The Holy Venerable-Martyr Nikon and His Disciples, Martyred with Him (270-75)
Great Fast Day 29. Abstention from meat and foods that contain meat. According to liturgical prescriptions, the Divine Liturgy is not celebrated today.
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Proverbs 14:27-15:4
In some people’s minds, fear of God is the terror of an ever-looming threat of the wrath of God, who is watching from the heavens, ready to afflict. This hardly seems to fit the God we know to have loved the world so much that though we were sinners, Christ died for us; a God whose mercies are new every morning; a God that takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked; a God who wishes all men to be saved; a God who welcomes the repentant prodigal with open arms, a God who is Love.
When we consider Creation, the Incarnation, the Resurrection, how can we not be awed by such intelligence, love, holiness, and power? He is all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful. This “fear” is the beginning of wisdom.
St. Symeon the New Theologian (949–1022) said,
When a man walks in the fear of God he knows no fear, even if he were to be surrounded by wicked men. He has the fear of God within him and wears the invincible armor of faith. This makes him strong and able to take on anything, even things which seem difficult or impossible to most people. Such a man is like a giant surrounded by monkeys, or a roaring lion among dogs and foxes. He goes forward trusting in the Lord and the constancy of his will to strike and paralyze his foes. He wields the blazing club of the Word in wisdom.