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Pani Rose
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| Joined: | Fri Oct 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 390 |
| First Name: | Rose | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Ruthenian Byzantine in a Melkite Greek Catholic Parish, raised ... |
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Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 01:49 am |
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At the end of the 'Haste' service, a form of/kind of like a vespers -
this homily is proclaimed in 'all the Byzantines -
whether Catholic or Orthodox' throughout the world on Pascha...
At the end of the Hours, before the Divine Liturgy,
the priest solemnly proclaims the famous Paschal Sermon of St. John Chrysostom
as it has been done for 1600 years.
If any man be devout and loveth God,
Let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast!
If any man be a wise servant,
Let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord.
If any have laboured long in fasting,
Let him how receive his recompense.
If any have wrought from the first hour,
Let him today receive his just reward.
If any have come at the third hour,
Let him with thankfulness keep the feast.
If any have arrived at the sixth hour,
Let him have no misgivings;
Because he shall in nowise be deprived therefore.
If any have delayed until the ninth hour,
Let him draw near, fearing nothing.
And if any have tarried even until the eleventh hour,
Let him, also, be not alarmed at his tardiness.
For the Lord, who is jealous of his honour,
Will accept the last even as the first.
He giveth rest unto him who cometh at the eleventh hour,
Even as unto him who hath wrought from the first hour.
And He showeth mercy upon the last,
And careth for the first;
And to the one He giveth,
And upon the other He bestoweth gifts.
And He both accepteth the deeds,
And welcometh the intention,
And honoureth the acts and praises the offering.
Wherefore, enter ye all into the joy of your Lord;
Receive your reward,
Both the first, and likewise the second.
You rich and poor together, hold high festival!
You sober and you heedless, honour the day!
Rejoice today, both you who have fasted
And you who have disregarded the fast.
The table is full-laden; feast ye all sumptuously.
The calf is fatted; let no one go hungry away.
Enjoy ye all the feast of faith:
Receive ye all the riches of loving-kindness.
Let no one bewail his poverty,
For the universal Kingdom has been revealed.
Let no one weep for his iniquities,
For pardon has shown forth from the grave.
Let no one fear death,
For the Saviour's death has set us free.
He that was held prisoner of it has annihilated it.
By descending into Hell, He made Hell captive.
He embittered it when it tasted of His flesh.
And Isaiah, foretelling this, did cry:
Hell, said he, was embittered
When it encountered Thee in the lower regions.
(The first three words will be repeated by the people at the end of the priest
reading each sentence - litteraly yelled -
some may(we do) use 'hades is angered' instead of it was embittered)
It was embittered, for it was abolished.
It was embittered, for it was mocked.
It was embittered, for it was slain.
It was embittered, for it was overthrown.
It was embittered, for it was fettered in chains.
It took a body, and met God face to face.
It took earth, and encountered Heaven.
It took that which was seen, and fell upon the unseen.
O Death, where is thy sting?
O Hell, where is thy victory?
(here too, the people will yell in responce after the each sentence is read
Christ is Risen!)
Christ is risen, and thou art overthrown!
Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen!
Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice!
Christ is risen, and life reigns!
Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave.
For Christ, being risen from the dead,
Is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.
To Him be glory and dominion
Unto ages of ages.
The Liturgy of St John Chrysostom begins, crowned in Holy Communion.
After 40 days of fasting and prayer the faithful wait in anticipation
to receive the Paschal Eucharistic meal. Pascha is the day of rebirth,
the day of revelation; Christ is truly resurrected once again on this day. |
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NorthStar
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 15th, 2008 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | Chuck | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox |
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Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 04:44 pm |
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In alot of Orthodox Churches, at least in U.S. it is read at the end of the Liturgy before the dismissal. And don't forget the congregational participation (at least we do so in my parish) that takes place either, every time the priest says, "it was embittered" the congregation replies with the same...and everytime the priest says, "Christ is Risen" the congregation replies, "truly He is Risen". The first time I heard this when I was still a catechumen, I realized that the saints were NOT dead, but ALIVE in Christ. It's an amazing homily, and now I'm looking forward to Pascha even more!
