353. Беседа по освящении храма Нерукотворенного Образа Господня, в Спасо-Влахернском общежитии

(Said September 21st; printed in the Works of the Holy Father, 1858 and in the collection, 1861) “In the churches bless God, the Lord from the fountains of Israel” (Ps. 67:27). This is what the prophetic word teaches and commands. Now is the time for us to fulfill this commandment with joy. Let us bless God the Lord in this church, drawing blessings “from the fountains of Israel” - from the same prophetic word. “God is wonderful in His Saints” (Ps. 67:36), that is, in all who are sanctified, and in all that are sanctified by His grace. “Blessed is God,” who is pleased to reveal here now a new church of His shrine! “Blessed is the Lord day by day, the God who hastens our salvation for us” (Ps. 67:20), making us worthy to be participants in this gracious celebration! Have you listened to the preliminary proclamation pronounced before entering the consecrated church, also drawn “from the fountains of Israel” - from the divine Scriptures: “lift up your gates, O princes, ... and the King of glory will come in” (Ps. 23:7)? Do you think, do you believe that this foreshadowing has really come true? And how can one not believe this? If our holy and wise fathers, the founders of our secret institutions, took the prophecy and placed it for all times at the gates of every consecrated church: then of course they were sure that it would always be as true here as it was true in the mouth of the Prophet; Of course, they believed that the grace of God would always be combined with this sacred word by Divine action. And who would dare to doubt the power and effect of what the faith and wisdom of the spirit-bearing fathers established for the establishment of the “Church”, according to the promise of the Lord, “and invincible through the gates of hell” (Matthew 16:18)? So, indeed, “the King of glory, the Lord of hosts” (Ps. 23:10), Jesus Christ, “came down” into this church: and since the consecration of the church was not transient, but abiding, the Lord not only entered into it, but also dwelt. Thus, what belongs to this church is what the Lord once promised to the ancient church of the chosen people: “My eyes will be there, and My heart will always be” (1 Kings 9:3). Let us think carefully, brothers, where we are now, and what is here above us and with us. Here is the presence of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, - the invisible presence of His Divinity, and even the visible presence of His Divine Body; and since the Most Holy Trinity is inseparable and inseparable, here is the blessing of God the Father, and the overshadowing of the Holy Spirit, and as a result of this, the ministry of the Angels, the guardians of the shrine of the church, the guardians and overseers of those entering it. The eyes of the Lord are open to see our reverence; our disrespect is not hidden from them. The heart of the Lord is open with His love and mercy for our faith, love, and prayer. Good for those of us who brought to the church a reverent and humble thought, and a pure heart, open to heaven in faith and love. From the heart of the Lord, grace, peace, and light are poured into them here, according to their need, illuminating, or secretly filling and nourishing their souls, so that they are, according to the word of one of the saints, “clothed with the weapons of light” (Rom. 13:12), reflecting the attacking darkness, evil and uncleanness. But these gifts, obviously, cannot be partakers of those who enter the church without reverence, remain in it without attention, who bring into it vain thoughts, unclean desires, a conscience weighed down by sinful deeds, enmity against their neighbors, and who do not bring heartfelt contrition and repentance for their sins. Woe to us if we are like that! The Lord sees us: His most pure eyes turn away, and His heart is closed. He wanted, and still wants, to be a generous Giver of gifts for us: but according to what we represent to Him in ourselves, it behooves Him to appear for us as a formidable Judge. Let us fear His judgment; Let us be ashamed of His mercy: and if we do not offer here before Him the virtues pleasing to Him; Let us not hesitate to bring Him, at least, sincere repentance, which He does not reject, and about which there is joy not only here, but also in heaven. Our reverence in this particular church can also be enhanced by certain features that actually belong to it. What an antiquity, what remarkable monuments he preserves in no small number of holy icons! Going back to the beginning of their existence, we encounter an edifying thought about the ancient artists who, working on them with fasting, prayer and sacred chants, prepared them for blessed consecration with their purity and reverence. Considering the fate of these icons, since it is known, in the continuation of their existence, we see the piety of the royal and noble persons who offered prayers before them, - who laid on them decorations, auspicious, if simply out of zeal, and even more memorable, if in gratitude for the benefits of God's Providence received through prayer before them, - who, for those close to them and close to them, honored the saint with the most desired gift icon. What a cathedral of saints we would see here if we could see the Saints inherent in this church through parts of their holy relics preserved here! Let us praise the love of holiness, which with extraordinary care has collected here so many invaluable holy treasures. Let us also praise that reverent reasoning, which recognized that for the worthy preservation of such a shrine, it is necessary to surround it with a host of holy-loving souls, who, according to a special calling, have devoted themselves to a reverent, chaste and prayerful life. Finally the word reaches you, sisters of the pious hostel! You should use the shrine that is among you with joyful reverence. Always think and remember what it requires of you and what it gives you. She demands from you that you live in a manner worthy of her; and at the same time grants you close, gracious help for the exploits of spiritual living. Use the help given with faith in order to diligently and without hesitation fulfill what is required of you. Maintain obedience, peace, unanimity, humility, and patience. Yes, and patience: because the bitter things sent from the hand of the heavenly Physician are more beneficial to mental health than the sweet things offered by the world. Pray for those who have prepared this quiet refuge for you from the storms and worries of the bustle world. “The Lord let him eat ... according to his heart” (Ps. 19:5). Build your hearts, as far as possible, into a monastery for Him, so that the structure of this visible monastery can reach the completion that you desire, which we also desire for you, so that the blessing of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit may be and remain on you and on this monastery, through the intercession of our Most Holy Lady Theotokos. Amen. You might be interested in: