Sayidna Elias Chacour speaks on Israel and Palestine and plight of Christians. The speech is to a group of Presbyterians earlier this year.
As a side note, many Protestants seem to forget or just ignore that Christianity has a long and treasured history in many parts of the world, including the Middle East. I am always chagrined when Protestants tell me how wonderful it was that they went to "spread the Gospel" in places like Ukraine, Mexico, or other places in which they are in fact preaching Protestantism to Catholics and Orthodox.
The greatest tragedy is the blind eye turned to the Christians of the Holy Land in the face of notions that when Israel is purely Jewish the Temple will be rebuilt and the Second Coming will occur. Please, God, let me never presume to force your hand. Your Will be done!
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Hymns and Readings for Sunday
18 NOVEMBER 2007
NINTH SUNDAY OF THE SEASON OF THE HOLY CROSS
(TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST)
Commemorating the holy martyrs Plato and Romanos
Tone Eight — Eothinon Three
Troparia and Kontakion
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymn)
Troparion of the Resurrection in Tone Eight
You descended from on high, O Compassionate One; and consented to burial for three days, that You might free us from suffering: O Lord, our life and our resurrection, glory to You.
Kontakion of the Presentation of our Lady in Tone Four
The most pure Temple of our Holy Savior, the most precious and bright Bridal Chamber, the Virgin sacred treasury of the glory of God openly appears today in the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the Most Holy Spirit. Wherefore, the angels of God are singing: This is the heavenly Tabernacle.
Liturgy of the Word
Prokimenon
(Responsory from the Psalter)
Make your vows to the LORD your God, and perform them;
let all around him bring gifts
to Him who is to be feared.
In Judah God is known, his Name is great in Israel.
The reading from the Epistle of St Paul to the Ephesians
Brethren: I, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Alleluia
O come, let us sing to the LORD;
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us!
Let us approach Him with praise and thanksgiving
and sing joyful songs to the Lord!
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord spoke this parable: The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” And he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’who showed mercy on him.’
Hirmos in Tone Six
(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, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise Him in the heights! Alleluia.
NINTH SUNDAY OF THE SEASON OF THE HOLY CROSS
(TWENTY-FIFTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST)
Commemorating the holy martyrs Plato and Romanos
Tone Eight — Eothinon Three
Troparia and Kontakion
(Theme hymns of the day and concluding seasonal hymn)
Troparion of the Resurrection in Tone Eight
You descended from on high, O Compassionate One; and consented to burial for three days, that You might free us from suffering: O Lord, our life and our resurrection, glory to You.
Kontakion of the Presentation of our Lady in Tone Four
The most pure Temple of our Holy Savior, the most precious and bright Bridal Chamber, the Virgin sacred treasury of the glory of God openly appears today in the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the Most Holy Spirit. Wherefore, the angels of God are singing: This is the heavenly Tabernacle.
Liturgy of the Word
Prokimenon
(Responsory from the Psalter)
Make your vows to the LORD your God, and perform them;
let all around him bring gifts
to Him who is to be feared.
In Judah God is known, his Name is great in Israel.
The reading from the Epistle of St Paul to the Ephesians
Brethren: I, a prisoner for the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all lowliness and meekness, with patience, forbearing one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of us all, who is above all and through all and in all. But grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ's gift.
Alleluia
O come, let us sing to the LORD;
and shout with joy to the Rock who saves us!
Let us approach Him with praise and thanksgiving
and sing joyful songs to the Lord!
The Reading from the Holy Gospel according to St Luke
The Lord spoke this parable: The land of a rich man brought forth plentifully; and he thought to himself, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?” And he said, “I will do this: I will pull down my barns, and build larger ones; and there I will store all my grain and my goods. And I will say to my soul, Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, be merry.” But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you; and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So is he who lays up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.’who showed mercy on him.’
Hirmos in Tone Six
(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, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
Communion Hymn
Praise the LORD!
Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise Him in the heights! Alleluia.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Hymns and Readings for Sunday
4 NOVEMBER 2007
EIGHTH SUNDAY OF THE SEASON OF THE HOLY CROSS
(TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST)
Tone Seven — Eothinon Two
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(THEME HYMNS OF THE DAY AND CONCLUDING SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE SEVEN
You destroyed death by your Cross, You opened paradise to the thief. You changed the weeping the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded your Apostles to proclaim that You, O Christ God have risen, granting to the world great mercy.
KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LADY IN TONE FOUR
The most pure Temple of our Holy Savior, the most precious and bright Bridal Chamber, the Virgin sacred treasury of the glory of God openly appears today in the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the Most Holy Spirit. Wherefore, the angels of God are singing: This is the heavenly Tabernacle.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS
BRETHREN: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
ALLELUIA
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will tell of all thy wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in thee,
I will sing praise to thy name, O Most High.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
AT THAT TIME: Behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
HIRMOS IN TONE SIX
(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, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise Him in the heights! Alleluia.
EIGHTH SUNDAY OF THE SEASON OF THE HOLY CROSS
(TWENTY-FOURTH SUNDAY OF PENTECOST)
Tone Seven — Eothinon Two
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
(THEME HYMNS OF THE DAY AND CONCLUDING SEASONAL HYMN)
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE SEVEN
You destroyed death by your Cross, You opened paradise to the thief. You changed the weeping the Myrrh-bearers, and commanded your Apostles to proclaim that You, O Christ God have risen, granting to the world great mercy.
KONTAKION OF THE PRESENTATION OF OUR LADY IN TONE FOUR
The most pure Temple of our Holy Savior, the most precious and bright Bridal Chamber, the Virgin sacred treasury of the glory of God openly appears today in the Temple of the Lord, bringing with her the grace of the Most Holy Spirit. Wherefore, the angels of God are singing: This is the heavenly Tabernacle.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
May the LORD give strength to his people!
May the LORD bless his people with peace!
Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
ascribe to the LORD glory and strength.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS
BRETHREN: In Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near in the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made us both one, and has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, by abolishing in his flesh the law of commandments and ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby bringing the hostility to an end. And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, in whom the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built into it for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
ALLELUIA
I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart;
I will tell of all thy wonderful deeds.
I will be glad and exult in thee,
I will sing praise to thy name, O Most High.
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
AT THAT TIME: Behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, "Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?" He said to him, "What is written in the law? How do you read?" And he answered, "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbour as yourself." And he said to him, "You have answered right; do this, and you will live." But he, desiring to justify himself, said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbour?" Jesus replied, "A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and he fell among robbers, who stripped him and beat him, and departed, leaving him half dead. Now by chance a priest was going down that road; and when he saw him he passed by on the other side. So likewise a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he journeyed, came to where he was; and when he saw him, he had compassion, and went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; then he set him on his own beast and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper, saying, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, I will repay you when I come back.' Which of these three, do you think, proved neighbour to the man who fell among the robbers?" He said, "The one who showed mercy on him." And Jesus said to him, "Go and do likewise."
HIRMOS IN TONE SIX
(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, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise Him in the heights! Alleluia.
Friday, November 09, 2007
The Truth About Real Safe Sex ... and related issues
MercatorNet has a thought-provoking piece on a sex education that program that truthfully deals with reality. Click here for the link.
Meanwhile, Reuters reports on links between the pill and cervical cancer.
And the US House of Representatives is seeking to stifle pro-life groups by expanding "the buffer zone" around abortuaries.
And the movie you won't hear too much about in the main stream media is a beautifuly pro-life story called Bella. It's so good Roger Ebert feels compelled to claim it's not pro-life as almost a disclaimer in his positive review!
And finally, that wonderful social agency Planned Parentood is at it again!
Lord, have mercy!
Meanwhile, Reuters reports on links between the pill and cervical cancer.
And the US House of Representatives is seeking to stifle pro-life groups by expanding "the buffer zone" around abortuaries.
And the movie you won't hear too much about in the main stream media is a beautifuly pro-life story called Bella. It's so good Roger Ebert feels compelled to claim it's not pro-life as almost a disclaimer in his positive review!
And finally, that wonderful social agency Planned Parentood is at it again!
Lord, have mercy!
Sunday, November 04, 2007
Hymns and Readings for Sunday
Fifth Sunday of the Cross
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
4 November 2007
Commemorating our venerable fathers the Hieromartyrs
Nicander, Bishop of Myra, and Hermas the priest
Tone Six — Eothinon One
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE SIX
The Angelic Powers were around Your tomb, and the guards became as dead; and Mary stood at the tomb seeking Your spotless body; then You despoiled Hades without being tried by it, and You met the Virgin, O Bestower of Life.
KONTAKION OF THE VIRGIN IN TONE TWO
O never-failing Protectress of Christians, and their ever-present Intercessor before the Creator, despise not the petitions of us sinners, but in your goodness extend your help to us who call upon you with confidence. Hasten, O Mother of God, to intercede for us, for you have always protected those who honor you.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
O save thy people, and bless thy heritage;
be thou their shepherd, and carry them for ever.
