There is a tradition, which the Russians say they received from St. John Chrysostom, that enjoins them, on Souls Saturday, to lay out dining tables, in front of their homes, for every hungry passer-by. Recently, this has turned into provisions, namely foods and foodstuff, that they bring with them to the Church, which becomes a ...
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Almsgiving
Pray this Prayer
The words of Saint John Chrysostom: “the poor exist for the salvation of the rich”, are calling on all the Churches, in the East and the West, to include them in their collective and individual prayers. For the believer, prayer is a good source for doing good; it is our guide for our life to ...
Read moreChurch and Poverty
Before we entered this fast, my friend Ibrahim Rizk handed me Dr. Rupen Das' book, “The Church and Poverty”. Eloquent faces want you better. I liked many things about the book, of which I am mentioning two: 1- the human dimension of reading the Word. This is due to the condescension of the Word which ...
Read moreTo the Brethren Abroad
At the beginning of this Great Lent, I am addressing, first, the brethren in the Orthodox Youth Movement (MJO). I allow myself to address you, empowered by your love. You have all learned that the poor, of whichever religion or sect… is the face of a god. Today, you see him in your new places. ...
Read moreA Story from a Fishmonger’s Shop
A few days ago, a friend told me that he was in a fishmonger’s shop, waiting for its owner to finish what he had ordered for lunch for himself and for his household. A man came in, and asked the fishmonger if he can buy fried bread (only) for two people, perhaps for himself and ...
Read moreThe Sunday of the Last Judgment
Tomorrow, in our Church, we enter into a partial fast, taking meat off our tables. This will be set off by this Sunday, which is the purpose, which we call the Sunday of the Last Judgment. In the Gospel we have read today, Jesus reveals to us that He will judge us according to our ...
Read moreA Realistic Testimony
The scholar Clement of Alexandria (+215) wrote that he knows Christians who, in order to help the poor, not only did they sell their possessions, but also sold themselves (as slaves). This is a testimony of Christ Who dwells in those who believe in Him, as God and Savior. No one like Him can convince ...
Read moreMystery of Mysteries
The poor are a mystery. Arise to them, you will find that Christ has preceded you, you will find Him waiting for you either with them, or at their place, or in them. Amazing is this mystery, that of Christ and the poor. Wherever they are, He is to be found; and wherever He is, ...
Read moreThe Exiled Christ
I was thinking of the deserted endowments of the Christians; contemplating the exiled Christ! Here, near me, there is an endowment to a monastery where the priest who maintained it, loved the poor. Monks obey! He was removed from his position in the hope that the property of the monastery will be invested for the ...
Read moreTo Give Alms
In the course of my service, I have heard many people use giving as an excuse in order to achieve or increase their wealth. They say, for example: “if I win the lottery grand prize, I will give half of it to the poor”, or “…I will finish (for you) the construction of the new ...
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