Written by His Grace David, Bishop of Petra
1) THE TRANSFIGURATION OF HISTORY THROUGH THEOTOKOS
“Theotokos, ever-virgin, the shelter of humanity… through you both nature is renewed and time itself.” Indeed, my brothers and sisters, when it comes to time, with the presence and grace of Theotokos, historical time—the history of this world—does not simply come to an end, nor is it abolished. Instead, under the protection of Panagia, history is transfigured and incorporated into the time and time dimension of the Kingdom of Christ. The fact that time is renewed through the presence and person of Theotokos, highlights and reminds us of a supremely important promise, a promise inscribed in the hearts of the faithful: that Panagia, like her Son, will remain with us until the end of the age. Theotokos, foreseeing and intervening until the very end, walks hand in hand with the faithful all the way to the final days, the appearance of the Antichrist and the Second Coming of her Son.
2) PANAGIA AS THE BAROMETER OF THE LAST TIMES
Since everyone knows that the Mother cannot be separated or isolated from the Son, that Christ and Panagia are One and the Same, and that Christ cannot be imagined without His Mother, nor Theotokos without her Son, it follows naturally that Panagia will serve as the barometer by which persons and events of the last times, and of the era of the Antichrist, will be measured and evaluated. Both believers and non-believers, lovers of Christ and followers of the Antichrist, will be reflected in the perfect mirror of Theotokos—the immaculate mirror of Panagia—and will receive, both in history and in the Kingdom of Christ, the place they deserve.
3) ELIJAH AND ENOCH AS IMITATORS OF THEOTOKOS
For example, the two witnesses of Christ and forerunners of the last times—Elijah and Enoch—who will denounce the Antichrist and prepare humanity, especially the faithful, for the final Judgment, will be filled and inspired by the radiant glory and dazzling god-maternal majesty of our Panagia. They will strive to follow Her and to imitate, as much as they can, Her love for Christ, Her rejection of her Son’s enemies, and Her moral perfection, in a world overflowing with the stench of carnal immorality and apostasy. Virgins themselves, like Panagia, they will reach unparalleled spiritual heights, remaining self-restrained, measured, and prudent. The solemnity and prudence of Theotokos will accompany them always, the memory of the Queen of all will dwell inseparably within their thoughts—alongside the memory of Christ—and the zeal of Panagia for Truth will burn continuously in their hearts.
4) THE OTHER “PANAGIA” AND THE FALSE “CHRIST”
Be careful, my brothers and sisters! The All-Holy Theotokos will occupy the thoughts and sight not only of the saints and faithful soldiers of the Lord, but also of the enemies of Christ and the dark servants of Lucifer. The furious enemies of Truth and promoters of the worst deception, will make sure to present as a “pure virgin” the very harlot who will give birth to the Antichrist. In this way, they will project to the masses a different “panagia,” that will replace the true one and will supposedly give birth to the messiah.
The Antichrist and his entourage will imitate—aping, as St. Hippolytus characteristically says—the life and setting of Christ. After all, the false messiah himself will appear virginal and morally perfect, abhorring carnal sins, imitating even as a cheap copy—because he will copy in a deceptive way—the virginal purity of both Christ and Panagia.
5) THE UNCONQUERABLE INFLUENCE OF CHRIST AND THEOTOKOS (ΤΗΕΙR PERSONS ARE UNIQUE WITHIN HISTORY)
The extraordinary effort of the dark powers and the Antichrist to meticulously imitate the essential characteristics and virtues of the God-Man Jesus and His All-Holy Mother shows and proves how great their influence is, and how irresistibly they attract both believers and unbelievers across all ages, the Heavenly Personalities and the godly virtues of Christ and of Theotokos. The Son of God and His Immaculate Mother exert secretly such a strong power upon the hearts of people that the Devil and his servants cannot ignore it, no matter how much they might want to.
For, my beloved brothers and sisters, Panagia and her Son are unique Persons in all human history, there never were, nor ever will be, any like them. The traces of their visible and invisible presence in this world remain indelible through the ages, and no one can ignore them or remain indifferent to them, no matter how much they may hate them.
6) THE ANTICHRIST’S ATTACK ON THE GLORY OF PANAGIA
The Antichrist himself, in his attempt to diminish and reduce in the eyes of people the unparalleled glory of our Panagia, will begin, as St. John the Theologian says, to utter words that cunningly and skillfully conceal blasphemous outbursts against God, His saints, and His dwelling place. “And he opened his mouth to blaspheme against God, to blaspheme His name and His dwelling place and those who dwell in heaven” (Rev. 13:6). The dwelling place of God is Theotokos, for in the womb of Panagia, Christ came and dwelt, taking on her flesh. This is why we also say in the Salutations of Theotokos: “Rejoice, dwelling place of God and Word.”
