Message of Abbot Paul - Friday 26th August

Message from Fr Paul for Friday, 26th August 2022

Late on Tuesday night I heard of the death of a dear friend of old, Bishop Kallistos of Diokleia, whose book The Orthodox Church, by Timothy Wear, as he was then and published in 1963, was my first introduction to Orthodoxy. It was one of the reasons why I read Modern Greek at university. He died peacefully in his home in Oxford early in the morning of 24th August. He had received the sacraments of the Church and was supported by a faithful group of close friends, who have given him unstinting care during many months of illness. Bishop Kallistos was a true friend and a gracious spiritual guide to many people all over the world. His was a clear, sane and authoritative voice, rooted in diligent scholarship and very effective teaching. His influence as a theologian extended far beyond his own church and Christians everywhere are very much in his debt for his wisdom and unflinching preaching of the Gospel within the tradition of the Church. Perhaps his greatest achievement was to make Christianity intelligible, attractive and credible. Bishop Kallistos had a long friendship with the monks of Mount Athos and was devoted to upholding their spiritual life. I commend him to the Lord and to His Most Holy Mother, as well as to St Seraphim of Sarov, for whom he had deep affection, and to your prayers.

Our Gospel from Matthew, (Mt 25: 1-13), the Parable of the Ten Virgins or Bridesmaids is most apt as we ponder on the mystery of death. As I mentioned yesterday, with these apocalyptic parables, I tend to ask myself some very personal questions. Am I a wise virgin or a foolish one? Were the Lord to call me tonight, would I have oil ready to take with my lamp to the wedding feast? Am I ready and prepared to see the Bridegroom, knowing him to be Christ? More to the point, do I really want to meet him? Were we to meet, what would he say to me? “I do not know you?” perhaps? Thinking of these things, am I staying awake? Am I focussing my attention on the Lord, or not? Where does my heart belong, in heaven or on earth? What questions have come to your mind?