Having been buffeted and soaked for several days, it was lovely to travel to Cardiff on such a beautiful, sunny morning, and after doubts about numbers to still muster around thirty locals for Liturgy, despite the lack of parishioners from Gwent and the English side of the Severn. Father Mark and I drove into the most beautiful blue and fiery orange sunset on our westward home journey, and it was hard to believe that a storm had passed through a day earlier.
Thanks to all who contributed to our celebration.
When we gather next week, we look forward to baptising Joseph and Max after Liturgy, and welcoming them to the Holy Mysteries, as we did today with Sasha’s twins Alexander and Danil for their first Holy Communion in the parish. Glory to God!
This week’s services will be on Thursday and Friday in the Oratory Church at 15:00. In a reversal of the usual pattern, we will celebrate Great Vespers for the feast of St Andrew on Thursday, venerating the house’s relic of the Holy First called Apostle, and the Advent Moleben on Friday.
Confessions will be heard after Thursday’s service and BEFORE Friday’s, given that I have to travel to Warminster. Please let me know if you require confession on Friday.
To give a little advance notice, the following week, the feast of St Nicholas falls on Thursday 19th (6th Old Style) and as I will assist Father Luke with the altar feast Liturgy in Llanelli in the morning, I will not be in Cardiff until later in the afternoon than usual. The akathist to St Nicholas will be chanted in Nazareth House at 18:00, and I will then hear confessions.
Given the significant change to public transport in western Christmas week, there will be no weekday services, as already long travelling days (typically six hours) will grow significantly longer.
On Saturday 28th December, there will be an early celebration of the Ninth Hour and Vespers, in the Oratory Church at 14:00, followed by confessions. Given that Father Mark the younger will be away in Minsk, there will only be VERY limited time for confessions in the morning, as I will have to celebrate proskomedia. Those who confess in preparation to commune the previous Sunday, will be blessed to commune the following week, unless something arises and they need confession before they next commune.
Our Orthodox Nativity services will be in the Oratory Church in Swinton Street, so that all services of the week can be in the same location.
Monday 6 January: Christmas Eve (Rozhdestvenskyi Sochelnik) Vigil at 18:30.
Tuesday 7 January: Nativity Liturgy at 10:30. Great Vespers (for the Synaxis) at 15:00
Wednesday 8 January: Synaxis of the Mother of God, Liturgy at 10:30. Great Vespers (for St Stephen) at 15:00.
Thursday 9 January: St Stephen: Liturgy at 10:30. Vespers at 15:00.
(Additional services may be celebrated if support is forthcoming)
The Liturgy for the feast of the Holy Innocents, will be celebrated in Warminster on Saturday 11 January.
The arrival of January is uncomfortably close, and we are currently disappointed by the lack of any move forward on the question of where we will worship in February, so we may have to look at options less central to the city.
We have been very fortunate to have been so central for the history of the parish thus far, and so convenient for students, but this may change as our options become limited. Please pray fervently for God’s guidance. Perhaps we are simply not praying hard enough! With tomorrow being a feast of the Kursk-Root Icon, we should all turn to the Mother of God with renewed dedication and prayer!
I am very grateful that Father Sebastian has already suggested that the portable shrines that form or iconostasis should be kept at the Oratory Church until we have a place of worship where they may remain in place, and these would be then used during our weekday services, which we are pleased to be able to celebrate in St Alban’s.
I hope that the first days of the Nativity Fast have been ones of concerted and concentrated prayer and reflection as we begin our spiritual journey towards the celebration of the Saviour’s birth, and trust that our brothers and sisters have been able to put aside earthly cares through fasting, to focus on what is needful in the spiritual life.
After services for the first two days of the Fast in the Oratory Church, and Liturgy in Lazarica in Bournville with the chance to collect much-awaited prayer and service-books, it was a joy to celebrate the first Sunday of the fast in Cardiff, with so many confessing and communing. Congratulations to all who partook of the Holy Mysteries!
I was particularly glad to have the support of Father Mark the Younger, freeing me for extensive confessions, and – indeed – for completing the Liturgy, after my blood pressure seemed to have very unusually and rather unexpectedly dropped. Thank you Father!
Having discussed plans with Joseph and Maximilian, it is our intention to baptise them after Liturgy on Sunday 15 December. Max will be named for the Holy New-Martyr, St Maxim Sandovich, and Joseph for the Holy and Righteous Patriarch. Please keep them in your prayers.
