Posts Tagged ‘disciples’

The Gospel of the Second Resurrection (John 20:19–26) Bright Monday Gospel reading interpretation

Sunday, April 12th, 2026

Resurrection-of-Christ-Bulgarian-Eastern_Orthodox-Christian-Miracle-making-icon
Christ is Risen ! Truly he is Risen ! 

Another year to celebrate Resurrection day, I great all my readers with the Holy and Glorious day of The Resurrection of Christ !
Happy Resurrection day, Happy Easter to All faithful Christians and all Technology Freaks out there who look for the Universal truth and meaning of life !

Happy Resurrection to those who are searching it and those who find it, as I tend to find more and more that more technological literate people came to become Christian and find the Light and truthfulness of Holy Orthodox Christian Faith !
 

In Orthodox Christianity, the Second Resurrection Service often called Agape Vespers is a deeply symbolic and joyful service celebrated on the afternoon or evening of Pascha, the feast of Christ’s Resurrection, an event that changed history forever and made the Time to be counted on Age before Christ and Age after him Anno Domini ( A.D. ) Christ's victory over death and importance of the Resurrection has become a turning stone for whole world and has one time forever changed the history to Bring the Light of Heaven on earth again after the fall of man in Eden's garden. 
In Orthodox Christian tradition the feast of Resurrection is being celebrated Staring from the Day of Pascha (The Resurrection of Christ) towards his Ascension on the Day of Ascension on the 40th Day. Many might not today, that the first 7 days Week of Pascha is actually a whole period of celebration like a day who marks The Resurrection and the whole week in Orthodox tradition is considered as one single day. The first 3 days when the Lord Jesus Christ raised to the death after being in Hell with his soul to Save and Save all the waiting souls of prophets and old testamental times of old righteous people and those who repented (on Holy Saturday) the Next day after Crucifix (on Holy Friday) are the Most glorious and important days of the whole 40 days period of the Resurrection till time the Lord Ascended to Heaven with his Glorious Resurrectied Body

The Paschal Church service of the Resurrection of Christ which is celebrated with serving Saint Basyl's Holy Liturgy in Orthodox Christian tradition always starts exactly at Midnight. In many traditions nowdays like also in Bulgarian tradition, the Holy Fire is brought by Plane to the Synodal Palace of the Church from hence it is distributed across local Pariches Churches to bring the Light of the Miracle of Jerusalem of Holy Fire that happen once and only for Eastern Orthodox Christians, when a Light of Heaven comes to light up the Candle of Jerusalem's Eastern Orthodox Christian patriarch as a eternal confirmation of the Truthfulness of the Resurrection of Christ (a God's sign for Unbelievers to think and study the Orthtoxy). The miracle of Holy Fire happened even this year in Jerusalem in the Holy Sepulcher Church (built on top of the Place of Resurrection of Christ). Thanks God even though humanity sinfulness (and the escalating wars) which by Miracle and God's grace and great Mercy has been temporary suspended for the World to mark the Feast of the Feast of The Resurrection. It is a clear miracle that this temporary peace in Ukraine and Russia as well as Israel and Iran happened exactly on the days of the Eastern Orthodox Christian resurrection, which is this year as most years one week later than the Roman Catholic pascha (as we at the Orthodox Church still do venerate righteously the rule of The first Church Council of Nicea.).

The reason to follow Easter differently for Eastern Orthodox Chrsitians from Western Roman Catholic Christians is often misunderstood and puts great confusion to explain especially to modern people from East and West faith that work together in corporations, thus I'll put a short explanation on why we Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Pascha often differently than Roman Catholics?:
There are 3 main reasons that sted from the Ecumenical council of Nicea:

 

  1. Separation from Jewish Timing: The Council mandated that Christians should no longer rely on Jewish calculations for the 14th of Nisan. The Emperor Constantine, in a letter following the council, argued that it was "unworthy" for Christians to follow the custom of those who had rejected Christ.
  2. Solar-Lunar Formula: To remain independent, the Council adopted the "Alexandrian method": Pascha must fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon occurring on or after the vernal equinox.
  3. Biblical Sequence: While the council's surviving canons do not explicitly state "after Passover," the Orthodox Church maintains that the Nicene intent was to preserve the Biblical sequence of events. Since the Resurrection happened after the Jewish Passover in the Gospels, the Orthodox calculation ensures Pascha never precedes or coincides with the start of the Jewish festival. 

On the next day after we celebrate the Feast of Resurrection (Velikden as called in Eastern tradition) is Bright Monday. The day is very special as the Night Vigil and Morning Service with Holy Liturgy ends up very late around 3, 3-30 A.M. And the service is created by Holy Fathers of the Church inspired by God as a way to experience for second time (on the same day)the Joy of the Resurrection, so the spiritual joy be even more multiplied and well undestood b the Church members.

The Bright Monday or Easter Monday in Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition is marked by what is often called the “Second Resurrection”service. 

The service is a continuation of the joy of Pascha, emphasizing the universal proclamation of Christ’s victory over death.

At the heart of this celebration is the Gospel reading from John 20:19–26, which recounts Christ’s first appearances to His disciples after the Resurrection. What is unique for the service is this is the only day in year when the One and Holy Universal Eastern Orthodox Church shows its universality and union and acceptance of all languages as a mean to proclaim the Good new of Salvation way the Holy Gospel introduced for everyone who believed in the name of the Jesus Christ as a Son of God and Savior of the World by Having introduced the reading of a Gospel reading in different nation languages 

Here is a selection of the Text reading as translated in different languages, might be helpful if you belong to one of those Churches abroad, to read the text on "Second Resurrection", bright monday Service:
 

English (King James Version)
John 20:19–26

Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.
And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.
Then said Jesus to them again, Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you.
And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:
Whose soever sins ye remit, they are remitted unto them; and whose soever sins ye retain, they are retained.
But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came.
The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.
And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.

Bulgarian (Synodal translation) 
Йоан 20:19–26

Вечерта в същия ден, първия на седмицата, когато вратите, дето бяха събрани учениците, бяха заключени от страх от юдеите, дойде Иисус, застана посред и им каза: Мир вам!

