ISSUE

28
MAY 2013

Monthly Newsletter for Stewards of Holy Anargyroi Sts. Kosmas & Damianos Greek Orthodox Church

Box & Spoon

2013 Standing Committees

PARISH COUNCIL Aaron Biedermann-President Halina WoroncowVice Pres. Tim Kelly Andru Peters-Secretary Dan JerghiuTreasurer Don Jenkins Tia Maragos Erline Holman Robert Lytle STEWARDSHIP / OUTREACH John Maragos Chair Halina Woroncow Ari Kolas Mark Smith Diana Orbelo ICONOGRAPHY Diana Orbelo Chair Tia Maragos Andru Peters Fr. Mark Muoz BUILDING Tim Kelly- Chair Ari Kolas BUDGET Dan Jerghiu Chair Fr. Mark Muoz AUDIT Jacob Peterson Mark Smith John Maragos PHILOXENIA HOUSE Brad Holman Chair GREEK FESTIVAL Dan Jerghiu Chair Lorenda Jerghiu Silent auction Joe Ferrer Set-up/Teardown Tim Kelly Outdoor Cooks Johnny Mangouras Marketing Ari Kolas Marketing Penny Kolas Pastries Maria Thomas Pastries Denise Mangouras Pastries

O Death where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?

I was always taught that sarcasm was a poor substitute for wit. However, St. Pauls words quoted above deliver a triumphant theological hybrid of both! St. John Chrysostom echoes this poetic mockery in his famous Homily which is read in every Orthodox Church during the Paschal Liturgy. These simple words expound the spiritual and ontological reality that death, sin, Hades, and their genitor have definitively been destroyed; and that the bonds of enslavement that shackled humanity and creation have been utterly annihilated This truth is expressed iconographically in the traditional icon called the Harrowing of Hades. In it the Resurrected Christ raises Adam and Eve out of their tombs while crushing the gates and bars of Hades. If we look closely at the bottom of the icon we might happen upon a rather miserable and bizarre figure in human form. Ever noticed him before? The image above is a snapshot of the bottom of the whole Resurrection scene: an old bearded man, shriveled and blackened, with an expression of impotent desperation, bound hand and foot. Very evocative indeed. This unfortunate individual embodies the image of sin, death, Hades (the grave), and by extension the evil one himself. Now, someone who is a little more logical and erudite may formulate the following question: if Christs death and resurrection has destroyed sin and death, and rendered the devil powerless...why does the evil one seemingly have so much power in the world? If hes bound and fettered how is it we continue to feel his evil and malevolent presence in our lives? Honest and important questions, are they not? I searched high and low and found a profound response from a most unlikely source: Blessed Augustine! After the resurrection of Christ, the devil is bound. Some may say, 'If he is bound, why does he often prevail?' It is perfectly true, my brethren, he does often prevail; but it is the tepid and careless, and those who do not really fear God, that he overcomes. He is tied up like a dog on a chain, and only bites someone who, sure of himself, goes near him. Wouldn't you think a man a fool who let himself be bitten by a chained dog? The question remains for you and me to answer: would you approach a snaggle-toothed, rabid, growling, barking dog and give it a good pat down? NO! of course not! Then why would we even consider to approach an even more ferocious and dangerous beast that is sin? A dog bite to the flesh can heal with time and little care; the venomous sting of sin can leave the soul much like the individual above if left untreated and ignored: powerless, destitute, frozen willed, and consigned to eternal defeat. Yes, Christ is Risen! and we bask in the radiance of that joy and victory that He has granted us.however, we are called to do our part and avoid, at all cost, the one chained to the Tree of the Cross.
consulting + Fr. Mark