Tomorrow, the eve of the feast of the Entrance of the Mother of God in the Temple, we will chant Great Vespers in the Oratory Church at 15:00, with the Liturgy being celebrated the following morning at 10:00 in Llanelli. As Masha, our usual weekday chanter for Liturgies is away, and a funeral has meant that Father Luke’s chanter for the feast also has to be away, I will fulfil this role for Father, so that the Liturgy can be celebrated. As usual, the Liturgy is in the Chapel of St David and St Nicholas, in the garden of Father Luke’s home, at 11 New Rd, Dafen, Llanelli SA14 8LS.
There will be afternoon services at 15:00 in the Oratory Church on Thursday and Friday: the Advent Moleben on Thursday, and Great Vespers for the feast of the Holy Great-Martyr Catherine on Friday. I will, of course be glad to hear confessions after the service, and ask that any requests for evening confessions in Nazareth House are made today or tomorrow, so that I can give Sister Marie notice.
As many of you will be aware, there are some fasting differences between calendars, and we simply ask that the faithful stick to the calendar that they ordinarily use, mindful of some differences. As previously stressed, when we have the consolations of wine and oil, or fish, we should be honouring the saints whose feasts have these blessings – doing something additional in prayers and devotions to celebrate the memory of the saints.
Using the St Herman Calendar, as a pretty typical norm for fasting, this week’s order is below…
Monday 4 Dec – Prophet Obadiah: strict fast.
Tuesday 5 Dec – St Proclus – Forefeast of the Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple: wine and oil.
Wednesday 4 Dec – Entrance of the Mother of God into the Temple: fish, wine and oil.
Thursday 5 Dec – Holy Apostle Archippus: wine and oil.
Friday 6 Dec – St Amphilochios of Iconium: strict fast.
Saturday 7 Dec – Great Martyr Catherine: fish, wine and oil.
Sunday 8 Dec – Hieromartyr Clement of Rome – fish, wine and oil.
I hope that parishioners are finding spiritual reading to nourish the soul and focus the mind during the Fast, and I was glad to hear parishioners talking about the works of St Ignaty Brianchaninov, readily available to buy in English translation. (Amazon link only for ease of information, not to necessarily encourage purchasing form the said retailer!)
Other excellent resource, always valuable for the spiritual life are the Spiritual Psalter of St Ephraim the Syrian, and the Paradise of the Holy Fathers (available online as well as easily ordered in book form). The second volume of the Paradise addresses the spiritual life in thematic chapters.
As posted on WhatsApp, the excellent and soul-profiting works of St Paisios of the Holy Mountain are available in English translation for White Horse Wares – the source of our church candles.
Please endeavour to read something spiritual each day, and to add to your prayers.
In our prayers, among the Orthodox, we continue to pray for the newly departed Archbishop Peter, and for the newly-departed Maureen, of the Father Dean’s Anglican Parish in Butetown – also holding her children Daniel and Nicole, as well as the whole family in our prayers. She will be greatly missed by the St Mary’s clergy and parishioners. May the Lord God remember her in His Kingdom.
Praying for you struggle well and pray fervently in the week ahead, and asking your forgiveness for Christ’s sake.
Magnification: We extol Thee, O Christ, the Giver of Life for by fulfilling the sign foretold of Emmanuel, Thou didst reveal Thyself as Saviour, by prophets foretold.
Let the rivers clap their hands and the hills ring out their joy at the presence of the Lord, for He cometh, He cometh to rule the earth. (Magnification)
He hath remembered His truth and His love for the house of Israel. (Magnification)
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. (Magnification)
The Lord remembers His covenant forever, His promise for a thousand generations. (Magnification)
He lowered the heavens and came down, He came enthroned upon the Cherubim. (Magnification)
The Lord of Hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold. (Magnification)
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. (Magnification)
Both now and ever and and unto the ages of ages. Amen. (Magnification)
Alleluia, alleluia, alleluia. Glory be to thee, O God. (Thrice with bows)
Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone IV: Make ready, O Bethlehem! * Be thou opened unto all, O Eden! * Adorn thyself, O Ephratha! * For in the cave the Tree of Life hath sprung forth from the Virgin. * Her womb is shown to be a noetic paradise, * in the midst of which is the divine Tree, * whereof eating, we shall live, and not die as did Adam. * Christ is born, that He might restore His image ** which fell of old!
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit;
Sticheron, Tone VI: The sayings of the prophets have now been fulfilled, *for in the morning our God is born of the Virgin Mary in manner past description, *and she remaineth as she was before birth-giving. *The magi come together, bearing gifts, *and the shepherds pipe, that we also may chant: *O Lord Who wast born of the Virgin, **glory be to Thee!