И като рече това, показа им ръцете и ребрата Си. Учениците се зарадваха, като видяха Господа.
Иисус пак им рече: Мир вам! Както Ме прати Отец, така и Аз ви пращам.
Като каза това, духна и им рече: Приемете Духа Светаго.
На които простите греховете, ще им се простят; на които задържите, ще се задържат.
А Тома, един от дванайсетте, наречен Близнак, не беше с тях, когато дойде Иисус.
Другите ученици му казваха: Видяхме Господа. А той им рече: Ако не видя на ръцете Му белега от гвоздеите и не туря пръста си в раните от гвоздеите и не туря ръката си в ребрата Му, няма да повярвам.
След осем дни учениците Му пак бяха вътре и Тома с тях. Дойде Иисус, когато вратите бяха заключени, застана посред и рече: Мир вам!

 Russian (Synodal) 
От Иоанна 20:19–26

В тот же первый день недели вечером, когда двери дома, где собирались ученики Его, были заперты из опасения от Иудеев, пришел Иисус, и стал посреди, и говорит им: мир вам!
Сказав это, Он показал им руки и ребра Свои. Ученики обрадовались, увидев Господа.
Иисус же сказал им вторично: мир вам! как послал Меня Отец, так и Я посылаю вас.
Сказав это, дунул, и говорит им: примите Духа Святаго.
Кому простите грехи, тому простятся; на ком оставите, на том останутся.
Фома же, один из двенадцати, называемый Близнец, не был тут с ними, когда приходил Иисус.
Другие ученики сказали ему: мы видели Господа. Но он сказал им: если не увижу на руках Его ран от гвоздей и не вложу перста моего в раны от гвоздей и не вложу руки моей в ребра Его, не поверю.
После восьми дней опять были в доме ученики Его, и Фома с ними. Пришел Иисус, когда двери были заперты, стал посреди их и сказал: мир вам!

Ἐκ τοῦ κατὰ Ἰωάννην ἁγίου Εὐαγγελίου τὸ ἀνάγνωσμα.
Greek (Κοινή / Patriarchal Text – Orthodox usage) 

Οὔσης οὖν ὀψίας τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ἐκείνῃ τῇ μιᾷ σαββάτων, καὶ τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων ὅπου ἦσαν οἱ μαθηταὶ συνηγμένοι διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων, ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν.
καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἔδειξεν αὐτοῖς τὰς χεῖρας καὶ τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ. ἐχάρησαν οὖν οἱ μαθηταὶ ἰδόντες τὸν Κύριον.
εἶπεν οὖν αὐτοῖς πάλιν ὁ Ἰησοῦς· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν· καθὼς ἀπέσταλκέ με ὁ Πατήρ, κἀγὼ πέμπω ὑμᾶς.
καὶ τοῦτο εἰπὼν ἐνεφύσησε καὶ λέγει αὐτοῖς· Λάβετε Πνεῦμα Ἅγιον·
ἄν τινων ἀφῆτε τὰς ἁμαρτίας, ἀφίενται αὐτοῖς· ἄν τινων κρατῆτε, κεκράτηνται.
Θωμᾶς δὲ εἷς ἐκ τῶν δώδεκα, ὁ λεγόμενος Δίδυμος, οὐκ ἦν μετ’ αὐτῶν ὅτε ἦλθεν ὁ Ἰησοῦς.
ἔλεγον οὖν αὐτῷ οἱ ἄλλοι μαθηταί· Ἑωράκαμεν τὸν Κύριον. ὁ δὲ εἶπεν αὐτοῖς· Ἐὰν μὴ ἴδω ἐν ταῖς χερσὶν αὐτοῦ τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων καὶ βάλω τὸν δάκτυλόν μου εἰς τὸν τύπον τῶν ἥλων καὶ βάλω τὴν χεῖρά μου εἰς τὴν πλευρὰν αὐτοῦ, οὐ μὴ πιστεύσω.
καὶ μεθ’ ἡμέρας ὀκτὼ πάλιν ἦσαν ἔσω οἱ μαθηταὶ αὐτοῦ καὶ Θωμᾶς μετ’ αὐτῶν. ἔρχεται ὁ Ἰησοῦς τῶν θυρῶν κεκλεισμένων καὶ ἔστη εἰς τὸ μέσον καὶ εἶπεν· Εἰρήνη ὑμῖν.

 Serbian (Епископски / Orthodox usage)
Јован 20:19–26

А у вече тог првог дана седмице, кад су врата где беху ученици сабрани била затворена од страха од Јудејаца, дође Исус и стаде међу њих и рече им: Мир вам!
И ово рекавши, показа им руке и ребра Своја. Тада се обрадоваше ученици видевши Господа.
Тада им Исус опет рече: Мир вам! Као што је Отац послао Мене, и Ја шаљем вас.
И ово рекавши, дуну и рече им: Примите Духа Светога.
Којима опростите грехе, опраштају им се; којима задржите, задржани су.
А Тома, један од дванаесторице, звани Близанац, не беше с њима кад дође Исус.
Тада му други ученици говораху: Видели смо Господа. А он им рече: Ако не видим на рукама Његовим ране од клинова и не ставим прст свој у ране од клинова и не ставим руку своју у ребра Његова, нећу веровати.

И после осам дана опет беху унутра ученици Његови и Тома с њима. Дође Исус кад врата беху затворена, стаде међу њих и рече: Мир вам!

