Skip to main content

2026 Spring Break Spiritual Day - Introduction (IOTA)

"There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved" (Acts 12:4)

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10)

Introduction

Sunday Theotokia: "You are called truly, • O blessed one • among women, • the Second Tabernacle •
which is called • the Holy • of Holies, • wherein are the tablets •
of the covenant • and the Ten Commandments • which are written • by the finger of God. •
They have directed us • to the IOTA: • the name of salvation • of Jesus Christ."

The Ten Commandments, given by God and written by His finger on two tablets, have directed us to the IOTA. And the IOTA is the name of Salvation of Jesus Christ.

We have a category of hymn in the Church called "Psalis" which are said before the Theotokia. And these Psalis typically all focus on one topic: the name of the Lord. Saying the name of the Lord.  There is great power in the name of the Lord.

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe." (Proverbs 18:10)

The name of the Lord means:

  1. Enlightenment
    • Monday Psali: "Let the name of the Lord • abide within us • so that He may shine • upon our inner being"
    • Tuesday Psali: "When they uttered it • their minds were enlightened • and their hearts ascended • to the heights."
  2. Ability to Give Others
    • Wednesday Psali: "If we are needy • for the money of this world, • and we have nothing • to offer as alms; •
      yet truly we have • the precious pearl of great price • which is the sweet name full of glory • of our Lord Jesus Christ. •
      When we continue to keep Him • in our inner being • He will make us rich • that we can give to others. •
      We do not ask for • the wealth of this world • but for the salvation of our souls • by calling upon His holy name."
  3. Nourishment
    • Tuesday Psali: "For them it was • a Living food • which filled their souls • and their bodies too. •
      For them it was • a fountain of living water • sweeter than honey • in their mouths. •
      When they called upon it • their hearts rejoiced • and their bodies • blossomed."
  4. Sweetness and Joy

    • Friday Psali: "Our hearts are happy • and our tongues rejoice • whenever we sing to the name • of our Lord Jesus Christ."

       

    • Saturday Psali: "The remembrance of your holy name • gives joy to our hearts • O my Lord Jesus Christ • my good Savior."

  5. Power to Purify
    • Monday Psali: "Everyone who says: • 'my Lord Jesus' • is likened to a sword • casting down the enemy."
    • Thursday Psali: "Once more my beloved • let us keep away • the evil inclinations of our heart • that lead us to sin. •
      Let us incessantly • bless the name of Salvation • that is for our Lord Jesus Christ • proclaiming and saying: •
      O my Lord Jesus Christ • who is born of the Father • before all ages • have mercy on us according to Your great mercy; •O my Lord Jesus Christ...

 

"If you celebrate a feast and are joyful, say: Jesus;
if you worry and suffering: Jesus;
if the sons and daughters laugh: Jesus;
those who touch water: Jesus;
those who must flee from barbarians: Jesus;
those who see wild beasts or other frightening things: Jesus;
those who have pain or illness: Jesus;
those who have been taken captive: Jesus;
those who were unjustly judged and suffer injustice: Jesus.
The name of Jesus alone is on their lips and is their salvation and their life: He and His Father." (St Shenouda - A Catechesis against Apocryphal Texts)

Back to top