Joseph of Nazareth
God is the source of my strength
and will grant fulfilment
that I may delight in Him forever
THE MAN KEPT ASIDE
YET STOOD BESIDE
THE INFANT LORD AS GUIDE
Psalm 73 :26
Joseph of Nazareth and son of David, you who come to Bethlehem with your wife although the mystery within her womb you did not then understand, but because your love proved as gold which is purified in the heat of the furnace; the hidden mystery was then revealed. For the angel calmed you, the promise foretold by the prophets inspired you, and the Holy Spirit came to dwell amongst you; Emmanuel grows in the womb of Mariam! Thus, the wise of the earth come forth to acknowledge the mystery of the promise and adore him with fine gifts which were only reserved for the mighty, sage and holy: Glory to thy Incarnation Lord Jesus Christ our King, and our God!
(Minor Canon of the Third Glorious Hour of Nativity Typikon of the Southern Cross – Holy Apostles Exarchate.)
JOSEPH the name much beloved amongst the Hebrew and Christian populace – even though many of the holy carried that name; yet it describes the heart of God which flows with abundant grace for his people. Thus, particular attributes which described his (God’s) awesomeness were employed throughout the Old Testament like; Elohim (the Living God), Adonai (the Lord), Sabaoth (the supreme protection), Iehova (the only holy and supreme living presence), and Yahweh (the creator and bestower of life) Again – these are mere titles for the Name above all names was not yet known!
Hence, the Name of God was never written in contrast to those (Gnostics) who maintain it was; HE (God) was not yet known in terms of revealed in his fullness for that time was still to come! : Then Moses said onto the Lord; “If I exhort that the Lord God of your Fathers has set me; they will ask for your name and what shall I say? You shall say I WHO AM has sent thee!” (Exod 3: 13-14) Yet, he (God) conversed with his holy via his fiery ministers the angels who spoke 80 times on his behalf!
The first example the angel of the Lord speaks is found in the Genesis account - conversing with Hagar reading:
The angel of the Lord found her along the way to Shur by a fountain of water in the wilderness. He then addressed her saying: “Hagar maid of Sarai, why are you here? What are you doing?” She then replied saying: “I’m fleeing my mistress Sarai!” (Gen 16: 7-8)
The Lord through his angel of course comforts and reassures Hagar to not be afraid and return to camp so that God’s wonders be revealed and works glorified! Thus, the Lord who accomplishes wonders is revealed in the name Joseph as: the one who gives abundantly via adding graciously to one’s life which is invoked and bestowed as a true blessing!
Within the canon of Scripture – the Gospels that were accepted by the Church via the Holy Ecumenical Councils (the orthodox churches throughout the world who came together in council) briefly touch on key points regarding Joseph in the account of the Lord’s Nativity. Hence, it is only in the Gospels of the Apostles and Evangelists Matthew and Luke that we begin to see where Joseph fits on the family tree of salvation concerning the Lord’s linage in prophecy and blood via Holy Mariam Theotokos.
In addition, a brief description of trade regarding Joseph’s standing in the community and mission is also provided in these accounts. “Is this not the carpenter’s son whose mothers’ name is Mariam?” (Mt 13: 55). Although the Greek word mentioned to describe Joseph’s trade is TEKNI (Craft) – as I have often stated: “word for word translation from a given language does not make sense in other languages (especially when unfamiliarity of context is in question) – a concise explanation is warranted particularly when translating into the English language!” Bearing in mind such; may I add that one of the greatest blunders for all biblical translations deriving from the denominationally accepted 1956 expedition (the bible society) is rotten to the core!
Returning to TEKNI: the Greek may state the word craft – yet it implies a skilled builder who like yesteryear was endowed with all aspects such as carpentry, bricklaying, concreting, and in modern terms would know plumbing and electricals. Hence, wood, metal, and brick were the main acquainted materials of the time! Having stated thus, within the Gospels of the Apostles and Evangelists Mark and John; Joseph is not mentioned nor is the Lord’s nativity a concern – these accounts are purely based on purpose and ministry!
