Synaxarion
On 31 January, we commemorate the holy martyrs, the monyless wonderworkers Cyrus and John, the holy martyred woman Athanasia and her daughters, the virgins Theodota, Theoctista, and Eudoxia.
Together they experienced the blow of the sword; together they work miracles: Cyrus and John! Under the same sword, a wondrous mother and her three daughters died for their God and Father. At the hands of the execution, the iron cut short the life of Cyrus and John on the thirty-first of January.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
From the Menaion - 30 January
Synaxarion
On 30 January, we commemorate our Fathers among the Saints, the great Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom.
Three stars: it was just to bring them together: their lives radiate a light of triple brilliance. It should be a common praise that we offer to those who have offered the same grace to all. One swallow alone does not make the springtime: three holy ones together bring about the springtime of our souls. The Trinity shines upon the intelligent world; this trio illuminates the visible world. The ancients destroyed the worship of the True God: their sun and moon engendered only darkness. Admiring their splendor with too much haste, they adored their borrowed flame. But by these three torches, their embers were extinguished. They returned us to the True Faith. The beauty of their lives and their holy eloquence made us worship the only Providence. Fire and water, earth and air constitute reality for our earthly eyes. But they, by uniting the great, vast world to our faith in God, showing a new creation based on both, have imitated in themselves the Three Elements of the only Trinity. They have not prepared a cure from any earthly things; there is no worldly spirit in their writings. The word of Gregory is breath of fire; it is his intent to make us run to things on high. The word of Basil brings back a breath of health to those weakened by unhealthy passions. Like the flow of the waters of a river, the words of Chrysostom go straight to the heart to refresh those consumed by burning passions. Thus, by their words, human nature is lifted up from the depths to unheard of heights. On the thirtieth, their triple light shines forth!
On this same day, we commemorate the passion of the holy Hieromartyr Hippolytus, Pope of Rome, and his companions Censures, Sabainos, Chrysa and others.
Valiantly Hippolytus plunged into the water, like a horse enjoying a full gallop on the plain. Censures presented his head to the sword as a polishing stone for his fellow athletes. The sons of darkness, the heartless executioners, burnt the entrails of the victorious Sabainos. Chrysa, thrown into the waters, went freshly bathed as a new bride into the heavenly wedding changer. Hippolytus entered the heavenly fish pond when he was plunged under the dark waters on the thirtieth of January.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 30 January, we commemorate our Fathers among the Saints, the great Ecumenical Teachers and Hierarchs, Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian and John Chrysostom.
Three stars: it was just to bring them together: their lives radiate a light of triple brilliance. It should be a common praise that we offer to those who have offered the same grace to all. One swallow alone does not make the springtime: three holy ones together bring about the springtime of our souls. The Trinity shines upon the intelligent world; this trio illuminates the visible world. The ancients destroyed the worship of the True God: their sun and moon engendered only darkness. Admiring their splendor with too much haste, they adored their borrowed flame. But by these three torches, their embers were extinguished. They returned us to the True Faith. The beauty of their lives and their holy eloquence made us worship the only Providence. Fire and water, earth and air constitute reality for our earthly eyes. But they, by uniting the great, vast world to our faith in God, showing a new creation based on both, have imitated in themselves the Three Elements of the only Trinity. They have not prepared a cure from any earthly things; there is no worldly spirit in their writings. The word of Gregory is breath of fire; it is his intent to make us run to things on high. The word of Basil brings back a breath of health to those weakened by unhealthy passions. Like the flow of the waters of a river, the words of Chrysostom go straight to the heart to refresh those consumed by burning passions. Thus, by their words, human nature is lifted up from the depths to unheard of heights. On the thirtieth, their triple light shines forth!
On this same day, we commemorate the passion of the holy Hieromartyr Hippolytus, Pope of Rome, and his companions Censures, Sabainos, Chrysa and others.
Valiantly Hippolytus plunged into the water, like a horse enjoying a full gallop on the plain. Censures presented his head to the sword as a polishing stone for his fellow athletes. The sons of darkness, the heartless executioners, burnt the entrails of the victorious Sabainos. Chrysa, thrown into the waters, went freshly bathed as a new bride into the heavenly wedding changer. Hippolytus entered the heavenly fish pond when he was plunged under the dark waters on the thirtieth of January.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Fr Oakes, Atheism and Violence
A hat tip to Amy Wellborn for referencing the On the Square article by Edward T. Oakes, S.J. over at First Things. The article is entitled, "Atheism and Violence." Here are a couple of excerpts to whet your whistle. Then go read the article.
Find the article here.
One would think that, given their insistence that faith and violence are inextricably linked, these authors would be a bit more circumspect about their own rhetoric. As it happens, one does not have to read too far into these books to see an underlying advocacy of violence animating their venom, an advocacy made most explicit in Sam Harris’s The End of Faith, which openly avows: “Some propositions are so dangerous that it may even be ethical to kill people for believing them. This may seem an extraordinary claim, but it merely enunciates an ordinary fact about the world in which we live. . . . There is, in fact, no talking to some people. … We will continue to spill blood in what is, at bottom, a war of ideas.” To which I can only respond with one of Blaise Pascal’s more mordant observations, “Thinking too little about things or thinking too much both make us obstinate and fanatical.” Pascal called civil war the worst of all evils and openly admitted that no evil is greater than that committed under the guise of religion. If he were living today, I am sure his response to Harris would be: yes, Mr. Harris, you’re right, and the reason atheism brings so much violence in its wake is because it is its own kind of religion—and that’s your problem: your atheism is too religious.
...
Such are the contradictions of atheism. With hope in progress gone, with the lessons of the twentieth century still unlearned in the twenty-first, with technology progressing, in Adorno’s words, from the slingshot to the atom bomb (a remark cited in Spe Salvi), with a resurgence of religiously motivated violence filling the headlines, all that the new atheists can manage is to hearken back to an Enlightenment-based critique of religion. But they find their way blocked, not so much by Nietzsche (whom, as we saw, they largely ignore) but by the ineluctable realities he so ruthlessly exposed. Not Nietzsche, but the history of the twentieth century has shown that godless culture is incapable of making men happier. All Nietzsche did was to point out that no civilization, however “progressive,” can dispel the terrifying character of nature; and once progress is called into question, the human condition appears in all its forsaken nakedness.