Glad you posted it here! 
Chuck
Last edited on Tue Mar 25th, 2008 04:48 pm by NorthStar
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Pani Rose
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| Joined: | Fri Oct 5th, 2007 |
| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 390 |
| First Name: | Rose | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Ruthenian Byzantine in a Melkite Greek Catholic Parish, raised ... |
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Posted: Tue Mar 25th, 2008 09:28 pm |
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Northstar, it was just awesome this year, always is. But, as we finished before the start of the Divine Liturgy, it seemed to me as though it was a cyclone turned upside down. I guess the 40 days of fast have passed and the rejoicing first at the blessing of the new light, then the laurel leaves being tossed, then the ... well here, this is Holy Week at St. George in Birmingham Al from some years past. Enjoy http://www.melkite.org/HolyWeek/Hweek.html
My kids video taped many of the services this year, I hope to have them online before long.
The sacredness of the incense and the prayers of the people in the fullness of the volume with which they could sing - it seemed almost sureal - it was swirling as the deacon was incensing with the bells back on - the bells in the church tower ringing - it was like the prayers were in the cyclone swrilling to heaven.
I don't know it was just mind boggeling. Each year it is, but this year, well wow, I just don't know. I am anxious to hear what you find as you celebrate the Pasch with our Lord.
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NorthStar
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 15th, 2008 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | Chuck | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox |
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Posted: Wed Mar 26th, 2008 04:21 pm |
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I'll definitely post after Holy Week this year! I missed all of Holy Week (and lent, and well pretty much the whole year) in 2007 because of health problems. So I am in strong anticipation for this year. Those pictures are great, though I wish they were a little bigger.  That is a beautiful Church too! Is that your parish? Your description of Pascha being an upside down cyclone is one I've never heard, but definitely accurate.
BTW, do Greek Catholics do the Troparion of Kassiani on Holy Tuesday evening? I mean the one that takes 25 minutes to sing? Just curious as it's my favorite hymn of the entire Church year.
Chuck
Last edited on Wed Mar 26th, 2008 04:28 pm by NorthStar
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Pani Rose
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| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
| Posts: | 390 |
| First Name: | Rose | | Gender: | Female | | Faith History: | Ruthenian Byzantine in a Melkite Greek Catholic Parish, raised ... |
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Posted: Wed Mar 26th, 2008 08:03 pm |
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Hey Chuck,
Am not certain, on Monday and Tuesday we do Presanctified Liturgy and then Bridegroom Service. The Stasis is very long, it is so beautiful, the two services come to about three hours combined. I just get so lost and caught up in the readers singing along with the people it is just becomes - I don't think there really is an accurate way to describe it.
This year since Bishop Nicholas Samra was with us all week, we had the foot washing on Thursday too. The kids got it all on video - can we say three complete tapes for one night Once they can get it on cd, I am going to put it online.
Thank you, it is a beautiful church. We are getting twelve new icons  Thank you Jesus! I think they will be 3'x4' on the walls.
I pray that the Lord sustains you throught this season of your Great and Holy Lent, that you may enjoy the fullness of his majesty in the great sacrifice of time that comes with being in church. God bless all your undertakings for his glory and honor.
Pani rose
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NorthStar
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| Joined: | Sat Mar 15th, 2008 |
| Location: | Wisconsin USA |
| Posts: | 20 |
| First Name: | Chuck | | Gender: | Male | | Faith History: | Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Orthodox |
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Posted: Thu Mar 27th, 2008 03:46 pm |
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So you do the Pre-Sanctified and Bridegroom back to back? That's interesting. (and not a bad idea) Normally we do our pre-sanctified in the morning, then Bridegroom in the evening. (alot of churches dont do the pre-sanctified during Holy Week which is too bad)
Anyways, the Hymn of Kassiani is the last hymn during the Teusday evening Bridegroom service. if you want to listen here is a recording from the 1950's at the Ecumenical Patriarchate.
