On Orthodox Tradition Message by Fr. George Vladimirou Report of the Syndesmos Conference Journey in India by Athan Stephanopoulos Announcements Looking back at History Speech from Ordination of Fr. This passage is usually read at the funeral service, as part of the pericope, and it is read not only because the lines following the above text speak of the universal resurrection, but also because it carries the message and teaching of hope. This issue, then, of The Censer is properly dedicated to the teaching and virtue of hope.
Holy scripture contains many passages that speak of hope.
Hope was that which gave the early Christians the strength to continue the good fight. It was that which allowed people to dream of better days in the midst of suffering and persecutions. It is not the tragic hope that Vergil mentions in the Aeneid. Rather, it is the spirit of optimism that gives strength and courage to those who take on this virtue. To be a Christian, then, is to be a person of hope.