Martha Voytovich Market place

Andru Peters Beverages Mike Brekke Beer Garden Larissa Osfeld Children Area

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. CHRIST IS RISEN

Calendar for May 2013

Holy Wednesday May 1st Holy Unction Service Orthros for Holy Thursday Holy Thursday Holy Friday May 2nd May 3rd Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil Holy Passion Service/12 Gospels Royal Hours GOYA Holy Friday Retreat after Royal Hours Apokathilosis/Taking down from Cross Lamentations Holy Saturday May 4th Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil **Decorating for Pascha after Liturgy** ANASTASIS/RESURRECTION Parish-wide Paschal Dinner and celebration after Liturgy PASCHA Bright Monday Wednesday Friday Saturday Mon.-Thurs. Wednesday Thursday Saturday Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Saturday Monday Wednesday Wednesday May 5th May 6th May 8th May 10th May 11th May 13th-16th May 15th May 16th May 18th May 19th May 20th May 21st May 22nd May 25th May 27th May 29th May 29th Agape Vespers St. George the Great Martyr Orthros/Divine Liturgy St. John the Theologian & Evangelist Orthros/Divine Liturgy Theotokos the Life-Giving Fount/Zoodochos Pigi Orthros/Divine Liturgy Great Vespers Metropolis Clergy Retreat *Fr. Mark away* Greek Fest Meeting St. Philothei Project Great Vespers Sunday School Recognition/Annual Picnic AC/DC Religious Education SS. Constantine & Helen Equal-to-the-Apostles Orthros/Divine Liturgy Parish Council Meeting Great Vespers AC/DC Religious Education Mid-Pentecost Orthros/Divine Liturgy Philoxenia Meeting 6pm 6:30pm 6pm 6pm 8:30am 6pm 8:30am 7pm 6pm 6pm 6pm 8:30am 8:30am 11am 8:30am 11pm 3pm 7pm 8:30am 3:30pm 7pm 8:30am 7pm 9am ** those who cannot be present at 3:30pm Unction Service may be anointed after the 7pm Service *

His Grace Bishop +DEMETRIOS will be celebrating the Vesperal Liturgy w/full Choir

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!

Philoxenia House News

Most everyone seems to love happy endings in books, movies and in life. I have a hard time understanding how the Greek tragedies of the 5th century B.C. were so popular when they had such sad or tragic endings. Many parishioners of our church who have been involved with the visitors of the Philoxenia House over the last 5 years know that there are times when the personal stories of the guests have not ended happily. I remember one such story of a young man and his family from an island in Greece that was perhaps one of the saddest experiences of my life. We all mourn with those who mourn, but today I want to share one of those popular stories that have a happy ending so that we can celebrate with those who are celebrating. The following is a letter written by Caren Nitis the mother of Juliana Nitis who was a patient at the Mayo Clinic and a guest, with her mother, at the Philoxenia House this spring. Caren intended for us to share the letter with all.

Julianas Story We traveled from NY to Mayo to participate in a 3 1/2 week program with the hope of Juliana returning to a functional life. Juliana has been extremely debilitated by a chronic condition for 9 1/2 years. She arrived in Minnesota using a reclining wheelchair in order to attempt to navigate a 9 hour day. Four days later, she was sitting, standing and walking through her day. The gains increased exponentially over the next 3 weeks. During our stay, Juliana walked to the church with me and was able to sit in the church by my side for the first time in 9 1/2 years. We are so thankful to God for the blessing of coming to Mayo. The ministry of Holy Anargyroi made a difficult trip more manageable. We feel so blessed to have been able to stay in the Philoxenia House. We thank the community for such a wonderful home in our time of need. The Nitis
I am very grateful that Julianas mother shared her story with us. Sometimes we need these bright spots to lift our spirits and reassure us that the ministry that we are doing is worthwhile. I consider stories such as this to be a blessing given to us from our Lord Jesus Christ for the efforts and the prayers of all involved in the ministry of the Philoxenia House and Holy Anargyroi. In Christ, Bradley Holman

Featured Library Item of the Month

Pascha: The Resurrection of Christ (DVD) Location: Videos
This hour-long DVD explains some of the services during Holy Week, culminating in the Pascha service. Highlights of each service are shown, and you may recognize familiar hymns being sung in the background. This was the same video shown on television in 2009. Did you know that our library has 8 DVDs and over 100 VHS tapes? Check them out following the instructions posted in the church library.