 Romanian (Biblia sinodală – Orthodox)
Ioan 20:19–26

Și fiind seară, în ziua aceea, cea dintâi a săptămânii, și ușile fiind încuiate unde erau ucenicii adunați de frica iudeilor, a venit Iisus și a stat în mijloc și le-a zis: Pace vouă!
Și zicând aceasta, le-a arătat mâinile și coasta Sa. Deci s-au bucurat ucenicii, văzând pe Domnul.
Și le-a zis iarăși Iisus: Pace vouă! Precum M-a trimis pe Mine Tatăl, vă trimit și Eu pe voi.
Și zicând aceasta, a suflat asupra lor și le-a zis: Luați Duh Sfânt.
Cărora veți ierta păcatele, le vor fi iertate; și cărora le veți ține, vor fi ținute.
Iar Toma, unul din cei doisprezece, numit Geamănul, nu era cu ei când a venit Iisus.
Deci ceilalți ucenici îi ziceau: Am văzut pe Domnul. Dar el le-a zis: Dacă nu voi vedea în mâinile Lui semnul cuielor și nu voi pune degetul meu în semnul cuielor și nu voi pune mâna mea în coasta Lui, nu voi crede.
Și după opt zile, ucenicii Lui erau iarăși înăuntru, și Toma împreună cu ei. A venit Iisus, ușile fiind încuiate, și a stat în mijloc și a zis: Pace vouă!

 

German (Luther tradition / Orthodox-used standard translation style)
Johannes 20,19–26

Und am Abend desselben ersten Tages der Woche, als die Türen verschlossen waren, wo die Jünger versammelt waren aus Furcht vor den Juden, kam Jesus und trat mitten unter sie und spricht zu ihnen: Friede sei mit euch!

Und als er das gesagt hatte, zeigte er ihnen die Hände und seine Seite. Da wurden die Jünger froh, dass sie den Herrn sahen.

Da sprach Jesus abermals zu ihnen: Friede sei mit euch! Gleichwie mich der Vater gesandt hat, so sende ich euch.

Und als er das gesagt hatte, hauchte er sie an und spricht zu ihnen: Empfangt den Heiligen Geist!

Welchen ihr die Sünden erlasst, denen sind sie erlassen; und welchen ihr sie behaltet, denen sind sie behalten.

Thomas aber, einer der Zwölf, der Zwilling genannt wird, war nicht bei ihnen, als Jesus kam.

Da sagten ihm die anderen Jünger: Wir haben den Herrn gesehen. Er aber sprach zu ihnen: Wenn ich nicht in seinen Händen die Nägelmale sehe und meinen Finger in die Nägelmale lege und meine Hand in seine Seite lege, so will ich nicht glauben.

Und nach acht Tagen waren seine Jünger abermals drinnen, und Thomas war bei ihnen. Kommt Jesus, als die Türen verschlossen waren, und tritt mitten unter sie und spricht: Friede sei mit euch!

Arabic (بطريركي / Orthodox liturgical usage)
إنجيل يوحنا 20:19–2

ولما كانت عشية ذلك اليوم، وهو أول الأسبوع، وكانت الأبواب مغلقة حيث كان التلاميذ مجتمعين خوفًا من اليهود، جاء يسوع ووقف في الوسط وقال لهم: سلام لكم.

ولما قال هذا أراهم يديه وجنبه، ففرح التلاميذ إذ رأوا الرب.

فقال لهم يسوع ثانية: سلام لكم. كما أرسلني الآب أرسلكم أنا أيضًا.

ولما قال هذا نفخ فيهم وقال لهم: اقبلوا الروح القدس.

من غفرتم خطاياه تُغفر له، ومن أمسكتم خطاياه أُمسكت.

أما توما، أحد الاثني عشر، الذي يُدعى التوأم، فلم يكن معهم حين جاء يسوع.

فقال له التلاميذ الآخرون: قد رأينا الرب. فقال لهم: إن لم أبصر في يديه أثر المسامير وأضع إصبعي في أثر المسامير وأضع يدي في جنبه لا أؤمن.

وبعد ثمانية أيام كان تلاميذه أيضًا داخلًا، وكان توما معهم. جاء يسوع والأبواب مغلقة، ووقف في الوسط وقال: سلام لكم!

Georgian (საქართველოს მართლმადიდებელი ეკლესია)
იოანე 20:19–26

და იყო მწუხრი იმ დღესა, კვირის პირველ დღეს, და კარნი დახშულნი იყვნენ, სადაც მოწაფენი იყვნენ შეკრებილნი იუდეველთა შიშისგან, მოვიდა იესო და დადგა მათ შორის და ჰრქუა მათ: მშვიდობა თქუენდა.
და ეს რომ თქვა, უჩვენა მათ ხელნი და გვერდი თვისი. და გაიხარეს მოწაფეებმა, იხილეს რა უფალი.
მაშინ კვლავ უთხრა მათ იესომ: მშვიდობა თქუენდა; როგორც მამამ მომავლინა მე, მეც თქვენ მოგავლინებთ.
და ეს რომ თქვა, შეუბერა მათ და უთხრა: მიიღეთ სული წმინდა.
ვისაც მიუტევებთ ცოდვებს, მიეტევებათ მათ; და ვისაც დაუკავებთ, დაუკავდებათ.
ხოლო თომა, ერთი თორმეტთაგანი, რომელსაც ეწოდებოდა ტყუპი, არ იყო მათთან, როცა მოვიდა იესო.
უთხრეს მას სხვა მოწაფეებმა: ვიხილეთ უფალი. ხოლო მან უთხრა მათ: თუ არ ვიხილავ მის ხელებზე ფრჩხილების ნიშანს და არ შევიტან ჩემს თითს ფრჩხილების ნიშანში და არ შევიტან ჩემს ხელს მის გვერდში, არ ვირწმუნებ.
და რვა დღის შემდეგ კვლავ იყვნენ შინ მისი მოწაფენი და თომაც მათთან. მოვიდა იესო, კარნი დახშულნი იყვნენ, დადგა მათ შორის და უთხრა: მშვიდობა თქუენდა.

