Orthodox Great and Holy Week

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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ORTHODOX GREAT AND HOLY WEEK

"Behold the Bridegroom Cometh in the Midst of the Night..."

(The divine service is Matins [Morning Prayers] of Great and Holy Monday and chanted 

by anticipation on Palm Sunday evening.)

Monday of Great and Holy Week (is chanted by anticipation, now Palm Sunday Evening) commemorates the blessed and noble Joseph and the fig tree which was cursed and withered by the Lord. The withering of the fig tree was a miracle of special symbolism since the tree had leaves, but not fruit. It is symbolic of the many people who claim ethical and religious identity, but who in reality have empty lives that yield no fruit. This was also the case with some of the Pharisees of that period. Jesus cursed the tree: "May no fruit ever come from you again" (St. Matthew 21:19). The reference to the story of the virtuous Joseph of the Old Testament (Genesis 37-41) is made only for contrast since the life of Joseph was a model of propriety and sincere observance of ethical principles.

On this evening, we begin with the Hymn of the Bridegroom (Christ), "Behold the Bridegroom comes in the midst of the night...beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be borne down in sleep...and lest thou be shut out from the Kingdom...".

The Gospel reading during this divine service is according to Saint Matthew 21:18-43.  

GREAT HOLY AND MONDAY MORNING

"Both watch and pray..."

(The service is Orthros (Matins) of Tuesday morning sung by anticipation on Monday evening)

Tuesday of Great and Holy Week (sung by anticipation, now on Monday evening) commemorates the Parable of the Ten Virgins, St. Matthew 25:1-13). Ethical preparation and wakefulness are the foundations of vivid faith. The Parable of the Ten Virgins is developed around the theme of the Bridegroom: "Why are Thou heedless, O my soul?...Work most diligently with the talent which has been confided to thee; both watch and pray." The hymnologist reminds us, "I do not possess a torch aflame with virtue, and the foolish virgin I imitate when it is the time for action"; and "Into the splendor of thy saints, how can I, who am unholy enter?" The exhortation is given: "Come, Ye faithful, let us work earnestly for the Master...increase our talent of grace...Wisdom through good works."

The Gospel is Saint Matthew 22:15-23 through 23:39; 24-26 through 26:2.

GREAT AND HOLY TUESDAY EVENING

"When he came to himself...he came to his father..."

(The service is Orthros (Matins) of Wednesday morning sung by anticipation on Tuesday evening.)

On Wednesday of Great and Holy Week (sung by anticipation, now on Tuesday evening), it has been ordained by the Holy Fathers of the Church that commemoration should be made of the anointing of Christ with myrrh by the woman in the house of Simon, the leper, in Bethany.  repentance was the mission of the Prophets. It would be an apt one-word title for the Holy Bible, because "repentance” was the mission of our Lord. This woman who demonstrates her repentance and her warm faith toward our Lord still presents to us the aroma of her virtue for imitation.

In the evening is chanted the beautiful "Hymn of Cassiane." It begins: "The woman who had fallen into many sins recognized Thy Godhead, O Lord; Woe to me, saith she; receive the sources of my tears, O Thou Who doth gather into clouds the water of the seas. Who can trace out the multitude of my sins and the abysses of my misdeeds? O Thou Whose mercy is unbounded."

The Gospel reading is according to Saint John 12:17-50.

GREAT AND HOLY WEDNESDAY MORNING

"The Light of Christ shineth for all..."

(The Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts)

The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated on this day for the last time during Great and Holy Lent. This very ancient Liturgy is a Vesper (Esperinos) Service, with the Holy Gifts presanctified in the Liturgy on the previous Sunday.

GREAT AND HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING

"Anointing him sick with oil in the name of the Lord..."