Find the article here.
From the Menaion - 29 January
Synaxarion
On 29 January, we commemorate the transfer of the relics of the holy Hieromartyr Ignatios, the God-bearer.
A part of your body was preserved, O Ignatios. The faithful give thanks that the devouring lions spared these renowned relics. On the twenty-ninth, Ignatios made his return to his See.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 29 January, we commemorate the transfer of the relics of the holy Hieromartyr Ignatios, the God-bearer.
A part of your body was preserved, O Ignatios. The faithful give thanks that the devouring lions spared these renowned relics. On the twenty-ninth, Ignatios made his return to his See.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Memory Eternal - Sayidna Christodoulos falls asleep
News reports this morning announce that the Archbishop of Athens Christodoulos has fallen asleep in the Lord at 69 years of age.
May his memory be eternal!
May his memory be eternal!
From the Menaion - 28 January
Synaxarion
On 28 January, we commemorate our venerable father Ephrem the Syrian.
Ephrem, a Syrian by race and tongue, heard an unknown language, as the psalm says, calling him to the heights. On January twenty-eighth, the Angels led him up to sing his praises before God.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 28 January, we commemorate our venerable father Ephrem the Syrian.
Ephrem, a Syrian by race and tongue, heard an unknown language, as the psalm says, calling him to the heights. On January twenty-eighth, the Angels led him up to sing his praises before God.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Synaxarion - Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare)
FROM THE TRIODION
IKOS
O Lord, supreme in love, as I reflect upon Your awesome judgment seat and the Day of Judgment, I tremble and am filled with fear, for my own conscience accuses me. When you are seated on Your throne and bring all for examination, no one will then be able to deny their sins, for the truth will accuse them and terror hold them back. The flames of Gehenna will roar and sinners will gnash their teeth. Therefore have mercy on me before the end, O Righteous Judge, deliver me from the unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Your right.
SYNAXARION
On this day, we commemorate the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Last Judge.
When You are seated upon Your throne to judge the whole world, O Just and Righteous Judge, make me also worthy to hear You say: “Come!”
Wherefore, in the abundance of Your ineffable compassion, O Christ our God, make us worthy to hear Your glorious voice and number us among those who stand at Your right Hand. Amen.
IKOS
O Lord, supreme in love, as I reflect upon Your awesome judgment seat and the Day of Judgment, I tremble and am filled with fear, for my own conscience accuses me. When you are seated on Your throne and bring all for examination, no one will then be able to deny their sins, for the truth will accuse them and terror hold them back. The flames of Gehenna will roar and sinners will gnash their teeth. Therefore have mercy on me before the end, O Righteous Judge, deliver me from the unquenchable fire, and make me worthy to stand at Your right.
SYNAXARION
On this day, we commemorate the Second Coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Last Judge.
When You are seated upon Your throne to judge the whole world, O Just and Righteous Judge, make me also worthy to hear You say: “Come!”
Wherefore, in the abundance of Your ineffable compassion, O Christ our God, make us worthy to hear Your glorious voice and number us among those who stand at Your right Hand. Amen.
From the Menaion - 27 January
Synaxarion
On 27 January, we commemorate the transfer of the remains of our Father among the Saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople.
Although dead, you still occupy the throne of a bishop. Alive in God, you still say, "Pease to all" from Heaven. On the twenty-seventh, Byzantium received your body in a golden reliquary with reverent respect.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 27 January, we commemorate the transfer of the remains of our Father among the Saints, John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople.
Although dead, you still occupy the throne of a bishop. Alive in God, you still say, "Pease to all" from Heaven. On the twenty-seventh, Byzantium received your body in a golden reliquary with reverent respect.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Hymns and Readings - Sunday of the Last Judgment
27 January 2008
Meatfare Sunday
Commemoration of Transfer of the Relics of St John Chrysostom
Tone Two — Eothinon Four
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymns)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE TWO
When You descended to death, O immortal Life, You destroyed Hades by the splendor of Your divinity, and when You raised the dead from below the earth, all the heavenly powers cried out to You: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You.
TROPARION OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM IN TONE EIGHT
The Grace that shines forth from your mouth like a torch has enlightened the universe, bestowed treasures of generosity upon the world, and shown us the heights of humility. While you teach us through your words, pray to the Word, Christ our God, that He may save our souls.
KONTAKION OF THE LAST JUDGMENT IN TONE ONE
O God, when You shall come down upon earth in your glory, every creature shall tremble before You. A river of fire shall flow before your judgment-seat, the books shall be opened and all secrets revealed. On that day, O Just Judge, deliver me from eternal fire and make me worthy to stand at your right.
KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN TONE ONE
O Christ our God who through your birth have sanctified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed, for You alone are the Lover of Mankind.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(Responsory from the Psalter)
My mouth shall speak wisdom;
the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
BRETHREN: It was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.
ALLELUIA
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW
THE LORD SAID: When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
HIRMOS IN TONE FIVE
(A “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin — sung after the Consecration)
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, who are ever-blessed and all-blameless and the Mother of our God; more honored than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: You who without stain did bear God the Word and are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Refrain: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise him in the heights!
Verse1: For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered for ever.
Verse2: He is not afraid of evil tidings;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
Meatfare Sunday
Commemoration of Transfer of the Relics of St John Chrysostom
Tone Two — Eothinon Four
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymns)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE TWO
When You descended to death, O immortal Life, You destroyed Hades by the splendor of Your divinity, and when You raised the dead from below the earth, all the heavenly powers cried out to You: O Giver of Life, Christ our God, glory to You.
