Why do we fast? Few people understand that we fast because of a requirement of our nature and because of the nature of the demons. “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark. 9:29). Let us understand why we fast and put off all legalism concerning this essential practice.
Year: 2011
Christianity is simple. Lent is about changing. Exegesis of the Beatitudes.
Today, brothers and sisters, on this fourth Sunday of Great Lent, we remember Saint John Climacus who is known as Saint John of the Ladder. The icon of The Ladder of Divine Ascent in our church shows the monks that are climbing up towards Jesus Christ. It is a metaphor for our life and for how we must continually ascend, we must continually add virtue to virtue.
But where should we begin? The Lord gives us a place to begin. He says to us, “Blessed are the poor in spirit because theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven.” …
The Significance of Fasting in the Struggle against Fallen Spirits. By St. Ignatius (Brianchaninov)
Homily by St Ignati Briachaninov: The Lord said to His Apostles about the evil spirits, “This kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting” (Mark. 9:29). Here is a new aspect of fasting! Fasting is acceptable to God when it is preceded by the great virtue of mercy; fasting prepares a reward in heaven when it is foreign to hypocrisy and vainglory; fasting works when it is joined with another great virtue – prayer.
How does it work? It not only tames the passions in the human body, but it enters into battle with the spirits of evil, and conquers them.
St Ignaty goes on to explain in great detail how fasting works and why we must fast, and what our disposition must be. This may be the most important text on fasting you will every read! Your battle against the spirits of the air is very weak unless you understand St Ignaty’s words!
The dark sorrow of material things. The sweetness of abstinence. Matins Canon for St John Climacus.
A few words after Presanctified liturgy about the DOGMA regarding material things and attachment to them, referring to 3 stichera from the matins canon for St John Climacus. Our DOGMAS are not just about God, but some are strictly moral truths. Especially when we sing canons in honor of Saints, and in many Lenten canons, these truths are very apparent:
“Ascending from the dark sorrow of material things, O holy John, thou hast gone to dwell in spiritual light: give me light through thine intercessions to the Lord. ”
“Suckled on the sweetness of abstinence, thou hast cast away the bitterness of sensual indulgence; and so, father, thou givest us a pleasure sweeter than honey and the honeycomb. ”
“Ascending to the height of the virtues and rejecting the pleasures that creep upon the ground, O holy father, thou hast become the sweetness of salvation to thy flock. ”
(all from the matins canon to St John Climacus, Ode 1)
Newsletter. Mar 21/Apr 3 2011. 4th Sunday of Great Lent. St. John of the Ladder?
Announcements
Prayer Requests
Schedule of Divine Services in the Coming week
Fasting in the Coming week
Links related to the coming week
We are building a deck because our trapeza is too small.
We have a good “problem”. We built a small temple with an even smaller hall because that was all we could afford, and started worshipping in it June 2011. We have grown enough to make it impossible to fit everybody in our tiny trapeza (church hall).
We have decided to build a covered deck outside the hall, since adding to the building is way out of our means right now. This will more than double our usable dining space. It is important to have more dining space, since a very important part of our community life is that we always eat a meal (not just donuts and coffee!) together after liturgy.
We plan to add fans, heaters, misters and plastic sheeting, like you see in some restaurants, so we can use the deck year round.
We have a donation to build the deck, but will need to raise funds for the absolutely necessary roof, tables, etc. The deck will be about 7 or 8 thousand, and a shingled roof will be about 9 thousand (we are exploring a canvas roof to reduce costs). We will also need to get fans, tables, etc.
Would you help us?
Pictures of design included.
Before Thy Cross, we bow down and worship – Why do we prostrate?
Why do we prostrate before the Cross, even on Sunday? An explanation of the hymn before the cross: “Before Thy cross, we bow down in worship, O Master, and Thy holy resurrection, we glorify”
The Exaltation of the Precious Cross. What Shall A Man Give In Exchange For His Soul?
The Gospel for the Cross asks two great questions, which are *NOT* rhetorical. We must answer every momene the question “What shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” Everything in life – whatever we desire, do, think or say – is an exchange.
The Path of the Cross
Russian version here. Beloved brothers and sisters, For the last two Sundays we have heard about the path of faith, and today the Lord Himself speaks about this path. For if we truly believe in Him, then we must necessarily follow Him, and He says to the people: “Whoever will come after me, let him… Continue reading The Path of the Cross
3rd Sunday of Lent – Veneration of the Precious Cross – Many links.
Homilies on the Third Sunday of Great Lent, Synaxarion for the Third Sunday of Great Lent, The Precious Cross, Questions about the Sunday of the Cross, Gleanings from the Holy Fathers about the Cross, Prayers, Why do we wear a cross?, and other articles about the Cross.