(Mysterion [Sacrament] of Holy Oil [Unction] )

The Sacred ceremony of the Mysterion of the Holy Oil takes place on this Wednesday evening, following an old tradition. It is the evening or repentance, confession, and the remission of sins by the Lord, preparing the faithful Orthodox Christians to receive Holy Communion, usually the next day, Holy Thursday morning. Holy Unction (Holy Oil) is the Mysterion (Sacrament) for cleansing sins and renewing the body and the spirit of the faithful. Holy Oil is one of the Seven Sacraments of the Church, and it has its origin in the practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle (Letter) of Saint James (Iakovos) 5:14-15. At the end of the divine service, the priest anoints the Orthodox Christians with Holy Oil, the visible carrier of the Grace of God.

GREAT AND HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING

"Let no fear separate you from Me..."

(The divine service is Orthros (Matins) of Thursday morning chanted by anticipation, on Wednesday evening.)

The Orthros (Matins) of Thursday morning is chanted by anticipation, on Wednesday evening.  In many Orthodox churches, however, this divine service is chanted at its designated Thursday morning time, before the Vespers and Divine Liturgy. "On Thursday in Holy Week (now Wednesday evening or Thursday morning) the Holy Fathers of the Church, who had well-ordained things, handed down to us successively from the Holy Apostles and the Sacred Gospels to celebrate four events: the washing of the Disciples’ feet, the institution of the Holy Eucharist, the marvelous prayer, the betrayal."

The Gospel reading is according to Saint Luke 22:1-39.

GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY MORNING

"Do this in remembrance of Me..."

(The divine service is the Vespers (Esperinos) and Divine Liturgy of Thursday which is chanted in the morning by anticipation.)

Jesus drew His last breath of freedom on this Thursday night. Christ knew all the incidents which were about to take place and called to Him His Apostles in order to institute the Holy Eucharist for them and for the Church forever. At the end of March, with the full moon as a brilliant lantern in the sky and the weather mild, the people in Jerusalem enjoyed the beginning of spring. In this atmosphere, Christ presented Bread and Wine as the Elements of His very Body and His very Blood; they are the Precious Gifts which have been left as his perpetual Presence in the Holy Church. This institution of the Holy Eucharist (Holy Communion) and it re-enactment through the centuries, both as a sacrifice and sacred ceremony (Mysterion), is the life-giving remembrance which, along with the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, constitutes the basis of salvation for the Orthodox Christian.

The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great is officiated on this holy day. The readings are: 2 Corinthians 11:23-32; St. Matthew 26:2-28; Saint John 13:3-17; St. Matthew 26:21-39; St. Luke 22:43-44; St. Matthew 26:40-75; St. Matthew 27:1-2. During this Divine Liturgy, the priest prepares the "Amnos," ("the Lamb") the Holy Communion, which is kept throughout the whole year to be given the Orthodox Christian faithful in times of sickness. The Holy Body and Precious Blood of Christ are present in the Church during the entire year and throughout the ages. On this day, with greater feeling than ever, Christians singing: "Receive me today, O Son of God, as a partaker of Thy Mystic Feast; for I will not speak of the Mystery to Thine enemies, I will not kiss Thee as did Judas, but like the thief, I will confess Thee, Lord, remember me when Thou comest to Thy Kingdom."  (Source: O Logos by Father George Mastrantonis).

(To be continued)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostom

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),

The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

The Cross of Christ is the Life-Giving Tree

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE

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THE CROSS OF CHRIST IS THE LIFE-GIVING TREE

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (St. Matthew 16:24).

In the Old Testament book of Genesis God said to Adam and Eve, "You shall not eat from it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die" (Genesis 3:3). The fruit of disobedience is death. However, theosis (deification) comes through obedience to God and His Commandments. Eve was deceived by the evil serpent and thus disobeyed God. She, in turn, gave the fruit to her husband, and he ate. His free will was the first thing to suffer in the Fall, and thus is the first thing that needs healing in man.