Now and ever, and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion of the Forefeast, Tone III: Today the Virgin cometh to the cave * to ineffably give birth unto the pre-eternal Word. * Having heard this, be glad, O thou inhabited earth, * and with the angels and shepherds glorify the pre-eternal God, ** Who is to appear as a little babe.
Prayer: O God and Father, the Almighty One, Thou didst create the human race in Thine image and likeness, and when we fell through disobedience, Thou didst promise to send a Saviour. When the fullness of time had come, Thy favour rested on Thine Only-Begotten Son, and He was born of the Virgin Mary. Thus, that which Isaiah the prophet foretold was fulfilled: “Behold, the Virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Emmanuel, which means ‘God with us.'” His birth filled all creation with light; He gave us the baptism of repentance, and didst restore our ancient dignity. Now, most compassionate Lord, Thou bringest us to these honoured days of the Nativity Fast, that we may do battle with the desires of the flesh and draw strength from the hope of the resurrection. Receive us, then, as penitents and forgive our iniquities, whether done knowingly and unknowingly, through malice and through weakness. And may our prayers, our fasting, and our works of mercy rise up before Thee as incense, as a sweet spiritual fragrance, that in company with the Magi and the shepherds, we too, with pure hearts, may be found worthy to bow down before the Nativity of Jesus Christ, Thy beloved Son. To Whom, together with Thee and Thine All-Holy Spirit, belong glory, honour, and worship, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Dear brothers and sisters, good strength as we begin the first day of the Nativity Fast!
Our winter Lent is not reduced to the twenty four chocolate-promise days of the consumerist, western Advent calendar, but forty days of fasting and prayer, not of treats and commercial predation; forty days in which we should endeavour to eat and cook less, and pray and spend more time on ‘food’ for the soul through scriptures and spiritual reading; forty days of fasting rather than seasonal fare; forty days of seeking to maximise silence and look for seclusion, rather than succumbing to and immersing ourselves in seasonal entertainment and noise.
Mirroring the days of Great Lent, these days are the Church’s period of preparation for the Nativity, but unlike Great Lent, we have no dedicated book of hymns and services, as we do in the Lenten Triodion. With its canons and hymns providing for the special Sundays of the Great Fast, the Triodion gives a great sense of direction for the Great Fast, concentrating on repentance and holding up great teachers of the spiritual life: St Gregory Palamas, St John of the Ladder, St Mary of Egypt.
The Nativity Fast, has no such provision other than the Sundays of the Holy Fathers and Forefathers preceding the Nativity, so that there a temptation and risk for us to lose the impetus and inner-unity of this winter fast unless we make the conscious effort to ensure that we maintain and concentrate on keeping its momentum, ensuring that we have a firm rule of prayer and spiritual reading.
Pray before the icon of the Mother of God of the Sign, with the Christ-child within the womb of the Mother of God – the advent of His coming in the flesh.
Have time away from television, limit news consumption, and try to keep surroundings quiet, using time away from entertainment for daily spiritual reading, whether on paper or online… but ensure that on-line time is only for specified reading and not a safari of distraction and tangents.
Cut down on trips to cafés and pubs, reduce socialising and give more time to the Lord!
Stick to only one cooked meal a day and avoid snacking and treats – though mindful that halva, dried fruits and some sweet things can be useful in the fast re: sugar levels and energy.
Eat simple foods and do NOT think that forty days of expensive meat and dairy substitutes are an honest fast.
Ensure that charitable alms giving is part of the forty days, which should save money that can help others.
Remember that wilfully rejecting the Fast is to reject the Lord Himself and to trample on the lives and teachings of the saints, the Holy Councils and the Sacred Tradition which the Holy Spirit has established as the life of the Church. If there are issues speak to the clergy!
Pray the the troparion of the Forefeast as you begin and end each day, reminding yourself that this is our spiritual journey to Bethlehem to adore and worship the Word Made Flesh.
Troparion of the Forefeast, Tone IV: Make ready, O Bethlehem!/ Open unto all, O Eden!/ Adorn thyself, O Ephratha!/ For the Tree of life hath blossomed forth from the Virgin in the cave./ Her womb is shown to be a noetic paradise,/ wherein lieth a divine garden,/ eating from whence we live,/ not dying like Adam.// Christ is born to raise up His image which before was fallen.
Предпразднство Рождества Христова. Тропарь, глас 4: Гото́вися, Вифлее́ме,/ отве́рзися всем, Еде́ме,/ красу́йся, Евфра́фо,/ я́ко дре́во живота́ в верте́пе процвете́ от Де́вы:/ рай бо Óноя чре́во яви́ся мы́сленный,/ в не́мже Боже́ственный сад,/ от него́же я́дше, жи́ви бу́дем,/ не я́коже Áдам у́мрем./ Христо́с ражда́ется пре́жде па́дший возста́вити о́браз.