Considering purpose within the Hebrew family, it is a sign of blessing, favour, and abundance to have the grace of many children. Thus resounds particularly true in biblical times when the Lord blessed Abraham: “I will make nations to flow from your linage!” (Gen 12:2) and further confirmed as exhorted in David’s Psalmody: “Your children shall resemble the shoots of the olive within your household!” (Ps 128: 3)
Although the Gospels of the Apostles and Evangelists Matthew and Luke affirm that the Lord had family: “Are not his brothers; James, Joses, Simon and Jude? His sisters are amongst us also are they not?” (Mt 13: 56) and: He (Jesus) was thus informed “Your Mother and Brothers want to see you! They are standing outside awaiting you!” (Lk 8:20) Yet, these (Brothers) as the Apostolic Faith has always maintained were close relatives; within Hebrew culture, such make no distinction between blood and extended family.
Therefore, as Holy Tradition (that which took place and was handed down orally) exhorts and also found in the Apocrypha (writings primarily thought as concealed evidence; later viewed as fable); Jesus had elder brothers and sisters. These were: Jude Thaddeus together with James –whom the Lord was close too, Joses, and Simon were all indeed cousins (again: close family in the East are all associated as brothers and sisters regardless) of the Lord from Joseph’s brother Cleopas and sister-in-law Salome’s children whom Joseph raised as his own when Cleopas died. In addition, the apocrypha (Protoevangelium of James & Joseph the Carpenter) mentions female children/cousins: Assia and Lydia.
Apart from the conflicting accounts regarding such and similar matters found in the apocrypha (the reason why such cannot be entirely accepted) the fact of the matter is that Joseph (from the linage of David) never married! His love for Mariam (from the linage of Aaron) our Holy Mother was so great; known to each other from the temple school which was the centre for education (especially for those of royal and presbyteral linage) in those times. This resounds true when we think of yesteryear days particularly in the Mediterranean setting - where the girls were educated at the convent whilst the boys at the monastery. Furthermore, it is a historical and biblical fact that engagement (Erusin) and Marriage (Nissuin) that followed after the phase prescribed by the two families: were strictly observed IN THE PERIOD OF THE COUPLES YOUTH!
However conflicting the aspects present in Greek Patrology may be regarding Joseph’s age and status; we need to remember that even among highly educated theologians and apologists – such are apt to err especially in these regards. As the Holy Fathers state (1clement: 2) and Holy Scripture exhorts (Jn 15:9-14) that in the midst of arrogance and presumption - the Holy Spirit who reveals all truth cannot and will not work when such sentiments are present (the ego blinds us from truth) despite one’s ecclesial heritage! Some among the family of the Church are indeed holy, have wisdom, are gifted; yet one aspect of the human which God will not remove is our own stupidity which stems from that very ego! We need to have the humility to recognize it and begin placing it aside via collaboration to the Divine will that invites us to strive for perfection!
This is precisely the reason why the Church Universal gathers in Ecumenical Council as described in the third paragraph of this exarchal encyclical to indeed discuss, discern, dismiss or ratify its findings in obedience to the Holy Spirit who is the Treasure of Blessings and Fount of all Knowledge. Hence, through the grace of succession and collegiality of synod; the Holy Spirit is wholeheartedly obeyed in such matters – placing all arrogance, ecclesiastical standing, and pre-conceived ideas aside!
