From the November 2024 edition of “The Light”
“An ascetic’s main focus is to correct himself inwardly so he can get closer to God. He is, in effect, a true Christian!” says St. Nektarios to the president of the schools in the movie Man of God, as he attempts to convey the idea of asceticism to him. Is asceticism for monastics only or is it for us all?
The president of the school said that asceticism is “a thing of the past, of the dark ages” attributing it to the Ottoman Empire occupation of the region. He added that it is characterized by long Mantiyas and long beards.
In actuality, asceticism existed long before the occupation of the Ottoman Empire of that region and it is unrelated to long Mantiya’s and long beards. As far as Orthodoxy is concerned, it originated with our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “if anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mat 16:24) This is exactly what ascetism is! It is the denial of our self-will to follow the commandments of Christ. It is a very difficult path to follow, especially as we live in our highly secular society. However, it is doable! There are saints who arise among us. They live the ascetical life, and some are even recognized and later declared by the Orthodox Church as such. That is why every Orthodox Christian has a baptismal name of a saint so that he/she may model his/her life after that saint. It is strongly recommended that everyone reads the lives of the saints to be inspired by their zeal for Christ that drives forward their asceticism.
My baptismal name’s saint was a model in asceticism as it is reflected in his Troparion:
In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved.
And his Kontakion:
You revealed yourself, O saint, in Myra as a priest, for you fulfilled the Gospel of Christ by giving up your soul for your people and saving the innocent from death. Therefore, you are blessed as one become wise in the grace of God.
May our gracious Lord help us all follow St. Nektarios’ way of life and abandon the world’s way so that we may continue to work on acquiring the virtues as God wishes for us.
On an administrative note, I elevated Father Philip Begley to the dignity of Archpriest on September 22 as he has performed his duties remarkably and has consulted
with me on the issue pertaining to his parish on a regular basis so that I know and be able to help what he has been doing.
May God bless you and may the Holy Trinity protect you all!
+BISHOP NICHOLAS