Despite fierce weather, flooded roads, viruses, colds and various ailments, yesterday saw the core of the parish gather for the celebration the feast of the Holy Great-Martyr Menas, whose icon is here before me on my travels.
We would do well to turn to him in prayer in our present trials, having received the blessing of Father Mark’s diaconal ordination on this feast (Many years to Father!), and we were originally offered use of St John’s after a week of prayers to the Wonderworker.
Holy Great-Martyr, Menas, pray to God for us and for our community!
It was good to have Hierodeacon Avraamy back with us, after the virus that kept him away for several weeks, though we missed those who were unable to be with us, due to weather and road conditions.
As we look to Nativity Fast, we should consider prayers and readings to focus us during the forty days, and I will touch upon this during this evening’s last 2024 “end-of-month visit” to the Wessex parishioners, after which I will share reflections and thoughts on our WhatsApp page.
As we fast and pray, simplifying and limiting the food we consume, we should all endeavour to devote time to spiritual reading and increase our prayers during the season, so that spiritual nourishment fortifies us and renews us.
As we approach the Fast, we need to remind ourselves that the Church calls us ALL to fast as a basic practice of the Christian life, and to do so is obedience to he Law of God, and the Calling of the Holy Spirit in the living, sacred Tradition of the Church.
We are not called to fast for a token week, then ignore the fast until the week before Christmas and then resume is. This is a disingenuous insult to Christ, Whose obedience to the Father – even to the death of the Cross – is realised in His Incarnation to redeem us and raise us up to heaven..
Our basic diet is free of meat, fish, seafood, dairy, alcohol and eggs – unless fish and wine are permitted according to the typikon, and this week’s fasting regulations are:
Thursday 28 November: Wine and oil permitted.
Friday 29 November: Food without oil.
Saturday 30 November: Fish, wine and oil permitted.
Sunday 1 December: Fish, wine and oil permitted.
On Thursday, the first day of the Fast, an Advent moleben will be chanted in the Oratory Church at 15:00 and I will be available for confessions after the service, as well as in the evening, and on Friday the akathist to the Precious and Life-Giving Cross will be chanted at the same time, with the possibility of confessing before and after prayers.
As announced in church and in previous newsletters, this year’s St Herman Calendar is dedicated to the Saints of Wales, and will cost around £10. We will be ordering soon and to avoid excess copies would ask for requests from those who wish to purchase them. This is excellent resource contains lives of saints, as well as an explanation of Orthodox fasting.
As you know, the last month has been one of funerals and memorials, and I ask you to remember the soul of Nikola, whose funeral and burial were on Friday, as well as the newly departed matushka Annemieke and Olga, and – of course – Archbishop Peter of Chicago.
Please pray for Ambrose and Piran in their search for work, with St Xenia being our trusted helper in finding employment, and for Masha and husband, Neil, as they travel to Egypt.
Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and didst flee into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:
Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.
Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;
Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.
Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;
Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.
Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;
Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.
Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;
Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.
Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;
Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 2: Seeing the dominance of pagan polytheism in thy city, all-glorious Menas, thou didst languish in thy righteous soul; but in the midst of the darkness of sin, like a light, shining with a virtuous life, thou didst sing unceasingly to the Lord: Alleluia.
Ikos 2: Having an enlightened mind, having fulfilled the commandments of God, O passion-bearer of Christ, thou didst spend thy blameless life among lawless people, serving the Lord day and night with love, and we, glorifying God who strengthened thee, call to thee from the heart thus:
Rejoice, thou who teachest the faithful Christian hope;
Rejoice, thou who destroyest the wiles of the enemy through thine intercession.
Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with the sweetness of thy prayers;
Rejoice, for in thy wondrous life thou didst give the despondent courage to drink.
Rejoice, faithful guardian of the Lord’s commandments;
Rejoice, steadfast zealot of piety and the Orthodox faith.
Rejoice, thou who coverest with love those who honour thee;
Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in temptations.
Rejoice, glorious creator of spiritual peace;
Rejoice, honourable vessel, filled with grace.