http://www.ec-patr.net/music/KassianiPart1_BE.rm
http://www.ec-patr.net/music/KassianiPart2_BE.rm
And here is the text in English:
Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
O Lord, the woman who had fallen into many sins perceived Your divinity, and taking upon herself the duty of a myrrh-bearer, with lamentation she brings You myrrh-oils before Your entombment. “Woe unto me!” she cries, “for night is become for me a frenzy of licentiousness, a dark and moonless love of sin. Receive the fountains of my tears, O You Who does gather into clouds the water of the sea. Incline unto me, unto the sighings of my heart, O You Who did bow the Heavens by Your ineffable condescension. I will kiss Your immaculate feet, and wipe them again with the tresses of my hair, those feet at whose sound Eve hid herself for fear when she heard You walking in Paradise in the cool of the day. As for the multitude of my sins and the abyss of Your judgments, who can search them out, O Savior of souls, my Savior? Do not disdain me, Your handmaiden, O You Who are boundless in mercy.”
Anyways, I was just curious. I know the Russian Orthodox do the hymn, but it's just "another hymn" for Holy Week for them, and takes just a few minutes, where as for the Byzantine rite, it's one of the highpoints of the entire Liturgical year.
I also thank you for you for your prayers and well wishes for the rest of Lent and the approaching Holy Week. Have a good day!
Chuck
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CajunRick
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| Joined: | Fri Sep 29th, 2006 |
| Location: | Houma, Louisiana USA |
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Posted: Fri Mar 28th, 2008 02:39 am |
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You guys want to offer some explanations for us poor unfortunate Latins? 
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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Pani Rose
Member
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| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
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Posted: Fri Mar 28th, 2008 01:46 pm |
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The Liturgy of the Presanctified PREFACE The Divine Liturgy being the banquet of Christ is a festive, joyous, and triumphant celebration. The ancient discipline of the Byzantine Rite did not permit such celebration during the season of Great Fast, this being the time of penance and mourning for sin. The Church, knowing that Christ is our greatest strength and support during our earthly pilgrimage, allows us to celebrate a communion service on certain days of the Great Fast. This service, called the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is not a true Divine Liturgy because it contains no consecration of bread and wine into the Body and Blood of Christ. The holy communion that we receive at a Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts is the specie of consecrated bread only. Unconsecrated wine is added for reasons of taste and facility in swallowing the holy communion.
This special service, a combination of Vespers and a communion ritual, is traditionally celebrated on Wednesdays and Fridays of the first six weeks of Great Fast (this can depends on the 'tradition' of each rite or Orthodox Church), and on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of Holy Week. Its authorship is sometimes attributed to St. Gregory Dialogus who prior to becoming Pope of Rome served in Constantinople as a papal envoy. It is more probable that St. Gregory merely recorded this ancient Liturgy from the oral tradition and on his return to Rome introduced it to the western Church.
Here the standing, sitting, kneeling, depends again on the 'tradition' of each rite or Orthodox Church - in many Churches only standing with some sitting, no keeling.
Also, words will very depending on the language and usage of the people. It is important to remember that with the Byzantines, that as each Church came into being the language of the people evangelized was use. So interepreted into English, some for instance will use Mother of God, while others will use Theotokos.
STAND
LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED GIFTS Priest: Blessed is the kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
People: Amen.
Come, let us adore our King and God.
Come, let us adore Christ, our King and our God.
Come, let us adore and bow down to Christ, our King and our God.
Psalm 103
Praise of God's Creation -Bless the Lord, 0 my soul!
You are very great, 0 Lord, my God!
-Clothed in pomp and brilliance,
arrayed with light as with a cloak. -Stretching out the sky as a tent-cloth,
covering your lofty halls with water.
-You make the clouds your conveyance,
You surge on the wings of the wind. -You make spirits your messengers
and flaming fires your attendants.
-You settle the earth on its firm foundation:
it shall stand unmoved from age to age. -The abyss covers it like a garment;
waters stand over the mountains.