Thus, the great translator, theologian and Father of the Church St. Jerome (347-420 AD) affirms the youth and virginity of both Mariam and Joseph of Nazareth in his Apology (The Perpetual Virginity of Mariam of Nazareth) against Helvidius (340-390 AD) who denied the virginity of Mariam and believed Joseph had other wives and children to which he later had with Mariam. Hence Jerome rebuttals:
Thus Jacob was the Father of Joseph who is the husband of Mariam the Mother of Jesus the Messiah! (Mt 1: 16)
“If we adopt possibility as the standard of judgment, we might maintain that Joseph had several wives because Abraham had, and so had Jacob, and that the Lord’s brethren were the issue of those wives, an invention which some hold with a rashness that springs from audacity as opposed to piety. You say that Mariam did not continue a virgin: I claim still more, that Joseph himself on account of Mariam was a virgin, so that from a virgin wedlock a virgin son was born. For if as a holy man he does not come under the imputation of fornication, and it is nowhere written that he had another wife, but was the guardian of Mariam whom he was supposed to have as wife rather than her husband, the conclusion is that he who was thought worthy to be called father of the Lord, remained a virgin!” (Apologia 21)
Furthermore, in biblical Israel - if the family of a young maiden were to even consider a marriage proposal by someone significantly older than she; this was condemned-seen as the equivalent of prostitution! Hence, Joseph and Mariam were only engaged and it must be made clear that our Holy Mother Mariam is a Virgin before, during and after the Lord’s Incarnation as opposed to the rot and blasphemy that many in formative times maintained and that to which the protestant reformers adopted!
This reality (Mariam as Virgin) is thus indicated in holy iconography via the three stars on her veil; yet many in the East and in former Western Christendom along with others within the monastery confines pedalled the rot that Joseph was previously married and was an old man. We must remember that many of the saints of both covenants were young when they embraced God’s call and began their ministry. Let us bear in mind the Fourth Chapter of Solomon’s Wisdom which indicates that age is not a prerequisite for the gift of Wisdom as many would say that it is.
It is true that experience indeed grants us valuable insight and maturity to which the Lord cooperates with the natural order of things, yet at times he surprises us with people he presents out of the blue – people who may not even be to our liking. Yet such challenge us to rethink our position and through their wisdom (a gift from the Holy Spirit) and humility which accompanies thus – leave us with mouths wide open or perhaps cause our heads to sink in shame!
“A ripe age shall not be honoured so much for an extraordinary amount of years, for wisdom can only be understood in terms of a life well lived which renders understanding via experience that is the equivalent of maturity!” (Wis 4:8-9)
As opposed to the misguided and ill-founded understanding regarding Joseph’s age mentioned above: Joseph was a young man! He was as the scriptures exhort: just and well versed in the craft of carpentry and building – a trade Jesus and his brothers (cousins) learnt well. Hence, Joseph was not only just in fairness but a religious young man who put God first in all things. The Shema Yisrael which is the heart of the law (Deut 6:4-6) was truly written in his heart! Thus he (Joseph) could not out of profound love for Mariam allow his fiancé to be hurt by the Levitical law which demanded stoning! Such condemnatory sentiments were brewing in the community when she was thought to have been found unfaithful to the engagement via the pregnancy.
Yet God to whom all hearts and desires are known knew his (Joseph’s) love for her (Mariam) when he (Joseph) decided to divorce her discreetly to avoid harm; God surprised him for that which she carried in her womb is the fulfilment of the Shema Yisrael – thus (Joseph) sacrificed intimate love for the love of Emmanuel come amongst them. After all, true love that is not conceited endures all things for the sake of its stronghold as proved many times over (periods of war) and not only in health, but in sickness and in days that are indeed bleak!
It is true that there is very little material regarding the early life of holy men and women like Joseph – many theories play a round of tennis with each other regarding the reasons. Yet we must understand that particularly in the New Testament; oral tradition was the norm before such truths were written down beginning with the Gospel of the Apostle and Evangelist St. Mark.
Thus, with the notion of tightknit communities in mind – knowing the ins and outs of basically all present at the time; primitive stages of a persons’ biography were not seen as a necessity to record. Having stated thus, there were later additions to Holy Writ that surfaced – all with various interpretations upon the nascent periods of the holy found in such known as apocrypha as previously mentioned!