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. CHRIST IS RISEN

Youth Team Report

Prayer, Fasting, Almsgiving The cornerstones of Great Lent and of Christian life. The Churchs prescription for our souls and bodies as we work to examine and rededicate our lives to Christ. Our youth have been encouraged to participate in each of these disciplines this month, as we look ahead to the Feast of Feasts. Both JOY and GOYA students attended Friday Salutations Services and participated as readers. GOYA also took a turn reading the psalms at Pre-sanctified Liturgy. After the service that evening, the youth enjoyed a tasty, Lenten potluck with members of the church, then put their faith into action by assembling emergency kits for suffering Syrian families displaced in the violence and chaos of the Middle East. GOYA, also, spent a weekday evening preparing meals for the local womens shelter for our St. Philothei ministry. Their good works produced some mighty delicious aromas in the kitchen that night. Our youth are encouraged to receive the Sacrament of Repentance during Great Lent. JOY will participate in conjunction with Faith Night GOYA incorporates this into their annual Lenten Lock-In which consists of reading for the Salutations Service, enjoying a Lenten meal, confessions, an interactive lesson, games, and fellowship into the morning hours. This year, we considered what makes a saint, what qualities we might share with them and develop, and how each of us is called to follow in their footsteps and learn to live in the likeness of God. The JOY students in grades PreK 4 , directed by Kathy Lytle and Erline Holman, have been practicing the beautiful Hymn of the Resurrection Christ Is Risen. Through this hymn the children learned the importance of the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ has arisen from the dead". By this hymn they admit that love of one's fellowman is the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ. JOY April Faith Night had a review of the Holy Week day by day but this time the focus was on the story of raising Lazarus from the dead by Jesus Christ (John 11:1-45) - at the end of Great Lent and the forty days of fasting and penitence, the Church combines this celebration with that of Palm Sunday. In triumph and joy the Church bears witness to the power of Christ over death and exalts Him as King before entering the most solemn week of the year, one that leads the faithful in remembrance of His suffering and death and concludes with the great and glorious Feast of Pascha. As a craft activity the children made a Paschal poem/Card that illustrates the Passions and sufferings of Jesus Christ through the Holy Week culminating with His Resurrection. Holy Week is ahead of us. Our youth will be encouraged to complete the fast as they are able, to pray and worship with their families and friends at Church at the many, beautiful services, and to continue to look for opportunities for -- acts of mercy thereby showing love for one another and imitating God, whose love and mercy has no bounds. May we continue to don the spiritual armor of the Church to draw closer to our Lord as we complete the Fast and await His glorious Resurrection. A joyous Pascha to all! Youth Team Coordinators: JOY - Loredana Jerghiuta GOYA - Halina Woroncow & Mike Brekke

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!

This year marks the 50th anniversary of our Greek Festival. We need everybodys help to make this years festival special! Here are a few ways anybody can help: Mark your calendars and make sure you will be available the last weekend in August (Friday 8/23 to Sunday 8/25). If possible also plan to be available Wednesday 8/21 and Thursday 8/22 to help with setup and food preparation. Join the Festival Committee and participate in planning and organizing the event. No prior experience required you can learn a lot just attending a few meetings. Meetings are Wednesday nights from 7PM in the library and currently scheduled on the following dates: 5/15, 6/12, 7/10, 7/24 The bake sale is a main attraction at the festival. There arent many other places where you can still find home-made pastries. We need a lot of help to prepare them. The more volunteers we have the faster we get done. Last couple of years we had very long baking days due to small turnout. If you are between 4 and 94 and can stand for a couple of hours you can help. No prior experience required youll get all the training on the spot. Please review the schedule below and plan to participate as many baking sessions as possible: Saturday, June 1 Monday, June 24 Wednesday, July 10 Saturday, July 13 Saturday, July 27 Wednesday, August 21 Thursday, August 22 Friday, August 23 9:30 Baklava 9:30 Cookies 9:30 10:00 10:00 9:30 9:30 Cookies Galaktobouriko (Prepare) Cookies Dipping Diples and Melomakarona Karidopita and Kopenhi

9:30 Final preparing and setup

Donate items, baskets or money for the Silent Auction. Contact Loredana Jerghiuta ([email protected], 507-271-5928). Do not forget that the Auction is 100% profit - there are no bills to pay in the end. Your gift will have the maximum impact. Dan Jerghiuta ([email protected], 507-271-7688)

