Vulnerability in the presence of the Lord—which can be discovered, for example, in a non-anxious recitation of the Jesus Prayer leading into silence; in uncluttered, wordless adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; or in frank and honest conversation with the Lord about one’s fears

Ok this is interesting. I’ve always wondered where the move to July 3rd came from. (In the Byz Rite St Thomas is Oct 6th). While generally I don’t like moving feast days around, the old date of St Thomas on Dec 21st seemed to take the focus away from Sapientiatide and the more.

A great thread; I’m glad to see this problem getting attention. The “bleaching” of our built environment discussed here is not just about lighting. It’s also about painting and other decorative use of color. Everything from floors to walls to furniture to car exteriors has been.

A good troparion for all of us here on Twitter.

The door of the bridal chamber is open; God’s wedding feast has been prepared within; the Bridegroom is at hand and calls us. Let us then make ready. (Holy Tuesday, ode 3). ‘Go to such a man’, He who knows all things said beforehand to His apostles, ‘and blessed is he who can.

From St Andrew of Crete's Holy Week Compline canons:. ‘I implore thee, Lazarus,’ said hell, ‘rise up, depart quickly from my bonds and be gone. It is better for me to lament bitterly for the loss of one, rather than of all those whom I swallowed in my hunger.’ . ‘Why dost thou.

And here are the final two troparia (before the concluding “extra” troparia to St. Mary of Egypt). The conclusion hits a note of complete reliance on God’s mercy. Not even “worthy fruits of repentance” will save me: only the grace of God poured out upon me in the Blood of Christ.

Marriage is honourable, and the marriage-bed undefiled. For on both Christ has given His blessing, eating in the flesh at the wedding in Cana, turning water into wine and revealing His first miracle, to bring thee, my soul, to a change of life. A thief accused Thee, a thief.

All the names of the Old Testament have I set before thee, my soul, as an example. Imitate the holy acts of the righteous and flee from the sins of the wicked. O Saviour, heal the putrefaction of my humbled soul, for Thou art the one Physician; apply plaster, and pour in oil.

Now I speak boastfully, with boldness of heart; yet all to no purpose and in vain. O righteous Judge, who alone art compassionate, do not condemn me with the Pharisee; but grant me the abasement of the Publican and number me with him. (Great Canon, ode 4). 5/10.

May the Blood from Thy side be to me a cleansing fount, and may the water that flows with it be a drink of forgiveness. May I be purified by both, O Word, anointed and refreshed, having as chrism and drink Thy words of life. I am deprived of the bridal chamber, of the wedding.

Skillfully hast thou planned to build a tower, O my soul, and to establish a stronghold for thy lusts; but the Creator confounded thy designs and dashed thy devices to the ground. (Great Canon, ode 2). Thou knowest, my soul, the ladder that was shown to Jacob, reaching up from.

From the Great Canon:. Where shall I begin to weep for the actions of my wretched life? What first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, in this my lamentation? But in Thy compassion grant me forgiveness of sins. Though I have sinned, O Saviour, yet I know that Thou art full of.

Today, among other things, is the feast of St. Andrew of Crete, a great hymnographer, most famous for his Great Canon, used during the first and fifth weeks of Lent in the Byzantine rite. He composed many other canons as well, including 3-ode canons for each evening of Holy Week

Sometimes I get irritated when people say "issues" when what they mean is "problems," but eventually I'll probably be forced to admit that that ship has sailed.

Actually, (1) the Orthodox Church is not the early church - neither is any other church; (2) the Church at her best looks forward to the eschaton and the New Jerusalem not to a false Eden of any past age (big theme in Zizioulas); and (3) the hunger of the American soul is for.

Got blocked for this. Fun :).

For about a week now this “do Muslims worship the true God?” debate has been dragging on ad nauseam. Obviously, I subscribe to the teaching of Vatican II on the matter (Nostra Aetate, par. 3). I don’t pretend to have any substantive arguments to contribute beyond what’s already.

RT @hmkherman: Adding this to my thread of excellent color, light, and decorative contrast in church interiors .

RT @rayhood1231: Throwback to 1920s squad