What we also see with our ancestral parents is their lack of repentance. As a matter of fact, Adam went as far as to blame God, "The woman you gave me, gave me of the tree, and I ate" (Genesis 3:12). "The woman said, '"The serpent deceived me, and I ate." Because of their disobedience, they were expelled from the "garden of pleasure". The woman's seed is first our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and secondly His Holy Church. The Tree of Life (Genesis 3:24) prefigures Christ, through which man regains Paradise.

As we anticipate the Passion of our Lord, we recall His suffering on the Cross, which is the Tree of Life. As Orthodox Christian believers we find strength in our personal struggle. This struggle of following Christ is called His "yoke". "Take My yoke upon you...For My yoke is easy, and My burden is light" (St. Matthew 11:29-30). Jesus called it also a Cross. Long before the day of His crucifixion, the Lord taught: "If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (St. Matthew 16:24). "He that taketh not his cross, and followeth after Me, is not worthy of Me" (St. Matthew 10:38).

Our path, as Orthodox Christians, is "the path of the cross and of struggle." In other words, my dear friends, it is the path of patience; of the bearing of sorrows, persecutions, suffering for the Name of Christ; to deny the enticements of the world and worldly goods for the sake of Christ; of fighting against one's passions and lusts.  

The Holy Apostles following the path of Christ completed the struggle of their life with a martyr's death. We, too, as we continue our spiritual struggle to Christ on this Great and Holy Week should act according to our individual strength. Our spiritual ascesis (struggle) cannot exist without sacrifice, without inward battle, without self-control and restraint.

The entire history of our Holy Church has been built on struggles. Historically, we witness this struggle and sufferings of the Holy Martyrs, the Holy Fathers, and Mothers of the Church, the Holy Confessors and of the desert dwellers among countless other believers. Over the many centuries, millions of Christians, following the path to Christ, were willing to suffer for Christ, to die for Christ.

Knowing how challenging the path to Christ and the way of the Cross is, we, Christian believers, must be willing to accept our destiny. First, we should practice self-restraint and spiritual cleansing. Also, by following the holy example of the Saints, by vigils, fasts, virtue, worship, faith and willingness to repent.  

During this holy season, the Orthodox Christian should understand that everything that we will experience leads us to our own spiritual renewal. To reaffirm and rededicate ourselves to the service of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We enter Great and Holy Week with empty hands "for we have not done anything good upon the earth." We do, however, have an opportunity to follow the example of the "good thief" who from his cross asked Christ, "Lord," remember me when Thou comest into Thy Kingdom" (St. Luke 23:42). Furthermore, to hear Jesus' answer to him, "Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise" (St. Luke 23:43).  Hopefully we too, on that day, will hear His Divine invitation to enter into His Kingdom.

The Tree in the middle of the garden whose fruit the first Adam and Eve ate brought the ancestral sin as a consequence of their disobedience. But, the Cross of Christ, the Second Adam, who was obedient unto death, bore the fruit of salvation to those who believe. We also have the example, par excellence, of the Ever-Virgin, the Second Eve, and her total obedience to the Almighty God when she responded to the announcement of Archangel Gabriel that she was chosen by God to be the mother of His Son by saying: "Behold the maid-servant of the Lord! Let it be to me according to your word" (St. Luke 1:38). Mary's faithful response is that of the highest obedience to God. Whereas Eve once disobeyed, Ever-Virgin Mary now obeys; whereas Eve closed herself to God, the Theotokos opens to His will.

When we look at the overall picture of what is to happen soon and every year at this time,  we are reminded of God's love for all of mankind. What more can we ask for? Salvation is a gift from Him. It is through His Sacrifice on the Cross that we are saved. What kind of sacrifice are we willing to offer to Him for all that He has done for us? Are we willing to follow Him? Are we willing to "take up the cross"? Are we willing to accept His invitation to the Kingdom?  Questions that everyone needs to answer for himself.  