Rejoice, thou who waterest the faithful with the currents of thy miracles;
Rejoice, thou who anointest the wounds of our souls with the oil of thy prayers.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 3: Guided by the power of God, thou didst forsake worldly glory and military honour for Christ’s sake and chose to serve the Lord in the deserts and mountains, like an angel unceasingly calling to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 3: Having thy heart inflamed with zeal for the glory of God, thou didst stand boldly before the impious prince, O long-suffering one of Christ, denouncing the madness of the idols; but he, inflamed with rage and unable to bear the words of grace coming from thy lips, betrayed thee to many torments, but we, remembering the feat of thy confession, with love call to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who wast wounded by thorns at the hands of the lawless;
Rejoice, thou who wast scorched by fire for the sake of confession.
Rejoice, thou who didst endure the cutting of thy members;
Rejoice, for thy body was pierced by sharp needles.
Rejoice, thou who wast cruelly struck on the head with a hammer;
Rejoice, thou who didst receive many wounds for Christ’s sake.
Rejoice, for thy feast of struggles satisfiest the faithful with courage;
Rejoice, thou who teachest us patience in temptations.
Rejoice, for by thy sufferings thou didst convert many to Christ;
Rejoice, thou who didst conquer thy tormentors with the firmness of thy faith.
Rejoice, for in thy labours thou hast revealed an image of spiritual strength;
Rejoice, thou who hast put to shame the vanity of idolatrous wickedness.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 4: The storms of persecution against the Church of Christ passed through the days of Constantine the Great, and Christians erected a church in Alexandria in honour of thy glorious name, most honourable Menas, where they placed thine honourable relics, which we now venerate and sing to God, wondrous in the saints: Alleluia.
Ikos 4: Hearing of the feat of thy confession, O glorious martyr, we sing to thee with warm love and glorifying thy wondrous patience, with tenderness we bring thee songs such as these:
Rejoice, thou who enrichest our poverty with faith;
Rejoice, thou who showest thy merciful intercession to the faithful.
Rejoice, thou who revealest to us the treasure of the spiritual world;
Rejoice, thou who coverest the cities and villages in which thy name is revered.
Rejoice, protector of Christian homes from fiery destruction;
Rejoice, comforter of those who suffer unjustly.
Rejoice, good guide of travellers;
Rejoice, carefree passage for those sailing upon the sea.
Rejoice, thou who deliverest the faithful from sudden death;
Rejoice, gracious intercessor for the grieving.
Rejoice, thou who always helpest us in our sorrows;
Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou turnest our sorrows into joy.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 5: Thou hast passed through thy life as a God-bearing star, O all-praised Menas, day and night serving the Lord with ardent love; therefore, at the end, by the feat of martyrdom, thou hast sealed thy faith and received from God a crown of incorruptible glory, and in heaven with the faces of the saints thou singest to Him: Alleluia.
Ikos 5: Seeing our sorrows and illnesses, blessed Menas, thou intercedest for us before the Throne of the Lord and with thy constant prayers thou protectest those who honour thy name from many troubles and misfortunes. Therefore, even now, protect those who come to thine intercession, so that we always may cry to thee thus:
Rejoice, unashamed intercessor of the faithful;
Rejoice, excellent helper of the suffering.
Rejoice, merciful intercessor for us before God;
Rejoice, steadfast zealot of the Law of God.
Rejoice, fragrant incense of prayer unto God;
Rejoice, chosen vessel of the Holy Trinity.
Rejoice, thou who through thy prayers reconcilest those in enmity;
Rejoice, thou who protectest the faithful with peace and love.
Rejoice, for by thy righteous life thou teachest pious living;
Rejoice, constant helper of good deeds.
Rejoice, good teacher of repentance;
Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 6: A preacher of the truth of God, a certain Jew, appeared to be blessed by thee, O glorious Menas; for he, having seen a miracle by which a Christian, who unlawfully wanted to hide his treasures, was exposed, having renounced his wickedness and having received the faith of Christ, sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 6: The light of the Christian faith shone in the heart of that Jew, when thou miraculously returned, O victorious Menas, his treasures, unlawfully hidden by the Christians, his friends: for by thine intercession evil was turned into good; and the Jew received Christian baptism and forgiveness of sin. And we, constantly remembering this wondrous thing, say to thee from the heart:
Rejoice, thou who transformest evil into good through thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who turn evildoers to repentance.
Rejoice, enlightener of those blinded by passions;
Rejoice, steadfast zealot of God’s truth.
Rejoice, thou who correctest evil paths through thine intercession;
Rejoice, thou who guide our feet to the haven of the law of the Lord.
Rejoice, O noble adornment of the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, constant help of God’s servants.
Rejoice, tireless intercessor for us;
Rejoice, God-given protector in sorrows.
