WISDOM CALLS Winter 2020 Vol. 27 No. 4 - "Nativity of the Divine Light" - Queen of Heaven Gnostic Church
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WISDOM CALLS Winter 2020 Vol. 27 No. 4 “Nativity of the Divine Light”
Wisdom Calls is the Regular Events
bulletin of the Queen of
Heaven Gnostic Church Gnostic Holy Eucharist
High Mass with Homily, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall, Celebrant
Chief Editor: Every Sunday 11 AM
Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Our real nature is divine. Because we are divine, we have infinite
Asst. Editor: Po Clemmer strength and wisdom at our command, provided we can free
ourselves of the obstacles in our personality, which stand in the
Secretary: way of our conscious union with the indwelling God.
Quinton Ask
The Holy Eucharist [or Mass] is so designed that it may remove the
Clergy: barriers separating the human and divine natures in ourselves. The
Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall, Queen of Heaven Gnostic Church of the Ecclesia Gnostica invites
Bishop all who seek this mystic union, to partake of the Eucharist, and of
Rev. Joseph Wolf, Priest the other mysteries [sacraments] which it administers. No barrier
Rev. Ali Azizi, Deacon of creed, race, or status is erected around the altar of the Gnosis.
Please join us for this traditional and inspiring service.
Web Designer:
Artlightlabs.com ALL EVENTS THIS QUARTER, UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE WILL
TAKE PLACE AT THE CHURCH ADDRESS
Deadline for changes or
Note: Due to the Covid 19 restrictions on social gatherings, in-
submissions for the Spring
person attendance is limited and wearing of masks is required. My
2021 bulletin is Jan. 15th
intention is to continue to stream Sunday morning services via
LOCATION: Zoom to those unable to attend in person. The physical presence
of people attending, witnessing and participating in the mysteries
Queen of Heaven
and sacraments of the Gnosis is of paramount importance to
Gnostic Church
disseminating the Gnosis of the Light. We are observing the
5815 NE Everett St.
restrictions of local businesses in the area, according to the phase I
Portland, OR 97213 reopening criteria.
Email:
Queen.of.Heaven.Church. Please note the Queen of Heaven Gnostic Church will
Portland@gmail.com close any time Portland Public Schools are closed due to
Phone: inclement weather. Check for announcements on our
Facebook page.
503.233.0854
Web: WATCH EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR SCHEDULE CHANGES OR
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© 2020 Queen of Heaven Gnostic Church
QueenOfHeavenPortlandA Homily for Christmas Eve Christmas, coming as it does upon the
winter solstice, is a time of paradoxes. We
The Nativity of the Divine Light see the light shining in the darkest season,
the fire blazing in the cold of winter, life
By Rt. Rev. S. Marshall stirring in the fallow of the year. We
participate in the paradoxes of the season
Christmas Eve, sometimes called Holy when we acknowledge the infant light at the
Night, celebrates the ageless story of the darkest point of the year. As stated in one
birth of Christ. As the divine light of Christ translation of the Gospel of John, “The light
incarnates in a tiny babe in a lowly manger, still shines in the darkness and the darkness
to us this story represents the nativity of the has never put it out.” Just as the light of the
divine light within the Gnostic soul, the sun is secretly rekindled and reborn, so are
coming of the royal light into the lowly we given an opportunity for our divine spark
frame and darkness of this world. When the to wax and grow in light. Christmas is a
outer world grows cold and dark, it is more feast of the interior light, a rekindling of the
necessary to keep the spark of divine light soul spark within us, even as we see the fire
kindled and bright within. blazing in the cold of winter.
