Additionally, this king's image includes the flourishing of virtue and prosperity among his people: “In his days shall the righteous flourish; and abundance of peace so long as the moon endureth” (Psalm 71:7); the remarkable expansion of his realm: “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth” (Psalm 71:8); the defeat of his adversaries: “They that dwell in the wilderness shall bow before him; and his enemies shall lick the dust” (Psalm 71:9); the submission of distant kingdoms and the reverence of all monarchs: “The kings of Tarshish and of the isles shall bring presents: the kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts” (Psalm 71:10-11). At this point, the vision of royal splendor appears complete; however, the Psalmist adds, “He will spare the poor and the needy, and save the souls of the wretched.” Do you grasp what the Prophet intends by this? He implies that even with eminent royal virtues, power over the kingdom, and the splendor of triumphs, the king is still elevated, further embellished, and glorified through his compassion for the poor and the liberation of the needy—“to spare the poor and the needy, and save the souls of the poor.” Notice, dear friends, how the same omnipotent Spirit of God, who inspired David’s song to craft the portrait of the blessed Tsar with words and imagery, similarly shapes the life and actions of the venerable Alexander. Endowed with the wisdom and righteousness bestowed by God, witnessing the vast expansion of his empire, seeing his foes vanquished before him, and having kings and nations bow in reverence to his valor, one might think there remains no additional virtue to enhance his life with a fresh and extraordinary glow. Yet, an unseen artist has come to deepen this portrayal, casting a new light upon it from the depths of darkness. The sudden visitation of God upon the new capital brings a sacred cloak of compassionate sorrow over the head of the Sovereign Father; from the shadows of widespread suffering, the brilliance of his humanity rises anew, kindling warmth and renewal. He freely dispenses treasures, redeeming the souls of many in crisis; he walks the breadth of the collective affliction; he mingles his tears with those of even the least among his subjects; he mourns before God for the victims of calamity, who would have had many mourners, even in the most favorable circumstances; he shares with his noble mother the tender affections she has passed down, manifesting compassion for the poor and needy, establishing the very means for their sustenance, clothing, and shelter. It is a strong and yet endearing lesson in humanity—if only it is not too strange and shameful for us to admit the need for further understanding of humanity, especially its fundamental principles. Indeed, it seems strange for humanity itself to require instruction in its basic tenets. Would it not be odd to envision a larynx and a lung asking to learn how to breathe, or an eye and an ear seeking to understand how to see and hear? If you are an eye, you naturally perceive; if you are an ear, you hear intuitively; if you are a heart, you love; for the heart of mankind is most inclined to love another, extending compassion to others rather than to itself, just as it is characteristic of the eye to look outward and the ear to listen beyond itself. Thus, for a human, it appears peculiar to acknowledge a need for learning the principles of humanity; similarly, it is shameful for a Christian to possess knowledge no greater than the basics of humanity, or to have not yet embraced, as the ancient wise man stated, “the spirit of reason… humanity” (Wisdom 7:22-23), or as the Apostle indicated, “the wisdom that is from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated” (James 3:17). It would be disgraceful for one claiming to be wise to lack the ability to read and compose thoughts coherently; for it is inherent to the wise to formulate connections of thought and emotion, birthing new insights and sensations, and perceiving vast truths. Thus, a true Christian should be saddened if they cannot unite in love two or three hearts distinguished by unity, shared tendencies, or mutual benefits; the Christian’s spiritual vision should regard all humanity as one kin, and the Christian community as one body: “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit” (1 Cor. 12:13). This spiritual insight should inspire comprehensive thoughts of humanity in the Christian spirit, mirroring the beloved Paul’s reflection: “And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honored, all the members rejoice with it” (1 Cor. 12:26). Spiritual contemplation ought to cultivate empathetic and compassionate sentiments within the Christian heart, as expressed by the same Apostle: “Our heart is enlarged, you are not straitened in us” (2 Cor. 6:11-12), meaning our love expands so to embrace all of you without limitation. If you are labeled a Christian yet only extend love