Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh

THE BEGINNING OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST, THE SON OF GOD

Prayer at the Liturgy before the reading of the Gospel:

Shine forth in our hearts, O Lover of mankind, the incorruptible light of Thy understanding of God, and open our mental eyes in Thy Gospel preaching understanding: put into us also the fear of Thy blessed commandments, that we may overcome all the lusts of the flesh, and pass through the spiritual life of all that is pleasing to Thee, both wisely and actively. For Thou art the enlightenment of our souls and bodies, O Christ God, and to Thee we send up glory, with Thy Father, without beginning, and with Thy All-Holy, Good, and Life-Giving Spirit, now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

Prayer is holy. John Chrysostom before reading or hearing the word of God.

O Lord Jesus Christ, open my heart's ears to hear Thy word, and understand and do Thy will, as I am a stranger on earth: hide not Thy commandments from me, but open my eyes, that I may understand the wonders of Thy law; tell me the unknown and secret of Thy wisdom. In Thee I trust, O my God, that Thou mayest enlighten my mind and understanding with the light of Thy mind, not only that which I have written, but also that I may do it, that I may not read the lives and words of the saints for my sin, but for renewal, and enlightenment, and holiness, and for the salvation of the soul, and for the inheritance of eternal life. For Thou dost enlighten those who lie in darkness, and from Thee there is every good gift, and every gift is perfect. Amen

INTRODUCTION 1

CHAPTER ONE 5

CHAPTER TWO 27

CHAPTER THREE 34

CHAPTER FOUR 40