7) THE DECISIVE ROLE OF PANAGIA IN THE LAST TIMES
The importance and centrality of Theotokos in the last times—as well as her unparalleled and majestic significance throughout all ages—is also evident in another passage from the Book of Revelation. In chapter twelve, St. John the Theologian describes a great sign that appeared in the heavens: A woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and a halo on her head, a crown of twelve stars on her head—who was pregnant.
8) THEOTOKOS IDENTIFIED WITH THE CHURCH OF CHRIST
As the Church Fathers (Arethas and Andrew of Caesarea) interpret, this woman is the Panagia—but at the same time, she is the Church of Christ. In the theology of our fathers, Panagia and Church are identified as one, since Theotokos gave her immaculate flesh and blood to Christ, and the Church is His Body—the spotless Bride of the Lord.
The fact that this woman is in heaven reveals the heavenly glory and exalted status of both Panagia and the Church. It also shows that Panagia is wholly pure—both in soul and body—equal to the angels, a citizen of heaven, freed from all earthly concerns, having transformed earth into heaven through her God-pleasing life.
9) THE WOMAN OF REVELATION WITH THE SUN, THE CROWN, AND THE MOON – THEOTOKOS AND THE CHURCH
The woman is clothed with the Sun of Righteousness—Christ—and is united with Him in essence, both Panagia, who gives birth to the Lord and becomes the Theotokos, just as the Church, whose Head is the Lord, and which spiritually gives birth to Christ within each believer. The crown with the twelve stars is, according to St. Arethas, the twelve Apostles, who honour the Panagia with the ceaseless voice given to them by Her. The moon under Her feet symbolizes both the Jewish synagogue that rejected and crucified the King of Glory and also all antichrist and God-opposing powers of the world, the devil, and his servants—whom Theotokos crushes under her feet. This reveals the power of Panagia and the Church, which the furious enemies of Christ and Truth cannot harm. Then, after the birth of Her Hon is mentioned, who was caught up and ascended to heaven, it is emphasized that the woman fled into the wilderness to a place that God had prepared for Her.
10) THE CHURCH OF THE LAST TIMES WITH PANAGIA IN THE WILDERNESS
The ancient dragon—the Devil—and the beast—the Antichrist—will pursue the woman, Panagia and the Church, who will flee into the wilderness: “where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days.” (Rev. 12:6)
The first thing to note here is that, during the reign of the Antichrist, the Church will take refuge in the wilderness (both metaphorically and literally). Spiritually, this wilderness means withdrawing from the noise and pleasures of the world—and from the seductive allure of the lawless one. But also, literally, it means retreating to the mountains, the hills, the caves, and the hidden places of the earth. That place though where the Church will retreat to, will be a place prepared by Christ Himself—a space divinely appointed and filled with His grace and protection. This means that only those who follow the Church will find themselves in this isolated, God-designated and approved place of refuge.
11) THEOTOKOS STANDS WITH THE CHURCH—NOT WITH REBELLIOUS, SELF-WILLED CHRISTIANS
As for the rest, those who follow their own will and do not walk with the Church will end up in their own places, in their own wildernesses—outside the path of the Church, without any divine protection and in great peril, leaving not the slightest hope for anything good. Panagia will walk with the Church, not with the disobedient christians. In fact, Panagia will lead the Church, revealing the trail into the wilderness. Whoever refuses to humble themselves and follow the Church—as a simple soldier of Christ, from whatever position the Church places them—will soon discover that the wages of disobedience and rebellion are death, at least spiritual death, along with abandonment by God.
It is therefore of great importance to emphasize that Panagia will remain close to the faithful who remain within the Church. And this cannot be imagined in any other way except through an active sacramental life and regular participation in the Divine Services. Where this is not possible to the extent it should be, there must at least be acceptance and fundamental respect for the Church, the Mysteries, and its representatives. It is a fundamental and essential requirement that a believer does not develop their own independent, para-ecclesiastical theology and understanding of salvation.
Whoever does not confess, does not attend church, does not receive Holy Communion, and generally does not participate in the life of the Church, cannot be considered a true and integral member of it. Consequently, the Holy Theotokos cannot be identified with them, for, as we have said, Panagia is the Church, and the Church is Panagia.
