Orthodixie
“Guard your mind from evil thoughts concerning your neighbors, knowing that the demons put them there, aiming to blind you to your own sins and prevent you from directing yourself toward God.”
— The Venerable Elias the Egyptian (Feast – November 3rd)
Taken from the Prologue of Ohrid.
Racism is a sin almost nobody confesses. Like pollution, it is a “sin of the world” that is everybody’s responsibility but apparently nobody’s fault. One could hardly imagine a more fitting patron of Christian forgiveness (on the part of those discriminated against) and Christian justice (on the part of reformed racists) than Martin de Porres [Feast on the Roman Catholic calendar: November 3rd].
November 3rd is also a lesser commemoration of the Holy Great Martyr George, the day we remember the translation of his holy relics to Lydda in Palestine.
O George the martyr,
O George the victor:
Through suffering, you conquered,
And through death you have been glorified.
You held all things to be of less value
Than truth, O George.
You gave up earthly power and honor,
And stood beside the Living Christ.
O George the martyr,
O George the victor:
Pierced and broken with horrible tortures,
You were sustained by God’s hand.
All your pains were as nothing —
By the power of God’s mighty hand.
We all bow down before you
And glorify your name.
O Martyr George,
O Victor George:
Have mercy on us now,
By your prayers, protect us
Before the throne of Christ God,
Our Almighty Savior;
And pray that we not fear torture,
And that, by patience, we conquer!
Also taken from the Prologue.
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