-At your rebuke, they will take to flight,
at the peal of your thunder they will fear. -They hurdle the hills and run down the dales
to the place you have chosen for them.
-You have set up a boundary not to be passed:
they shall never return to cover the earth. -Down in the gullies, You make springs to rise:
waters shall go down between the mountains.
-They shall give drink to the beasts of the field;
wild asses will seek them to quench their thirst. -The birds of the sky will abide by them:
from among the rocks they will raise their song.
-From your lofty halls You refresh the mountains;
the earth shall be fed with the fruit of your works. -You make green pastures for the cattle
and food-plants for the service of man,
-So that bread may be brought forth from the earth
and wine that gladdens the heart of man. -So that oil may put a gleam upon his face
and that bread may strengthen the heart of man.
-The trees of the plain will be satisfied,
the cedars of Lebanon that He planted. -The sparrows will build their nests in them
and the herons will call them their home.
-To the deer belong high mountains,
to rodents, the shelter of the rocks. -You have made the moon to mark the seasons;
the sun knows the time of its setting.
-You establish darkness and it is night
wherein the forest creatures prowl around. -Young lions roar for their prey
and call out to God for their meat.
-As the sun rises, they will come together
and lay themselves down in their dens. -Man will go out to his labor
and work until eventide.
-How great are your works, 0 Lord!
In wisdom You have wrought them all:
the earth is filled with your creatures. -Even the wide and open sea itself:
within it there are countless creeping things,
living beings small and large.
-Upon it there are ships a-sailing
and that great beast You made to have fun. -All of them look up to You
to give them their food in due time.
-You provide and they gather up;
You open your hand and they are full. -You hide your face and they cringe,
You suspend their breath and they die and return to their dust.
-You send forth Your breath and they live:
You renew the face of the earth! -May the Lord's glory endure forever,
may the Lord rejoice in his works.
-He looks upon the earth and makes it quake,
He touches the mountains and they smoke. -I will sing to the Lord as long as I live,
I will praise my God as long as I last.
-Would that my thoughts be pleasing to Him
and I will rejoice in the Lord. -May the sinners vanish from the earth
and may the wicked be no more.
-Bless the Lord, 0 my soul! -Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
now and ever, and forever. Amen.
-Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia.
Glory be to You, 0 God. (3 times with a bow)
SIT
LITANY OF PEACE Priest: In peace, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For peace from on high, and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For peace in the whole world, for the well-being of the holy Churches of God and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this holy church and for all who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our holy ecumenical pontiff N., the Pope of Rome, for our most reverend Archbishop and Metropolitan N., for our God loving Bishop N., for the venerable priesthood, the diaconate in Christ, and all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For our civil authorities and all in the service of our country, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For this city, for every city and country, and for those living within them in faith, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For seasonable weather, for an abundance of the fruits of the earth, and for peaceful times, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For those who travel by sea, air, and land, and for the salvation of the sick, the suffering and the captive, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: For deliverance from all affliction, wrath, and need, let us pray to the Lord.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us and preserve us, O God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Having remembered our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary with all the saints - let us commend ourselves and one another, and our whole life, to Christ, our God.
People: To You, O Lord.
Priest: (Silently) O Lord, our God, whose might is beyond description, whose glory surpasses all understanding, whose mercy is without limits, whose love for man is beyond expression, now, 0 Master, in your kindness, look down upon us and this holy church, and bestow on us and upon those praying with us your abundant mercies and your benefits.
(Aloud) For to You is due all glory, honor, and worship, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
People: Amen.
FIRST ANTIPHON
Psalm 120
The Lord, our Guardian -I lifted up my eyes to the hills
whence help shall come to me;
-My help shall come from the Lord
who made heaven and earth. -He will not suffer your foot to stumble
He who is your Guardian will not fall asleep.
-Behold, He will neither sleep nor slumber,
the Watcher over Israel. -The Lord shall keep watch over you,
the Lord is your shelter at your right hand.
