The Eastern Rite

Today’s reflection from the Prologue of Ochrid: Every device of which man boasts as an invention of his mind is revealed by Divine Providence and every invented device has its two-fold significance one physical, the other spiritual. Even the clock is a wonderful device but it was not invented merely to tell us the time [...]

The “Prologue from Ochrid” includes this today (March 30 on the Church Calendar): MEMORIAL TO A MONK WHO JOYFULLY DIED AND WHO NEVER JUDGED ANYONE IN HIS LIFE This monk was lazy, careless, and lacking in his prayer life; but throughout all of his life, he did not judge anyone. While dying, he was happy. [...]

OR THE WEEK From 1 October – the Eastern Feast of the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos – to 7 October – the Western Feast of Our Lady of Victory – a set of prayers to Our Lady asking her help and protection for all Christians. These two feasts seem to me analogues. And [...]

HE FEAST Of the Transfiguration is one of the 12 Great Feasts of the Church. In other words, on the Eastern calendar, this party ranks up there with Pascha and the Nativity. It’s one of very few feasts that get observed on a Sunday instead of bumped over (in the West) or commemorated (in the [...]

Troparion (Tone 8) As the bountiful harvest of Your sowing of salvation, the lands of North and South America offer to You, O Lord, all the saints who have shone forth in them. By their prayers keep the Church and our land in abiding peace through the Theotokos, O most Merciful One! Kontakion (Tone 3) [...]