TROPARION OF ST JOHN CHRYSOSTOM IN TONE EIGHT
The Grace that shines forth from your mouth like a torch has enlightened the universe, bestowed treasures of generosity upon the world, and shown us the heights of humility. While you teach us through your words, pray to the Word, Christ our God, that He may save our souls.
KONTAKION OF THE LAST JUDGMENT IN TONE ONE
O God, when You shall come down upon earth in your glory, every creature shall tremble before You. A river of fire shall flow before your judgment-seat, the books shall be opened and all secrets revealed. On that day, O Just Judge, deliver me from eternal fire and make me worthy to stand at your right.
KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION OF CHRIST IN TONE ONE
O Christ our God who through your birth have sanctified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed, for You alone are the Lover of Mankind.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
(Responsory from the Psalter)
My mouth shall speak wisdom;
the meditation of my heart shall be understanding.
Hear this, all peoples! Give ear, all inhabitants of the world
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS
BRETHREN: It was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people; he did this once for all when he offered up himself. Indeed, the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect for ever. Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the sanctuary and the true tent which is set up not by man but by the Lord.
ALLELUIA
The mouth of the righteous utters wisdom,
and his tongue speaks justice.
The law of his God is in his heart;
his steps do not slip.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST MATTHEW
THE LORD SAID: When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the King will say to those at his right hand, ‘Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry and feed thee, or thirsty and give thee drink? And when did we see thee a stranger and welcome thee, or naked and clothe thee? And when did we see thee sick or in prison and visit thee?' And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see thee hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to thee?' Then he will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.’ And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
HIRMOS IN TONE FIVE
(A “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin — sung after the Consecration)
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, who are ever-blessed and all-blameless and the Mother of our God; more honored than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: You who without stain did bear God the Word and are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Refrain: Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise him in the heights!
Verse1: For the righteous will never be moved;
he will be remembered for ever.
Verse2: He is not afraid of evil tidings;
his heart is firm, trusting in the LORD.
From the Triodion - Saturday of the Dead
The Day before the Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare)
Troparion of the Dead in Tone Eight
Unique Creator, Lord, who in the depth of Your wisdom and love for mankind direct us all, giving to each one what is good for salvation: grant rest to the souls of Your servants, for they have put their trust in You, our creator, Maker and God.
Kontakion of the Dead in Tone Eight
O Christ our God, with the Saints, grant rest to the souls of Your servants in a place where there is no pain, no grief, no sighing, but everlasting life.
Ikos
You are the only Immortal One, O Creator and Maker of man. We are mortals: out of the earth we were fashioned and to the same earth we shall return, as You have said and ordered, O my Maker: "Dust you are," said You, "and to dust you shall return." We all go down to the dust and we sing to you: Alleluia!
Synaxarion
On this day, the holy Fathers established a memorial for all those who have fallen asleep throughout the ages in faith and in the hope of everlasting life.
Remember not the transgressions of the dead, O Timeless Word: let not Your great tenderness and compassion be seen to be inactive.
Wherefore, O Christ our Lord, grant rest in the dwelling-place of the just to the souls who have fallen asleep before us and have mercy on us, for Your alone are deathless. Amen.
Troparion of the Dead in Tone Eight
Unique Creator, Lord, who in the depth of Your wisdom and love for mankind direct us all, giving to each one what is good for salvation: grant rest to the souls of Your servants, for they have put their trust in You, our creator, Maker and God.
Kontakion of the Dead in Tone Eight
O Christ our God, with the Saints, grant rest to the souls of Your servants in a place where there is no pain, no grief, no sighing, but everlasting life.
Ikos
You are the only Immortal One, O Creator and Maker of man. We are mortals: out of the earth we were fashioned and to the same earth we shall return, as You have said and ordered, O my Maker: "Dust you are," said You, "and to dust you shall return." We all go down to the dust and we sing to you: Alleluia!
Synaxarion
On this day, the holy Fathers established a memorial for all those who have fallen asleep throughout the ages in faith and in the hope of everlasting life.
Remember not the transgressions of the dead, O Timeless Word: let not Your great tenderness and compassion be seen to be inactive.
Wherefore, O Christ our Lord, grant rest in the dwelling-place of the just to the souls who have fallen asleep before us and have mercy on us, for Your alone are deathless. Amen.
From the Menaion - 26 January
Synaxarion
On 26 January, we commemorate our venerable father Xenophon, his wife Mary, and their sons Arcadios and John.
To celebrate their departure, I offer a song as refreshment at my table to Xenophon and his sons and wife, a venerable family. He died on the twenty-sixth, but in Heaven he was joined by his wife and sons.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 26 January, we commemorate our venerable father Xenophon, his wife Mary, and their sons Arcadios and John.
To celebrate their departure, I offer a song as refreshment at my table to Xenophon and his sons and wife, a venerable family. He died on the twenty-sixth, but in Heaven he was joined by his wife and sons.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Friday, January 25, 2008
Ajami on Huntington
Hat tip to Done with Mirrors for this New York Times essay by Fouad Ajami on Samuel P Huntington. If you don't know who Huntington is or why you should known him, go here, here, and here.
In the meantime, here's just one paragraph from Ajami's essay:
Order the book, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, here.
In the meantime, here's just one paragraph from Ajami's essay:
In Huntington’s unsparing view, culture is underpinned and defined by power. The West had once been pre-eminent and militarily dominant, and the first generation of third-world nationalists had sought to fashion their world in the image of the West. But Western dominion had cracked, Huntington said. Demography best told the story: where more than 40 percent of the world population was “under the political control” of Western civilization in the year 1900, that share had declined to about 15 percent in 1990, and is set to come down to 10 percent by the year 2025. Conversely, Islam’s share had risen from 4 percent in 1900 to 13 percent in 1990, and could be as high as 19 percent by 2025.Read the entire essay here. Then email it to a friend.
Order the book, The Clash of Civilizations and the Remaking of World Order, here.
In other Patriarchal News...
From Interfax.