-The sun shall not harm you by day,
nor shall the moon by night. -The Lord shall preserve you from every evil,
the Lord shall preserve your soul;
-The Lord shall preserve Your coming and your going
henceforth and for evermore. Priest: Again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace. People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, 0 God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, 0 Lord.
Priest: (Silently) 0 Lord, compassionate and loving, long-suffering and most merciful, hear our prayer and listen to the voice of our supplication. Make a favorable covenant with us, guide us along your ways that we may live in your truth, gladden our hearts that we may fear your holy Name; for You are great and You perform wondrous deeds. You are the only God and none other is like You, 0 Lord. You are great in mercy and able, in your power, to assist, support, and save all those who place their hope in your holy Name.
(Aloud) And to You, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is due all glory, honor, and worship, now and ever, and forever.
People: Amen.
SECOND ANTIPHON
Psalm 122
Israel's prayer in persecution -I have lifted up my eyes to You
who dwell in heaven.
-Behold, as the eyes of the servants are on the hands of their masters,
as the eyes of a maid are on the hands of her mistress, -So are our eyes on the Lord our God,
until He have mercy on us.
-Have mercy on us, 0 Lord, have mercy on us,
for we are more than filled with contempt. -Yes, our soul has been more than filled.
May reproach fall on the prosperous and contempt on the proud. Priest: Again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace. People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, 0 God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, 0 Lord.
Priest: (Silently) 0 Lord, in your indignation do not rebuke us; in your wrath do not chastise us; but deal with us according to your loving-kindness, 0 Physician and Healer of our Souls. Guide us to the harbor of your will; enlighten the eyes of our mind that we may know your truth. Grant that the remainder of this day and all the days of our life may be peaceful and without sin through the prayers of the holy Mother of God and through the prayers of all the Saints.
(Aloud) For yours is the might, and yours is the kingdom and the power, and the glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
People: Amen.
THIRD ANTIPHON
Psalm 127
The Happy Home of the Just -Blessed are all who fear the Lord,
who walk in his ways.
-You shall eat of your hand's labor:
blessed are you, and it shall be well with you. -Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine
in the recesses of your house.
-Your sons, like olive shoots
around your table. -Behold, in this way shall be blessed
the man who fears the Lord.
-May the Lord bless you out of Sion;
and may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. -May you see your children's children.
Peace be upon Israel. Priest: Again and again, let us pray to the Lord in peace. People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Protect us, save us, have mercy on us, and preserve us, 0 God, by your grace.
People: Lord, have mercy.
Priest: Remembering our most holy, most pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, the Mother of God and ever-virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us commend ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.
People: To You, 0 Lord.
Priest: (Silently) 0 Lord our God, be mindful of us sinners and your unworthy servants as we call upon your holy Name, and put us not to shame for having placed our hope in your mercy. Graciously grant us, 0 Lord, all the means of salvation; make us worthy to love and fear You with all our heart and to accomplish your will in all things.
(Aloud) For You are a gracious God and You love mankind, and to You we give glory, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and forever.
People: Amen.
STAND Psalm 140
Prayer Against the Enticements of Wickedness -0 Lord, I have cried out to You: hear me,
give heed to the voice of my supplication when I cry out to You.
-Let my prayer rise like incense before You
and the lifting of my hands, like an evening sacrifice. -Set a guard, 0 Lord, before my mouth
and a portal around my lips.
-Incline my heart away from evil dealings,
from finding excuses for sinful deeds. -In company with men who work iniquity
let me not partake of what they choose.
-May a just man chasten me with justice and reprove me;
may the oil of the wicked never touch my head. -Yet even then shall I pray for their welfare.
Their rulers were swallowed near the rock.
-My words will be heard for they were sweet.
As a lump of clay broken on the ground, so their bones were strewn near the grave. -To You, Lord, 0 Lord, my eyes are lifted up;
in You have I hoped: let not my soul be lost.
-Keep me from the snare that was set up for me
and from the stumbling-blocks of wicked men. -The wicked shall fall into their own nets
while I remain alone until I can escape.
