Well the nominations are out and your humble host has been nominated. So if you think this blog is worthy of being awarded something go here and select best religion blog and look around for little old me and vote. Thanks.
The Paschal Homily of St John Chrysostom
At the Resurrection Service we read the ancient homily near the end of the Liturgy. This year I read this but in previous years the Cantor has read it while the faithful came to communion. I am glad I decided to read it so the faithful would here there great words. you can read it at the link below. Thanks to Huw for giving me the link.
Liturgical Roundup
Yesterday seems like a blur to me. Three services and many changes in the church for each one concluding with the evening service. Good Friday is a very solemn day in the church. We remember the Crucifixion the taking down, and the burial in the tomb of Jesus. We actually begin this the night before, as I mentioned in a previous post. Yesterday afternoon at 3pm was the service of the taking down from the cross. In this service we actually remove the corpus from the cross, wrap it in a clean linen cloth, and place it on the altar. Towards the end of the service we make a procession with the Epitaphios. This is an image of the taking down from the cross. The one here in the village is hand painted and placed on a board so one can move it around. The Epitaphios is carried by the priest in procession and then placed in the flower decorated Sepulchre. The ladies of the parish come in the morning to decorate the sepulchre for the service. After the service has ended, the Sepulchre is moved to the center of the solea and is left there for the faithful to come and venerate during the day.
The evening service is matins, but we ad the funeral procession. During the service we remove the Epitaphios from the tomb and carry it outside around the church. Four men carry followed by the congregation. Although it was called, all in attendance came outside for the procession. We make four stops to pray for, the parishioners, the clergy, the country, and for the dead. The Epitaphios is then raised in front of the door and the faithful walk under back into the church. The priest then takes it and places in the altar where it will remain for 40 days. Very moving service and one that takes much planning and coordination.
A few more confessions after the Liturgy and then we take all the decorations down for Saturday. This morning we celebrate the Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. It is odd to sing about the evening while the sun is up but go figure… As is the custom in this parish, many faithful will come to Communion this morning as they will not be able to attend the liturgy tonight.
I am still working on the Easter Homily, and I think I will write this one out and post it latter on. Blessings to all for Easter and my the Risen Christ bless you and keep you!
Confession
I just heard another round of confessions. Although not physically taxing they sure are emotional and spiritual things. I always get exhausted hearing confessions. There is so much hurt in the world and I am happy that I can be part of bringing some healing to people and their souls.
Blessed Be God!
Yesterday I came across this kind of cool thing on the Internet. Twitter.com You post little notes about what your doing and you can follow others to see what they are doing. It is free to sing up and its neat to see what people are doing. You can add me by clicking here.
Boston Red Sox
Well yesterday was the first day of the season and our beloved Red Sox lost 7-1 to Kansas City. I guess all one can say is wait till next year!