to your family, friends, and acquaintances—those who reciprocate—it is in vain that you bear this title; such a claim is disingenuous. Those who love solely those who love them are aptly labeled sinners, tax collectors, and pagans, rather than Christians. Hence the Word of God accurately identifies them: “For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not the publicans the same?” (Matt. 5:46-47). Justify yourself, if you can, proving your claim to the name of Christian without embracing the all-encompassing humanity that embodies both love and compassion for acquaintances and foes alike and empathizes with the tribulations of strangers as though they were one's own. Why do you consider yourself a Christian? Is it due to correct belief? Understand that genuine Christianity espouses no other belief than that of humanity. “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction” (James 1:27). What else leads you to rectify yourself as a Christian? Is it by the law? Yet Christianity advocates no other law than that of loving one’s neighbor: “If ye fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself,’ ye do well” (James 2:8). Or do you desire to be recognized as a Christian for your affection toward God? However, there can be no love for God without love for humanity. Just as one cannot ascend a high ladder without first stepping on the lower rungs, no one can claim to have attained a profound love for God without having traversed the stages of love for one’s neighbors; anyone asserting such a belief would be admonished by true Christianity as a liar: “If a man say, ‘I love God,’ and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 Jn. 4:20). If you are indeed a true Christian, a devotee and disciple of God who became flesh out of love for humanity, suffering and dying for them; then you should be well acquainted with this paramount law of humanity: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13); and to sacrifice for others (John 15:13), to share your wealth with the poor, your strength with the weak and the ill, your heartfelt participation for those in need, and essentially extend your capabilities and labor to all as long as there exists a need—this should be the sustenance and joy of your life. Otherwise, your claim to Christianity is no more valid than an idol’s claim to divinity. I wish that among us Christians, none could fall under this censure—not from my unworthy words but from the truth of the Gospel. I trust you have no need for additional human instruction in that which God teaches or has already imparted: “For yourselves are taught of God to love one another” (1 Thess. 4:9). I see and hear of many, manifesting visible and invisible charity, channeling aid to alleviate the suffering which God, just in retribution and merciful in justice, has allowed to befall our brethren, encouraging us to repent and engage in acts of righteousness and goodness. To the visible hands of charity, I say: “May the Almighty fulfill your endeavors and bless you as an example of charity,” but to the unseen charitable hands, I particularly say: “He who sees in secret shall reward you in secret” (Matthew 6:4). I observe and hear that some, recognizing God’s visitation upon others, and feeling compassion for those enduring trials, desire to see this humility before God and compassion for humanity spread more broadly and solemnly. They question why the authorities do not end trivial pursuits or close entertainment venues. It is indeed fitting that during public trials, a spirit of humility before God and compassion for others should not only reside within the private hearts of individuals but also take shape in the public decrees of leaders and the governance of collective efforts. This has been the case, particularly where the pious and humane guidance of the Monarch inspired action. But should this not align with the decrees of the ruling powers, what concern is that to you, who reign over your own desires and inclinations? Restrain your own distractions; block out amusements from your view, or, to achieve the same, divert your gaze from trivial distractions. Should children lament due to a lack of forbidden play, refrain from your own amusements; your parents will surely welcome your turn toward more beneficial activities. A wise government tolerates and supports leisure, just as loving parents permit children's games. Commit your recreational time to honest toil, beneficial learning, uplifting conversations, charity, or prayer; the government will certainly be grateful if this empties places of spectacle, and the Church will joyously open its doors to you, welcoming the righteous. Finally, a word to you, dedicated advocates of humanity and charity. Let God’s law be your guiding light, along with the example of profound humanity. God bless your endeavors, may your ongoing service to the sick bring them relief and comfort, and may it result in your eternal reward. Amen.
THEOSIS