Hence, this convenience pedalled (Joseph as an old man and widower) found in certain apocryphal texts to which the Orthodox later swallowed – this then was the innings of various heresies (Messalianism, Manichaeism, Jansenism) used to suggest that love and intimacy are evil…this was never the case nor the perspective in Holy Orthodoxy for it (love & intimacy) are part of the same wondrous gift and not reserved for the soul purpose of recreation alone! Let us remember that Holy Joachim bishop of the Old Covenant Church and his wife Anna received Holy Mariam after years of prayer, fasting and supplication via natural means; she did not just appear as Latin apologists’ pedal which would flaw the whole purpose of the Incarnation of Christ!
Holy Zacharias who served previously under St. Joachim’s Episcopacy was a priest of the temple; praying alongside his wife Elizabeth for the gift of a son. Although they were overwhelmed as the years passed and hope dimmed, yet God surprized them “making all things possible” with John via natural means; an act which is holy and just and in no means filthy as many who claim to be spotless protest against, yet: inwardly these religious bigots are the filth of humanity the Lord openly challenged. (Mt 23:27)
There are certain equations (misinterpretations) that need to be challenged and placed in its rightful context. One as such (error) that has circulated in Orthodox circles which many have accepted is the unlawful citation of Doubt on Joseph’s part regarding the pregnancy of Mariam. Hence, there is a most contemplative icon in the Russian Tradition to which the holy iconographer Andre Rublev (1360-1430AD) unveils as the Holy Nativity (1405AD). Within the icon towards the slopes of the grotto - Joseph is being tempted by Satan depicted as an old man “deception of worldly logic as opposed to spiritual reality”.
Yet, the reality of such a portrayal must not be seen with the lenses of doubt thought to be harboured by Joseph. Rather, the truth of the matter is that through his (Josephs’) prayer, fast, and endurance in contemplation of the mystery of incarnation; complete trust in the Lord is present! The Lord who has come in his fullness (Jesus Christ – the Name of God revealed and personified) made present as a fragile human baby boy is employed via Joseph’s very commitment rendered in care, paternal safeguarding, provision and guidance!
It is true that Joseph could not comprehend what had happened and indeed was in much pain earlier on in the piece regarding the thought (knowing Mariam well) that she may have been violently defiled. An extract of thus appears in the apocrypha (protoevangelium of James 2AD) reading:
With what face shall I look upon the Lord my God? What prayer shall I offer for the maiden? I received her a virgin from the temple of the Lord, and I have not watched over her. Who is it that has hunted me down? Who has brought this evil upon my house in defiling the virgin?” (PJ 13)
Although such is of apocryphal writing, yet the ties of profound love harboured from Joseph for Mariam: “Love others as you would yourself!” (Lev 19: 18) could not allow harm to come to her as opposed to the same Levitical law which demanded capital punishment in such circumstances (the penalty of stoning for adultery: Deut 22: 22-14) Hence, he (Joseph) tried to do right firstly by the Law of Moses (divorce: Deut 24:1) and also with that according to the grounds of compassionate love for Mariam regardless: “lf one in marriage falls – help the other up and pity them especially if they are vulnerable!” (Eccl: 4:9 -12) and it is here that in faithfulness God via his angel intervenes and reassures!
Soon after Joseph had made considerations regarding the matter - it is here that he is granted a vision from the angel of the Lord who reassured him saying: “Joseph, you who are of the linage of David, do not fear for Mariam, rather embrace her as your wife and heir of your household for He that dwells in her womb is the Grace of the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to he who is the Son and you are to address him with the name that is salvation: Jesus – the one who redeems his people from sin!” (Mt 1:20-21)
Thus this misunderstood blunder (on the beholder’s part) of an unjust portrayal of doubt supposedly harboured from Joseph has ignorantly warranted his standing to the side in terms of veneration. Yet, in contrast; Joseph is addressed as righteous and betrothed in the Menaion/Saintology/Book of Saints. Furthermore, Holy Scripture clearly states that he (Joseph) was just and devout (Mt 1:19) immediately disqualifying previous contradictory sentiments harboured via ignorance and misunderstandings over the years!
