Saint Paul states, "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). So, there is great POWER in the Name of Jesus. It was the name that the angel of the Lord commanded in a dream to Joseph: "Do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit; she will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:20-21).

The early disciples understood the power in the Name of Jesus, and they knew how to use that power to receive His blessings and bless others. Yet, today, many Christians do not realize the power that is behind the name of Jesus; but the devil does realize that power; he hates Jesus and wants to desensitize the world to His most-honorable and majestic Name.

It is our time-honored Carpathian practice to greet each other with "Glory to JESUS Christ!" Let's never stop doing this, for when we become ashamed of saying the Name of Jesus, He just may become ashamed of us. (Mark 8:38)

Also, within our tradition, a special gift to us from our holy ascetical fathers and mothers is the Jesus Prayer, "Lord JESUS Christ, Son of God have mercy on me a sinner."

Whatever form you pray the Name of Jesus is not important, as long as you remember Him in your thoughts and honor Him in your actions. Jesus is the Name of Above All Names! Come, let us adore and bow down to the only Lord Jesus Christ our King and our God! Hallowed be Thy Name!

©2006 - Raymond J. Mastroberte
8/7/06