Lessons on how to transform ourselves

On Holy Tuesday 15 April we found ourselves again, literally and figuratively,  at the door of the most holy of times in our Church’s life, Holy and Great Week.

Believe me there is something very emotionally uplifting and mystical about this time of the year as we commemorate the last few days of the life of Jesus on this earth.

On Holy Tuesday we are reminded of two parables, which are related to the Second Coming of Christ.

The first is the parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-30) which highlights the importance of being spiritually prepared for the Lord’s return, and underlines the fact that we need to be constantly vigilant and ready to react.

The second is the parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)which focuses on the concept of guardianship and encourages people to use their gifts and talents wisely and responsibly, as they will be held accountable for their actions by God.

There are two basic truths in these parables which offer us a template for a good life.

So, firstly, on Judgment Day, our situation will be like the one in which the bridesmaids (or virgins) of the parable found themselves. Some were clued up and ready while others were leaving it until later to figure things out and were left outside the door. As the saying goes:” Time and tide wait for no man. “

The tragedy of the closed door is that we ourselves close it, not God. The exclusion from the marriage feast, that is, the kingdom of God, is down to our own making.

Next, we are reminded that being watchful and ready does not mean trotting out a bunch of spiritless and empty obligations.

Watchfulness really means having an inner serenity, joy and willingness to do things for others, however large or small.
It also means the deep personal resolve to look for and do the will of God.

Towards the end of tonight’s service we also heard the famous Hymn of Kassiani the Nun, sung so eloquently by our head cantor Mr Dimitri Zitianellis accompanied by Mr Stavros Simos and Pater Nikolaos.

The Hymn of Kassiani, also known as the Hymn of the Fallen Woman, is a penitential hymn that is based on the Gospel reading for Holy Wednesday morning (Matthew 26:6-16).

This hymn, written in the 9th century by Kassiani, refers to the repentance of the sinful woman who anointed the Lord’s feet with myrrh, an expensive anointing oil, in the house of Simon the Pharisee.

The hymnographer also portrays the disapproval of Judas regarding the anointing of Christ’s feet, having witnessed a similar action by Mary the sister of Lazarus just a few days earlier.

He quickly and maliciously criticised her saying the ointment should have been sold and the money given to the poor.
Well, we all know what a lying, conniving hypocrite he was……

On the other hand, the woman’s heartfelt repentance and humility made her shine. She found the courage to have faith in Christ’s forgiveness and compassion and to express her remorse in the only way she knew, thereby instantly transforming her life.

This hymn is chanted only once a year and considered a musical high-point of the Holy Week. The theological significance of the hymn underlines the hope which the believer prays for : “the immeasurable mercy of the Saviour Christ.”

Kassiani, a Byzantine hymnographer, is a significant figure in Christian music having left us a beautiful legacy of ecclesiastical poems. She is known for writing approximately 50 hymns, including those that are still used in the Orthodox Church to this day.

We are immersed in the most awesome services in Holy Week filled with wondrous hymns and prayers that are all so magnetic.

The aim of these Services is to transform “secular time” into “spiritual time” giving us a unique chance to get closer to God.

So let’s be ready and able to enter with the bridegroom so we can be divinely transformed. XXX