By Fr. Elias Makos
On the occasion of the transfer of the relics of Saint Kallinikos, Metropolitan of Edessa, Pella and Almopia, we offer below a few characteristic excerpts from the dozens of his encyclicals during the 17 years of his pastorate were collected, which show that he knew well that the present is at our disposal, while the future belongs to God. That is why he was constantly prayerful, attentive and vigilant.
The encyclicals (1967-1984) of Saint Kallinikos (published in 2004 in a single volume by the Metropolis of Edessa), reveal not only his way of thinking, but also his way of life, which aimed at nothing other than how his soul would be spiritually advanced, in order to hear, as he did, the voice of its Lord: "Enter into the joy of your Lord."
His purpose was not small and ordinary, but great, supreme and most holy. It was to progress, with the power and grace of God, in virtue and illumination.
He often repeated that while we have time, we should not forget the elementary truth, that we are not eternally in this world, but temporarily, very temporarily.
And he added that it is not right to leave the present world harmful or even useless, but to leave laden with love, "full of good works and acts of mercy."
Thus, his virtue was not limited to his good feelings and his virtuous and modest words, but proceeded to holy deeds.
Therefore, his entire life, internal and external, and all his behavior bore the testimony and seal of faith in Christ and breathed the fragrance of holiness.
His words, written and heard many years ago, seem to describe current situations and to be addressed to today's people.
WORDS OF FAITH FROM SAINT KALLINIKOS
"Let us remain faithful to what is Sacred and Venerable. Let us be committed to the Orthodox faith, which was delivered to us with blood and many and terrible struggles. Orthodoxy is a priceless treasure. Let us be careful not to lose it. Let us hand it over to future generations" (Pastoral Encyclical 1: July 24, 1967).
***
(Addressing Priests)
"I wish to draw your attention to the criticality of the times we are going through. The times are difficult. Moral values are undergoing a crisis. Practical materialism is gaining momentum. Sensual life is a dream. Faith is being attacked. Heresies are swelling. The examples of the careless clergy scandalize many.
...I want us to have love, that you may rejoice when you see me and that I may rejoice when I see you. That you may see me as Father and Brother and that I may see you as beloved children and as true brothers" (Pastoral Encyclical 2: July 28, 1967).
***
"Enemies of the Faith and the Fatherland, like crows, are trying to seize not only the flesh, but also the souls of our young people. Fighters against Orthodoxy and Ethics slander and curse everything precious that we have. Teachings with the veneer of progress and civilization supposedly circulate widely. Filthy publications, miserable spectacles, strive to bury Faith in Ideals and Moral Life. A multitude of young people are being shaken by the winds. Many young souls are withering from the incense of sinful life" (Pastoral Encyclical 7: October 7, 1967).
***
"It remains for us to do what we have omitted and to complete what remained incomplete. We must forget what has been achieved and ensure that all Christians, old and young, young and old, men and women, draw closer to our Savior and Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ, His Church, the Divine Mysteries and His saving Law" (Pastoral Encyclical 90: July 16, 1972).
***
"Let us not be deceived. Let us not postpone. Let us not experiment. Let us not try any more. We have tried and are tried enough. Without Christ, chaos!" (Pastoral Encyclical 106: December 25, 1975).
***
"Our era, without a doubt, can be characterized as an era of rights. We all demand and are required. We deserve and we threaten... So the Apostolic word comes in due time to show us the opposite, to remind us that first we must offer, to be fully willing towards benevolence, kindness, and offering. At whatever age we are, whatever work we do, whatever position we hold in society, let us have as our motto to offer to all" (Pastoral Encyclical 132: January 1, 1983).
***
"Who are the holy people of God? A question of grave significance but also essential. The Orthodox people are the people of God. To them belong those baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity, who subsequently strive to apply the Law of God. Communion with the Holy God, the observance of His Holy Law, the imitation of the Saints of His Church, make us members of this holy people of God. The people of God are those who live as Orthodox in Christ, in whatever part of the earth they may reside, since the holiness of the members of this people flows from the holiness of the head of the Body of the Church, that is, Christ" (Pastoral Encyclical 137: Easter 1984).
A TRUE AND PERFECT CHRISTIAN
It was no coincidence that while Metropolitan Kallinikos was alive, the faithful had the information of conscience that he was a true and perfect Christian, a saint, in whom Christ reigned.
And since the Church brings forth and presents such good and perfect Christians to the world, it is truly the Church of Christ our God.
Of course, in order for him to reach the point where his fellow people would report and confirm that he was a true and perfect Christian, it took a long time and a hard struggle and abundant divine help.
A person does not become a Christian according to the standards of Christ in a few years, but throughout his entire life.
He will continually progress and advance and will strive and fight to become one. And he will fight with all his might to face the difficulties and reactions that the human will, corrupted by sin, has and presents.