As we traverse through the Great and Holy Week we reach the Holy and Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Saint John Chrysostom reminds us all of the Great Banquet that awaits us and at which we are all invited to the feast. "Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful bright Festival. And whosoever is a grateful servant, let him rejoice and enter into the joy of the Lord...The calf is a fatter one. Let no one go away hungry. Partake ye all of the cup of faith. Enjoy ye all the riches of his goodness. Let no one grieve at his poverty; for the universal Kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he hath fallen again and again; for forgiveness hath risen from the grave. Let no one fear death; for the death of our Savior hath set us free...".

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ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ! Α BLESSED PASCHA TO ALL!

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!"- Saint John Chrysostom

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

"God is With Us..."

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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"Μεθ' ημών ο Θεός... ("God is with us...")

There is nothing that anyone can say that is more reassuring and comforting to one who is experiencing this most profound human grief than to be reminded that truly God is with us at all times and in all places. 

As your priest, I am here to tell you we shall overcome. We are God's children who He loves.  Wherever we are and wherever we go, God is there. There is no place where God is not.  

The Christian high holy days of Great and Holy Week are spiritually uplifting and emotional. As Orthodox Christians, not only do we observe them with reverence, but we definitely experience them in all their majesty and solemnity; we attempt to experience, as much as humanly possible, what our Lord felt and went through His last few days and hours on earth. We, however, as His followers, learn from Him how to be more loving, more patient, more forgiving, more obedient, more prayerful, more faithful, more courageous, more resolute, and holy.

Our faith, my good friends, is not a theory but a way of life. A fruitful life filled with promise and hope. No matter what we experience in life, whether it is one of sorrow or of joy, we imitate and emulate our Lord in everything. We are emboldened by our Lord's Divine Life for He is our most perfect and most excellent example. In Him, we see Perfect God and Perfect Man. 

I know what you now feel and how much you miss attending the divine services of our Church, as well as, receiving the sacraments, but believe me, it is only for a brief time. We are going through this difficult and excruciating time together. I too, miss your presence terribly, but that does not deter me from praying for you, it does not diminish my love for you, and/or to continue to serve your spiritual needs. We are always united in Christ and in the Spirit. Nothing can ever come between us. After all, we are brothers and sisters in Christ!

It is important to remember that the real Church is indeed the body of Christ. In other words, Clergy and Laity together. What we refer to as the 'church' is only the temple (ναός), the place of worship (λατρεία). Although we are not together in the place of worship, the church, we are not really apart. We are assuredly united in prayer and worship. It is the love of God and for each other, that unites us to one another. We feel His presence in our homes, in the place of work, and in our daily lives.  

Allow the grace of the Holy Spirit to fill your heart. When our heart becomes the dwelling place of God we truly feel the fullness of His presence. Like Saint Paul, we say, "I no longer  live, but God lives in me." The ultimate and noble goal of every Orthodox Christian believer is to be one with Christ. When this happens the eyes of our soul will be opened to witness a divine epiphany that can never be described in human words. It will be our own personal metamorphosis.

Preparing ourselves spiritually, through prayer and fasting, during this holy season, and Great and Holy Week, we look forward to the Day of the Resurrection. We look forward to our Lord's triumph over death and evil. To share in the joy of the Heavenly Host, as well as all of God's Creation. To experience the great joy of salvation and the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of God is the absolute Kingdom of Joy, of Life, of Light, of Love, of Eternal Peace.

I ask you to unite your prayers with mine during this Great and Holy Week and let us not diminish its importance and holiness with negative thoughts, self-pity, disappointment, and sadness.   

May we all have a Blessed Pascha! (Kalo Pascha!)

With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),

The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

God's Love Portrayed in Christ's Sacrifice

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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GOD'S LOVE PORTRAYED IN CHRIST'S SACRIFICE

In the year 33 A.D., on the 14th day of the month Nissan, on Friday about noon at a rocky place as Golgotha outside of the City of Jerusalem, Jesus Christ was crucified by nailing of His Hands on the horizontal bar of a cross and His Feet on the vertical one. The verdict of such a sentence was pronounced by Pontius Pilate, the Roman Procurator of the vicinity, but the moral culprit was a mob of Jewish people whose high priest, Annas, but still a very influential person.

