

2,36-37. Καὶ ἦν Ἄννα προφῆτις, θυγάτηρ Φανουήλ, ἐκ φυλῆς Ἀσήρ· αὕτη προβεβηκυῖα ἐν ἡμέραις πολλαῖς, ζήσασα ἔτη μετὰ ἀνδρὸς ἑπτὰ ἀπὸ τῆς παρθενίας αὐτῆς, καὶ αὐτὴ χήρα ὡς ἐτῶν ὀγδοήκοντα τεσσάρων, ἣ οὐκ ἀφίστατο ἀπὸ τοῦ ἱεροῦ νηστείαις καὶ δεήσεσι λατρεύουσα νύκτα καὶ ἡμέραν.
2:36-37 And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher; she was of a great age, and had lived with her husband seven years from her virginity, and then being a widow of eighty-four years. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasts and prayers night and day.

  To the prophets’ line, who prophesied of Jesus, a venerable widow was added. St Ambrose observed that "Simeon prophesied, the Virgin had prophesied, the married (Elizabeth) had prophesied, the widow should also prophesy, so that no condition of life and no sex is left out".
  The evangelist Luke gives us the clues to the identity of this widow. Her name was Anna, a Hebrew name meaning "grace", and she was described as a prophetess. A "prophet" is one who, having the holy Spirit, comforts, edifies, supports and moreover often reveals secrets of the heart or prophesies the future (see 1 Cor 14:1-5). Anna was Phanuel’s daughter and belonged to the tribe of Asher. She was of advanced age. After seven years of marriage, she was widowed. “Eighty-four years” old may refer to the years of her widowhood, but it is more likely to indicate her age.
  The expression “she did not depart from the temple” does not certainly mean that she dwelt in the temple. Luke, using an exaggerated expression, shows that Anna persistently worshipped God by fasts and prayers; she did not miss any of the services held in the temple.
  Her venerable age, her pure widowhood and her great devotion to God made her worthy of the prophetic gift.

2,38. καὶ αὕτη αὐτῇ τῇ ὥρᾳ ἐπιστᾶσα ἀνθωμολογεῖτο τῷ Κυρίῳ καὶ ἐλάλει περὶ αὐτοῦ πᾶσι τοῖς προσδεχομένοις λύτρωσιν ἐν Ἰερουσαλήμ.
2:38 and coming up just at that moment, she gave thanks to God, and spoke about him to all who were expecting the redemption in Jerusalem.

  While Simeon was prophesying, Anna “coming up”, standing near, as a second witness, joined with him in her prophecy and thanksgiving to the Lord. It is a scriptural saying; "at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established" (Deut 19:15).
  The preposition "ἀντί" in the verb “ἀνθωμολογεῖτο” includes the meaning of owing thanksgiving for a deed of benevolence. The evangelist does not save Anna's words. But it is possible that the pious old woman repeated Simeon's prophecy. After leaving the temple, she “spoke about him” about Jesus “to all who were expecting the redemption” who were eagerly waiting for what God had promised.
Jesus was born in a manger humbly and secretly, but heaven proclaimed the event by the star and the angels. Similarly, now Simeon and Anna revealed who this infant was to those who were eagerly awaiting the Messiah. He came to the temple, informally, like any Hebrew child. They assured that this is the one who during Solomon’s time, like a bright cloud covered the newly built temple. Now his inaccessible majesty was hidden under the poor swaddling-clothes in a humble mother’s arms. For what human eyes could bear to face his divine glory and the company of his angels?

2,39. Καὶ ὡς ἐτέλεσαν ἅπαντα τὰ κατὰ τὸν νόμον Κυρίου, ὑπέστρεψαν εἰς τὴν Γαλιλαίαν εἰς τὴν πόλιν ἑαυτῶν Ναζαρέτ.
2:39 Then, as soon as they had accomplished everything according to the Lord’s law, they returned to Galilee to their own town Nazareth.

  Joseph and the virgin Mary, after “they had accomplished everything according to the Lord’s law”, concerning the purification of the mother and the child’s dedication, returned “to Galilee to their own town Nazareth”, their permanent dwelling-place.
  This verse has been used by some as an argument against the reliability of the God-inspired Gospel text. They pointed out that the Gospel according to Luke was in an alleged disagreement with the Gospel according to Matthew, which narrates the worship of the Wise Men, the slaughter of infants and the flight to Egypt (see chapter 2). However, there is absolutely no such a disagreement or contradiction. A careful study of the two Gospels will help us to reconstruct the whole scene of Jesus’ birth. When Joseph was informed by God’s revelation about the divine plan and called to serve as the Messiah’s support, he decided to dedicate himself to this work. His forced travel to Bethlehem because of the census, gave him the opportunity to move away from the infamous village of Nazareth and from his children, who had already grown up and could live on their own. Joseph took with him the virgin Mary, who as a woman, was possibly not obliged to register.
  After Jesus’ birth, Joseph, as a "τέκτων" i.e., a craftsman, easily found work and settled in Bethlehem. From there, he set out with the infant and his mother to accomplish the purification and dedication in the Temple of Jerusalem (see Lk 2:22-38) and returned again to Bethlehem, to "the house", where, according to Matthew (2:11), the Wise Men found the newborn king. Of course, it took about six months or maybe even a year for the Wise Men to prepare and make their long journey "from the east" (Mt 2:1). Herod, who "according to the time which he had diligently enquired of the wise men” to be sure, ordered that the children to be slaughtered should be "from two years old and under". After the Wise Men’s worship Joseph, by God's command, received the child and his mother, left Bethlehem and departed for Egypt (see Mt 2:13-14).
  When there was not any danger for the life of the newborn child, since Herod had died, Joseph was again instructed to return (see Mt 2:19-21). He planned to settle in Bethlehem until God would direct him again, but he feared the new king of Judea, Archelaus, son of the slayer Herod. With divine prompting he headed for Galilee and settled in Nazareth. So, the prophecy was fulfilled "that the Messiah shall be called Nazarene" (see Mt 2:21-23). This was God's plan; that Jesus should be called Nazarene, thought to be Joseph’s son, "for a season" until the mystery of the divine economy would be revealed.
  Luke omits what Matthew writes and starts with the settlement of the holy family in Nazareth at the exact point where the story of Jesus’ birth closes. There Jesus would stay until the time came for his public ministry.