Though the light shines in the darkness, the Fire is the center of all Yule activity: the
darkness cannot itself give birth to the light. Christmas lights on trees and houses, the
The earth would be naught but cold damp Yule log blazing on the hearth, and candles
clay without the life coming from the light on the advent wreath. The fire signifies the
of the Sun. Even so, the spirit which gives flame of joy and charity in our hearts and
life comes from somewhere else, a mystical the spiritual fire that has been sown into this
dimension beyond time and space. The earth. As stated in the Gospel of Thomas, “I
alchemists assure us that “nature unaided have cast fire upon the world, and behold, I
always fails.” Without divine assistance in guard it until the world is afire.” A line from
the Hermetic art, the alchemist cannot the Chaldean Oracles echoes, “Behold the
achieve the goal of the Great Work, the formless fire flashing through the hidden
Philosopher’s Stone. In the same way, our depths of the universe.” The life of our
human natures cannot transform our ego planet is a fire sown into the darkness of
personalities without the assistance of that material creation. The light of Christ is a
spark of our Divine Self and the birth of that “fire born of water.” The fire born of water
consciousness within us. has been a mystery to all peoples from the
beginning of time, and it is that light, with a
It is reported that during childbirth, as a renewed dispensation, which stirs in this
baby’s head just breaks through from the season.
birth canal, for a moment an otherworldly
light fills the room, like the light of a golden Christmas is also a time of sacrifice in which
dawn. That light is soon obscured in this we often participate in the giving of gifts
world but serves to remind us of the glorious and contributing to charities. The nativity
aeon from which we have come and the and birth that we celebrate at Christmas Eve
darkness into which each new life comes. is a sacrifice as well. The Logos sacrifices
Our task is not to bewail the existential the glory and light vesture of the celestial
situation of the matter but to aid those who aeons to take on human form and dwell
come into this world to keep the memory of upon the earth. As Gnostics we recognize
that light alive and kindled within them. that the incarnation, not the crucifixion, wasindeed the true sacrifice of the Logos. divine light at Christmas. An old French
Certain Gnostics of the past claim that the legend tells how all the animals were
Perfect One never took on a physical body blessed with the gift of speech on Holy
yet humbled himself to be born and live in Night to give outward expression to their
the appearance of humanity all the same. consciousness and recognition of the Light.
Whether a physical or phantom body, or Our compassion for our human brothers and
purely a literary tradition, the birth of the sisters is increased when we realize that the
Christ child is a sublime and timeless animals and trees are also wondrous light-
mystery. There is no book, no scripture, no beings in even more humble, limited and
authority outside of one’s Self that is an unrecognizable form than ourselves.
authentic source regarding such a mystery. It
is a mystery that can only be witnessed Corrine Heline describes the universal
individually in each one’s own heart. Then blessing of Christmas Eve as a descent of
one knows, one knows in a crack between the divine energy of the solar logos.
the worlds, the essence of the mystery of According to her, the Christ energy shines
Christmas. down and reaches the heart of the planet
where it concentrates in the form of a six-
Christmas is not about the celebration of an rayed star. This is also an inner process
historical birth. Christmas is about becoming within each of us, an inner conjunction of
conscious of the renewing light that streams the sun and the earth. As the Logos descends
into the soul on Holy Night, that kindles into into the earth to bring Light to the world, so
flame, the soul spark within us, the birth of we can see in ourselves the light, life, and
the Christ-Light within us. Angelus Silesius hope of the world descended into the
states, “Though Christ a thousand times in darkness of matter to redeem the fragmented
Bethlehem be born, but not within thyself, sparks of divinity scattered throughout the
thy soul shall be forlorn.” universe.
This consciousness is the heart of Gnosis, The ancient Roman festival celebrated near
the Self-knowledge, the recognition of one’s this date is the Saturnalia, involving the
true and royal Self, a magnanimous radiance ceremonial marriage of Cybele (the earth
of inexhaustible beneficence, power and Goddess) and Attis (the sun-God). The
compassion. As the Gospel of Thomas marriage consummated in a cave, even as
states, “If you know yourself, you will be the Christ child is sometimes said to have
known, and you will know that you are the been born in a cave, again symbolizes the
sons of the Living Father.” This is a Gnosis conjunction of the sun and the earth. The
of the Heart, a certainty beyond faith, as the ceremonial emergence of the representatives
Hermetic philosophers have said, “the of the God and Goddess from the cave
wisdom that is essential for peace sanctuary represents the new birth of the
profound.” This is the peace of which the Mystae in the sacred bridechamber and the
angels sang, “Peace on earth; goodwill to all birth of the inner light. In the Egyptian
mankind,” a universal blessing poured forth mysteries, the Mystae emerge from the inner
upon the earth. shrine chanting, “The Virgin has brought
forth! The Light is waxing!”