 

Albanian (Orthodox Albanian Bible usage)
Gjoni 20:19–26

Dhe kur u bë mbrëmje në atë ditë, ditën e parë të javës, dhe dyert ishin të mbyllura ku ishin mbledhur dishepujt nga frika e judenjve, erdhi Jezusi dhe qëndroi në mes dhe u tha atyre: Paqe juve!
Dhe pasi tha këtë, u tregoi duart dhe brinjën e Tij. Atëherë dishepujt u gëzuan kur panë Zotin.
Dhe Jezusi u tha përsëri: Paqe juve! Sikurse më dërgoi Ati, ashtu ju dërgoj edhe unë juve.
Dhe pasi tha këtë, fryu mbi ta dhe u tha: Merrni Frymën e Shenjtë.
Kujt t’ia falni mëkatet, do t’u falen; kujt t’ia mbani, do t’u mbeten.
Por Thomai, një nga të dymbëdhjetët, i quajtur Binjaku, nuk ishte me ta kur erdhi Jezusi.
Dishepujt e tjerë i thoshin: E pamë Zotin. Por ai u tha: Nëse nuk shoh në duart e Tij shenjat e gozhdëve dhe nuk vë gishtin tim në shenjat e gozhdëve dhe nuk vë dorën time në brinjën e Tij, nuk do të besoj.
Dhe pas tetë ditësh, dishepujt e Tij ishin përsëri brenda dhe Thomai me ta. Erdhi Jezusi, kur dyert ishin të mbyllura, dhe qëndroi në mes dhe tha: Paqe juve!

Czech (Český ekumenický / Orthodox-used translation style)
Jan 20,19–26

Když byl večer onoho dne, prvního dne v týdnu, a dveře, kde byli učedníci shromážděni ze strachu před Židy, byly zavřeny, přišel Ježíš, postavil se doprostřed a řekl jim: Pokoj vám!

A když to řekl, ukázal jim ruce a svůj bok. Učedníci se zaradovali, když viděli Pána.
Ježíš jim znovu řekl: Pokoj vám! Jako Otec poslal mne, tak já posílám vás.
A když to řekl, dechl na ně a řekl jim: Přijměte Ducha Svatého.
Komu odpustíte hříchy, budou mu odpuštěny; komu je zadržíte, budou zadrženy.
Tomáš, jeden z dvanácti, zvaný Didymos, nebyl s nimi, když přišel Ježíš.
Ostatní učedníci mu říkali: Viděli jsme Pána. Ale on jim řekl: Jestliže neuvidím na jeho rukou jizvy po hřebech a nevložím svůj prst do jizev po hřebech a nevložím svou ruku do jeho boku, neuvěřím.
A po osmi dnech byli jeho učedníci opět uvnitř a Tomáš s nimi. Přišel Ježíš, když byly dveře zavřeny, postavil se doprostřed a řekl: Pokoj vám!

Slovak (Orthodox-used / liturgical style)
Ján 20,19–26

Keď bol večer toho prvého dňa v týždni a dvere, kde boli učeníci zhromaždení zo strachu pred Židmi, boli zavreté, prišiel Ježiš, postavil sa doprostred a povedal im: Pokoj vám!
A keď to povedal, ukázal im ruky a svoj bok. Učeníci sa zaradovali, keď videli Pána.
Ježiš im znova povedal: Pokoj vám! Ako mňa poslal Otec, aj ja posielam vás.
A keď to povedal, dýchol na nich a povedal im: Prijmite Ducha Svätého.
Komu odpustíte hriechy, budú mu odpustené; komu ich zadržíte, budú zadržané.
Tomáš, jeden z dvanástich, zvaný Didymus, nebol s nimi, keď prišiel Ježiš.
Ostatní učeníci mu hovorili: Videli sme Pána. Ale on im povedal: Ak neuvidím na jeho rukách stopy po klincoch a nevložím svoj prst do stôp po klincoch a nevložím svoju ruku do jeho boku, neuverím.
A po ôsmich dňoch boli jeho učeníci znova vnútri a Tomáš s nimi. Prišiel Ježiš, keď boli dvere zatvorené, postavil sa doprostred a povedal: Pokoj vám!

The Meaning of the Passage

This Gospel takes place on the evening of the Resurrection:

“Peace be with you.” (John 20:19)

The disciples are gathered in fear, behind closed doors. Yet Christ appears among them not as a ghost, but in His glorified body. His greeting, “Peace be with you,” is not merely comforting, it is transformative. It signals reconciliation between God and humanity.

Christ then shows His wounds, proving that the Crucified One is truly the Risen One.

The Gift of the Holy Spirit

One of the most profound moments in this passage is when Christ breathes on the disciples:

“Receive the Holy Spirit.” (John 20:22)

This act recalls the creation of Adam, when God breathed life into humanity. Here, the Risen Christ inaugurates a new creation—restoring and renewing mankind.

He also grants the apostles authority:

“If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven…” (John 20:23)

This becomes the foundation of the Church’s sacramental life.

The Absence of Thomas

Thomas is not present during this first appearance. His absence becomes spiritually significant, he represents all who struggle with doubt.

When told of the Resurrection, Thomas responds:

“Unless I see… I will not believe.” (John 20:25)

This honest doubt sets the stage for the next encounter (read the following Sunday), where faith is deepened through experience.

Why It Is Called the “Second Resurrection Gospel” ?

This Gospel reading done in multiple languages during Easter Monday services, is very adequate in international Church communities such as Orthodox Church pariches in Western Europe and America where, there are church members from virtually every nationality. 
Those reading is conduceted in Church Pariches by people whos native language is the language of reading or by anyone in the Church community that can speak or read the language. Thus the Church assemblyy shows clearly to the World:

1. The universality of the Resurrection for All Mankind and a reference to the Primal Language of Edem which in New Testamental times after Christ is the Language of Love and virtues as given by Christ.
2. The spreading of the Gospel to all nations (for which the apostles and every Christian has been called by the Saviour
The unity of the Church across cultures and tongues
3. The unity of the Church across cultures and tongues and the one saving truth that if practiced as prescribed will lead humanity and each individual to Christs faith and salvation.

Closing words
 

Hopefully this article was interseting for tech guys and some diversity from the boredom of tech stuff. I hope it shed some light love, faith, hope and peace and understanding for anyone who searches for the Truth.

I will close it with the Great and glorious and spiritually rich Paschal Sermon of Saint John Crysostom, that is being red on the Easter Service (at some Churches it is practice to read this sermon over the first three days Church services of Pasche).

The Catechetical Sermon of St. John Chrysostom reading Matins of Pascha.