Help, LORD; for there is no longer any that is godly;
for the faithful have vanished from among the sons of men.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS
BRETHREN: God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
ALLELUIA
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,
abides in the shadow of the Almighty
He will say to the LORD,
"My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust."
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.” But Abraham said, “Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.” And he said, “Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” And he said, “No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.”
HIRMOS IN TONE SIX
(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, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise Him in the heights! Alleluia.
Twenty-Third Sunday after Pentecost
4 November 2007
Commemorating our venerable fathers the Hieromartyrs
Nicander, Bishop of Myra, and Hermas the priest
Tone Six — Eothinon One
TROPARIA AND KONTAKION
TROPARION OF THE RESURRECTION IN TONE SIX
The Angelic Powers were around Your tomb, and the guards became as dead; and Mary stood at the tomb seeking Your spotless body; then You despoiled Hades without being tried by it, and You met the Virgin, O Bestower of Life.
KONTAKION OF THE VIRGIN IN TONE TWO
O never-failing Protectress of Christians, and their ever-present Intercessor before the Creator, despise not the petitions of us sinners, but in your goodness extend your help to us who call upon you with confidence. Hasten, O Mother of God, to intercede for us, for you have always protected those who honor you.
LITURGY OF THE WORD
PROKIMENON
O save thy people, and bless thy heritage;
be thou their shepherd, and carry them for ever.
Help, LORD; for there is no longer any that is godly;
for the faithful have vanished from among the sons of men.
THE READING FROM THE EPISTLE OF ST PAUL TO THE EPHESIANS
BRETHREN: God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up with him, and made us sit with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not your own doing, it is the gift of God -- not because of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.
ALLELUIA
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High,
abides in the shadow of the Almighty
He will say to the LORD,
"My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust."
THE READING FROM THE HOLY GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST LUKE
THE LORD SPOKE THIS PARABLE: There was a rich man, who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, full of sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table; moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried; and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus in his bosom. And he called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy upon me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in anguish in this flame.” But Abraham said, “Son, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.” And he said, “Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.” But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” And he said, “No, father Abraham; but if some one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.” He said to him, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced if some one should rise from the dead.”
HIRMOS IN TONE SIX
(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, you are truly Theotokos: we magnify you.
COMMUNION HYMN
Praise the LORD! Praise the LORD from the heavens,
Praise Him in the heights! Alleluia.
Friday, November 02, 2007
New Online Video Service
HT to Catholic World News for an article about a new Christian Video service called GodTube. The website intends to provide an alternative to the popular YouTube and is designed in in similar fashion, but with Christian videos. While some of the material is decidedly anti-Catholic (so caution is in order) and a few videos are mocking (Weird Al Yankovic, etc. have not been pulled - I guess they haven't noticed these yet), I have found a few good videos. Amongst them, the below video featuring the Vespers Hymn O Joyful Light sung in Arabic. Beautiful! (The text in English is below the video.)
O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Father immortal: heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Since we have come to the setting of the sun and have seen the evening light, we praise God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is proper for You to be praised at all times by fitting melodies. O Son of God, Giver of Life, therefore the world glorifies You!
And here is the same hymn in Greek (although not the more popular tune used in most parishes)!
Finally, as a bonus, a nice Arabic language description of the traditional Byzantine Iconistasion. Perhaps someone with better Arabic skills will send me a translation of the written commentary (although it's fairly easy to see what is intended). On the other hand, I might post a description and reflection on the Iconistasion in the near future.
PS, Blessed All Souls Day to our Roman brethren! And a belated Blessed All Saints Day as well. (Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox celebrate All Saints Day on the Sunday after Pentecost and commemorate All Souls on the Saturdays of Great Lent and other occasions.)
O Joyful Light of the holy glory of the Father immortal: heavenly, holy, blessed Jesus Christ! Since we have come to the setting of the sun and have seen the evening light, we praise God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It is proper for You to be praised at all times by fitting melodies. O Son of God, Giver of Life, therefore the world glorifies You!
And here is the same hymn in Greek (although not the more popular tune used in most parishes)!
Finally, as a bonus, a nice Arabic language description of the traditional Byzantine Iconistasion. Perhaps someone with better Arabic skills will send me a translation of the written commentary (although it's fairly easy to see what is intended). On the other hand, I might post a description and reflection on the Iconistasion in the near future.
PS, Blessed All Souls Day to our Roman brethren! And a belated Blessed All Saints Day as well. (Byzantine Catholics and Orthodox celebrate All Saints Day on the Sunday after Pentecost and commemorate All Souls on the Saturdays of Great Lent and other occasions.)
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