Remembering our heroes
Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation’s service. Memorial Day is a time for all of us to reflect on those who have sacrificed their lives for the security, peace, and freedom, of the people of this great nation. It is important that we all remember the meaning behind this holiday, and not simply squander it as another time to “kick back,” and have fun. When Memorial Day was first enacted, it was a day when families visited the graves of their loved ones, especially those who’d died in wars, and laid flowers in memorial.
Memorial Day should also be a time when we remember those who have been wounded, both in body and spirit, and who remain among the living. Military men and women should be honored by our nation, with more than words. We should make sure they are cared for, and helped in every way.
When young returning vets commit suicide because they’ve not been given the help they need from the Veterans Administration, and who’s horrid memories of war were torturing them, it is a clear sign that we, as a nation, are not supporting them with the gratitude they deserve.
Let us honor our fallen heroes, but let us not forget those heroes who are still among us.
With love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon
Monday May 29, 2017 / May 16, 2017
Afterfeast of the Ascension. Tone six.
Venerable Theodore the Sanctified (368), disciple of St. Pachomius the Great.
Translation of the relics (1545) of Venerable Ephraim, abbot of Perekom (1492).
St. Matthew, Hieromonk of Yaransk in Vyatka (1927).
Venerables Cassian (1537) and Laurence (1548), abbots of Komel (Vologda).
St. Alexander, archbishop of Jerusalem (3rd c.).
Martyrs Vitus, Modestus and Crescentia at Lucania (303).
Blessed child Musa of Rome (5th c.).
Monk-martyrs of the community of St. Sava the Sanctified (610).
St. George II, bishop of Mitylene (842).
Martyr Abdiesus, bishop, and companions in Persia (418).
St. Nicholas Mystikos, patriarch of Constantinople (930) (Greek).
New Martyr Nicholas of Metsovo, whose relics are at Meteora (1617) (Greek).
Martyrs Vitus, Modestus, and Crescentia at Lucania (303).
Venerable Brendan the Voyager, abbot of Clonfert (577) (Celtic & British).
Martyr Peter of Blachernae (Greek).
St. Euphemia near Neaorion (Greek).
Hieromartyr Theodore of Vrsac in Banat, Serbia (1595).
St. Carantoc of Carhampton.
Martyr Vukasin of Serbia (1941).
The Scripture Readings
Acts 21:8-14
8 On the next day we who were Paul’s companions departed and came to Caesarea, and entered the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 Now this man had four virgin daughters who prophesied. 10 And as we stayed many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 When he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt, bound his ownhands and feet, and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt, and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’”
12 Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.”
14 So when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.”
John 14:27-15:7
27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. 28 You have heard Me say to you, ‘I am going away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I.
29 “And now I have told you before it comes, that when it does come to pass, you may believe. 30 I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, so I do. Arise, let us go from here.
The True Vine
15 “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away; and every branch that bears fruit He prunes, that it may bear more fruit. 3 You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in Me.
5 “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. 6 If anyone does not abide in Me, he is cast out as a branch and is withered; and they gather them and throw them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
your close to last paragraph starting with ‘ When young returning vets’ really hit the nail on the head……I normally attend the annual Memorial Day service in the Presidio, in San Francisco ( former Army base) , but this time, stopped off to visit a friend in a small central valley town, whilst on a road trip, and attended a ‘ small town ‘ memorial service with so many graves decorated with American flags acknowledging members of the Armed Forces at their grave-sites.
As an immigrant to this country who served in the Army BEFORE I was able to become a citizen, this particular day always resonates deeply with me as an American citizen.