The_Descent-of-Jesus-Christ-in-Hades-to-save-all-in-Hell-saint-Ekaterina-monastery-from-years-around-1500s

The descent to Hades of Christ – Saint Ekaterina Monastery ancient of Resurrection

If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast.
If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord.
If any have labored long in fasting, let him now receive his recompense.
If any have wrought from the first hour, let him today receive his just reward.
If any have come at the third hour, let him with thankfulness keep the feast.
If any have arrived at the sixth hour, let him have no misgivings; because he shall in nowise be deprived thereof.
If any have delayed until the ninth hour, let him draw near, fearing nothing.
If any have tarried even until the eleventh hour, let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness; for the Lord, who is jealous of his honor, will accept the last even as the first; He gives rest unto him who comes at the eleventh hour, even as unto him who has wrought from the first hour.

And He shows mercy upon the last, and cares for the first; and to the one He gives, and upon the other He bestows gifts.
And He both accepts the deeds, and welcomes the intention, and honors the acts and praises the offering.
Wherefore, enter you all into the joy of your Lord; and receive your reward, both the first, and likewise the second.
You rich and poor together, hold high festival. You sober and you heedless, honor the day.
Rejoice today, both you who have fasted and you who have disregarded the fast.
The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously.
The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.

Enjoy ye all the feast of faith: Receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness.
Let no one bewail his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one weep for his iniquities, for pardon has shown forth from the grave.
Let no one fear death, for the Savior’s death has set us free.
He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it. By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive.
He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.
And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry: Hell, said he, was embittered, when it encountered Thee in the lower regions.
It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked.
It was embittered, for it was slain. It was embittered, for it was overthrown.
It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains.
It took a body, and met God face to face.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.

O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory?
Christ is risen, and you are overthrown.
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen.
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice.
Christ is risen, and life reigns.
Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages.
Amen.

Saint Reverend Martyr Jacob Kosturski and his two disciples Deacon Jacob and Monk Dionysius † November 1, 1520

Tuesday, November 1st, 2022

Icon_of_Jacob_of_Kostur-and-his-2-desciples-Yakov-and-Dyonisios_19_Century

Holy Reverend Martyr Yakov ( Jacob) was born in one of the Bulgarian village of the Kostur region in ex-Bulgarian Macedonia in the distance year 1520.
His parents names were Martin and Parascheva.

He was an experienced cattle breeder and through hard work became quite rich, but his own brother, out of envy, slandered him to the Turkish authorities for hearing the false rumor he allegedly found a hidden fortune. Saint Yakov is a saint of the pleiad of great Bulgarian saint martyrs, sadly little known today in Bulgaria today.

Therefore, Jacob sold his sheep, left his native land and went to Constantinople, where he became even richer.
Once he heard a Turk praising Christianity and telling how his wife was cured of madness through the prayers of Saint Patriarch Niphont.
Yakov was very interested in this and went to the patriarch.

The conversation they had so touched his soul that he gave away all his wealth and retired to the Agios Oros Holy Mount Athos monk republic.

There he revived the deserted Iverion old skete "Saint John the Forerunner" and lived under the guidance of a certain elder Ignatius.

Jacob labored so diligently and reached such a high spiritual perfection that he was honored with heavenly revelations: he was shown the abodes of heaven and the dungeons of hell, he began to penetrate the secret feelings and thoughts of his visitors, e.g. received by God the gift of clairvoyance.

The Lord also honored him with the gift of miracles: at his prayer, spring water flowed into the renewed hermitage, which has been called "the agiasma of Saint Jacob" ever since; twice the jar of oil filled itself when run empty by his prayers;
With his prayer he healed a Vatopedian novice monk who was seized with rabies; once rain fell from heaven in a time of drought; another time watered thirsty travelers with the stream that came out of earth but his prayers springed waters.

Desiring to give himself up to complete solitude, he and six of his disciples retired to the inner part of Mount Athos, where he spent days and nights in complete silence except on Saturdays and Sundays.

Finally he wished to go into the world to preach piety. His disciples followed him.
Everywhere the people flocked to receive his blessing and listen to his sermon.
He also performed many miracles with his prayers: he healed the insane, handed over to Satan an unrepentant Christian sorcerer to weaken the flesh (1 Cor. 5:5).

But the local Bishop Akakios, out of envy, reported to the Turkish authorities that this old foreigner was gathering a lot of people around him and could cause some rebellion.
The monk foresaw the rising danger and spent the whole night in prayer and calmly waited for the divine liturgy to end.

Early in the morning, 18 Turkish soldiers surrounded the church and captured the elder Jacob with two of his disciples – deacon Jacob and monk Dionysius (some other Biographers speak about 6 desciples).

The Turkish bey (local place governor) investigated the reverend for a long time, sometimes with exhortations, sometimes with threats, sometimes with torture, but finding no guilt in him, threw him into prison for 40 days, until he reported him to the High Gate (highest authority in the Ottoman Turkish Empire) and received an order from there.

After some time, an order came from Sultan Selim to bring the saint and his disciples to Edirne (Odrin), so that he himself could judge them.

The Sultan strictly investigated them. Venerable Jacob calmly spoke only the truth.

The Sultan ordered that he and his disciples be beaten with whips.
Not a word, not a groan was heard from the reverend.
Then they tightened Yakov and desciples deacon Jacob and Dyonisios heads with screws.

The saint did not suffer from this torture, but one of Deacon Jacob's eyes popped out of orbit.
In the meantime, the Sultan learned that the old martyr was prophetically predicting the future and jokingly asked St. James: "How many more years will I live?"
The reverend replied, "Nine months!"

holy-martyrs-Iakovos_Kastorias_Kosturski-and-his-desciples-Jacob-and-Dyonisios

His prophecy came true.
In order to find a sufficient reason to kill the innocent, the embittered sultan sent one of his pashas (bashaw – higher rank in the Ottoman political and military system, typically granted to governors, generals, dignitaries, and others ) to them in prison to ask them questions about Christ and Muhammad.

Venerable Jacob boldly confessed that only Jesus Christ is the true God, which enraged the sultan and served as an occasion for new cruel tortures:

they tore apart the bodies of the martyrs, broke their jaws, cut thongs from their skins and then watered their wounds with vinegar and salt, they beat them cruelly with whips, burned their thighs with fire.