Rejoice, inexhaustible source of miracles;
Rejoice, gracious comforter of those who honour thy memory.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 7: Wishing to reveal to the world the inexhaustible sources of Thy mercy, O Christ our God, Thou hast granted us advocates and intercessors before Thee, Thy bold holy martyrs, who have testified to the firmness of their faith, even to the point of suffering blood; in whom, glorifying Thee, the only good God, we tenderly cry out to thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 7: Filling thy heart with the evangelical grace of the New Testament, O Great Martyr Menas, thou wast burnt with the fire of love for the Divine Lord, and united with the ranks of the holy martyrs, with whom, standing before the Throne of the Almighty, do thou pray for those who honour thy memory with faith, who bless thou with songs such as these:
Rejoice, glorious martyr of the Lord;
Rejoice, victorious warrior of Christ.
Rejoice, merciful intercessor of Christians;
Rejoice, our constant intercessor.
Rejoice, merciful healer of our ailments;
Rejoice, holy deliverer from various misfortunes.
Rejoice, powerful helper in the struggle with passions and enemy attacks;
Rejoice, for by thy prayers thou preservest us from sinful falls.
Rejoice, O All-Rich Treasury of God’s Gifts;
Rejoice, O cup filled with spiritual consolation.
Rejoice, thou who dispelest our sorrows with thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who kindlest our hearts with love for God.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 8: Thou hast appeared as a wanderer on earth, O glorious Menas, always seeking the Lord with a pure heart; therefore, having received the crown of martyrdom, thou hast gloriously ended thy life; and now, being established in the Kingdom of Heaven with the angels, thou cry out to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 8: Having submitted thyself entirely to God, O victorious Menas, thou hast passed harmlessly through the sea of earthly temptations and wast established in the haven of Divine peace in the Abode of the Heavenly Father. Therefore, remember us, who honour thy memory, at the Throne of God, who praise thee with songs such as these:
Rejoice, thou who hast revealed an image of immaculate service to God;
Rejoice, thou who hast strengthened many for the feat of confession.
Rejoice, for thou now teachest us patience through thy life;
Rejoice, thou who instructest each one to bear his cross without complaint.
Rejoice, perfect teacher of spiritual poverty;
Rejoice, thou who enlightenest our hearts with the light of humility;
Rejoice, excellent champion of Orthodox Christians;
Rejoice, protection of faithful people from misfortunes and evils.
Rejoice, constant help to those who suffer;
Rejoice, merciful healing of the sick.
Rejoice, most honourable sufferer of Christ;
Rejoice, intercessor, given to us by the Lord.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 9: Thou hast cast away all worldly sweetness from thy soul, O Martyr Most Rich, and therefore, having left behind thy military honour, thou hast appeared as a warrior of the Heavenly King, shining forth with firmness of faith and righteous courage. Now in Heaven, standing before Christ, thou criest out with the angels: Alleluia.
Ikos 9: The wordy orators cannot recognise the power of Christ, with which thou hast clothed thyself like a weapon, O glorious Menas, and have conquered the lawless tormentors in thy patience. But we, with humble hearts and contrite souls, praising thy feat, with tenderness we call out to thee such songs:
Rejoice, consolation of those who suffer unjustly;
Rejoice, all-effective admonition to those who have offended.
Rejoice, good land, which hast brought forth the fruit of virtues;
Rejoice, for with thine honest sufferings thou hast illuminated the Syrian land.
Rejoice, for thou hast shown many glorious miracles after thy death;
Rejoice, holy lily, which didst flourish in the midst of idolatrous impiety.
Rejoice, for thou wast tested like gold in the furnace of sorrows;
Rejoice, thou who didst shine with the light of the truth of the Gospel.
Rejoice, thou who warmest those who flow to thee with the warm rays of thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who protectest those who honour thee from unexpected evils.
Rejoice, praise of the Holy Mountains of Athos;
Rejoice, constant protection of Orthodox people.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 10: Thou didst miraculously grant salvation to a merchant who was coming to venerate thy local relics; for he suffered death from a lawless money-lover, and, resurrected by thou, sang to God: Alleluia.
Ikos 10: Thou didst appear as a warm protector and defender to that merchant, O Holy Menas; for having raised him who was killed for gold, thou didst expose the unjust murderer; and we, remembering this miracle, tenderly sing to thee:
Rejoice, glorious miracle worker;
Rejoice, O gracious intercessor.
Rejoice, terrible rebuke of evildoers;
Rejoice, constant protection of those who honour thee.
Rejoice, thou who didst resurrect the murdered merchant;
Rejoice, thou who didst convert a lover of money and a murderer to repentance.
Rejoice, thou who hast made good sacrifices;
Rejoice, thou who givest warmth from thine heart to thine intercessor.