12) THE RELENTLESS PERSECUTION OF THE CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS
Just as Panagia fled to Egypt with Joseph to save the Christ Child from Herod’s wrath, so too will the faithful of the last times flee into the wilderness with Panagia, escaping the murderous intent of the Antichrist—the false king with his counterfeit crown. The ancient serpent, chasing the woman into the wilderness, will pour out torrents of water from his mouth, attempting to drown her. The Devil, through the Antichrist, will unleash hordes of demons and armies of wicked people, driving fierce persecution and relentless temptation against the faithful. Afflicting and distressing them beyond measure, with unprecedented and indescribable trials and sufferings.
13) THE FAITHFUL SHARE IN THE PASSIONS OF CHRIST AND THE SORROW OF PANAGIA
In those days, the faithful will recall the Passions of Christ and the indescribable pain, the unspeakable anguish Theotokos felt when a sword pierced her all-holy soul during the crucifixion suffering of her Son. The Divine Drama will unfold mystically in the hearts of the Church’s children, who will tremble with anxiety yet also with sweet hope for their salvation. They will not waver—they will be certain of the coming deliverance through Christ and Panagia, drawing courage from the Lord’s Passions and Theotokos’ sufferings.
14) THE TWO WINGS OF THE GREAT EAGLE
The faithful will receive immense comfort from the two wings of the great eagle, given to the woman-Church for her journey into the wilderness . The great eagle is God, and the wings are His all-powerful divine grace. This grace, invincible like a lightning rod against evil, together with the loving care and protection of the All-Holy Theotokos, will refresh and gladden the faithful like cool spiritual dew during their journey in the wilderness.
The two wings that will cover the Church of the last times are interpreted, among other things, as the two Testaments—the Old and the New—the Holy Scriptures, which Panagia knew and studied throughout her life. With their deep, rich meanings—radiant with divine light and centered on Christ—Theotokos will secretly nourish, in those days, the hearts of her children and illuminate their souls, preparing them for martyrdom, sanctification, and deification.
With the two wings of Christ and Panagia, the Church in the wilderness will be swift and light, like a hollow cloud, freed from the excessive burden of suffering despite the hardships and difficulties.
Unimaginable miracles will take place before the eyes of the faithful—mountains and hills will move to clear their path, wonders and signs will abound, and heavenly revelations and visions will become their daily experience. The Most Gracious Lady will make her presence felt at every step, enabling the Church to stay ahead of its enemies, always one step ahead, avoiding direct conflict and managing to escape confrontation. And despite the Antichrist’s vast resources—his incomprehensibly advanced technology, his demonic abilities, and the watchful eye of Lucifer—the Church, through the grace of Panagia, will remain undetectable to its persecutors.
15) THEOTOKOS INITIATES THE FAITHFUL INTO NOETIC STILLNESS IN THE WILDERNESS
There, in the wilderness, Theotokos will initiate all the faithful into the luminous mysteries of noetic hesychia—the inner stillness of mind and heart. This noetic hesychia, which Theotokos with admirable loyalty and consistency, practiced more perfectly than anyone, reaching superhuman spiritual heights, will be embraced by her children in the wilderness. Through it, the faithful will forget earthly things and be initiated into heavenly mysteries.
With the help of noetic stillness, they will purify their minds from thoughts, fantasies, superstitions, and distractions, and through the illumination of the Holy Spirit, they will lift their hearts toward God. They will train in noetic prayer and the unceasing invocation of the divine Name, so as to drive away the sorrow and anxiety of those days and to be filled within with ineffable joy and inexpressible gladness, as they await the Kingdom of Christ, the Rising Sun.
16) THE VISION OF THE UNCREATED LIGHT AND NOETIC SILENCE
And so, gradually, slowly and imperceptibly, the members of the Church will attain divine vision and behold the Uncreated Light, uniting with God and coming into communion with Him, face to face. When, through noetic silence, their entire being has found stillness and peace, they will have succeeded in freeing their minds from captivity to the passions. No longer vulnerable to external influences and the dictates of human reasoning, they will cease to see anything as impossible or insurmountable, for with supra-rational faith, they will overcome every obstacle of logic. And this will come to pass because where human reasoning ends, faith begins—not in conflict with reason, but transcending it, rising above it.
17) UNHARMED AND UNSCATHED THE FAITHFUL AGAINST THE ARROWS OF LOGIC AND THE ANTICHRIST
And so, faith will liberate the faithful from the traps and obstacles of logic, a logic that in those days will be one of the great weapons of the Antichrist and his forces, in their attempt to undermine the fighting spirit and the spiritual reserves, the courage and the bravery of the faithful. For example, during the Church's journey through the wilderness, logic will doubt and wonder where the necessary food and water for survival will be found in the middle of nowhere, while faith will be certain of God's providential and miraculous provision for the sustenance of the faithful.