Joseph’s faithfulness to God via his mission is clearly stated in Holy Scripture as we have indicated within this encyclical – a mission many especially in our times would not even consider to see through! Let us re-cap the account from the moment of courtship as would have been, to that of the moment they return to Nazareth from Egypt. Like our father in faith Abraham – Joseph trusted the Most High: this was and is non-negotiable for those of us who truly and wholeheartedly believe - thus proved in overwhelming, life threatening, and tragic circumstances! How many times have we seen in history and in our age – people especially clergy running away in fear to safeguard their prestigious life instead of facing reality (coming to terms with their very selves) and struggling to fight the good fight with and for the people appointed them???
Thus, we are given a window into the courtship of Joseph and Mariam which was the same as any other couple for if it was not – how could Emmanuel truly incarnate and redeem without taking on the totality of a fragile humanity in its fullness? Hence, the couple loved one another and knew the limits and what was required of them via the Law of Moses. Mariam not only lives up to what the Lord desires of her: “God’s favour is upon you!” (Lk 1:30) but, she is set apart: “Blessed are you amongst all women!” (Lk 1:42) and is directly chosen: “The Holy Spirit will overshadow you!” (Lk 1:35) to be the Mother of God: “He is Greatness and is the beloved Son and awaited promise!” (Lk 1: 32)
Joseph too is bestowed the mission of safeguarding the Lord’s infancy for he (Joseph) was favoured by God: “For Joseph was faithful to the Law!” (Mt 1:19) and obedient to what was commanded him: “When he awoke from the vision – he fulfilled the Lord’s commandments!” (Mt 1: 24) he was entrusted with safeguarding the infant Lord with full trust and confidence: “Take the Child and his Mother and flee to Egypt!” (Mt 2: 13) Therefore Joseph was indeed given the authority to become the Lord’s guardian and earthly father: “Return to the land of Israel with the child and his Mother…settling in Nazareth!” (Mt 2: 20 & 23) nurturing the life of the young Lord as a good and God-fearing father who adored the Lord in the written word and personified state become Son of Man. Truly, hearts that are in line with that of God indeed long for him: “Although my heart may weaken, yet God is the source of my strength and will grant fulfilment that I may delight in him forever!” (Ps 73:26)
Regarding the eternal truth of the promise to all who sincerely believe (life everlasting) the last time Joseph is mentioned in Holy Writ is when the family come to Jerusalem to celebrate Passover: “When he (Jesus) was twelve years old, they went up to the festival as prescribed.” (Lk 2: 42). This also is the time where Jesus withdraws (the period of silence) and re-emerges after sanctifying the waters of the Jordan via cooperating with the baptism administered by St. John the Forerunner.
Yet, we have no record of what happened to Joseph as he approached the end of his earthly life….clearly he must have died before the Lord was at the peak of his ministry as indicated in the Gospel of the Apostle and Evangelist Matthew. If we consider the composition (Mt 13:55) the question suggests the omitting of the name of the carpenter “Is this not the carpenter’s son?” yet mentions his wife in referral to Jesus’ living parent “whose mother’s name is Mariam?” Here most surely is given a window into the reality that Joseph has passed via referral to his trade rather than name; the dead/departed were not mentioned out of respect and due to the fact that they not only have left this world behind but as written in the Wisdom of Solomon: “The souls of the righteous are now in God’s care where his hands uplifts them and the torment of death cannot overwhelm them!” (Wis 3:1)
Carpenters and craftsmen alike in biblical times worked with rather primitive tools which often resulted in various bodily complications as studies suggest. There is also the issue of strain which resulted in strokes; the possibility of heart failure which in actual fact could be a means of death. Hence, considering the fact that Mariam was 16 years old when Archangel Gabriel addressed her and 59 when she reposed and was translated; Joseph would most definitely have been in his early 40’s when he reposed in his Lord!
