Thursday, September 14, 2023

The power of the Cross

In the late 60s, a nineteen year old Greek-Australian, Themistoclis Adamopoulos, together with some friends, formed a rock band, the Flies.

The band quickly became famous all over the world.

Themistocles tells the story:

-"At that time it was very fashionable for famous members of rock bands to visit a guru in India for advice and spiritual guidance!

 So I started going there myself.

On one such journey, the guru would lay his hand on the head of each visitor, saying:

-"I am imparting knowledge to you."

When it was my turn, he stopped and said: "Take off your cross".

It was also fashionable at that time for us to wear a cross.

 Not that we believed in it, but we wore it as a decorative, or rather an element.

I was surprised by the guru's exhortation and said to him:

-"Why?"

The guru replied:

- "I cannot impart knowledge to you.

Well, will you take him out?"

I answered:

 - "No."

And I left, overwhelmed by the event.

Why couldn't the guru act before the cross?

What is the Cross, after all?

I began to read the Gospel with passion.

. That's how I discovered faith in Christ.

I gave it all up.

 I became an Orthodox Christian.

 I studied theology and dedicated my life to Christ, becoming a monk.

The former rock musician is now Bishop Fr. Themistocles.

 For twenty years a missionary in Sierra Leone, Africa.

 There, with absolute self-denial and under terribly difficult circumstances, he spreads the faith to our African brothers and sisters. Providing, as best he can, for their enormous material needs.

He is known internationally

as the "Saint of Africa"!

So when we put on our cross

or we make our cross with unwavering faith

and trust in Christ, it is as if the very Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ is resting on us.


"Cross, the guardian of the whole world.

Cross, the beauty of the Church.

Cross, the cross of kings.

Cross, the support of the faithful.

Cross, the glory of angels.

and the wound of demons."

Source:

 Fr. Nikon Koutsidis,

 

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