:: Priestly Reflection ::
Fr. Daniel

There are three feasts dedicated to the Savior in the month of August. The first is the Procession of the Cross. The second, the Transfiguration, is a major Feast and well-known to believers. The third focuses on the Translation of the Image “Not-made-by hands” of our Lord Jesus Christ from Edessa to Constantinople. The Church historian, Eusebius, knew the story of the Icon and of King Agbar, who found healing through the Icon Not Made By Hands.  It is celebrated on the 16th of August. A detailed account of the Feast can be found on the OCA website. Popular in the Russian Church, the Troparion of the Feast is that used by Churches using as its patron “Christ the Savior.” That same Troparion is often used by the faithful on entering the Church and is part of the Entrance Prayers taken by the clergy before the celebration of a Liturgy. We sing it with great joy on the Sunday of Orthodoxy.

From Edessa to Columbus across the centuries.  The Church is a repository of graces that find expression in hymns, actions, and involvement. So much of what we do and how we behave in Church and out come down to us in ways whose origins are often unknown to us. If I remember to do it, I will place our copy of the Icon on the sacramental table this very day.

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Troparion - Tone 2

We venerate Your most pure image, O Good One,
And ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God.
Of Your good will You were pleased to ascend the Cross in the flesh,

And deliver Your creatures from bondage to the enemy.
Therefore with thankfulness we cry aloud to You:
You have filled all things with joy, O our Savior,
For You did come to save the world!

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The new Icon :: The Mystical Supper
Written by Victor Morozov.

Brought to us through
the generosity of the blischak family

See this icon as a direct expression of Holy Scriptures.
 “When it grew dark, He reclined at table with the Twelve.” He said: “I assure you, one of you is about to betray me. Distressed on hearing the Lord’s words, the Apostles began to say to Him, one after another “Surely it is not I.” In reply he declared? “The man who has dipped his hand into the dish with me is the one who will hand Me over. (Mt. 26:20-23) During the meal Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it  . . . and said: Take eat! This is my Body . . .

In the icon (depictions of the Supper go back to the 6th Century) Christ and the 12 are seated round a table. Gazes and position of figures are important.  Christ meets the eyes of His Disciples. He is presented reclining on a Byzantine cushion, since the Gospel account describes him and them "reclining at table." The Twelve however are not shown as ‘reclining’ but sitting upright – a practical device to save space. Jesus is shown with his left hand holding a scroll signifying the Sacred Word of God.

Disciples: Some are bewildered, deeply concerned over the meaning of the words of the Savior. “. . . one of you will betray Me.” The Disciples look at one another, puzzled as to what He could mean and searching for signs of the betrayer. Look at their fingers – they are used as response to “Is it I…” Some point to self; others as if to suggest others.

Some are in different attitudes
John the Beloved rests his head on Christ’s breast: “One of them whom Jesus loved reclined close to Him as they ate . . .” (The entire commandment of love as is presented in John’s Gospel is thereby embodied.  “Love one another as I have loved you. . .”

Judas as betrayer is shown stretching out his hands toward the bread given him in order to dip it into the dish, thereby fulfilling the prophecy: “Even my friend who had My trust and partook of My bread, has raised his heel against Me.” (Psalm 41:10)

Often Peter is shown with raised hand next to John in an effort to proclaim his loyalty. Andrew, Peter’s brother, is the one with curly hair and beard. Thomas and Philip are written as the two young, beardless men. Note that the table is depicted in such a way as opening to deliberately to include us in the gathering.

The sanctified bread – the Body of Christ – as already broken and found in the only container shown here.
The cup – the Blood of Christ – is not shown here but is written in the companion icon entitled The Communion of the Apostles and found in the icon above the Royal Doors in our  sanctuary. It would, according to Passover traditions come at the conclusion of the meal.

The color red on the couch as well as in the drapery (shown above the table to indicate that actions depicted are taking place are indoors) are in red to indicated the Passion and Blood that will be shed.

The windows and doorways are black to indicate that night has fallen. The spiritual dimensions of that darkness closing in are not hard to imagine.

Victor Morozov, the much loved writer of this and other icons here at St. Gregory’s, has once again manifested his living faith and theological insight. It is for us a blessing to this day be blessing. Many Years to him, to Paul and all the members of his Family!

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St. Gregory of Nyssa, Columbus has turned 25.

“So special a time is it for us that we’ve committed to a year of happenings and events: everything from retreats to picnics to choir concerts. On Sunday, January 13, we inaugurated the Anniversary Year with a dinner designed to celebrate as parish. All conspired to provide us a memorable occasion. An abundance of good will, fellowship and love was matched in equal measure by an abundance of food, as rich in presentation as was in flavor. All left our upper room brim full by any measure.” -- Fr. Daniel Rentel

The Three Hierarchs, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom and Gregory the Theologian, are honored throughout the Church for their "divinely wise words" used to teach and preach the Faith. The Russian iconographer, Nikolai Mukhin, has written a magnificent icon of the three luminaries. His gift captures their inner fervor and at the same time reveals a great deal of Mukhin's extraordinary artistry. As a way to honor the memory of John Volosin by commissioning this icon, the Volosin family fulfills a commitment of love that will endure, we believe, for centuries to come.

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