A short reflection on the value of the Holy Friday services, which begin on Thursday evening.
Category: Holy Week
The Resurrection makes the Impossible Possible!
Brothers and sisters, did you hear in the readings – those fifteen beautiful readings[1] – did you hear of the resurrection? Did you hear of faith? Did you hear of things that seemed to be impossible and yet became possible? …
NB: Joseph the All-Comely, a type of Christ
Holy Week Services: Holy Monday Matins Monday of Holy Week commemorates the blessed and Noble Joseph the All-Comely and the fig tree which was cursed and withered by the Lord. Joseph is a type of Christ. Cliff Notes Version about Joseph: [1] Kontakion and Ikos Holy Monday Matins. … Continue reading NB: Joseph the All-Comely, a type of Christ
Receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved…
Today’s reading from St. Paul’s epistle to the Hebrews[1] is a beautiful exposition of how we, as disciples of Christ, should live our lives. Why is the reading read on this particular day, the day on which we celebrate our Lord’s Resurrection of Lazarus? I think that the key is in the first words of the… Continue reading Receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved…
Now is the judgment of this world…
“Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out. And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me. This he said, signifying what death he should die. The people answered him, We have heard out of the law that Christ… Continue reading Now is the judgment of this world…
Behold, the Bridgroom comes…
Why is the Matins service for the first three days of Holy Week called the “Bridegroom Matins”? Clearly, it must have to do with the two special hymns that are sung to a solemn melody during this service: Behold, the Bridegroom comes in the middle of the night, and blessed is that servant whom he… Continue reading Behold, the Bridgroom comes…
"Having completed the forty days that bring profit to our souls…"
Thus begins one of the hymns from tonight’s Vespers service. This service marks the transition from the 40 days of Lent to Holy Week. Every year these words seem bittersweet. Holy Week is here – but has my soul truly profited from this 40 day effort? Did I fast as I should? Did I refrain… Continue reading "Having completed the forty days that bring profit to our souls…"