Christ is Baptized! In the Jordan!

Dearest beloved ones,

The festal seasons of the Nativity and Theophany offer us a time of consolation, joy, and holy reflection on the magnificent condescension of God, who united Himself to our suffering in order to raise humanity to Himself and to His divine heights. In these holy days, the darkness is dispelled, rebuked, and even exposed for it vapidness and void.

As the Prophet Isaiah foretold, and as the Gospel of Matthew proclaims: “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali… the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light.” Though suffering, wars, and even rumors of wars surround us, the light of Christ still shines forth - the light that enlightens all. Glory to Him who has given His Church these sacred days, turning our gaze away from anxiety-inducing media and noise, and fixing it instead upon Himself, the Prince of Peace.

These past weeks have been richly filled for us at St. Silouan the Athonite. Our community was also blessed once again by the pastoral presence of Fr. Nektarios (Bernard) and Presvytera Martha (Linda) Funk. Their steadfast support has been a true rock for our mission parish over many years. The choir sang with strength and devotion through the many services, allowing our prayers to rise like incense before God. The joy of the Nativity began with Royal Hours, a prayerful and sober preparation to receive the feast. After the packed Divine Liturgy, our festal agape meal was generously prepared, and it was heartening to see our St. Silouan community gathered together, welcoming not only one another, but also “the stranger,” those beloved of Christ who are weary and heavy-laden.

The following Monday, Noble Joseph House was once again in full swing. Our parish children participated in serving meals to the brothers and sisters of Christ who came to our weekly mercy meal, learning through action what it means to love as Christ loves.

We then celebrated the Feast of the Circumcision of our Lord at our newly established mission parish of St. Olga of Alaska in East Gwillimbury. The Feast of St. Basil the Great was marked with the sharing of Vasilopita, generously prepared by one of our parish families.

The Feast of Theophany unfolded beautifully. The vigil began with a shared meal with the Noble Joseph House community, followed by the prayerful preparation of the church. With the font placed at the center, those who rely on us for nourishment came and shared a simple meal, and some chose to remain for the Vigil service; finding nourishment not only for the body, but also for the soul. As has been our custom for many years, we processed through our Regent Park neighborhood before the Great Blessing of the Waters, proclaiming the good news of the Lord’s appearing and inviting all to enter into His joy. The waters were blessed, and many suffering in body and soul found comfort through them.

The next day, on the Feast itself, Fr. Timothy presided, our first festal season together with our dear father. He is truly a gift from God, sent to help continue the pastoral tending of the Lord’s vineyard here at St. Silouan the Athonite.

After the festal Divine Liturgy, nearly fifty of us descended to the waters of Lake Ontario to bless the waters, intentionally offering back to God all that He has so generously given to us. Though the cold was sharp, the joy of this tradition warmed the hearts of those present. Afterwards, many gathered at a local eatery to continue in fellowship and the shared joy of the feast.

Dearest brothers and sisters, these moments will remain cherished treasures in our hearts, calling us to deeper repentance and renewed resolve as we journey toward the Kingdom, especially in the twilight of our lives. May the Lord grant us many more returns to these blessed days together, that we may work out our salvation with seriousness and not waste time in the darkness. Indeed, Christ is among us! He is and ever shall be!

Glory to God for all things!

​Fr Paul Tadros

Prayer of St. Sophronius of Jerusalem during the The Great Blessing of the Waters on the Feast of Theophany

O Trinity supreme in being, in goodness, and in Godhead, almighty, who watchest over all, invisible, incomprehensible, Maker of spiritual beings and rational natures, innate Goodness, Light that none can approach and that lightens every man that comes into the world: Shine also upon me Thine unworthy servant. Enlighten the eyes of my understanding that I may make bold to sing the praises of Thy measureless beneficence and Thy might. May the prayer be acceptable that I offer for the people here present. Let not my faults hinder Thy Holy Spirit from coming to this place, but suffer me now uncondemend to cry to Thee, O most good Lord, and to say:

We glorify Thee, O Master who lovest mankind, almighty, pre-eternal King. We glorify Thee, the Creator and Maker of all. We glorify Thee, O Only-begotten Son of God, born without father from Thy Mother, and without mother from Thy Father.

In the preceding feast we saw Thee as a child, while in the present we behold Thee full-grown, our God made manifest, perfect God from perfect God. For today the time of the feast is at hand for us: the choir of saints assembles with us and angels join with men in keeping festival.

Today the grace of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon the waters.

Today the Sun that never sets has risen and the world is filled with splendor by the light of the Lord.

Today the moon shines upon the world with the brightness of its rays. Today the glittering stars make the inhabited earth fair with the radiance of their shining.

Today the clouds drop down upon mankind the dew of righteousness from on high. Today the Uncreated of His own will accepts the laying on of hands from His own creature.

Today the Prophet and Forerunner approaches the Master, but stands before Him with trembling, seeing the condescension of God towards us. Today the waters of the Jordan are transformed into healing by the coming of the Lord.

Today the whole creation is watered by mystical streams. Today the transgressions of men are washed away by the waters of the Jordan.

Today Paradise has been opened to men and the Sun of Righteousness shines down upon us. Today the bitter water, as once with Moses and the people of Israel, is changed to sweetness by the coming of the Lord.

Today we have been released from our ancient lamentation, and as the new Israel we have found salvation. Today we have been delivered from darkness and illuminated with the light of the knowledge of God.

Today the blinding mist of the world is dispersed by the Epiphany of our God.

Today the whole creation shines with light from on high.

Today error is laid low and the coming of the Master has made for us a way of salvation.

Today things above keep feast with things below, and things below commune with things above.

Today the triumphant assembly of the Orthodox keeps this holy festival with great joy.

Today the Master hastens towards baptism that He may lift man up to the heights.

Today He that bows not, bows down to His own servant that He may set us free from bondage.

Today we have purchased the Kingdom of Heaven: for the Lord’s Kingdom shall have no end.

Today earth and sea share the joy of the world, and the world is filled with gladness.

The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw Thee and were afraid. The Jordan turned back, seeing the fire of the Godhead descending bodily and entering its stream. The Jordan turned back, beholding the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove and flying about Thee. The Jordan turned back, seeing the Invisible made visible, the Creator made flesh, the Master in the form of a servant. The Jordan turned back and the mountains skipped, looking upon God in the flesh; and the clouds gave voice, marveling at Him who has come, the Light of Light, true God of true God.

For today in the Jordan they saw the triumph of the Master; they saw Him drown in the Jordan the death of disobedience, the sting of error, and the chains of hell, and bestow upon the world the baptism of salvation.​