The Moscow Patriarchate criticizes ‘politically correct’ Christianity
Vienna, January 22, Interfax - The Russian Orthodox Church's representative to the European International Institutions believes it important to preserve Christian traditions in today’s liberal world.
‘Christianity, empty inside, lacking inner power, Christianity that has renounced itself, will not be able to oppose challenges of the modern world,’ Bishop Hilarion of Vienna and Austria said at a meeting organized by the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria dedicated to its 50th anniversary.
The Russian Church’s representative stressed that ‘we should be afraid of giving up spiritual and moral teaching accumulated by the Christian Church for centuries and surrender to the influence of liberal ideas and secular moral standards.’
‘When some Christian communities start revising theological or moral teaching of Christianity in order to ‘update’ it or to make it more ‘politically correct’, it is a direct way to spiritual collapse,’ the bishop added.
According to him, ‘Christians are powerful only when they follow the testament of Christ rather than when they start building their life by the rules of secular world.’
The Moscow Patriarchate criticizes ‘politically correct’ Christianity
Vienna, January 22, Interfax - The Russian Orthodox Church's representative to the European International Institutions believes it important to preserve Christian traditions in today’s liberal world.
‘Christianity, empty inside, lacking inner power, Christianity that has renounced itself, will not be able to oppose challenges of the modern world,’ Bishop Hilarion of Vienna and Austria said at a meeting organized by the Ecumenical Council of Churches in Austria dedicated to its 50th anniversary.
The Russian Church’s representative stressed that ‘we should be afraid of giving up spiritual and moral teaching accumulated by the Christian Church for centuries and surrender to the influence of liberal ideas and secular moral standards.’
‘When some Christian communities start revising theological or moral teaching of Christianity in order to ‘update’ it or to make it more ‘politically correct’, it is a direct way to spiritual collapse,’ the bishop added.
According to him, ‘Christians are powerful only when they follow the testament of Christ rather than when they start building their life by the rules of secular world.’
Wall Street Reviews Patriarch's Book
This, from the Wall Street Journal: Patriarch Bartholomeos of Constantinople has written a book. The book may be interesting; the review is very interesting. A couple of excerpts follow:
Nowhere does the plight of Christians look so pitiful as in Turkey, nominally secular but 99% Muslim. At the turn of the 20th century, some 500,000 Orthodox Christians, mostly ethnic Greeks, lived in Constantinople, where they constituted half the city's residents, and millions more resided elsewhere in what is now Turkey. Today, Bartholomew has only about 4,000 mostly elderly fellow believers (2,000 in Istanbul) left in Turkey's 71 million-plus population. The quasi-militaristic regime of Kemal Ataturk that supplanted the Ottoman Empire during the 1920s forcibly Westernized the country's institutions but also made Islam an essential component of the Turkish national identity that it relentlessly promoted.Read the whole review here.
...
On first reading, this exercise in fiddling while the new Rome burns seems pathetic, presenting a picture of a church leader so intimidated by his country's Islamic majority that he cannot speak up for his dwindling flock even as its members are murdered at his doorstep. Bartholomew's book presents an eerie mirror image of the concerns of aging, culturally exhausted, post-Christian Western Europe, happy to blather on at conferences about carbon emissions and diversity but unwilling to confront its own demographic crisis in the face of youthful, rapidly growing and culturally antagonistic Muslim populations. The suicide of the West meets the homicide of the East.
From the Menaion - 25 January
Synaxarion
On 25 January, we commemorate our Father among the Saints, Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople.
If the essence of God is known to the Christian in conformity with the Orthodox Faith, it is due to the patrimony bequeathed by Gregory. On the twenty-fifth, Gregory the Theologian died.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 25 January, we commemorate our Father among the Saints, Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople.
If the essence of God is known to the Christian in conformity with the Orthodox Faith, it is due to the patrimony bequeathed by Gregory. On the twenty-fifth, Gregory the Theologian died.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
From the Menaion - 24 January
Synaxarion
On 24 January, we commemorate our venerable Mother Xenia and her two servants.
Xenia lived as an exile in this world, for she renounced this passing life. Equal are the honors due to her two companions after their deaths, who were not strangers to her virtues. On the twenty-fourth, Xenia, that torch of prayer, was able to find a hospitable homeland in Heaven.
By their prayers, of our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 24 January, we commemorate our venerable Mother Xenia and her two servants.
Xenia lived as an exile in this world, for she renounced this passing life. Equal are the honors due to her two companions after their deaths, who were not strangers to her virtues. On the twenty-fourth, Xenia, that torch of prayer, was able to find a hospitable homeland in Heaven.
By their prayers, of our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
First Things' On the Square Pallbears
First Things today features a very insightful article in its On the Square section on Pallbears by Rev Paul Gregory Alms, a North Carolina Lutheran pastor. Rev Alms succintly reflects on pallbearing as indicative of the many communal customs and traditions that give meaning and continuity to human life. The piece is called, fittingly, On Being a Pallbearer. Below is an excerpt.
Read the whole article here.
Many customs and traditions in many areas of life are disappearing from among us. Liturgy in the church, national “rites” such as the Pledge of Allegiance or taking off one’s hat at the National Anthem, and countless other shared activities are being lost. There is some advantage to the rejection of a “we’ve always done it that way” mentality. But there is also a danger. More is lost than simple habits. We become more and more isolated, more alone when we mark times and feelings such as birth and marriage and war and patriotism and death in idiosyncratic ways. It becomes “just us” and our decision. Any other greater meaning is gone. When we do things that have always been done, even when it seems antiquated or strange (such as pall bearing), we are affirming that we are not free agents who have landed on the planet in the last twenty years. We have fathers and mothers, grandfathers, great grandmothers, ancestors, who worked and gave birth and believed and raised children, and we are the beneficiaries of that struggle. We have a past to which we are connected through ritual and the shared experience those rituals bring.
Read the whole article here.
From the Menaion - 23 January
Synaxarion
On 23 January, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra, and the holy martyr Agathangel.