They crucified the Innocent One Who bore the sins of the world; they nailed on the Cross the sin personified by the Logos/Word, the Only-Begotten Son of God. Thus, the believer has a part of the Cross, because his sins are nailed on It, and his faith is established by the Blood of the Innocent One and His Grace. The crucified Lord assured the believer that "I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself" (John 12:32). At the time of the Crucifixion, the trees were bowed by the violence of the wind and the sun concealed itself in the mantle of the clouds, thus presenting a standing ovation to their Creator and Lord, but the crown of creation, man, endowed with intelligence and a soul, divine in character, used them then, as he does now, to undermine his Creator. In fact, he crucified, mocked and abandoned Him.

Every Christian and non-Christian, when he seriously evaluates the turn of civilization, considers the Cross of Christ as the center of the Christian devotion and the most influential Sacred Instrument of the decisive events in the history of mankind. Not only were the Gospels written in the background of the shadow of the Cross, but the acts and thoughts of civilization have been stimulated and governed by It.  

The reason is plain. The Cross held Jesus Christ and thus prophesied the Most Dreadful Event in the annals of the history of mankind. "Christ's Cross is the Eternal Cross; His Passion is agelong; His dying is once for all, but it is merely during an hour (or three hours) of time, but an hour of Eternity forced into time". Christ's Cross is transformed and transforming; instead of being borne, It bears the One who carries It in the Spirit of the Lord. “Come to Me”, Christ said, "All who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest; my yoke is easy and my burden light" (Matthew 11:28-30).

THE UTTERANCE FROM THE CROSS A DECLARATION OF CHRISTIAN LIFE

The Cross of Christ is not merely a shape or a design of crosswise bars; it is not only a symbol of devotion and reverence; in its visible form, one sees the invisible Christ and hears His Voice.  The Sacred Writers of the Gospels recorded the Seven Utterances of Jesus Christ on the Cross. They are His Last Seven Words which remain in the Church as its treasure and the spiritual highlights of a devoted Christian life.

Each letter of the Seven Words represents drops of the Blood of the Teacher and Savior. These Words are the sacred carriers of the ardent thoughts which have brought life to millions, which guided their faith to Almighty God and their love for their fellow man. They are Words that have inspired and impelled men of distinction in the field of repentance, in service to Society, and in pioneering work. The Seven Words of Christ on the Cross constitute the Declaration of the Christian Understanding. They are included in the last golden age of Jesus Christ's History par excellence. The believer with reverence repeats them and studies their meaning and message for his life.

THE LAST WORDS OF THE LORD

"Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do."

"And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and

the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, 'Father, 

forgive them; for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:33-34).

Jesus began His Gospel by asking men to "repent" from deliberate mistakes. He closed it by asking His Father to forgive them for their ignorance! Moral ignorance is not necessarily a mistake of the intellect; it is not a lack of knowledge of good and evil, either. It is rather a lack of faith and love of Jesus' Person and Message which left man's malice and envy uncured so that they brought Him to the Cross.

Ignorance of the Truth sometimes appears as a sincerity of the conscience and a commandment for duty. Yet, by sincerity one may abuse and judge another person, but in reality he may not hold the truth. The truth requires a life-long study and experience; it needs a merciful heart for compassion and sympathy; it needs revelation and intuition. The truth is seldom a man's dominion. To replace the truth with an unmerciful sincerity of conscience is a mistake--a fundamental one. Pilate's question "what is truth?" still remains unanswered for those who have not received "The Truth", that is, an absolute faith in Jesus and His message.  (Source: O Logos by Father George Mastrantonis)

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"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" -- Saint John Chrysostom

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

Historical Acts of Christ

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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HISTORICAL ACTS OF CHRIST

Feasts and Fasts are significant religious events and observations that awaken the spirit and faith of man. The center of all festivals and celebrations of the Christian Church is the Christian Pascha. Its heritage is recorded in the Old Testament as the main observation of the Jewish religion; its Christian incidents occupy the Golden Pages of history; its meaning is the cornerstone of the Holy Scripture and becomes the main objective of faith, devotion, and inspiration for the Christian. The Christian Pascha is the treasure of the Church which has adopted it as the great ineffable monument.