Christmas belongs not only to a few who In the Biblical story, the Christ child is born
call themselves Christians but to the entire in a cave or stable used to shelter animals
earth. The lowly animals, birds, plants and and is laid in a manger – a humble birth for
trees all participate in this nativity of the the proclaimed King of kings. We also sharethat humble existence in this world. We also heart of dark winter wherever there are
experience the sacrifice of the glorious light gathered those who have prepared a vessel
of the aeons and see our light power as a for it on earth. That vessel is the pure heart,
tiny spark of the great flame from which it a heart of compassion and forgiveness, a
originated. The holy birth of Christmas heart made ready after the pattern of our
represents the birth of the Christ-Sun within Holy Mother of Compassion and Mercy.
us, an awakening of our consciousness to Such a heart gives birth to the light of
who we are and the light from whence we Christ. It shall always remain a virgin birth;
came, an awakening from the sleep of for her love remains forever itself, pure,
forgetfulness. undefiled, unsullied and unadulterated,
regardless of its myriad forms of expression
The manger where the holy babe is laid is a on earth. Her love eternally sanctifies itself
place for keeping grain and fodder. Grain is and all it touches. It is the mystic rose of her
a symbol of the seed of life that endures love in our hearts that is the immaculate
through the winter, a symbol also for the vessel that gives birth to the Christ child
birth of the solar God in the Eleusinian within us. As expressed most beautifully in a
mysteries. As the shaft of wheat was poem by Gertrude Farwell:
presented the Mystae would exclaim,
“Brimo has given birth to Brimos!” That “Soft candle stars the gloom
shaft of wheat might be represented as well About a single rose:
in the host of the Eucharist, “the Heavenly Flower and bough of pine perfume
Bread, the Life of the whole world, which is The twilight hour; in flame that throws
in all places and endureth all things.” The A nimbus round the evergreen.
city where the holy child is born is called Whilst fragrance breathes the Living Name
Bethlehem which means “House of Bread.” Of Love Incarnate yet unseen,
Rising from petal, pine and thorn.
The life represented in the bread and grain Mary the pure is kneeling fair,
was a very important part of the Christmas Of Gabriel’s “Ave!” now aware,
celebrations in earlier times. The last sheaf Wondering if aright she’s heard
of grain from the harvest represented the life “Blessed art thou”—unsought acclaim,
spirit of the entire field. The folk custom Immaculate vessel that the Word
was to carefully save the last sheaf, both the Made flesh may shine on Christmas morn.”
grain and the straw. The grain was ground
and made into Christmas cake, sweet
porridge or a pudding. The straw was woven
into the figure of a tree, a man, a bird or a
goat.
The straw goat, which some families still
include in their Christmas celebrations,
represents the seed of life that endures
through the winter and signifies the holy
light that still shines through the cold and
dark of winter to appear to us on this Holy
Night of Christmas Eve. There is a small
rent in the veil before the Treasury of the
Light. Magical light shines down into theCalendar of Events 2nd Sunday in Advent
“The God Within”
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Winter 2020-21 Sunday, December 6, 2020-11am
3rd Sunday in Advent
NOVEMBER “Nature of the Redeemer”
Celebrant, Rev. Joseph Wolf
Sunday of All Saints Day Sunday, December 13, 2020-11am
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Sunday, November 1, 2020-11am 4th Sunday in Advent
On this day we remember the great Heroes “Recognition of the Messenger”
and Heroines of the Gnosis who have Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
passed over the veil of Death. For the Sunday, December 20, 2020-11am
Gnostic, death to this world represents
rebirth into a spiritual world that contains Christmas Eve Mass
and penetrates all worlds. The Mighty Dead “Nativity of the Divine Light”
who have passed into another reality Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
represent our forerunners in our spiritual Thursday, December 24, 2020-10:30pm
quest for transcendence and liberation. Christmas Eve celebration with High Mass &
the lighting of the Christmas Candle. Join us
Sunday following All Souls Day on Zoom for an evening of carols and other
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall sacred music. Tonight’s donations will go to
Sunday, November 8, 2020-11am charity.