They were tortured in this way for 17 days. At last the Sultan sentenced them to be hanged (perhaps because he knew about Jude the Escariot and wanted to mock the saints).

Before the sentence was carried out, Venerable Jacob stood among his disciples and invited them to pray for the world and for the Church, thanking the Lord for honoring them to inherit the kingdom of heaven.

All three fell on the ground and worshiped God.

Then Venerable Jacob took out three hidden particles from the life-giving Mysteries of Christ and with them he gave communion to himself and his disciples.

Then he raised his hands and eyes to heaven and cried out with a loud voice:

"Lord, into Your hands I commit my spirit!" And immediately, to everyone's surprise, quietly died.

This happened on November 1st, year 1520 A.D.
Some Christians bought their honest holy relics and buried them with honors.
Over their tombs on Sundays and holidays light appeared and miracles took place.

Later, their holy relics were transferred to Mount Athos by christians, and took them three kilomers away from their in the village of Albani and laid them in three separate graves.

Over their graves on Sundays and holidays, light appeared and miracles took place!

Later from there to the area of ​​Galatista near Thessaloniki, where the rest of the monk's students settled in the monastery "St. Anastasia (Deliverer from Potions) Uzorushitelnica".

Some Christians bought their holy relics and took them three kilometers away from their homeland, in the village of Albani, and laid them in three separate graves. Over their graves on Sundays and holidays, light appeared and miracles took place. Later, their relics were transferred to Mount Athos, and from there to the village of Galatista, Thessaloniki. There was a small monastery "St. Athanasius Uzorushitelnica", which the rest of the disciples of the martyr Jacob revived. The memory of the martyrs is celebrated on November 1.

There is a special service for the Reverend Martyr Jacob and his disciples, which is served on the day of their memory in the Iverion skete "Saint John the Forerunner" on Mount Athos and in the monastery "Saint Anastasia".

The Biography compiled out of:

1. © Lives of the Saints. Synodal Publishing House, Sofia, 1991, edited by Parthenius, Bishop of Levkia and Archimandrite Dr. Athanasius (Bonchev).
2.
Hristo Temelski From the collection Saints and spiritual leaders from Macedonia

Заповеди Блаженства (на Церковнослаянском языке, На Български and in English)

Tuesday, November 10th, 2015

Заповеди Блаженства (ТК Союз)

 

На церковнославянском языке по Мф 5, 3-11 

  1. Блажени нищии духом, яко тех есть Царствие Небесное
  2. Блажени плачущии, яко тии утешатся
  3. Блажени кротцыи, яко тии наследят землю
  4. Блажени алчущии и жаждущии правды, яко тии насытятся
  5. Блажени милостивии, яко тии помиловани будут
  6. Блажени чистии сердцем, яко тии Бога узрят
  7. Блажени миротворцы, яко тии сынове Божии нарекутся
  8. Блажени изгнани правды ради, яко тех есть Царствие Небесное
  9. Блажени есте, егда поносят вам, и ижденут, и рекут всяк зол глагол на вы лжуще, Мене ради: Радуйтеся и веселитеся, яко мзда ваша многа на небесех: тако бо изгнаша пророки, иже (беша) прежде вас.

Евангелски блаженства (Български)

  1. Блажени бедните духом, защото тяхно е Царството небесно.
  2. Блажени плачещите, защото те ще се утешат.
  3. Блажени кротките, защото те ще наследят земята.
  4. Блажени гладните и жадните за правда, защото те ще се наситят.
  5. Блажени милостивите, защото те ще бъдет помилвани.
  6. Блажени чистите по сърце, защото те ще видят Бога.
  7. Блажени миротворците, защото те ще се нарекат синове Божии.
  8. Блажени изгонените заради правда, защото тяхно е Царството небесно.
  9. Блажени сте вие, когато ви похулят и изгонят, и кажат против вас лъжовно каква и да е лоша дума заради Мене. Радвайте се и веселете се, защото голяма е наградата ви на небесата.

— Библията, Евангелие от Матей 5 глава 3-12 стих

The Beautitudes – The Sermon on the Mount (English)

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven. (5:3)

Blessed are those who mourn: for they will be comforted. (5:4)

Blessed are the meek: for they will inherit the earth. (5:5)

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness: for they will be filled. (5:6)

Blessed are the merciful: for they will be shown mercy. (5:7)

Blessed are the pure in heart: for they will see God. (5:8)

Blessed are the peacemakers: for they will be called children of God. (5:9)

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (5:10)

In verses 5:11-12, the eight Beatitudes are followed by what is often viewed as a commentary—a further clarification of the eighth one with specific application being made to the disciples. Instead of using the third-person plural "they", Jesus changes to second-person "you":[1]

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Sunday of the Blind in Orthodox Church, 6th week after Easter (Passover)

Monday, May 18th, 2015

 


Sunday-of-the-blind-6th-week-after-Passover-Easter

 

 

This Sunday I was to Church and part of our Gospel Reading that occurs on every Holy Liturgy in the Orthodox Church this time we had the following reading:

Gospel of John Jesus Heals the Man Born Blind

1 And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth.
2 And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind?
3 Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him.
4 I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work.
5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.
6 When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay,
7 And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing.
8 The neighbours therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged?
9 Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he.
10 Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened?
11 He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight.
12 Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not.

The Pharisees Investigate

13 They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind.
14 And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes.
15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see.
16 Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them.
17 They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet.

18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight.
19 And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see?
20 His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind:
21 But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself.
22 These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue.
23 Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him.

24 Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner.
25 He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see.
26 Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes?
27 He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples?
28 Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples.
29 We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is.
30 The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes.
31 Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.
32 Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind.
33 If this man were not of God, he could do nothing.
34 They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out.

Spiritual Sight and Blindness

35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God?
36 He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him?
37 And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee.
38 And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him.
39 And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind.
40 And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also?
41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.

As you read above the Lord Jesus Christ healed the blind-born person by which manifesting Himself as a True expectedMessiah The Saviour of the Lord a Prophet and a True and Only Begotten Son of God.