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life. CHRIST IS RISEN

Philoptochos Society
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 7th at 6pm in the Church library. Please make every effort to attend this important meeting to vote on the board members for our next two year term. Thank you. On March 30th, Kristine Brekke and I attended the Philoptochos Lenten Retreat at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Elmhurst, IL. It was wonderful to participate in fellowship with our Philoptochos sisters and especially with the Metropolis of Chicago Philoptochos board members who embraced us with open arms. We were able to finally meet many of them in person and thank them for their encouragement for our small but thriving chapter here at Holy Anargyroi. We were also able to enjoy time spent with His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, His Grace Bishop Demetrios, Father Andrew and Presbytera Dimitra Georganas and Cathy Gofis who is Holy Anargyrois Philoptochos Liaison. Cathy presented us with thirty childrens quilts made by the Metropolis Philoptochos Quilt-A-Thon for our Philoxenia House. Kris and I were honored to accept this wonderful gift in person and especially at Saint Demetrios Churchs small chapel dedicated to Holy Anargyroi-SS Kosmas and Damianos! Attending Metropolis Philoptochos events are important, for all of our members, to further educate ourselves about the ministry of Philoptochos and also to represent our chapter. The support and inspiration goes both ways.

Cathy Gofis, Holy Anargyrois Philoptochos Liaison, and Society member, Kristine Brekke, with a donation of thirty childrens quilts for our Philoxenia House from the Metropolis Philoptochos Quilt-A-Thon.

On the third Sunday of Pascha, May 19th this year, we honor the Myrrh-bearing Women. These seven faithful and devoted women in Jesus Christs earthy life followed Him closely throughout His ministry and witnessed His death on the cross. They loved Jesus deeply, did their work for Him obediently, were thankful for His love and mercy, and were quick to understand His ministry and who He is. In the Gospel of Mark 16: 1-8, Jesus Christ shows His love for these hardworking faithful women by giving them the heavenly gift of being the first to hear the joyful news of His resurrection and to evangelize for Him. Very early in the morning after the Sabbath, they quickly ran, carrying anointing oils, which represents their faithfulness, as a gift of love for their Rabboni. As they hurried; they did not worry about their personal safety but wondered who will roll away the stone from the door of the tomb for us? (Mark 16:3) They understood it was an impossible task and yet they went with faith, which represents what we must do in our lives: go forth with trust in God that as we make good choices with strong faith and love, He will help us. Upon arriving at the tomb, they are surprised that the large stone is removed, the grave is empty and there is a young man, an angel in white, there to greet them! Here they are told, by the angel, the miracle of Jesus Christs Resurrection He is Risen! (Mark 16:6) The angel also instructs the women to go and share the good news of Christs resurrection with the disciples Tell His disciples and Peter (Mark 16:7) Here, in my eyes, they are not only given the special job of evangelizing but to also minister with Gods love. The angel specifically mentions the Apostle Peter, who during this time is in a state of despair and agonizing pain because Peter had denied the Lord three times just like the Lord warned him, causing Peter to realize his own sinful nature thus he went out and wept bitterly. (Matthew 26:75). The women are told to go and tell Peter, Our Lord has risen and the angel mentioned you, Peter! The Gospel does not say, but I like to imagine that it is our Holy Mother, the Virgin Mary, who stands humbly before Peter, looks him gently in the eyes and delivers this beautiful message of love and forgiveness from God Himself. The Gospel reading for the Sunday of the Myrrh-bearing Women is a wonderful testament to steadfast deep faith, patience and perseverance. When we genuinely instill these spiritual strengths in our lives, God may open opportunities for us to follow His will, to minister on His behalf, and to show His love. Lets faithfully venture forth on the good path with joy and love for our Lord! CHRIST IS RISEN! Calli Kelly Philoptochos President

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!

