It wasn’t just that. The Patriarch also knew the dangers of going against the government. It was something ground into every Russian, to obey or be crushed. He risked not only himself, but the church as well. Then another thought came to his mind. It was a simple Scripture. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall become the children of God.” It caused him to think about the trials his Savior had gone through, even unto the cross. Only then did his strength return to him.
It was a detailed plan. He had sent personal instructions to each of the churches along with a copy of his sermon. He urged his priests not to disobey, but to express dissatisfaction with the decisions of their government in starting this war. He gave the example to give support to each person forced into the war, but not for the ideals of those who sent them. By now, every church had its copy and would be ready when he stepped into the pulpit.
It was unfortunate that there was no power. The use of generators had to be rationed so a radio address was out of the question. The numbing cold of Moscow in winter was also within the walls of the church. People would be huddled closely just to keep out the cold.
His attendants came in the room to escort him out. Clad in his robes, they seemed especially heavy today. The ceremony itself seemed to last forever. The prayers, the incense, the reading of scriptures, were almost unbearable. He wanted to get on with it and have it over with. Then one of the young boys came up holding a candle. He looked so innocent, so frail. The wide eyes looked up at Gregory in awe. We must do this for the children, he thought.
Smiling down at the young boy, a peace came over him. He felt his body soften and his shoulders felt lighter. He walked up to the table and spread his arms.
“These are difficult times. We come together to seek the will of God, but often we do not hear His voice. Around the world, people are crying out in fear and pain, yet we do not hear His voice. A nation’s might has turned against others, yet we do not hear His voice. We see our youth spirited away from us, without our will, yet we do not hear His voice. We watch as the lust for power leads people to do things we would not do ourselves, yet, we do not hear His voice.
“It is time to listen. The voice is there. It is deep within each of us, telling us what is right and what is wrong. It causes us to question and to wonder at what goes on around us. It causes us to rise up in response. Our Lord taught us a great many things, but on that mount, he gave us insight into the rewards that small voice can provide us. In today’s times these simple promises are particularly poignant.
“People who are poor in spirit are becoming all too numerous today, yet, theirs will be the Kingdom. Let that voice be heard.
“All around us are people in mourning, yet, with that voice, they shall be comforted. Let that voice be heard.
“Our meek young men and women are being forced to take up arms in places we do not know and against people we do not hate, and yet, these young men and women shall inherit the earth. This is not their doing, yet within them that voice cries out. Let that voice be heard.
“Across the world there are people who hunger for the righteousness of that voice, to seek the truth and live in His grace. That voice promises satisfaction. Let that voice be heard.
“Even though many of our people cry out for mercy from those who oppress us and hopefully from those fighting in this war, the voice offers that if mercy is offered, it shall be obtained. Let that voice be heard.
“We know that our children are pure in heart. Their innocence is undeniable. Even though they must fight, we know that voice comforts them in time of pain and suffering. They shall see God.
“And now we must listen to that voice and raise it up. We must listen to what the voice says to each of us. We must give it strength. We must rise up, because that voice is one of reason, caring and the love shared with each of us through our risen Lord. Raise up the voice. Let the world hear it. For those who proclaim peace, are truly the children of God.
“Let the voice ring out! Though we may be persecuted, though we may be scorned, that voice must rise. It is the voice of all people seeking righteousness. It is the voice of moral reason. It is the voice of the living God, coming through each of us. Raise up that voice, for ours will be the kingdom of Heaven,” he shouted, ending his sermon. His hands were spread wide as he looked out over the people. “Go now, and let that voice speak to you.”
Murmurs spread through everyone there. Something had changed. Men and women had a new determined look upon their face. Many stood taller. Some cried. The rest of the service passed quickly and people filed out into the bitter cold, but something was different. Only time would tell of Gregory’s talk had any real effect at all.
Chapter 12
Changes
Jeffers stared at the covered window wishing he could look out and see something outside the aircraft. He had expectations of spending the evening with Hammond and the others, however, with the incursion into southern Poland, Hammond and his staff were going to be busy, so the decision was made to return home that night. Now the G650 was at 35,000 feet and all the shades were down so that there was no light escaping from the aircraft. Just forward from where he was sitting, Admiral Hustvedt and General Richardson were sleeping in their reclined seats.
Jeffers wasn’t that sleepy. The events of the day had him too keyed up. Hammond had taken the time to introduce him to almost every leader of every Allied country. All had commented on his plan, but a little later, the King of Great Britain had pulled him aside to add a few words.
“I remember when I was just starting out in the military,” the King had said. “I know that all this attention can be a little overwhelming at times. I had quite a bit of it myself. But in the end, we get by. The attention I got was because of family. Yours is because of what you have been able to do for yourself. From what Admiral Hammond says of you, I am sure we can expect much more. In some ways I envy you,” he said.
“Envy me?” asked a surprised and still a little overwhelmed Jeffers.
The King nodded. “All the time I was in service I wanted to rise on my own achievements instead of relying on a few hundred years of tradition. In some ways, I was able to do that, but you will be able to go much further than I did. Of course it didn’t hurt having the Admiral as a friend, but I expect your abilities would have come out in the end. Just try to remember that we all are trying our best to serve the people at home. You appear to be what people call a nice guy. I find that the nice guys make more of a difference than some others. So keep being a nice guy,” he said.
Jeffers had already turned a darker shade of red at the compliments. He smiled at the King. “Your Majesty, I’m just a small town guy from Tennessee, but everything I’ve seen about you and your family tell me you must be pretty nice yourself. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have come to say this to me. As Americans, we sometimes don’t know how to really act around royalty, but we do appreciate people who are friendly and supportive. In many ways I wish we had been able to serve together. I’m sure there are experiences we could share,” he said.
The King smiled. “Sea stories amongst friends? I have been known to share experiences such as that. Just survive this war and I have a feeling we shall have such times in the future. Take care of yourself, Commander Jeffers,” he said as he shook his hand once more before turning away.