Tag: faith

An Encounter With St. Andrew

On By dotluvs2writeIn Religious, TravelLeave a comment

St. Andrew the first called

 

As my family and I stepped inside the Church of St. Andrew in the town of Patras, Greece, we immediately observed its huge interior with frescos and mosaics in brilliant colors encompassing the walls and ceiling. The large space was cool, and our feet shuffling on the marble floors echoed through it. Straight ahead was the narthex, or foyer of the church, and further in, the nave. There were chairs on either side of the aisle leading up to where the marble-laden icon screen stood, beautifully ornamented with the altar in the center.   Large crystal chandeliers hung down from the lofty ceiling, where in the center, the Pantocrator (Christ – ruler of all), painted in the dome, gazed down and blessed us.

Eventually, my sons and I, along with my mother, came to the white tomb where St. Andrew’s head lay under a silver and glass enclosure. Vases with beautiful flowers were on either side of it. I kneeled on the step before the tomb and bent my head, saying nothing at first. A glorious, mystical fragrance permeated the air around me. At first, I thought it was the flowers next to me on my left and right, but I leaned over and inhaled their scent, and none of them had this wondrous aroma. The smell closely resembled flowers. Gardenias, perhaps, but it wasn’t. It was emanating from the relic below the silver and glass box covering it. Moved to tears, I struggled to swallow the lump that had formed in my throat. Just then, St. Andrew’s life and ministry flashed through my mind like a motion picture.  His pain at his crucifixion swept through me, and I caught my breath. I asked St. Andrew to pray for us , kissed the glass dome, and crossed myself.

Housed in wood and glass next to the marble sarcophagus were the original pieces of the cross on which St. Andrew was martyred. As I had done a moment ago at St. Andrew’s tomb where his head lay, I kissed the glass encasing the remnants of the wooden cross. My faith was affirmed and strengthened that day.

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This is a piece written for my Introduction to Creative Writing Class back in early 2015.  This is a true encounter I had with St. Andrew at the Cathedral named after him in Patras, Greece.  Below is a picture of my husband, sons, and I in 2010 standing in front of St. Andrew’s Cathedral on our trip to Greece in May 2010.

family in Patras, Greece May 2010

(Inside the nave of St. Andrew’s Cathedral)

St. Andrew's Cathedral

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Have you ever had encounters with Saints or the heavenly hosts?

 

Almsgiving Doesn’t Come With A Disclaimer

On By dotluvs2writeIn blogging, Inspirational6 Comments

homeless man

 

At times, while driving to the mall, I see homeless people sitting or standing by the side of the on ramp. I’m betting all of us have seen a homeless person at least once in our lives. Sometimes, we’ll wonder what brought them to their present condition, and some people will suspect these people aren’t truly homeless. Years ago, I used to think this way. You know that view… the one that thinks if someone is standing by the roadside disheveled and holding a self-made cardboard sign, that he/she is most assuredly a drug addict or alcoholic. So, what does one do with this mindset when he/she encounters this “pseudo-poverty-stricken” individual? Why, nothing, of course. Nothing but walk on by or drive on after the light turns green.

Today at church, my priest spoke about this very subject—this belief that the person asking for anything you can give, or perhaps, money, is a wasted, deceitful human being.   As a Christian, I don’t believe questioning the motives of a homeless person is a prerequisite to giving what you can to these people. Christ never said feed the poor (sometimes money is all you have to give), clothe the naked, but only if you’ve investigated whether they truly are poor. No, you just do it. Why or how the person got to that unfortunate and tragic circumstance in his/her life is not our business. Our business is to give to the person because they are made in His Image.

Today, my priest shared a story about one of our Orthodox Saints—St. John the Almsgiver of Alexandria. He was the Patriarch of Alexandria in the seventh century. I’m sharing his encounter with a beggar from oca.org:

The saint never refused suppliants. One day, when the saint was visiting the sick, he met a beggar and commanded that he be given six silver coins. The beggar changed his clothes, ran on ahead of the Patriarch, and again asked for alms. Saint John gave him six more silver coins. When, however, the beggar sought charity a third time, and the servants began to chase the fellow away, the Patriarch ordered that he be given twelve pieces of silver, saying, “Perhaps he is Christ putting me to the test.”

st. john the almsgiver of alexandria

(St. John the Almsgiver of Alexandria)

This is an amazing and extraordinary example of how we Christians should try to be. We must see Christ in all people, including the homeless and those in prison. The Orthodox Christian Nativity Fast starts this Wednesday, November 15. I pray I have the opportunity to give to those less fortunate than I, and hopefully, bring a bit of comfort to their lives.