Saturday, October 19, 2013

Two Saints on the Death and Resurrection of Orthodox Russia

Znamensky Cathedral, Moscow (source)
   
In 1925 they asked St. Matrona of Moscow:
"Why did God allow them to close and raze so many Churches in Russia?"

And she answered with the following words:
"This was the will of God. The people are hypnotized, and a terrible demonic power has been put into action. It is in the air, and penetrates everything.

In olden times, this demonic power dwelt in the marshes and the dense forest, because people would go to church regularly, and wore and honored the Cross. Their homes were protected by holy icons, the vigil lamps that were burning, the holy water services which they did...

The demons were sent far away and feared to approach...

Today, however, these homes and these very people have become dwelling places of demons because of their faithlessness and by their distancing themselves from Christ."
(amateur translation from: http://apantaortodoxias.blogspot.com/2013/10/1925.html)
 
St. John Maximovitch wrote: "Shake off the slumber of despondency and sloth, O sons of Russia! Behold the glory of her sufferings and cleanse yourselves; wash away your sins! Be strengthened in the Orthodox faith, to be worthy to dwell in the house of the Lord and to settle on His holy mountain! Leap up, leap up, rise up! O Russia, you who from the Lord’s hands have drunk of the cup of His wrath! When your sufferings are over, your righteousness shall go with you and the glory of the Lord shall accompany you. The peoples shall come to your light, and kings to the radiance which shall rise on you. Then lift up your eyes and see: behold, your children come to you from the West and the North and the Sea and the East, blessing Christ in you for ever. Amen’ (The Orthodox Word, 1973, No. 50, pp. 94).
 
Three Great Hierarchs and Wonderworkers of the 20th Century: Sts. Luke of Crimea, Nektarios of Pentapolis, and John Maximovitch (source)
  
Through the prayers of our Holy Fathers, Lord Jesus Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us! Amen!

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