Agathias Melode
Christ-Wise John's Tale
In the woven tapestry of life, there is a tale,
Of Christ-Loving, Christ-Wise, and noble John Zizioulas, hale.
A tale spun of faith, devotion, and sanctity,
Of one who walked in the Holy Fathers' fraternity.
In the hush of boyhood nights, 'neath star's twinkling gleam,
His head would find rest on the lamb, in sleep's gentle dream.
This memory cherished, a thread of innocence and peace,
In the fabric of his life, a pattern that would never cease.
Zizioulas grew, depth and interest his twin companions true,
With inspiration, discernment, a vision quite new.
Akin to the Holy Fathers, his wisdom did bloom,
With apostolic yeast within, he'd illuminate the gloom.
His heart was filled with Christ’s presence, pulsing strong,
An emotion deep, an immortal love song.
Building blocks that molded a young ascetic's art,
In the fashion of the Holy Fathers, etched upon his heart.
Of this great Greek theologian, much can be conveyed,
John, Metropolitan of Pergamon, his voice never swayed.
From the suffering Church in Asia Minor, his words would rise,
Speaking on eschatology, under the vast skies.
To witness him serve the Divine Liturgy was to truly see,
The manifestation of Christ, in all his divinity.
In us, our interwoven selves, and in our aching world,
Crying out for reconciliation, his message unfurled.
As his life's sun set, Zizioulas would voice,
A confession of being 'chased' by God, in his choice.
"I was saying 'no'," he'd reflect with humility,
Yet, he recognized the currents God moved in his entity.
A life, if studied with care, is never an accident,
In its details, in its whole, God's touch is evident.
In the tale of Zizioulas, this truth does abide,
A testament to faith, in God's providence, our guide.