KNEEL
The priest will now carry the Holy Gifts to the Altar of Preparation while the Hymns of Vespers are sung.
HYMNS OF VESPERS First Week of Great Fast
Second Week of Great Fast
Third Week of Great Fast
Fourth Week of Great Fast
Fifth Week of Great Fast
Week Before Palm Sunday
Great and Holy Week
 http://www.byzantines.net/liturgy/presanctified.htm
Last edited on Fri Mar 28th, 2008 01:52 pm by Pani Rose
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Pani Rose
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| Location: | Irondale, Alabama USA |
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Posted: Fri Mar 28th, 2008 02:01 pm |
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THEOTOKOS - MOTHER OF GOD
Theotokos is Mary, the mother of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Title Theotokos is the highest title given to Mary.
In 431, the Third Ecumenical Council upheld the true doctrine that Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is both fully Holy God and fully Man.
Why do we call her "The Theotokos"? "Theotokos" is a Greek word made up of two parts. The prefix "Theo" means God and the word "tokos" means "carrier or bearer in the womb" (birth mother). Then, The Theotokos is the carrier or bearer of God in her womb (birth mother). The Ever-Virgin Mary was the carrier or bearer (birth mother) of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ, the son of God and the second person in the Holy Trinity. The Theotokos carried God from Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ's conception to His birth According to the Flesh. Therefore, Mary can rightly be called "Theotokos" or "God-bearer." The term "Theotokos" does not imply that Mary contributed anything to the divine nature of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ. The term "Theotokos" merely affirms the belief that the person to whom she gave birth is without division both God and a human being.
Mary, the mother of Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ is the "Theotokos". She is NOT the "Christotokos", which means carrier or bearer of Christ in her womb (birth mother). Mary was called her "Christotokos" (Mother of Christ) by Nestorius and his followers. They believed that Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ was a very holy man sent by God, but was not Himself the Holy Son of Holy God, that is Holy God the Holy Son. In 431, the Third Ecumenical Council upheld the true doctrine that Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ is both fully God and fully Man.
The Theotokos is greatest saint.
Parents The Theotokos' mother was The Ancester of Christ, Ann and her father was The Ancester of Christ, Joachim. They are the grandparents according to the flesh of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dormition The Theotokos left this earthly life and was taken into heaven in a miraculous way: both body and soul. Holy God the Son within the Holy Trinity / Our Lord, God and Savior, Jesus Christ received her soul and body into heaven. The Theotokos left behind an empty tomb filled with the fragrance of flowers.
For More Information Great Feast of the Dormition of The Theotokos
http://www.mliles.com/melkite/theotokosprint.shtml
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Pani Rose
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Posted: Fri Mar 28th, 2008 02:18 pm |
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Great and Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday Jesus teaches in the temple, which we remember in the readings and chants of the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and the Bridegroom Service. The Pre-Sanctified Liturgy and Holy Communion comprise Vespers, the evening prayer, which is moved forward to the morning. The Bridegroom Service with the The Troparion of the Bridegroom comprises Matins, the morning prayer, which is moved forward to the evening of the day before.
Matins is the the Bridegroom Service of Great and Holy Tuesday, which is celebrated on Great and Holy Monday evening Jesus teaches in the temple, which we remember in the readings and chants of the Bridegroom Service.
We commemorate the story of the Ten Virgins, the men entrusted with the talents, and the Last Judgement.
Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ's told a parable regarding the wise and foolish virgins. The wise virgins continually awaited the coming of their Master with alertness, their lamps burning through the darkness. The foolish ones went to sleep, assuming they would have enough time to prepare at the last minute. But the Bridegroom came in the midst of the night, rewarding those who kept watch for Him and casting out those who wasted the opportunity to prepare to meet him.
Our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ's told a parable regarding the men entrusted with the talents. A gift from God must by wisely to bear fruit.
We must prepare for the Last Judgement and the end of the world.
The troparion sung recalls the Gospel story of the servants waiting all night for the bridegroom to come. We understand that the Bridegroom for whom we are waiting is the Messiah.