On this day we will celebrate the Feast of All
Souls with a Gnostic Requiem Eucharist.
Prayers for the Dead not only assist the
souls of those who have passed over into
another reality, but also assist those who
remain here in opening the portals to the
gnosis of transcendental realms.
(Those of you who have specific names put
on the list of prayers for the dead, please
email your list of names to:
queen.of.heaven.church.portland@
gmail.com
23rd Sunday after Trinity
“Peace”
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Sunday, November 15, 2020-11am
Sunday after Christmas Day
“Incarnation of the Redeemer”
Sunday Next before Advent Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
“Adoration of God” Sunday, December 27, 2020-11am
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Sunday, November 22, 2020-11am
DECEMBER
Advent Sunday
“Seeking the Light”
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Sunday, November 29, 2020-11amJANUARY News Flash
It’s time!
Sunday following New Year’s Day
“Renewal of Life” Time for Gnosticon IV.
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Sunday, January 3, 2021-11am Excitement is brewing for a Gnosticon IV in
2021. Dates, cost, venue and
Sunday after the Epiphany accommodations are still in the planning
“Divine Guidance” stages. Start saving up for the trip. I will
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall apprise everyone on our list as more
Sunday, January 12, 2021-11am
information becomes available.
Epiphany commemorates the appearance of
the Light of Christ to the world. We celebrate
Epiphany to acknowledge and give thanks
for the treasured glimpses of the Light in our
lives and the appearance of the Christ in us.
2nd Sunday after Epiphany
“Desire for Liberation”
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Sunday, January 19, 2021-11am
3rd Sunday after Epiphany
“Sincerity”
Celebrant, Rt. Rev. Steven Marshall
Sunday, January 26, 2020-11amChristmas Eve Mass
Thursday, December 24, 2020
10:30 pm
Christmas Eve celebration with High Mass & the lighting of the Christmas
Candle to magnify the Nativity of the Divine Light within us. Join us for an
evening of carols and other sacred music. Tonight’s donations will go to
charity.
Because of the restrictions on public gatherings at this time and the
vulnerability of many in our community, the service will be streamed via
Zoom. Those who wish to attend in person please call or text Quinton to
reserve a seat (up to 4 available). 1 (425) 345-2826. Please RSVP via email to
queen.of.heaven.church.portland@gmail.com to receive your Zoom invitation
for the streamed service.
Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all!CHURCH NEWS:
Beginning in late February of next year we scheduled several Friday Vespers with reserve
sacrament and a Sunday Antecommunion service for Ali to further his training and experience in
preparation for his advancement to the Priesthood in the Spring of 2021. Thank you, Ali, for
your dedication and service to the Gnosis.
As Multnomah County entered phase 1 of reopening we have opened the chapel for services on a
limtited basis. To preserve social distancing requirements, we must limit the number seated in
the congregation to no greater than 4. If you wish to attend a service please text Quinton at 1
(425) 345-2826 so that he can advise you on the space available. We also ask that all attending
wear a mask throughout the service to abide by the current regulations.
Note: The Queen of Heaven Gnostic Church is a parish of the Ecclesia Gnostica, a Christian
Gnostic Sacramental Church, with its headquarters based in Los Angeles, CA. As a
sacramental, liturgical church, we employ chant, candles, incense, bells, vestments, and other
accoutrements for the purpose of elevating consciousness out of the ordinary. The structure and
content of our liturgies are age old and inspired by the practices and metaphorical writings of the
early Gnostics of the 1st through 4th centuries.
We continue an established and recognized, apostolic tradition without moralizing judgments or
dogmatic statements of belief in a setting that fosters mystical inquiry and spiritual
understanding. We retain the early gnostic practice of ordaining women on an equal basis with
men and revere the feminine aspect of Deity in the fashion of our Gnostic forebears.
For more information please visit www.gnosticchurchportland.org
And the Gnostic Archives: www.gnosis.orgYou can also read