Although Holy Mariam’s Dormition was well known to have taken place in Ephesus - brought back to Jerusalem (Mother of all churches) for entombment, yet Joseph’s exit is not known. As far as holy relics (authenticated) are concerned: Joseph is entombed within the Church of the Holy Dormition in Jerusalem alongside Mariam’s Parents. It is also noteworthy that we remember the Hymn of Exile (Babylonian captivity of Israel 608 -538 BC: OT dates work anticlockwise) which was most dear to the Israelites especially considering the departed and entombment customs – ‘Israelites were entombed not buried’ (an error found in the English translation of the Creed) which rightfully affirms the above accounts:
they have themselves formerly been women, shrubs, and fish. Were they truly fish? One certainty that I must boldly affirm is that within their writings on such, they show extraordinarily less sense than fish!”
“When we were taken away from Sion as a captive nation, we came to the rivers of Babylon and we wept bitterly in remembrance of Holy Sion as we sat upon the river banks.
We then hung up our instruments on the surrounding willows; these once praised our God in liturgical processions. Our captors then demanded us to sing such hymns of praise which resounded Holy Sion’s glory.
Praise is fitting only for God and such praise is prescribed within Sion alone; how can we sing of the Lord on un-consecrated soil? Holy Jerusalem, dwelling of the Most High, if we forget you we shall wither away.
Holy Jerusalem, our Joy and dwelling of the Most High, if we stray from you, we shall wither away! Lord the Most High, remember those sons of Edom who attacked Jerusalem and destroyed her foundations: You fowl daughter of Babylon be warned, for the appointed time shall come for your downfall, and He shall visit you and administer that which you did onto us!” (Ps 136)
Regarding Holy Iconography, we see the Lord depicted with the angels in the middle of a Diesis (supplication icon) at which two saints of the New Testament standing on either side implore his mercy for the world: Mariam Theotokos and St. John the Baptist:
“The angel offered incense with the prayers of all the saints at the altar of his presence.” (Rev 8:3)
Mariam is depicted as the one who: “heard the Word of God and nurtured him.” (Lk 11:28) John is portrayed as: “The one who is great among men.” (Mt 11:11) Although Joseph as guardian is seldom portrayed, yet he is ever revered as: “a descendant of David.” (Lk 1: 27) and lawful servant of the Saviour and King of Israel.
Therefore, Joseph journeyed from Nazareth within the province of Galilee in Judea to Bethlehem which was the royal town of David, for he was of that linage. Hence, he took with him Mariam his betrothed who was pregnant; fulfilling the registry requirements. (Lk 2: 4- 5)
Therefore, the Orthodox Church renders due veneration to Joseph of Nazareth who truly stood beside the infant Lord as guide. We are inspired by his wondrous love for God, and his devotion to his fiancé’ Mariam of Nazareth the Holy Theotokos especially in those delicate and tender moments of the pregnancy; he is ever commemorated throughout the liturgical year! Although veneration for Joseph began to surface around the 8th century, yet as history unfolded its pages; certain saints are always more popular in various places and continents than others.
Hence, the Orthodox Church commemorates Joseph on the two Sunday’s before Holy Nativity (commemoration of the Forefathers – Abraham Isaac, Jacob +) and the Sunday after Nativity (commemoration of David, Joseph and James) Joseph truly is a beloved saint amongst the holy; a wondrous father whom orthodox Christians should employ his intercessions. Joseph should be loved dearly as the infant and young Lord did who via obedience in love; learnt wholeheartedly the trade Joseph passed on as a venerable art and honourable living.
Glorious Joseph, proclaim now the wonder to David and his household: you beheld the Virgin Isaiah prophesised that bore the child of promise. With the shepherds who were the first called via the angels command; you gave Glory to God come in the flesh. Just as those who worshiped the stars came to adore the Orient from on high; you adored the Lord and worshiped him as true King of Israel. Therefore, with the holy who now glorify the Lord in the heavenly chorus and minister according to his decrees; pray that we may safeguard the dignity of his body the Church!
TROPARION OF ST. JOSEPH THE BETROTHED: TYPIKON OF THE SOUTHERN CROSS - HOLY APOSTLES EXARCHATE
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