Rejoice, quick listener to those who humbly pray before thine icon;
Rejoice, O faithful guardian from the wiles of the evil one and evil people.
Rejoice, thou who destroy life’s misfortunes with thy prayers;
Rejoice, thou who dissolvest our sorrows with spiritual peace.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 11: We bring thee a song of praise, O praiseworthy martyr, opening the lips of our humble heart with love: we glorify thy wondrous life and glorify thy martyr’s death, calling out to God who strengthenst thee: Alleluia.
Ikos 11: With the light of the glorious miracle of the appearance, thou hast enlightened the heart of Eutropius, darkened by the love of money, O Saint, for he thought to leave for himself the silver plate with thy name prepared as a gift to thee, and he saw his beloved servant and that plate sinking in the depths of the sea; but nevertheless, by thine intercession, the servant was again saved, singing songs of gratitude to thee; and we, praising this miracle, tenderly cry out to thee thus:
Rejoice, thou who turned the heart of Eutropius to repentance;
Rejoice, thou who didst save that slave in the depths of the sea.
Rejoice, for by the manifestation of thy miracle thou didst transform sorrow into joy;
Rejoice, thou who didst save thy faithful servant from drowning.
Rejoice, constant helper of the upright in heart;
Rejoice, O intercessor before God for those who honour thy name.
Rejoice, thou who protectest us from evil misfortunes;
Rejoice, thou who showest thy help to Orthodox people.
Rejoice, thou who teachest truthful and honest living;
Rejoice, thou who helpest in the fulfillment of good undertakings.
Rejoice, thou who protectest us from the temptations of sin;
Rejoice, thou who fulfillest our requests for good and salvation.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 12: A certain woman named Sophia recognised the grace of thy merciful intercession, O glorious Menas, for she, coming to thy church to worship, was saved by thee from the dishonour of the lawless soldier and cried out to God in gratitude: Alleluia.
Ikos 12: Singing of thy many miracles, all-praiseworthy great martyr, we remember the lame and the mute who prayed fervently in thy church; for thou didst appear to them and didst miraculously heal them; and we, remembering this miracle, fervently pray to thee: and strengthen our feet, weakened by many iniquities, and open the lips of our hearts worthily to sing to thee with songs such as these:
Rejoice, thou who didst strengthen the paralytic’s legs;
Rejoice, thou who didst loosen the bonds of the mute tongue.
Rejoice, merciful healer who hast appeared to many;
Rejoice, thou who didst bring many unbelievers to faith with glorious miracles;
Rejoice, joy and praise for the lovers of God;
Rejoice, refuge and consolation of strangers.
Rejoice, gracious feeder of the poor;
Rejoice, unashamed intercessor for widows and orphans.
Rejoice, deliverance of the faithful from misfortunes and evils;
Rejoice, O firm protection of those who honour thee.
Rejoice, good comforter in times of trouble;
Rejoice, holy helper in life’s sorrows.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 13: O holy and glorious Great-Martyr of Christ, Menas, accept now this small song brought to thee with zeal, and cover with thy prayers those who come running to thy holy icon and who lovingly honour thy honourable memory, so that by thine intercession we may always be protected from evil in peace and piety for the rest of our life, praising God, who is wondrous in His saints, singing the Angelic song: Alleluia. [This kontakion is said three times.]
Ikos 1: An angel in the flesh thou didst appear on earth, O glorious Menas, for thou didst receive the word of Christ with a pure soul, and fled into the desert from the wickedness of the idols, where thou didst serve God like an incorporeal being: and we, remembering thy wondrous life, sing to thee with joy:
Rejoice, bright star of the Church of Christ;
Rejoice, blessed ray of the sun of Truth.
Rejoice, holy lamp, who enlightenest the faithful with thy life;
Rejoice, thou who teachest us to fulfil the commandments of God.
Rejoice, O image of Christian piety for the faithful;
Rejoice, thou who guidest those who have gone astray to the light of Christ.
Rejoice, thou who bringest the wrong-minded to reason;
Rejoice, correction of money-loving hearts.
Rejoice, thou who delightest our souls with spiritual peace;
Rejoice, thou who always comfortest us in our sorrows.
Rejoice, quick deliverance from troubles;
Rejoice, thou who drivest away our evil thoughts.
Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Kontakion 1: Chosen wonderworker and quick helper in sorrows, O holy great martyr Menas: we, the unworthy, bring thee songs of praise from our hearts; but do thou, as one who hast boldness before the Lord, save from all troubles those who cry out to thee: Rejoice, O long-suffering martyr, Menas.