The Troparion of the Bridegroom
Behold, the Bridegroom is coming in the middle of the night: blessed is the servant He shall find awake. But the one He shall find neglectful will not be worthy of Him. Beware, there-fore, O my soul! Do not fall into deep slumber, lest you be delivered to death and the door of the kingdom be closed on you. Watch instead, and cry out: "Holy, Holy, Holy are You, O God! Through the intercession of the angels, have mercy on us."
I FORGOT THE LINK HERE, BUT IT ONE OF TWO PREVIOUS ONES
HERE IS A MORE DETAILED EXPLANATION http://dce.oca.org/Sections/Resources/Resources/42.pdf
LINK TO THE BRIDGROOM SERVICE - BUT IT DOES NOT CONTAIN EVERY PART
http://www.rongolini.com/bridegroom.htm
Last edited on Fri Mar 28th, 2008 02:45 pm by Pani Rose
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Pani Rose
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Posted: Fri Mar 28th, 2008 03:18 pm |
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Chuck, I always feel like I am sitting under the icon of the Theotokos Life Giving Spring during that. Just being emersed anew in the love of our Lord. Imagine, just sitting there with the waters flowing over us - wow - I just get lost in space and time during that. It is just amazing!!!
 (Once a soldier named Leo assisted a blind man who had lost his way. While looking for water for him, he heard a voice from an unseen person say “Emperor Leo, take water and give it to the thirsty man; then take some of the slime by it and put it on his eyes.” To the soldier Leo’s surprise, a nearby spring gushed out before him. When he did as the voice commanded him, the blind man received his sight. This soldier later became the Christian East Roman or Byzantine Emperor Leo I (457-473).
http://www.skete.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=155&Category_ID=27
Let me see if I can explain - the rythum of the music - especially our Church as it is Middle Eastern - whether in the English, Greek, or Arabic - it somehow, carries you away. I love the chant of the Slavic people, from which we are, it is a bit slower, and mournful in a way, there one gets lost in the time of the occassion too.
We find ourselves there realizing that we are gathered together with those 'bridemaids' in the anxsiousness of their situation - are they really prepared? Finding they are greatly lacking in their love of God and man - is anyone ever really prepared? Yet God's mercy is so great that he allows us to join together with those that are prepared, those of the Church Triumphant and Church Militant - to wait for the gathering of God's people as they come in anticipation of his arrival. Scripture says the last shall be as the first, just like John Chrysostom said in his homily that brings in a way the climax of the whole week as we await the Resurrection of our Lord.
Hope it helps a little, but only when you hear it sung can one truly appreciate it. I will try to get the kids to hurry on their project - kids,   they are all in their 20's - ain't no kids no more  But in our Fathers house we are all kids 
Pani Rose
Last edited on Fri Mar 28th, 2008 03:28 pm by Pani Rose
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SBC2RCC
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Posted: Mon Mar 31st, 2008 09:54 pm |
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Several years ago I used the text from this beloved saint as the message at an Easter sunrise service on our little town in Georgia. I was a Southern Baptist pastor then. There was a very small Catholic mission in town, with about 20 members. At the time, I was resepctful of Catholic teaching, especially the Early Church Fathers, but had no inkling I would one day join the RCC!
Anyway, no wonder he was called the Golden Mouth, I think it was.
____________________
In Christ,
Monte W
(Formerly on CHN Forum as "Pilgrim Paul"
Minima Maxima Sunt
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CajunRick
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Posted: Tue Apr 1st, 2008 12:22 am |
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SBC2RCC wrote: Anyway, no wonder he was called the Golden Mouth, I think it was.
Golden mouthed, or golden tongued. Such a shame that so many Protestant preachers discount the early Fathers.
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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NorthStar
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 04:54 pm |
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Pani Rose wrote: Chuck, I always feel like I am sitting under the icon of the Theotokos Life Giving Spring during that. Just being emersed anew in the love of our Lord. Imagine, just sitting there with the waters flowing over us - wow - I just get lost in space and time during that. It is just amazing!!!