The Christian Pascha is not only Easter but also includes the Lord's Supper and His Crucifixion. These three extinct events of the last hours in the earthly life of Jesus Christ must be considered as one in meaning for His redemptive work. The fact is that these events are a part of history and are considered a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies, they are followed by some outward links between Old Testament references and New Testament statements.

The sacrifice of the lamb in the Jewish religion is considered a pattern for the Christian Pascha, in which the victim is Jesus Christ Himself  In that the Christian Pascha is of the highest importance for the believer, it requires a thorough study of its deep meaning for salvation and of its historical circumstances and presupposition, as well as its observances in the Christian Church. Therefore, the subject of Pascha will be divided into three treatments. First, the historical circumstances and presuppositions as they are recorded in the Old Testament and the Apostolic Tradition of the Church. Second, the deep meaning of the Christian Pascha as the redemptive work and sacrifice for the salvation of the Christian believer. Third, a summary of the rich hymnology and devotion of the Eastern Orthodox Church. By such devotion, the believer commemorates this very important work of God, and by participating with God Himself.

Herein only the first treatment will be presented. The other two are included in separate issues.  "The Last Events in the Life of Christ" and "Great and Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Church."

PASSOVER IN THE OLD TESTAMENT

Passover is the English equivalent of the Hebrew Pesah, the Aramaic Pasha, the Greek Pascha, Faska by Josephus, and Pascha in the New Testament. It is claimed that the word from which it is derived might be the Greek Pascha, from the verb Pascho which means suffer, to be afflicted, to be in evil plight; eu paschein to be well off, or to receive benefits. The Jewish Passover is the most distinctive festival of the Jewish Passover.

The Jewish Passover, as it now is known, was instituted in commemoration of the freeing of teh Hebrew people, under teh leadership of Moses and by the miraculous act of God, from the slavery of the Egyptians. God commanded the slaughter of a lamb, without the breaking of any of its bones, by each Jewish family, and the anointing with its blood of the upper part of the door of each house. This was a sign for the Angel of God, who protected the first-born of the family from death. 

ON WHAT DAY WAS JESUS CHRIST CRUCIFIED?

The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, a tragic event of history, marked the climax of His Life on earth. The Church of Christ has distinguished this particular day from all others. On this day Christians rededicate their lives to Christ. The four Evangelists, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, agree that the day on which Jesus Christ was crucified was the day of preparation for the Sabbath, which is called Friday. Friday is the same as the "Day of Preparation" in order of the days of the week according to the Jewish calendar. The word Friday in English is not a literal translation of the word "preparation", as it is in Greek: paraskevi. 

The four Evangelists refer to this day with certainty in the following passages: Joseph of Arimathea "asked for the body of Jesus, when evening had come, since it was the day of preparation, that is, the day before the Sabbath, Mark 15:42; Luke 23:54; Matthew 27:62; John 19:14, 19:31, 19:42.

LORD'S SUPPER AND INSTITUTION OF HOLY COMMUNION

The Evangelists do not refer to any circumstances or objects included in the Passover meal, such as the lamb. This is a "significant omission". It is significant that in the Lord's Supper there is only one cup, while at the Passover meal each participant has his own cup from which to drink.  Equally significant is the fact that Christ at the "Lord's Supper" draws no parallel between the Paschal meal and the Christian sacrament. At the Lord's Supper, Christ presents a loaf of bread as the symbol of His Body, while for the Passover meal the roasted lamb is the significant symbol. It is important to note that some Christian churches always celebrate the Pascha on the 14th of Nissan, the date of the Crucifixion, whatever the day on which it fell, not only Sunday.  These Christians were called "Fourteensters" from number 14, the date of the Crucifixion. They would have been called "fifteensters" if Christ was Crucified on the day of the Passover Feast, the 15th of Nissan. "This is further evidence that the Friday of the Crucifixion fell on the 14th of Nissan.

