One of the major concerns on the minds – and hearts – of many people today, as we prepare to elect the next President of the United States, is that of the safety of this country, and of her people. Which candidate will do a better job of providing security? Which candidate will be a better job of protecting the American people?
As Christians, we are citizens of the Kingdom of heaven, as well as being citizens of an earthly realm. As such, we heed the wisdom of the holy Prophet King David, who wrote, “Trust ye not in princes, nor in the sons of men, in whom there is no salvation.” This is not to say that we are not to use wisdom in fulfilling our duty as citizens of this land, when we select our national leader. But we are meant to remember that our hope is not of this world; and the kingdom for which we hope is not of this world.
On this day in the year 911, the faithful people of God were in Church in Blachernae. During the All-night Vigil, the holy St. Andrew the fool-for-Christ had a vision, together with his disciple, Epiphanius. They saw the most holy lady Theotokos in prayer for the protection of the people of the world; and as she prayed, surrounded by apostles and martyrs and virgins and angels, she held her veil out as a covering for the people, as a sign of her protection for those who love and obey her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. We keep this day as a remembrance of this vision, to honor the most holy Mother of God, and to give thanks to our Lord for hearing, and answering, her prayers for us.
Brothers and sisters! Let us lay aside all earthly cares, and give thanks to God, Who has saved us. Let us yield ourselves to Him and to His service, calling upon Him to have mercy on us; and calling upon the most holy Theotokos to remember us, and to help us, in her holy prayers.
Through the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us!
October 1/14, 2004
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