The blood of Agathangel and Clement slaked the thirst of the bloody sword. On the twenty-third, these martyrs, handed over to the torturers, made up what was lacking in the Passion of Christ.
By the payers of Your saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 23 January, we commemorate the holy hieromartyr Clement, Bishop of Ancyra, and the holy martyr Agathangel.
The blood of Agathangel and Clement slaked the thirst of the bloody sword. On the twenty-third, these martyrs, handed over to the torturers, made up what was lacking in the Passion of Christ.
By the payers of Your saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
From the Menaion - 22 January
Synaxarion
On 22 January, we commemorate the holy apostle Timothy, disciple of the holy apostle Paul.
Desiring a crown, the fervent Timothy dyes the earth with his own blood under the blows of a club. Joined to the Lord, the compassionate God, his soul went up to Heaven on the twenty-second.
On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyred monk Anastasios the Persian.
When the rope was placed around his neck, Anastasios the Persian seemed to be wearing a necklace of inestimable worth. Anastasios endured the rope for the God of tenderness and mercy on the twenty-second.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 22 January, we commemorate the holy apostle Timothy, disciple of the holy apostle Paul.
Desiring a crown, the fervent Timothy dyes the earth with his own blood under the blows of a club. Joined to the Lord, the compassionate God, his soul went up to Heaven on the twenty-second.
On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyred monk Anastasios the Persian.
When the rope was placed around his neck, Anastasios the Persian seemed to be wearing a necklace of inestimable worth. Anastasios endured the rope for the God of tenderness and mercy on the twenty-second.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Monday, January 21, 2008
From the Menaion - 21 January
Synaxarion
On 21 January, we commemorate our venerable father Maximos the Confessor.
They cut off your hand and your tongue as well, O Maximos. But you allowed yourself to be pruned; and the heavenly Father graciously received your spirit when, on the twenty-first, fate closed your eyes.
On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyr Neophytos.
The lance uprooted from the earth a beautiful young plant, Neophytos, and offshoot of the new Tree of Life.
By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 21 January, we commemorate our venerable father Maximos the Confessor.
They cut off your hand and your tongue as well, O Maximos. But you allowed yourself to be pruned; and the heavenly Father graciously received your spirit when, on the twenty-first, fate closed your eyes.
On the same day, we commemorate the holy martyr Neophytos.
The lance uprooted from the earth a beautiful young plant, Neophytos, and offshoot of the new Tree of Life.
By the prayers of Your Saints, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
From the Menaion - 20 January
Synaxarion
On 20 January, we commemorate our venerable father Euthymios the Great.
What do you have in common with this life? Guide us towards Heaven as we sail through it. Resembling the angels, Euthymios, the gray-headed, became their companion in Heaven on the twentieth.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 20 January, we commemorate our venerable father Euthymios the Great.
What do you have in common with this life? Guide us towards Heaven as we sail through it. Resembling the angels, Euthymios, the gray-headed, became their companion in Heaven on the twentieth.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Synaxarion - Sunday of the Prodigal Son
FROM THE TRIODION
IKOS
Our Savior teaches us daily with His own words. Let us therefore heed the Scripture lesson of the Prodigal who came to his senses. With faith, let us follow his good example of repentance. With a humble heart, let us cry aloud to Him who knows all secrets: We have sinned against You, O merciful Father! We do not deserve to be called Your children ever again. But since You are the Lover of Mankind, receive me now that I repent and make me as one of Your hired servants!
SYNAXARION
On this day, we commemorate the Parable of the Prodigal Son which occurs in the Holy Gospel, and which our God-bearing Fathers inserted into the Triodion.
Whoever is a Prodigal like me, draw near with confidence and peace. The Gates of the mercy of God have opened to everyone!
By Your ineffable Love for mankind, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
IKOS
Our Savior teaches us daily with His own words. Let us therefore heed the Scripture lesson of the Prodigal who came to his senses. With faith, let us follow his good example of repentance. With a humble heart, let us cry aloud to Him who knows all secrets: We have sinned against You, O merciful Father! We do not deserve to be called Your children ever again. But since You are the Lover of Mankind, receive me now that I repent and make me as one of Your hired servants!
SYNAXARION
On this day, we commemorate the Parable of the Prodigal Son which occurs in the Holy Gospel, and which our God-bearing Fathers inserted into the Triodion.
Whoever is a Prodigal like me, draw near with confidence and peace. The Gates of the mercy of God have opened to everyone!
By Your ineffable Love for mankind, O Christ our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Hymns and Readings - Sunday of the Prodigal Son
20 January 2008
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Commemoration of St Euthymios the Great
Tone One - Eothinon Three
Troparia and Kontakion
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymns)
Troparion of the Resurrection in Tone One
While the stone was sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were watching your sacred body, You rose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Wherefore, O Giver of life, the Powers of heaven cried out: Glory to your Resurrection, O Christ, glory to your Kingdom, glory to your Plan of Redemption, O, You who alone are the Lover of mankind.
Troparion of Euthymios the Great in Tone Four
Joy to you, barren wilderness, rejoice, sterile desert that never have known the travail of birth, for the man of desires has multiplied your children; he has planted them in devotion and piety and made them grow in detachment for the sake of perfect virtue. Through his supplications, Christ God, give peace to our lives!
Kontakion of the Prodigal Son in Tone Three
When in my wretchedness I ran away from your fatherly love, I squandered in wickedness the riches You had given me. And so now, like the Prodigal Son, I cry out to you: I have sinned in your sight, O Merciful Father: receive me now that I repent and make me as one of your hired servants.
Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ in Tone One
O Christ our God who through your birth have sanctified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed, for You alone are the Lover of Mankind.
Liturgy of the Word
Prokimenon
(Responsory from the Psalter)
Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
Alleluia! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights!
The Reading from the Second Epistle of St Paul to the Corinthians
Brethren: It is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Alleluia
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
Wealth and riches are in his house;
and his righteousness endures forever.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord spoke this parable: There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.” And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.’” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.” But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, “Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!” And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”
Hirmos in Tone Five
(A “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin — sung after the Consecration)
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, who are ever-blessed and all-blameless and the Mother of our God; more honored than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: You who without stain did bear God the Word and are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise him in the heights!
Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Commemoration of St Euthymios the Great
Tone One - Eothinon Three
Troparia and Kontakion
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymns)
Troparion of the Resurrection in Tone One
While the stone was sealed by the Jews and the soldiers were watching your sacred body, You rose, O Savior, on the third day, giving life to the world. Wherefore, O Giver of life, the Powers of heaven cried out: Glory to your Resurrection, O Christ, glory to your Kingdom, glory to your Plan of Redemption, O, You who alone are the Lover of mankind.
Troparion of Euthymios the Great in Tone Four
Joy to you, barren wilderness, rejoice, sterile desert that never have known the travail of birth, for the man of desires has multiplied your children; he has planted them in devotion and piety and made them grow in detachment for the sake of perfect virtue. Through his supplications, Christ God, give peace to our lives!
Kontakion of the Prodigal Son in Tone Three
When in my wretchedness I ran away from your fatherly love, I squandered in wickedness the riches You had given me. And so now, like the Prodigal Son, I cry out to you: I have sinned in your sight, O Merciful Father: receive me now that I repent and make me as one of your hired servants.
Kontakion of the Presentation of Christ in Tone One
O Christ our God who through your birth have sanctified the virginal womb and have now blessed the arms of Simeon, today You have come to save us. O Lord, when wars prevail, keep your people in peace and strengthen our Public Authorities in every good deed, for You alone are the Lover of Mankind.
Liturgy of the Word
Prokimenon
(Responsory from the Psalter)
Let them praise the name of the LORD!
For he commanded and they were created.
Alleluia! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
praise him in the heights!
The Reading from the Second Epistle of St Paul to the Corinthians
Brethren: It is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, to show that the transcendent power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For while we live, we are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you. Since we have the same spirit of faith as he had who wrote, "I believed, and so I spoke," we too believe, and so we speak, knowing that he who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus and bring us with you into his presence. For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
Alleluia
Blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
who greatly delights in his commandments!
Wealth and riches are in his house;
and his righteousness endures forever.
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord spoke this parable: There was a man who had two sons; and the younger of them said to his father, “Father, give me the share of property that falls to me.” And he divided his living between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took his journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in loose living. And when he had spent everything, a great famine arose in that country, and he began to be in want. So he went and joined himself to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he would gladly have fed on the pods that the swine ate; and no one gave him anything. But when he came to himself he said, “How many of my father's hired servants have bread enough and to spare, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me as one of your hired servants.’” And he arose and came to his father. But while he was yet at a distance, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet; and bring the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and make merry; for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found.” And they began to make merry. Now his elder son was in the field; and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what this meant. And he said to him, “Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf, because he has received him safe and sound.” But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, “Lo, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command; yet you never gave me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your living with harlots, you killed for him the fatted calf!” And he said to him, “Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.”
Hirmos in Tone Five
(A “Megalynarion” — Hymn to the Virgin — sung after the Consecration)
It is truly meet to bless you, O Theotokos, who are ever-blessed and all-blameless and the Mother of our God; more honored than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim: You who without stain did bear God the Word and are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise him in the heights!
From the Menaion - 19 January
Synaxarion
On 19 January, we commemorate our venerable father, the hermit Macarios the Egyptian.
Having left the world as a hermit, Macarios renounces the earth for Heaven. As a reward for so many trials and generous labors, he receives the lot of the blessed on the nineteenth.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 19 January, we commemorate our venerable father, the hermit Macarios the Egyptian.
Having left the world as a hermit, Macarios renounces the earth for Heaven. As a reward for so many trials and generous labors, he receives the lot of the blessed on the nineteenth.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Friday, January 18, 2008
From the Menaion - 18 January
Synaxarion
On 18 January, we commemorate our Fathers among the Saints, Athanasios and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria.
Athanasios, you live on after death: you share the fate of the death of God's holy ones. Remembering the end of Cyril, we could never come to an end in celebrating his glory. Scarcely had you been stripped of life on the eighteenth, O Athanasios, than your memory became immortal.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 18 January, we commemorate our Fathers among the Saints, Athanasios and Cyril, Archbishops of Alexandria.
Athanasios, you live on after death: you share the fate of the death of God's holy ones. Remembering the end of Cyril, we could never come to an end in celebrating his glory. Scarcely had you been stripped of life on the eighteenth, O Athanasios, than your memory became immortal.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Memory Eternal
1912-2008
I am the Life and the Resurrection.
His Beatitude, Patriarch Gregorios III, the Bishops of the Holy Synod of the Melkite Catholic Church, His Grace, Elias Rahal, Archbishop of Baalbeck, the Clergy and Faithful of the Eparchy of Baalbeck, His Grace, Bishop Youssef Joel Zraiy, Patriarchal Vicar of Egypt and Sudan, the Clergy and Faithful of the Patriarchate of Alexandria, the Zoghby Family and their relatives here and abroad, regret to inform you of the passing to the Lord of His Grace, Archbishop Elias Zoghby, on Wednesday, 16 January 2008.
Archbishop Zoghby was Dean of the Holy Synod of Melkite Bishops, Patriarchal Vicar Emeritus of Egypt and Sudan, and Archbishop Emeritus of Baalbeck.
Archbishop Zoghby’s Funeral will take place at St. Paul Basilica in Harissa, on Saturday, 19 January 2008, at 3:00 P.M. Sympathies will be accepted before and after the funeral service at St. Paul Convent in Harissa and on Sunday, 20 January 2008 at the Patriarchal Residence in Rabweh from 11:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M.
O Christ God, with the Saints grant rest to the soul of your High Priest Elias in a place where there is no pain, no grief, no sighing, but everlasting life.
Needless to say, we will join with all the Melkite priests and other admirers of this great and holy son of the Church in offering this Sunday's Liturgy in his memory.