Parish Council
This week I experienced a four-hour long Parish Council meeting followed by a four hour long Parish Assembly on Sunday. At the completion of our Council meeting I felt good about our accomplishments, collaboration, and positive change that has occurred. We are attempting to improve a lot of the processes to strengthen the future of the church as well being respectful of the time that our volunteers put forth for each of our ministries. These efforts require a lot of details and appreciation from various perspectives, which I believe we have represented on our current Council. Any job done well is about paying attention to the details. We have learned that the easy answers are not always the correct path, spiritually and financially. The Orthodox Church has not become what it is today by taking short cuts or simplifying liturgical processes. Our church cherishes our traditions and we are mindful that each action and spoken word throughout the liturgy leads to the greater higher experience. At the conclusion our Assembly, I did not have the same feeling for our efforts. What was lacking was a spirit of understanding and collaboration. It was not just about the duration of time involved, it was about the energy drain that had occurred. The Assembly should be about asking questions but not questioning others. No decision occurs in isolation. It is not just about the money. It is not just about what we feel is right. It is not just because that is the way we have always done it. It is about an appreciation for all perspectives. As a mutt convert, the ethnic heritage and passion is still new to me. While the dialogue during our assembly may have felt healthy to some, it was uncomfortable for others. Compared to my childhood in a much larger parish, there are opportunities in our parish to get involved, make a difference, and partake in ministries that share our talents. This is my greater concern. Our ministries rely significantly on the time and talents of our fellow parishioners. I believe some of these efforts were over shadowed by some of the emotions that arose throughout the afternoon. I personally would like to thank John Maragos for his efforts in improving our outreach and our face to the world of electronic media with our new web page. Additionally, there have been countless hours put in by Dan Jerghiuta, John Maragos, and Jacob Peterson to improve the accounting and money handling of the church. Thank you. As a Parish Council, we are an elected body by you, the Parish. Please, we encourage you to ask questions, listen to gain perspective from others, and provide feedback, but be respectful. I understand and respect that my message will be taken in many different ways. I am more than willing to visit with anyone who may have questions, or just get to know one another a little bit better. We first must learn to approach every task and interaction with great respect and importance. Every action and every detail of our lives has the potential for a positive or negative impact. It is up to you determine what that impact will be to others. Please be assured that every decision that the Parish Council makes, has one goal in mind; the advancement and growth of our parish. In Christ, Aaron Biedermann Parish Council President

Treasurers Report
Jan - Mar 2013 Actual Total Income Total Expenses Net Income $45,839.48 $65,308.16 ($19,468.68) Jan - Mar 2012 Actual $46,213.99 $55,994.58 ($9,780.59) 2013 vs 2012 Dierence ($374.51) $9,313.58 ($9,688.09) Jan - Mar 2013 Budget $50,720.00 $63,758.00 ($13,038.00) Actual vs. Budget Dierence ($4,880.52) $1,550.16 ($6,430.68)

SAINT GEORGE ETHIOPIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH OPEN HOUSE

Our Orthodox brothers and sisters in Christ are delighted to announce that they have purchased their own Church after renting our hall for the past eight years. They invite our parish to join them in their celebratory open house on May 19th at 1pm in their new Church, located at 802 East Center Street in Rochester.

Sts. Constantine and Helen Equal to the Apostles

This great and renowned sovereign of the Christians was the son of Constantius Chlorus (the ruler of the westernmost parts of the Roman empire), and of the blessed Helen. He was born in 272, in (according to some authorities) Naissus of Dardania, a city on the Hellespont. In 306, when his father died, he was proclaimed successor to his throne. In 312, on learning that Maxentius and Maximinus had joined forces against him, he marched into Italy, where, while at the head of his troops, he saw in the sky after midday, beneath the sun, a radiant pillar in the form of a cross with the words: By this shalt thou conquer. The following night, our Lord Jesus Christ appeared to him in a dream and declared to him the power of the Cross and its signicance. When he arose in the morning, he immediately ordered that a labarum be made (which is a banner or standard of victory over the enemy) in the form of a cross, and he inscribed on it the Name of Jesus Christ. On the 28th Of October, he aacked and mightily conquered Maxentius, who drowned in the Tiber River while eeing. The following day, Constantine entered Rome in triumph and was proclaimed Emperor of the West by the Senate, while Licinius, his brother-in-law, ruled in the East. But out of malice, Licinius later persecuted the Christians. Constantine fought him once and again, and uerly destroyed him in 324, and in this manner he became monarch over the West and the East. Under him and because of him all the persecutions against the Church ceased. Christianity triumphed and idolatry was overthrown. In 325 he gathered the First Ecumenical Council in Nicaea, which he himself personally addressed. In 324, in the ancient city of Byzantium, he laid the foundations of the new capital of his realm, and solemnly inaugurated it on May 11, 330, naming it after himself, Constantinople. Since the throne of the imperial rule was transferred thither from Rome, it was named New Rome, the inhabitants of its domain were called Romans, and it was considered the continuation of the Roman Empire. Falling ill near Nicomedia, he requested to receive divine Baptism, according to Eusebius (The Life of Constantine. Book IV, 61-62), and also according to Socrates and Sozomen; and when he had been deemed worthy of the Holy Mysteries, he reposed in 337, on May 21 or 22, the day of Pentecost, having lived sixty-ve years, of which he ruled for thirty-one years.