At the same time, the faithful children of the Church will not be offended by the imaginary signs and the cunning illusions of the Antichrist and the false prophet, nor by the deceitful energy present in the words and deeds of the pseudo-messiah. They will not feel the sense of fear from the savage dispositions of the Antichrist's instruments, nor will they be seduced by his seemingly honey-sweet but actually poisonous teachings, by his incredible miracles, the likes of which humanity has never seen before, by his philanthropy and rare kindness (traits he will display in order to deceive people), by his gifts and virtues, and by the incomparable external beauty of the pseudo-messiah. All these arrows of the evil one will not be able to harm or wound the faithful, as their participation in divine grace and their immersion in divine beauty will not provide ground or allow room for temptation to penetrate their conscience.
18) PANAGIA MIRACULOUSLY NOURISHES THE CHURCH IN THE WILDERNESS
And just as the Mother of God was nourished by angels in the Holy of Holies and conversed with them when she was a young child in the temple, so too will the Church, like ancient Israel in the desert, journeying toward the Promised Land, be nourished in a wondrous manner by Christ, the Virgin Mary, the Saints, and the Angels, and will converse with them. Rocks in barren places will gush forth the sweetest waters and quench the thirst of the faithful, as in the Old Testament during the time of Moses. Ravens will feed them with bread in the morning and meat in the evening, as they did for the prophet Elijah in the cave. Manna from heaven will be sent to the members of the Church, and enormous flocks of quail will appear from above—countless swarms of birds that will cover the sky, fall at the feet of the faithful, and abundantly nourish them.
The heavenly armies of angels and saints will be mobilized to nourish the faithful physically and comfort them spiritually with heavenly food and teachings, which will elevate their minds and raise their souls to the realms of Paradise. Through these means, and countless other ways, the Lord Himself and His Holy Mother will care for, provide for, and supply the faithful with all the necessary goods for their sustenance, depriving them of nothing. At the same time, the followers of the Antichrist will begin to face enormous problems due to water shortages and lack of food. The faithful of the last days will prioritize and seek first the Kingdom of God and His Righteousness, and for this reason, Christ will also provide them with all the rest—the material goods, which are of lesser importance.
19) THE SEAL OF THE THEOTOKOS ON THE LAST TIMES’ CHURCH
The Queen of All, the Most Holy Mother of God, will seal the entire Church of the last times with her impeccable and incomparable personality, as its members in the wilderness will live in bodily abstinence, in virginity and asceticism. Thus, the Church at the end of history will live as it did at its beginning, in virginity and moral purity, awaiting the consummation of the ages. This fact will be yet another means contributing to the creation and formation of the appropriate climate, with the help of which the Church of the last times will achieve something unimaginable for any other era: the catholic sanctification of its members. The sanctification of all those who remain faithful to Her until the end. Due to the unique conditions of the era of the Antichrist, all the faithful of the last days will be sanctified and will become either Saints or Martyrs. Depending on the strength and free will of each, some will be protected by the Virgin Mary until the end and will have a holy conclusion—perhaps even not dying at all, living until the Second Coming of the Lord—while to others, because of the strength of their resolve, the gift of martyrdom will be given. The Mother of God will allow them to be located and captured by their persecutors, so that they may emerge as the greatest martyrs of all times and all ages, and as champions whom the All-Pure Mother of Emmanuel has armed with invincible courage. Thus, they will denounce the Antichrist as a false messiah and confess Jesus as the Lamb who was Slain and yet Stands. The Lamb who, as a voluntary sacrifice, gave His life and was slain, offering Himself, and yet is still standing, alive and resurrected through His Holy Resurrection.
20) THEOTOKOS AS THE MODEL OF THE AGES TO COME
The Ever-Virgin Mary, my dear people, through her life and her dormition, serves as a forerunner and a prelude to what is about to happen on the threshold of the future age. Just as she died and was resurrected, so too will all the dead be raised on the Day of Judgment. And just as she was assumed into the heavens and entered bodily into the Kingdom of her Son, so too will the righteous, the saved, and the saints be bodily assumed into the same Kingdom, so that they may forever enjoy the transcendent beauty and the unfading glory of Theotokos, together with all the faithful of the last days, without end or cessation, unto the endless ages of ages. Amen!