Correction

Correction regarding the Sinai monastery

Dear friends,

I contacted a knowledgeable person concerning my blog article’s context, after receiving a note alleging the information I received from the Russian Orthodox news site Pravoslavie Ru, was incorrect. This person is one of the Sinai monastery’s main contacts in the United States. In turn, they forwarded my article to a devout Orthodox man in San Diego area who is working to assist those who have expressed the desire to support Saint Catherine’s Monastery in view of the current difficult conditions there.

I am more than happy to report that the Bedouins were NOT involved, but are actually among the monastery’s most fervent supporters. Elder Pavlos says that one of their chieftains was interviewed recently on television and publicly threaten anyone who would dare try to bring harm from afar, saying, “Any person who wants to deal harm to the Monastery will deal with us first!”

The following was passed on to me, and I want to share this with my readers. Meanwhile, let us all storm heaven with our prayers, on behalf of the monks of Sinai.

Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon

“Many have written us about the recent reports that have been appearing in the news. Everything remains peaceful here. No monks have been kidnapped and held for ransom. No one has broken through the monastery door.” They also said the item about the Arab tribe’s court tax of 150,000 Egyptian pounds is completely wrong.

However, there are still other concerns, especially about that lawsuit that is challenging the right of the Monastery to be there. Despite a number of officials saying it should be dismissed, the court is going ahead with inquiries. And regarding that reference in the article to other taxes because of the visitors, they said that has been brought into discussion as part of the wholesale attack on the Monastery. They have had a guest house for years that has been treated as an integral discussion about whether it should be considered a separate entity. But nothing has been instituted yet, it is still being discussed.

The Fathers say they are getting more visitors, but on a level still far below normal, and their financial needs are still very great. Please note this information was just in response to our inquiry in a personal e-mail and not a plea on their part, as the monks are sensitive about not burdening the Orthodox community here.

Will update you when we get any more information.

Thanks again for all your concern and your prayers,

Peter C.

Wednesday October 22, 2014 / October 9, 2014

20th Week after Pentecost. Tone two.
Fast. By Monastic Charter: Strict Fast (Bread, Vegetables, Fruits)

Holy Apostle James, son of Alphaeus (1st c.).
Venerable Andronicus and his wife Venerable Athanasia of Egypt (500).
New Hieromartyrs Constantine and Peter priests (1918).
New Hieromartyr Constantine priest (1937).
Righteous Forefather Abraham (2000 B.C.) and his nephew Righteous Lot.
Martyrs Juventius and Maximus at Antioch (4th c.).
St. Publia the Confessor of Antioch (360).
Venerable Peter of Galatia (9th c.).
Icons of the Most Holy Theotokos “Korsun” (Cherson) and “Assuage My Sorrow”.
St. Stephen the New of Serbia (1427) (Serbia).
St. Demetrius, patriarch of Alexandria (231).
Hieromartyr Dionysius (Denis, Denys) of Paris, bishop (258) (Celtic & British).
Venerable Stephen the Blind, king of Serbia (1468).

The Scripture Readings for the Day

Philippians 2:24-30

24 But I trust in the Lord that I myself shall also come shortly.

Epaphroditus Praised

25 Yet I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, but your messenger and the one who ministered to my need; 26 since he was longing for you all, and was distressed because you had heard that he was sick. 27 For indeed he was sick almost unto death; but God had mercy on him, and not only on him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I sent him the more eagerly, that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such men in esteem; 30 because for the work of Christ he came close to death, not regarding his life, to supply what was lacking in your service toward me.

Luke 8:22-25

Wind and Wave Obey Jesus

22 Now it happened, on a certain day, that He got into a boat with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched out. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a windstorm came down on the lake, and they were filling with water, and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are perishing!”

Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water. And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 But He said to them, “Where is your faith?”

And they were afraid, and marveled, saying to one another, “Who can this be? For He commands even the winds and water, and they obey Him!”