Sayidna Elias was instrumental in pushing forward the dialogue within the divided Patriarchate of Antioch (between the Antiochian Orthodox Patriarchate and the Melkite Greek Catholic Patriarchate of Antioch). See Bishop Nicholas Samra's report on the historic initiative Sayidna Elias fostered here.
From the Menaion - 17 January
Synaxarion
On 17 January, we commemorate our venerable father Anthony the Great.
Did Heaven hold anyone more illustrious than Anthony at the moment when it welcomed that first and greatest monk? On the seventeenth, he received Heaven as his patrimony.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 17 January, we commemorate our venerable father Anthony the Great.
Did Heaven hold anyone more illustrious than Anthony at the moment when it welcomed that first and greatest monk? On the seventeenth, he received Heaven as his patrimony.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
From the Menaion - 16 January
Synaxarion
On 16 January, we commemorate the precious chains of the holy and glorious Apostle Peter.
Peter, I venerate your bonds of captivity. Break the long chains of my foolish transgressions. O Peter, on the sixteenth, I celebrate in festive songs your bonds which set me free.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 16 January, we commemorate the precious chains of the holy and glorious Apostle Peter.
Peter, I venerate your bonds of captivity. Break the long chains of my foolish transgressions. O Peter, on the sixteenth, I celebrate in festive songs your bonds which set me free.
By his holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
From the Menaion - 15 January
Synaxarion
On 15 January, we commemorate our venerable father Paul of Thebes.
Although the gates of Thebes were wondrous things, even more wondrous is the illustrious saint Paul. On the fifteenth, this son of the Thebaid took flight to Heaven through the gate of life.
On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father John, poor for Christ, the so-called Hut-Dweller.
Leaving his earthly hut, the man who from his youth had fled the most precious bonds of the world, build his more beautiful hut in Heaven. On the fifteenth, John exchanged his hut.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 15 January, we commemorate our venerable father Paul of Thebes.
Although the gates of Thebes were wondrous things, even more wondrous is the illustrious saint Paul. On the fifteenth, this son of the Thebaid took flight to Heaven through the gate of life.
On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father John, poor for Christ, the so-called Hut-Dweller.
Leaving his earthly hut, the man who from his youth had fled the most precious bonds of the world, build his more beautiful hut in Heaven. On the fifteenth, John exchanged his hut.
By their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Monday, January 14, 2008
From the Menaion - 14 January
Synaxarion
On 14 January, we commemorate the holy monks martyred on Mount Sinai.
Although the swords committed this multiple crime, had not the Fathers already killed all passion? These lovers of virtue earned their reward on the fourteenth of January.
On this same day, we commemorate the 33 Fathers slaughtered in Raitho.
As Rachel wept for her children, who are no more, so Raitho wept for the Fathers taken by the sword.
On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father Theodulos, the son of Nilos the Wise.
Theodulos followed the path of the virtues; sure of his father, he followed in his footsteps.
Through their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
On 14 January, we commemorate the holy monks martyred on Mount Sinai.
Although the swords committed this multiple crime, had not the Fathers already killed all passion? These lovers of virtue earned their reward on the fourteenth of January.
On this same day, we commemorate the 33 Fathers slaughtered in Raitho.
As Rachel wept for her children, who are no more, so Raitho wept for the Fathers taken by the sword.
On the same day, we commemorate our venerable father Theodulos, the son of Nilos the Wise.
Theodulos followed the path of the virtues; sure of his father, he followed in his footsteps.
Through their holy prayers, O our God, have mercy on us and save us. Amen.
Sunday, January 13, 2008
Preparing for Lent - Triodion
The following is an expansion on an article submitted to a local newspaper.
PREPARING FOR LENT – AN EASTERN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
For Western Christians, Lent is a time of ‘giving up’. It has become an exercise in self-denial more than a preparation for Easter. As such, Ash Wednesday has become almost symbolic of the beginning of a “party’s over” somber time. This is somewhat fostered by the “party till you drop” mood of Mardi Gras. Indeed, for many “Fat Tuesday” has become a time to eat, drink, dance, sing, drink, and engage in any and every conceivable excess. (Oh, and did I say, “drink”?) This is not what the Church intends, but it is how many have come to see it.
For the Byzantine Churches, those Churches of the East, Lent is seen differently. In fact, Lent, or the “Great Fast”, is preceded by a period often called Triodion that heralds the Fast from a very different stand point. Eastern Christians begin the path to Calvary four weeks before the beginning of Lent with a Sunday known as the Pharisee and the Publican (this year, celebrated January 13th). This parable of Jesus (Luke 18:10-14) emphasizes the need for humility and recognition of God’s generous grace in loving the sinner. Rather than counting our accomplishments and virtues, we are bidden to recognize the love of God that forgives, heals and strengthens us. It inaugurates a week of simple living, with no fasting or abstinences. True faith is not about boasting but mercy.
Next comes a Sunday called the Prodigal Son (celebrated next week on January 20th) from Luke 16:11-32. Our reflection on humility leads us to recognize our need for God who Himself is ready and waiting to accept our repentance with joy and compassion. At the same time, we are warned not to judge those who may have much to repent and to not let our own self-righteousness become a barrier that separates us from our brothers and sisters. True humility and repentance open our eyes to see the solidarity of all people as children of God, who loves, cares for and welcomes each and all.
The following Sunday is devoted to the Last Judgment from Matthew 25:31-46. Here we are warned that the hands of God at work in the world are our own and how we treat others reflects the true reality and nature of our faith. God will not accept pious words that are betrayed by callous regard for those who suffer need and want. One might say that like Marley in A Christmas Carol we must recognize that “mankind is my business” and if we truly desire to live as God’s people the desire to help and comfort others should honestly and generously lead us to action. We note that these actions may be the same as those of the Pharisee, but originating in genuine and self-sacrificing love, not in the vainglory charity of praise and recognition. Tradition calls for abstinence from all meat products after this day, as we like lambs seek to live a more caring and innocent life.
