Dear Friends
It must have been an impressive event when Paul, the great Apostle to the Nations, preached at the Areopagus (“Hill of Ares”) in Athens—we read about it in the Book of Acts (17:22–34). He preached about Christ and the Resurrection despite some even mocking him: because his hearers then believed what our society believes now—the dead do not arise, Jesus is dead and we will remain dead.
We get used to saying “Christ is risen!” to such an extent that it may lose its meaning. It is a bold statement, a radical statement. It is a statement that requires us to reevaluate our experience of the world, to question the society in which we live. Because if Christ is risen, if we will arise, if dying is not the end then all our lives are transformed. If.
‘If’ is such a big word. Yet we may have confidence and certainty in the witness of the eye-witnesses of Christ’s Resurrection: in the Apostles and others with them—we commemorate the Apostle Thomas this week—so many of whom gave their lives, while forgiving those who killed them, for the sake of the Gospel.
There were some who heard St Paul’s preaching on the Areopagus and came to believe in Christ and his Resurrection: two of whom we commemorate this week, St Dionysios the Areopagite and St Hierotheos.
They heard the preaching of St Paul, which didn’t use strange language but kept to concepts and ideas they could understand, and were captivated by it. And they were captivated by Christ to such an extent they were honoured to be present with the Apostles at the Dormition of the Theotokos.
My dear brothers and sisters, let Christ be arisen in your hearts and in your lives: be alive in him and he will be alive in you. Pray, attend services, read and study Scriptures all to make room for Christ in our hearts that we may make his Resurrection our own and be transformed by him.
Services this week
Friday 1st October
Discussion on the book of Genesis, 8 pm
Online only
Saturday 2nd October
Vespers, 6.30 pm
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
Sunday 3rd October
Divine Liturgy, 9.30 am
At St Francis’ Hall, Eastleigh
Online session is via Google Meet, please get in contact for the details.
Please join us: all are welcome, come and see.
Attending Church
We will be meeting at St Francis’ Hall, Nightingale Avenue, Eastleigh, SO50 9JA. We ask you to wear a mask unless exempt. Come and See.
Can I help you?
I am here for you, you need only ask. Is there a way I can support your life of faith? Get in touch.
Can you help the mission?
Yes, absolutely. Offer yourselves to the Lord: pray! Make available to him all your talents and ask him how he would like you to use them — listen for his reply.
Your prayers!
With love in Christ
Fr Alexander
[email protected]