Acts 8:4-13 Philip and the Samaritans
4 Now those who were scattered went about preaching the word. 5 Philip went down to a city of Samar′ia, and proclaimed to them the Christ. 6 And the multitudes with one accord gave heed to what was said by Philip, when they heard him and saw the signs which he did. 7 For unclean spirits came out of many who were possessed, crying with a loud voice; and many who were paralyzed or lame were healed. 8 So there was much joy in that city. 9 But there was a man named Simon who had previously practiced magic in the city and amazed the nation of Samar′ia, saying that he himself was somebody great. 10 They all gave heed to him, from the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is that power of God which is called Great.” 11 And they gave heed to him, because for a long time he had amazed them with his magic. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached good news about the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Even Simon himself believed, and after being baptized he continued with Philip. And seeing signs and great miracles performed, he was amazed.
Philip and the disciples learned from Jesus a willingness to mix with all sorts of people, including those deemed heretics, sinners, outsiders and enemies—like tax collectors, harlots and Samaritans. Jesus himself had been tarred with the “Samaritan” label. But he refused to be imprisoned by the prejudices of others, and so repeatedly in the Gospels Jesus singles out the Samaritans to illustrate mercy and kindness (the parable of the Good Samaritan), gratitude (the Samaritan leper) and openness to faith (the Samaritan Woman). It was no doubt this last encounter with the woman now known to Orthodox tradition as Saint Photini (Svetlana) which led to the community’s receptive listening to Philip and willingness to be baptized.
Saint Photini’s missionary work began with her own family. She brought to Christ her five sisters (Saints. Anatole, Photo, Photis, Paraskeve, and Kyriake) and her two sons (Victor and Joses), who all went on to be evangelists. She died as martyr under Emperor Nero in 66 AD.
Kontakion (Saint Photini), Tone 1
O Almighty Saviour, Who did pour forth water for the Hebrews from a solid rock:
You did come to the Land of Samaria, and addressed a woman,
whom You did attract to faith in You,
and she has now attained life in the heavens everlastingly.
Troparion (Apostle Philip), Tone 3
Filled with divine grace, / you served God the Word as a deacon of the Church, O Apostle Philip. / By the working of miracles and by signs from God / you enlightened the multitudes of Samaria. / O blessed one, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy.
Moscow: Day 1
As reported on Sunday, Patriarch Kirill of Moscow invited Metropolitan Tikhon and a delegation from the OCA to visit the Orthodox Church of Russia over the next nine days. I will be writing brief diary updates from Russia over the next week and a half (as time permits), first from Moscow (Dec 2-7), then St Petersburg (Dec 8-10). Look for photo galleries and larger stories as well on the home page of the OCA website.
After the overnight trip from New York, the OCA’s delegation, headed by Metropolitan Tikhon, was met at the airport by Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Bishop John of Naro-Fominsk (in charge of Patriarchal parishes in the US) and representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church’s Department of External Church Relations (DECR). We were taken to the Danilov Monastery, headquarters of the DECR and location of the Danilovskaya Hotel for visiting delegations and church workers. The monastery is named for Saint Daniel of Moscow (1261-1303), whose relics are housed here.
This afternoon, we’ll recuperate from the flight and then have dinner this evening before the full program of services, visits and meetings begins tomorrow. Wednesday’s schedule includes a morning visit to the Pokrovsky Convent, the official meeting and lunch with His Holiness, Patriarch Kirill and a reception at the residence of the new US ambassador to Russia, the Honorable John F. Tefft.