The understanding that the Mystical (Last) Supper was not the Jewish Passover prevailed throughout Christendom for many centuries. Thus the entire Church used leavened bread, not unleavened, for the Holy Eucharist. So it is clear that the entire Christian world for centuries never did identify the Mystic Supper with the Jewish Pascha. The Eastern Orthodox Catholic Church continues to use leavened bread. Neither the contents, nor the date of the celebration, nor the elements and their manner of use, nor the giving of thanks at the Mystic Supper were similar to the Jewish Passover.

THE HOUR OF CRUCIFIXION

What was the hour of the Crucifixion? To determine accurately, it must be remembered that the Hebrew day was divided into three-hour periods (watches). The First Watch began at 6:00 a.m., the Third Watch at 9:00 a.m., the Sixth Watch at 12:00 noon, and the Ninth Watch from 3:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., when, after the setting of the sun, the new day began. The Christian Church preserved this custom in certain services, such as the office of the "Hours" and especially in the Vesper Service which always refers to the celebration of the following day. For example, the Vesper (Esperinos) of Saturday evening refers to the events of Sunday and is sung in the tone of Sunday. (Source: O Logos by Father George Mastrantonis)

(To be continued)

________________

"Glory Be To GOD For All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostom

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),
The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George

Various Orthodox Christian Prayers

My beloved spiritual children in Christ Our Only True God and Our Only True Savior,CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

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VARIOUS ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN PRAYERS

Prayer of Parents for their Children And for Relatives and Friends

O God, our heavenly Father, Who loves mankind, and are most Merciful and compassionate, have mercy upon Thy servants (Names of those whom you wish to remember) for whom I humbly pray Thee, and commend to Thy glorious care and protection.  Be Thou, O God, their guide and guardian in all their endeavors, lead them in the path of Thy Truth, and draw them nearer to Thee, that they may lead a godly and righteous life in Thy love and fear; doing Thy will in all things. Give them grace that they may be temperate, industrious, diligent, devout and charitable. Defend them against the assaults of the enemy, and grant them wisdom and strength, to resist all temptations and corruption of this life; and direct them in the way of salvation, for the merits of Thy Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, and the intercessions of His Holy Mother and Thy blessed Saints. Amen.

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Prayer in time of Trouble

O God, our help and assistance, Who are just and merciful, and Who heareth the supplications of Thy people; look down upon me, a miserable sinner, have mercy upon me, and deliver me from this trouble that besets me, for which, I know, I am deservedly suffering. I acknowledge and believe O Lord, that all trials of this life are given by Thee for our chastisement when we drift away from Thee and disobey Thy Commandments; deal not with me after my sins, but according to Thy bountiful mercies, for I am the work of Thy hands, and thou knowest my weakness. Grant me, I beseech Thee, Thy Divine helping grace, and endow me with patience and strength to endure my tribulations with complete submission to Thy Will. Thou knowest my misery and suffering and to Thee, my only hope and refuge, I flee for relief and comfort; trusting to Thine Infinite love and compassion, that in due time, when Thou knowest best, Thou will deliver me from this trouble, and turn my distress into comfort, when I shall rejoice in Thy mercy, and exalt and praise Thy Holy Name, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages.  Amen.