The words of God directly fought the great proudness of Jewish Pharsiee wise people (thinking that know the Law better than the Lord himself). Their selfishness and great self-conceit make their soul which was in a terrible state to suffer because their produness was insulted by the truthful words and they felt wounded. They rejected the Lords words with a question by which Jewish (people) and nowadays often non-believers and even christian manifested wrath, selfishness and even mockery with contempt.

John 9:40 Are we blind also?

Answering the Pharisee's questions, The Lord has depicted there spiritual state, which was the main reason for their question. 
 

41 Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth.


The Pharisee's considered for spiritual seers,  in a highes level understandanding God, his laws covenant and respectively spiritual realm, so they did not need any further grown in God's knowledge, thus rejecting the true teaching which was taught by God himself.

False doctrines of this blind teachers are fruit of human proud and self-conceit. 
The proud understand himself as a independent, self-sufficient and not like a God dependent creation, the earthly life as something eternal and death and eternity for unexisting.

For this people God's plan was something not existing but God was understood as the Jewish law false teachers understanding of right and wrong in a way they have associated the eternal God with the scriptures, idolizing scriptures and inverting their meaning giving them a completely different meaning to fulfill their own passions.

This people who were to be the jewish intelligentia have recognized the human reason for a world ruler.
All the thoughts of the flesh crawl the land, the human understanding to this carnal men is completely sacrificed to the earth in which he wants to arrange his life to be all time pleasure of sin.
In this empty and unreachable goal was forced all the  fleshly and spiritual powers of both pharisees and sadukees. 

The Lord show them that the humbliness and remembrance of the dead should be the true lifely goal of man and it is  the humble-wisdom that gives an insight to eternity.

Achiving humble-Wisdom contradicts the wordly and strive for virtues and therefore it is not being considered worth for man and society material understanding of good and progress.
The one achiving spiritual knowledge understands himself as a tiny unimportant particle in a huge universe of things (generations, times, paste and future events of human history).

What the Lord Jesus Christ tried to point to this blind teachers is that only the Mind and heart of humble in contrasting to the proudness and high-minded people they were could accept God's Christian teaching and to all the time endeavor in achiving the christian virties.
The non-blind person sees and feels the great failure of (his mainly) and then all surrounding humanity fallen nature and because of this soul-pain and internal and desire for salvation and spiritual resurrection and restoration are ready to joyfully accept the Saviour Lord Jesus Christ.

Let us make from our heart a spiritual altar of God and there through our mind to sacrifice spiritual sacrifices of tenderness, repentance, confession, humble heartness (which God would not despise (Ps. 50:19) Amen 

Thomas Sunday – The day of Disbelievers

Monday, April 28th, 2014

Thomas-sunday-the-day-of-disbelieve-Thomas-reaching-to-Jesus-wounds

A week passed since we Christian celebrated Resurrection of Christ (Pascha). Each year on first Sunday after Easter in orthodox Church is celebrated the so called Thomas Sunday. So why is it called Thomas Sunday and why it is the day of disbelievers?
The root of this ancient Christian feast comes after commemoration of Christ desciple St. Thomas who disbelieved the testimony of ( 10 apostles ) and the Virgin Mary  that Jesus Christ is Risen from the Death.

The disbelieve of Thomas was logical and human cause even though Thomas was with the Apostles with Christ for 3 years, saw all Jesus miracles and shared the Secret Supper (Last Supper), and even knew in advance (heard by Jesus on Last supper) that Jesus will betrayed mocked, hanged on the Cross and Rise from the death on the third day, he disbelieved.

Thomas Sunday (Sundy of Thomas) is "the day of Disbelievers", because all are disbelievers in moments of their life not only those who believe God but all the humanity!  Even the most faithful Christian, be it a deacon, monk or priest has difficult moments in life where God's existence or providence for one's faith is seriously questioned.
The fallen nature of man is such that the initial belief in God given to man in Eden (Paradise garden) is broken, and only in Jesus's name through the Gift of Faith given by the Holy Spirit, believe in God is restored.

Thomas very much like unto everyone of us doubted the rumors of Christ resurrection and said he would only believe in Resurrected Christ only if he sees his hands nails print and put his fingers into Christ’s wounds to test he is not seeing a Ghost but Christ is alive in a body after his death.

Here is the Gospel reading re-telling the story in short:

“Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you.” (John 20:19)

“But Thomas, one of the twelve, called Didymus, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples therefore said unto him, We have seen the Lord. But he said unto them, Except I shall see in his hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into his side, I will not believe.” (John 20:24-26)

And after eight days again his disciples were within, and Thomas with them: then came Jesus, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, Peace be unto you.
Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”
Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”
Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.”
Jesus did many other miraculous signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book.
But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

We Christians should be joyful for have not seen Christ in Flesh but have believed for we are blessed for his believe without seeing.

By same faith in God without seeing him even in old times the Jews were led by the Lord God in the desert have won wars by their believing without seeing God, prophets has prophecised, Simeon (The God receiver) hold The Savior (Christ) in his hands, by faith David won the battle with Goliath, by faith we understand the universe was formed at God’s command, by faith we know that the visible came out of the invisible.

o Kyrios mou kai o Theos mou (Greek) – My Lord and my God (Jn. 20:28) this declaration of faith clearly shows an unexpressable excitement of Thomas and his unexpectency to see Christ resurrected. Here it is interesting that here the son of God Jesus Christ is called by Thomas exactly how Jewish used to call God Yahweh (One and Only God) in the Old testament.

Today the evangical story is very accurate for our generation – a generation of disbelievers, even we who say we believe often doesn’t justify our believe with our deeds, we say we believe but we don’t keep God’s commandment “to love God and our neigbor like ourselves.” Often only difference between believers and disbelievers is on Sunday we believers visit Church and “play Christians”, but even but in daily life our deeds are same like unbelievers. Often many are disbelievers not because they reject God but because they never heard the Gospel or misheard it, also we disbelieve because we’re very much like st. Thomas, we often say “I will believe in God if I see him”, but even Thomas who saw God before the Crucifix and knew him disbelieved – a proof that often seing once could still leave space for doubt. The glorious event of Christ showing himself Alive to Thomas was made by Christ to establish the Church and strengthen faith of first Christians in resurrection. Nowadays there are plenty of people who question God’s existence saying that they will believe if they see but they’re not given to see the resurrected Christ because God knows that even if we see the Lord Jesus Christ resurrected we would try to rationally explain the phenomenon with holograms, modern technology or science.