Finally, the Sunday of Forgiveness, with the Gospel from Matthew 6:14-21, reminds us that we cannot progress spiritually if we hold grudges or are willing to live in the animosity our actions cause others. We must be pro-active to seek reconciliation, not only with God, but with our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, even our enemies. In Byzantine and Orthodox Churches, the Sunday of Forgiveness culminates in a forgiveness ring in which we seek and proclaim mutual forgiveness between ourselves and every member of the community.
The day after Forgiveness Sunday is called Clean Monday and is the traditional first day of Lent for Eastern Christians. From Clean Monday Tradition calls for abstinence from all dairy products. We are called to eat simple foods and so share table with the poorest of the world’s poor. Prince and pauper experience solidarity in the food of the poor: grains, vegetables, and fruit. Thus, we begin Lent on equal footing with every other human being who stands before God in need of mercy and salvation. Illusions of grandeur and false pride have no place in our Lenten journey.
This four week period prepares Eastern Christians for a Lenten observance with a deep spiritual focus. We meditate on the mercy of God and our need to move beyond ourselves with our limited and narrow views of freedom. Instead, we are offered to reflect on a God who is Love, who will literally shed his blood and offer his body for our sakes. Byzantine Lent is not about giving up, but about discovering. It is a journey that holds before us the Cross of Christ and his glorious Resurrection.
We invite all people to join us this year and make Lent a time of personal and spiritual growth. We encourage you to not wait; start today, and make your Lenten journey truly fruitful. God love you!
PREPARING FOR LENT – AN EASTERN CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVE
For Western Christians, Lent is a time of ‘giving up’. It has become an exercise in self-denial more than a preparation for Easter. As such, Ash Wednesday has become almost symbolic of the beginning of a “party’s over” somber time. This is somewhat fostered by the “party till you drop” mood of Mardi Gras. Indeed, for many “Fat Tuesday” has become a time to eat, drink, dance, sing, drink, and engage in any and every conceivable excess. (Oh, and did I say, “drink”?) This is not what the Church intends, but it is how many have come to see it.
For the Byzantine Churches, those Churches of the East, Lent is seen differently. In fact, Lent, or the “Great Fast”, is preceded by a period often called Triodion that heralds the Fast from a very different stand point. Eastern Christians begin the path to Calvary four weeks before the beginning of Lent with a Sunday known as the Pharisee and the Publican (this year, celebrated January 13th). This parable of Jesus (Luke 18:10-14) emphasizes the need for humility and recognition of God’s generous grace in loving the sinner. Rather than counting our accomplishments and virtues, we are bidden to recognize the love of God that forgives, heals and strengthens us. It inaugurates a week of simple living, with no fasting or abstinences. True faith is not about boasting but mercy.
Next comes a Sunday called the Prodigal Son (celebrated next week on January 20th) from Luke 16:11-32. Our reflection on humility leads us to recognize our need for God who Himself is ready and waiting to accept our repentance with joy and compassion. At the same time, we are warned not to judge those who may have much to repent and to not let our own self-righteousness become a barrier that separates us from our brothers and sisters. True humility and repentance open our eyes to see the solidarity of all people as children of God, who loves, cares for and welcomes each and all.
The following Sunday is devoted to the Last Judgment from Matthew 25:31-46. Here we are warned that the hands of God at work in the world are our own and how we treat others reflects the true reality and nature of our faith. God will not accept pious words that are betrayed by callous regard for those who suffer need and want. One might say that like Marley in A Christmas Carol we must recognize that “mankind is my business” and if we truly desire to live as God’s people the desire to help and comfort others should honestly and generously lead us to action. We note that these actions may be the same as those of the Pharisee, but originating in genuine and self-sacrificing love, not in the vainglory charity of praise and recognition. Tradition calls for abstinence from all meat products after this day, as we like lambs seek to live a more caring and innocent life.
Finally, the Sunday of Forgiveness, with the Gospel from Matthew 6:14-21, reminds us that we cannot progress spiritually if we hold grudges or are willing to live in the animosity our actions cause others. We must be pro-active to seek reconciliation, not only with God, but with our neighbors, our brothers and sisters, even our enemies. In Byzantine and Orthodox Churches, the Sunday of Forgiveness culminates in a forgiveness ring in which we seek and proclaim mutual forgiveness between ourselves and every member of the community.
The day after Forgiveness Sunday is called Clean Monday and is the traditional first day of Lent for Eastern Christians. From Clean Monday Tradition calls for abstinence from all dairy products. We are called to eat simple foods and so share table with the poorest of the world’s poor. Prince and pauper experience solidarity in the food of the poor: grains, vegetables, and fruit. Thus, we begin Lent on equal footing with every other human being who stands before God in need of mercy and salvation. Illusions of grandeur and false pride have no place in our Lenten journey.
This four week period prepares Eastern Christians for a Lenten observance with a deep spiritual focus. We meditate on the mercy of God and our need to move beyond ourselves with our limited and narrow views of freedom. Instead, we are offered to reflect on a God who is Love, who will literally shed his blood and offer his body for our sakes. Byzantine Lent is not about giving up, but about discovering. It is a journey that holds before us the Cross of Christ and his glorious Resurrection.
We invite all people to join us this year and make Lent a time of personal and spiritual growth. We encourage you to not wait; start today, and make your Lenten journey truly fruitful. God love you!
From the Menaion - 13 January
On 13 January, we commemorate the holy martyrs Hermylos and Stratonikos.
The chest became a boat: Hermylos and Stratonikos sailed, united together, towards the depths. By his wicked judgment, the Evil One himself was drowned when on the thirteenth, the two martyrs met the same fate.
By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
The chest became a boat: Hermylos and Stratonikos sailed, united together, towards the depths. By his wicked judgment, the Evil One himself was drowned when on the thirteenth, the two martyrs met the same fate.
By their holy prayers, O our God, take pity on us and save us. Amen.
Synaxarion - The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee
FROM THE TRIODION
Sunday of the Publican and the
Sunday of the Publican and the