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Thanksgiving after Deliverance from Trouble

Almighty and Merciful God, I most humbly and heartily thank Thy Divine Majesty for Thy loving kindness and tender mercies, that Thou has heard my humble prayer, and graciously vouchsafed to deliver me from my trouble and misery. Grant me, I beseech Thee, Thy helping grace, that I may obediently walk in Thy Holy Commandments, and lead a sober, righteous, and godly life, ever remembering Thy mercies, and the blessings Thou has undeservedly bestowed upon me, that I may continually offer to Thee the sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving, O Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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Prayer of a Sick Person

O Lord Jesus Christ, Our Savior, the Physician of souls and bodies, Who did become man and suffered death on the Cross for our salvation, and through Thy tender love and compassion did heal all manner of sickness and affliction; do Thou O Lord, visit me in my suffering, and grant me grace and strength to bear this sickness with which I am afflicted, with Christian patience and submission to Thy Will, trusting in Thy loving-kindness and tender mercy. Bless, I pray Thee, the means used for my recovery, and those who administer them. I know O Lord, that I justly deserve any punishment Thou mayest inflict upon me, for I have so often offended Thee and sinned against Thee, in thought, word and deed. Therefore, I humbly pray Thee, look upon my weakness, and deal not with me after my sins, but according to the multitude of Thy mercies.  Have compassion on me, and let mercy and justice meet; and deliver me from this sickness and suffering I am undergoing. Grant that my sickness may be the means of my true repentance and amendment of my life according to Thy will, that my soul, being helped by Thy grace and sanctified by Thy Holy Mysteries (Sacraments), may be prepared for its passage to the Eternal Life, and there, in the company of Thy blessed Saints, may praise and glorify Thee with Thy Eternal Father and Life-Giving Spirit.  Amen.

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Thanksgiving After Recovery from Sickness

Almighty God, Our Heavenly Father, the Source of Life and Fountain of all good things, I bless Thy Holy Name, and offer to Thee most hearty thanks for having delivered me from my sickness and restored me to keep my resolutions and correct the errors of my past life, to improve in virtue, and live a new life in dutiful fear of Thee, doing Thy will in all things, devoting this new life Thou hast given me to Thy service; that thus living for Thee, I may be ready when it pleases Thee to call me to Thee, Our Heavenly Father, To Whom with Thine Only-Begotten Son, Our Lord Jesus Christ, and Thy Life-Giving Spirit, is due all honor, glory, praise, and thanksgiving: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

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Prayer Before the Icon of The Theotokos

Forasmuch as Thou are a well-spring of tenderness, O Theotokos, make us worthy of compassion; Look upon a sinful people;  Manifest thy power as ever, for hoping on thee we cry aloud unto thee: Rejoice! as once did Gabriel, Chief Captain of the Bodiless Powers.

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A Prayer of Repentance

O Lord our God and Merciful, I acknowledge all my sins which I have committed every day of my life, in thought, word, and deed; in body and soul alike. I am heartily sorry that I have ever offended Thee, and I sincerely repent; with tears, I humbly pray Thee, O Lord: of Thy mercy forgive me all my past transgressions and absolve me from them. I firmly resolve, with the help of Thy Grace, to amend my way of life and to sin no more; that I may walk in the way of the righteous and offer praise and glory to the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.

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A Prayer to Your Guardian Angel

O Angel of Christ, Holy Guardian and protector of my soul and body, forgive me everything wherein I have offended thee every day of my life, and protect me from all influence and temptations of the Evil One. May I nevermore anger God by any sin. Pray for me to the Lord, that He may make me worthy of the grace of the All-Holy Trinity, and of the Most Blessed Theotokos, and all the Saints. Amen.

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Prayer for the Sick

O Lord our God, Who by word alone did heal all diseases, Who did cure the kinswoman of Peter, Thou Who chastise with pity and heal according to Your Goodness; Who are able to put aside every malady and infirmity, do Thou Thyself, the same Lord, grant aid to this Thy servant (Name) and cure him (her) of every sickness of which he (she) is grieved; lift him (her) up from his (her) from his (her) bed of pain, and send down upon him (her) Thy great mercy, and if it is Thy Will, give to him (her) health and complete recovery; for Thou are the Physician of our souls and bodies and to Thee do we send up Glory: to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, both now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

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"Glory Be To GOD For  All Things!" - Saint John Chrysostom

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With sincere agape in His Holy Diakonia (Ministry),The sinner and unworthy servant of God

+ Father George