Antioch Alexander

Brethren, see with what large letters I am writing to you with my own hand.   It is those who want to make a good showing in the flesh that would compel you to be circumcised and only in order that they may not be persecuted for the cross of Christ.   For even those who receive circumcision do not themselves keep the Law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may glory in your flesh.   But far be it from me to glory except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me and I to the world.   For, neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation.   Peace and mercy be upon all, who walk by this rule, upon the Israel of God.   Henceforth let no man trouble me; for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus.   The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brethren.   Amen. The Lord said, “No one has ascended into heaven but H...

Brethren, it is the God Who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” Who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. While we live we are always being given up to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, “I believed, and so I spoke,” we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that He Who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into His presence. For it is all for your sake, so t...

With the Sign of the Cross, the old monk Abba Joseph trapped in his cell a dark and miserable demon who had come to tempt him. "Release me, Father, and let me go," pleaded the demon, "I will not come to tempt you again." "I will gladly do that, but on one condition," replied the monk. "You must sing for me the song that you sang before God's Throne on high, before your fall." The demon responded, "You know I cannot do that; it will cause me cruel torture and suffering. And besides, Father, no human ear can hear its ineffable sweetness and live, for you will surely die." "Then you will have to remain here in my cell," said the monk, "and bear with me the full struggle of repentance." "Let me go, do not force me to suffer," pleaded the demon. "Ah, but then you must sing to me the song you sang on high before your fall with Satan." So the dark and miserable demon, seeing that there was n...

At the Sign of the Cross Strength is given A blessing bestowed for Christ is risen. At the Sign of the Cross Love doth reign Through Christ, the Paschal Lamb, Death itself is slain. At the Sign of the Cross The whole world doth rejoice Now both realms, Heaven and Earth, Might sing with one voice. Cry out, O ye peoples: Shout and proclaim At the Sign of the Cross Man, with God, is united again. AJHH, September 2018