(Once a soldier named Leo assisted a blind man who had lost his way. While looking for water for him, he heard a voice from an unseen person say “Emperor Leo, take water and give it to the thirsty man; then take some of the slime by it and put it on his eyes.” To the soldier Leo’s surprise, a nearby spring gushed out before him. When he did as the voice commanded him, the blind man received his sight. This soldier later became the Christian East Roman or Byzantine Emperor Leo I (457-473).
http://www.skete.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&Product_ID=155&Category_ID=27
Let me see if I can explain - the rythum of the music - especially our Church as it is Middle Eastern - whether in the English, Greek, or Arabic - it somehow, carries you away. I love the chant of the Slavic people, from which we are, it is a bit slower, and mournful in a way, there one gets lost in the time of the occassion too.
We find ourselves there realizing that we are gathered together with those 'bridemaids' in the anxsiousness of their situation - are they really prepared? Finding they are greatly lacking in their love of God and man - is anyone ever really prepared? Yet God's mercy is so great that he allows us to join together with those that are prepared, those of the Church Triumphant and Church Militant - to wait for the gathering of God's people as they come in anticipation of his arrival. Scripture says the last shall be as the first, just like John Chrysostom said in his homily that brings in a way the climax of the whole week as we await the Resurrection of our Lord.
Hope it helps a little, but only when you hear it sung can one truly appreciate it. I will try to get the kids to hurry on their project - kids, they are all in their 20's - ain't no kids no more But in our Fathers house we are all kids
Pani Rose
Thanks for posting all those explanations for everyone else. I think you've said everything I could have said, and done it much better. Holy Week is only 2 weeks and 2 days away for me....I can't believe how time flies. Take care...
Chuck
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rbo4u2
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 05:05 pm |
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CajunRick wrote: SBC2RCC wrote: Anyway, no wonder he was called the Golden Mouth, I think it was.
Golden mouthed, or golden tongued. Such a shame that so many Protestant preachers discount the early Fathers.
Actually, you'd be surprised to learn that Chrysostom is one of the most quoted by many Protestant authors. I know he's been a favorite of many of the ministers I've heard who quote the church fathers. When I was in college, back in the dark ages, one of the little books I was given was a book of sermons by Chrysostom. Our pastor just quoted him recently. Of course, they pick and choose which passages, but at least they quote him.
Rich
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CajunRick
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 05:29 pm |
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rbo4u2 wrote: Of course, they pick and choose which passages, but at least they quote him.
It's one thing to quote, and another to read and study. Do you think they have actually read and studied those that they quote, or are they simply pulling an isolated phrase from another source?
____________________
Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand. - Augustine
Rick Luquette
Luquette Lane
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rbo4u2
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Posted: Fri Apr 4th, 2008 05:43 pm |
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CajunRick wrote:
It's one thing to quote, and another to read and study. Do you think they have actually read and studied those that they quote, or are they simply pulling an isolated phrase from another source?
I can only speak for the preachers I know. Most of the one's I've heard and know personally have studied the sermons of the early church fathers. However, they will, as they say, "eat the meat and spit out the bones." They will acknowledge what the fathers say, but will ignore what they don't agree with and quote what agrees with their theology. Also, some are of the opinion that some of these old sermons have passed through so many hands that you can't be certain that what is there is what the saint originally wrote, but was probably added by a later scribe.
I suspect if you pressed them on the issue they wouldn't be able to support their position.
Also, I read through Chrysostom's sermons many years ago, but his Catholic emphasis just went over my head because I was reading through Protestant glasses. I would retain what I agreed with but forget what may have been opposite of my beliefs. Blindness will do that. And I also believe, God doesn't always bring truth to our attention until we have been prepared by him to receive it. We have to have a lot of "reconstructive surgery" on our brains.
Rich
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Posted: Sun Apr 6th, 2008 04:16 pm |
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Brain surgery, yes, Rich. Also, for me at least, heart surgery!
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