Thomas Sunday is not only a day of Thomas disbelieve it is a day of disbelieve of all humanity. , St. Thomas should be an example even to all of us Christian disbelievers and non-believers that even if we disbelieve and doubt and strive to see God, He is powerful to come and appear Resurrected in His Glory to our souls.
Let us therefore have the Wisdom of the Holy Apostles and say together with them “Lord, Increase our faith.” Luke 17:5

Ancient Christian Coptic Oriental Orthodox icons – The reason for asymmetric body members in early Christian iconography

Monday, July 30th, 2012

While checking some information on Coptic Eastern Oriental faith, I've stumbled upon a very beautiful (and unique) ancient Orthodox Christian icon depicting Saint Menas and our saviour the Lord Jesus Christ, below is the very beautiful icon

Saint Mena (Sv. Mina) and The Lord Jesus Christ icon from 6th century

Saint Mena (Sv. Mina) and The Lord Jesus Christ icon from 6th century

As you can see the iconography is very interesting, the images differ from modern day iconography the portraits are not looking so serious but looks like "childish". This childish forms and faces on the early Christian iconography is not accidental; it expresses the childish like pure faith our Christian devoted ancestors had. This early Christian faith and spiritual life icon is obviously in conjunction with our Saviour Jesus Christ words as red in the Gospel according to Matthew:
 

At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.

Matthew 18:1-5

This icon as well as the early Christian icons are very different from nowdays iconography probably for reason;
the images difference, the seriousness and the lack of brightness in the faces of nowdays iconography is a clear sign of the great decay of both Orthodox Christian as well as the down-fall of spiritual life worldly.
I've seen similar childish looking image icons in some Bulgarian ancient relics museums in my child years and always thought the depictions are so kiddish because iconographers of that time did not have the painting knowledge and skills to draw better ones.
Now as I know Christianity much better than then, I understand my previous assumption for the reason of the kiddish looking images is wrong.
Saint Mena (Sv. Mina) and The Lord Jesus Christ icon from 6th century

Very interesting in the early Christian iconography are the shapes. If you take a close look to above icon, you will notice the disparity of the two body members; the hands, head and eyes are unusually big. My guess for the lack of correspondence of body members is the attempt of early iconographers to put accent on most important members of our bodies;

– The head (holding the mind and thoughts of the saints)
– The hands through which the daily food is raised and the eyes through which the world is comprehended are much bigger than in a real person portrait.
– The mouth which is almost the size of the eyes; obvious reference that for early Christian contemplating was much more precious (important) thing, than speech.
This is also in accordance with the New Testament holy scriptures which says like so concerning the tongue:
 

8 But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;
10 from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.
11 Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?
12 Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs?
Nor can salt water produce fresh.

Notice also the Halos of the two saints, the size of the halos is almost one third of the whole body of the saints. The Gospel hold by our and all humanity Saviour Jesus Christ is also enormous sized; corresponding almost the height of the arm of Christ on the icon.
The size of the Gospel stresses out the importance of the Holy Bible writtings for early Christians. Nowdays the size of Gospels or Holy Bible especially among protestant Churches "tradition" is becoming smaller and smaller following the spirit of the time proclaiming mobility …

Today the iconography Orthodox Christian "school" has severely changed and the icon images are much more complicated than in ancient times.
The complication of images and elements on Orthodox Icons is a "mirror" of the internal complicated world of us modern-time Christians. This over-complication of our internal spiritual world, does separate us from God instead of uniting us as it is well known in Holy Orthodox Christian tradition God is best known through simplicity and pureness in life thoughts and actions.

The Coptic Oriental Orthodox Church is the only Church, where there is still iconographers drawing in the style of the ancient times childish looking icons. The reason Copts preserved this ancient iconography is that they have conservated big portion of the ancient faith rejecting the decisions of all 7 Orthodox Ecumenical Church Councils. Copts still accept only ecumenical council decisions up to the III-rd ecumenical council. This is also the reason why Eastern Oriental Orthodox Christians are considered not in official communion with the rest of Eastern Orthodox Churches. I had the opportunity by God's grace to meet an Coptic Orthodox Christian (a guy called Baky); From what I've seen and experienced within the few months with Baky my conclusion is Coptic Orthodox layman faith is much stronger than the one in most of other Orthodox Christians I know. The official standpoint of our Eastern Orthodox Church concerning the copts are that they're in heresy and not really orthodox. I'm not sure if this is really true, since I have spend few months with this Coptic Christian brother this autumn and winter and from what I've seen and heard as well as researched on coptic Orthodox it seems their overall Church teaching, Holy Liturgies and everything is very much orthodox (with very little service and faith differences). Here are few beautiful Coptic Orthodox Christian icons still being drawn in the spirit of early days Christianity.

Saint Abba Anthony the Great Coptic Oriental orthodox Icon

Abba (saint) Anthony the Great the father of Orthodox Christian Monastic Life

Coptic Orthodox Oriental Icon Abba Anthony and saint Paul

Coptic Orthodox Oriental Icon of Saint Anothony the Great – "the founder" of Monastic life

Coptic Oriental Orthodox Icon Tobias old testamential Book story

Tobias Old Testamential Story coptic icon

Holy Family Flight into Egypt Coptic Orthodox Icon

Holy Family – Flight into Egypt Coptic Orthodox oriental icon

Christ the Saviour Coptic Oriental Orthodox icon

Christ the Saviour – Coptic Oriental Orthodox icon

Holy Theotokos Coptic Oriental Orthodox icon

Holy Theotokos Coptic Oriental icon

Saint Athanasius defender of pure orthodoxy Oriental Orthodox icon

Saint Athnasius coptic orth icon

The Dormition of Holy Theotokos Mother Mary Coptic Orthodox Oriental Icon

The Dormition of Virgin Mary Coptic icon