2,40. Τὸ δὲ παιδίον ηὔξανε καὶ ἐκραταιοῦτο πνεύματι πληρούμενον σοφίας, καὶ χάρις Θεοῦ ἦν ἐπ᾿ αὐτό.
2:40 And the child grew and became strong in spirit and full of wisdom, and the grace /favour of God rested upon him.

  In Luke's narrative we find expressions that characterize the various stages of Jesus' life, such as "fruit of your womb" (1:42); "infant" (2:12); "child" (2:40); "child" (2:43); "a man prophet" (24:19). These expressions indicate that the Lord did not appear in an adult’s stature, as Adam and Eve did. He followed as a perfect man the natural growth, sanctifying both infancy and childhood.
  The expression "the child grew and became strong in spirit” is used by Luke also for John the Baptist (see 1:80). It means the physical growth and spiritual maturity that a child shows as he grows up. The divinity, of course, which was united with the human nature, remained unaltered.
  The God-inspired writer adds “full of wisdom”, to indicate that over the years the wisdom that Jesus had as a man was being perfected. As his body showed a normal growth, so his intellect gradually received all Knowledge. At every age, of course, he had the perfect form of knowledge that no other man had to this degree. But he did not want to make use of his omniscience. He progressed in wisdom through the various experiences he had as a man and not through his divine power (cf. v. 52).
  The word “grace” denotes God’s favour, which comes from his complete satisfaction in the sinless Jesus, his beloved Son.

Copyright © 2021 by Orthodox Christian Association «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Translation from the book:

Στεργίου Ν. Σάκκου, Ἑρμηνεία στό κατά Λουκᾶν Εὐαγγέλιο, τόμ. Α΄, 

ἐκδ. «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ, Θεσ/νίκη 2008, σσ. 106-107

(Stergios N. Sakkos [Read CV], A Commentary on the Gospel according to St. Luke, vol. A', pp. 106-107)

  After Jesus’ birth (2:1-20) the evangelist recounts some events of his infancy, which had to do with the observance of legal formalities. Jesus wanted to fulfil the Mosaic law precisely, as he explicitly told John the Baptist shortly before his baptism: “for thus it is fitting for us to fulfil all righteousness.” (Mt 3:15). The apostle Paul explains "... he had to be made like his brethren in every respect" (Heb 2:17). In the letter to Galatians, it is emphasized that the Lord submitted to the law in order to redeem us from its slavery, to free us from its restrictions and its curse, to give us the freedom that befits to God’s children (see Ga 3:13; 4:4-5).

2,21. Καὶ ὅτε ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡμέραι ὀκτὼ τοῦ περιτεμεῖν τὸ παιδίον, καὶ ἐκλήθη τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ἰησοῦς, τὸ κληθὲν ὑπὸ τοῦ ἀγγέλου πρὸ τοῦ συλληφθῆναι αὐτὸν ἐν τῇ κοιλίᾳ.
2:21 And when eight days had passed and the time had come for the circumcising of the child, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

  Jesus was circumcised eight days after his birth (see comments on 1:59). If he had not been circumcised, the Jews would have been able to question his descent from the line of Abraham and would have rejected him as an alien; then it would have been impossible for them to accept that he was the expected Messiah.
  Circumcision was undoubtedly a very humiliating and painful event for Jesus. The humiliation of the manger and the sacrifice of the cross meet in this event. God’s Son, the beloved God’s Son, is circumcised in order to be accepted by Israel! The one who gave us freedom appeared as a slave after the circumcision, a debtor to keep the whole law (see Gal 5:3)! He voluntarily sacrificed a part of himself, foreshadowing his complete offering by his sacrifice on the cross on Calvary.
  After the Lord’s redemptive sacrifice, circumcision, of course, is of no validity or benefit. It is not circumcision that secures salvation, but faith (see Rom 3:30; Gal 5:6-6:15). Moreover, circumcision was given to Abraham as a seal of this faith (see Rom 4:11; Gal 3:6-7). Believers as members of Christ’s Church, bear the Lord’s circumcision on themselves, since they have clothed his circumcised body with the sacrament of Baptism (Gal 3:27). They need, therefore, no other circumcision, but only the circumcision of the heart, that is, the circumcision of the passions (see Col 2:11).
The name “Jesus” was announced by the angel to the Virgin “before he was conceived in the womb”, on the day of the Annunciation (see Lk 1:31) and later to Joseph (Mt 1:21). The conception of Jesus took place on the day of the Annunciation, as I have explained, after the Virgin Mary’s unreserved consent (see Lk 1:38)

Copyright © 2021 by Orthodox Christian Association «ΧΡΙΣΤΙΑΝΙΚΗ ΕΛΠΙΣ» ΟΡΘΟΔΟΞΗ ΑΔΕΛΦΟΤΗΤΑ. Used by permission. All rights reserved.