This is what Saint Kallinikos did and won the mercy of God as a prize.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
The encyclicals (1967-1984) of Saint Kallinikos (published in 2004 in a single volume by the Metropolis of Edessa), reveal not only his way of thinking, but also his way of life, which aimed at nothing other than how his soul would be spiritually advanced, in order to hear, as he did, the voice of its Lord: "Enter into the joy of your Lord."
His purpose was not small and ordinary, but great, supreme and most holy. It was to progress, with the power and grace of God, in virtue and illumination.
He often repeated that while we have time, we should not forget the elementary truth, that we are not eternally in this world, but temporarily, very temporarily.
And he added that it is not right to leave the present world harmful or even useless, but to leave laden with love, "full of good works and acts of mercy."
Thus, his virtue was not limited to his good feelings and his virtuous and modest words, but proceeded to holy deeds.
Therefore, his entire life, internal and external, and all his behavior bore the testimony and seal of faith in Christ and breathed the fragrance of holiness.
His words, written and heard many years ago, seem to describe current situations and to be addressed to today's people.
WORDS OF FAITH FROM SAINT KALLINIKOS
"Let us remain faithful to what is Sacred and Venerable. Let us be committed to the Orthodox faith, which was delivered to us with blood and many and terrible struggles. Orthodoxy is a priceless treasure. Let us be careful not to lose it. Let us hand it over to future generations" (Pastoral Encyclical 1: July 24, 1967).
***
(Addressing Priests)
"I wish to draw your attention to the criticality of the times we are going through. The times are difficult. Moral values are undergoing a crisis. Practical materialism is gaining momentum. Sensual life is a dream. Faith is being attacked. Heresies are swelling. The examples of the careless clergy scandalize many.
...I want us to have love, that you may rejoice when you see me and that I may rejoice when I see you. That you may see me as Father and Brother and that I may see you as beloved children and as true brothers" (Pastoral Encyclical 2: July 28, 1967).
***
"Enemies of the Faith and the Fatherland, like crows, are trying to seize not only the flesh, but also the souls of our young people. Fighters against Orthodoxy and Ethics slander and curse everything precious that we have. Teachings with the veneer of progress and civilization supposedly circulate widely. Filthy publications, miserable spectacles, strive to bury Faith in Ideals and Moral Life. A multitude of young people are being shaken by the winds. Many young souls are withering from the incense of sinful life" (Pastoral Encyclical 7: October 7, 1967).
***
"It remains for us to do what we have omitted and to complete what remained incomplete. We must forget what has been achieved and ensure that all Christians, old and young, young and old, men and women, draw closer to our Savior and Redeemer the Lord Jesus Christ, His Church, the Divine Mysteries and His saving Law" (Pastoral Encyclical 90: July 16, 1972).
***
"Let us not be deceived. Let us not postpone. Let us not experiment. Let us not try any more. We have tried and are tried enough. Without Christ, chaos!" (Pastoral Encyclical 106: December 25, 1975).
***
"Our era, without a doubt, can be characterized as an era of rights. We all demand and are required. We deserve and we threaten... So the Apostolic word comes in due time to show us the opposite, to remind us that first we must offer, to be fully willing towards benevolence, kindness, and offering. At whatever age we are, whatever work we do, whatever position we hold in society, let us have as our motto to offer to all" (Pastoral Encyclical 132: January 1, 1983).
***
"Who are the holy people of God? A question of grave significance but also essential. The Orthodox people are the people of God. To them belong those baptized in the Name of the Holy Trinity, who subsequently strive to apply the Law of God. Communion with the Holy God, the observance of His Holy Law, the imitation of the Saints of His Church, make us members of this holy people of God. The people of God are those who live as Orthodox in Christ, in whatever part of the earth they may reside, since the holiness of the members of this people flows from the holiness of the head of the Body of the Church, that is, Christ" (Pastoral Encyclical 137: Easter 1984).
A TRUE AND PERFECT CHRISTIAN
It was no coincidence that while Metropolitan Kallinikos was alive, the faithful had the information of conscience that he was a true and perfect Christian, a saint, in whom Christ reigned.
And since the Church brings forth and presents such good and perfect Christians to the world, it is truly the Church of Christ our God.
Of course, in order for him to reach the point where his fellow people would report and confirm that he was a true and perfect Christian, it took a long time and a hard struggle and abundant divine help.
A person does not become a Christian according to the standards of Christ in a few years, but throughout his entire life.
He will continually progress and advance and will strive and fight to become one. And he will fight with all his might to face the difficulties and reactions that the human will, corrupted by sin, has and presents.
This is what Saint Kallinikos did and won the mercy of God as a prize.
Source: Translated by John Sanidopoulos.