O sovereign Master and Creator of all things, O Christ our God, Thou didst cry unto those present at the Judaic Mid-feast and address them thus: Come and draw the water of immortality freely. Wherefore, we fall down before Thee and faithfully cry out: Grant Thy compassions unto us, O Lord, for Thou are truly the Wellspring of life for all.

CHRIST IS RISEN! - a short story by Pavlos Nirvanas

Once many years ago when I happened to celebrate Easter and the Resurrection in a little mountain village of the Peloponnese, I had noticed an old villager who was holding a lit Easter candle with his arm outstretched upwards, towards the stars that adorned the skies of that Resurrection night, and, as though addressing me, I heard him gently murmur: The Heavens, my child, were tamed on this night. In those few words, that innocent villager had succinctly enclosed the most profound meaning of the Christian miracle. The Heavens were tamed. Without the supreme Christian miracle of the Resurrection, the heavens would have continued (for the cowardly soul of the simple person and for every human soul generally) to be the abode of a dreaded God; a fair judge, but also one without leniency, and a merciless vindicator. Such were the gods of all other religions. They reigned supreme over their creations, instilling fear in them. They were omnipotent tyrants, who remained at a great distance from their peoples; they had never acquainted themselves with their worshippers weaknesses, they had never suffered the pain that their believers suffered and had never been tormented by their believers torments. They had never mourned like their believers mourned. They were incapable of compassion, of sympathy or forgiveness. How could the heavens that are inhabited by such gods not be perceived as savage, in the eyes of awe-struck mortals? In that calm spring night, as the old villagers lit candle was lifted to the heavens like a greeting towards the twinkling, resurrected stars, the heavens indeed seemed tamer. They were no longer the abode of a God estranged from His people, seated far, far away up there on His terrible throne. There now resided a lovable God; one Who had savored all the sufferings that mankind suffered: He had acquainted Himself with all the injustices of the world, He had undergone every kind of scorn, He had paid for every single kind of ingratitude. He was abused, laughed at, spat on, dragged through the streets in bonds as though He were the worst of criminals, and was crucified. He had hungered, thirsted, and had beheld the horror of death. For a moment, He had even seen Himself as forgotten by God Himself, who was His Father: My God, my God, why have You abandoned me? There was no pain that He had not become acquainted with; no heartache that He had not felt; no misery whose poison He had not tasted. He drank every kind of bitter drink that a person could ever drink in this world. And, on a night like tonight, this suffering and tortured person had risen to the heavens and had seated Himself, all-powerful, at Gods Throne, to govern the entire world. How could the Heavens not become tamed? An infinite goodness had now engulfed the Firmament. Why should any sinner tremble in fear from then on? the old man must have thought to himself. He who had forgiven the whore, the robber - and even those who had crucified Him - is now up there and He can see the sinners tears of repentance and forgive him. Why should any sick person feel desperation? He who had healed the blind and the paralyzed is now up there and can heal him also. Why should the poor and the wronged feel resentment? He, who had hungered and thirsted is now up there and is fully understanding of his misery too. Why should any mother worry anxiously about her child? Up there, in the Heavens, is a caring Mother who has also endured maternal suffering and who will beseech (on that mothers behalf) Her Son, who governs the entire world, to bestow His mercy on her. And why should any whitehaired elder tremble during his hour of death? For him - as for every soul there awaits a resurrection The Heavens were indeed tamer on that spring evening. And the old mans candle had indeed been raised as a greeting and as a thanksgiving towards those resurrected stars. Christ is risen, grandpa.