Prayer to the Great Martyr Menas: O passion-bearer, holy martyr Menas! Looking at thine icon and remembering the healings thou givest to all who come to thee with faith and reverence, we fall down before thou and, bending the knees of our hearts, with all our souls we pray to thee, be our intercessor before our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for our infirmities, accompany and comfort us in times of our sorrows, granting us the memory of our sins, help in misfortunes and troubles of this world, and in all the troubles that befall us in this vale of tears. Amen.
The last week has been a celebratory one of much activity and great blessings, having seen the visit of the Myrrh-Streaming Hawaiian-Iveron Icon to Cardiff and its veneration in the Oratory Church before its subsequent short visit to Chippenham, where it was also venerated and the faithful anointed, as they were in Cardiff the previous evening.
Several hundred people gathered at St Alban’s, greeting the icon with hymns and flowers, before a full moleben chanted according to the typikon, with both canon and akathist – the service being celebrated by the South Wales clergy, with the welcome presence of Father Sorin, and Father Youhanna from Risca.
We were pleased to have so many visitors from across South Wales and the West of England, and especially to have so many families, and to see people stay until so late.
Though there was little evidence of myrrh streaming on Tuesday, on Wednesday morning the icon streamed much myrrh, soaking a cloth on Branks’s sideboard, allowing us to soak it up with our prayer-ropes and cotton wool pads.
Even though the visit to Chippenham was very short, with the icon heading to our new monastic podvorie in Abingdon, those gathered enjoyed a festal day of chatting in the sun, enjoying a meal together, before the Cardiff pilgrims returned to South Wales and a few Wessex parishioners chanted the akathist hymn in honour of the Mother of God.
Back in Cardiff, the Marian festal-mood continued with the public offering of the Rule of the Mother of God in the Oratory Church, on Thursday.
On Saturday, the Cardiff clergy celebrated the Divine Liturgy for the Gloucestershire faithful, marking the feast of the Dedication of the Church of the Holy Great-Martyr George, in Lydda.
Back in Cardiff, it was wonderful to have a full complement of singers on the kliros, and we are grateful to them for their chanting, and – of course – for all who contributed to our Sunday service, which ended with another anointing of the faithful with myrrh from the Hawaiian Icon. We were glad to have new faces among the faithful, making up a little for those absent due to the virus that is doing the rounds.
Tomorrow, I will offer a moleben before our copy of the Hawaiian Icon here in Wiltshire, where I am staying so that I am able visit some of the local faithful, before continuing visits in Glastonbury and serving a moleben and house-blessing. I pray that the grace of the Mother of God will touch those who were unable to visit the icon, but who will be anointed in tomorrow’s visits.
On Thursday, we will gather in St Alban’s Church at 15:00 and offer a moleben for the Synaxis of the Archangel Michael and the other Bodiless Powers: the Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Salaphiel, Jegudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel. Confessions will be heard after the service, and can also be heard in the evening for those who make a prior arrangements. Please ask, if needed.
I will serve a funeral in Newport on Friday morning, asking your prayers for the newly departed Nicholas, and back in Cardiff we will chant the akathist to the Precious and Life-Giving Cross at 15:00.
Saturday will see our local pilgrimage to the churches of St Cadoc and Merthyr Dyfan, in Barry – early Christian sites associated with Saints Cadoc, Deruvian and Teilo. Our pilgrimage will start with a bring-and-share lunch at Tracy’s house at noon, before heading to St Cadoc’s for pilgrim prayers at 14:00, and then devotions in Merthyr Dyfan. Please contact me or Tracy if you require further details.
I am very happy that next Sunday coincides with the feast of the Holy Great-Martyr Menas, and look forward to offering prayers for the future of the parish before his icon. Some of us have received great favours and blessings through his prayers, and know him to be a fervent and swift intercessor.
As Advent approaches, we look forward to baptising our catechumens, Max and Joseph, and formalising catechesis with the other young people who would like to enter the catechumenate, considering Holy Baptism.
May I remind you that we need an indication of how many people would like to order a copy of the 2025 St Herman of Alaska Calendar, dedicated to the Saints of Wales and costing around £10. Please let us know asap, so that a order may be submitted.
The form of prayer that we in the Orthodox Church call the Rule of the Mother of God finds its origins in the monastic life of the Egyptian desert, where some of the fathers prayed the angelic salutation to the Mother of God one hundred and fifty times, reflecting the one hundred and fifty psalms of the Psalter. This, of course, mirrors the western rosary in its original and complete form.
St Seraphim of Sarov encouraged his disciples to pray to the Mother of God following a simple version of the rule, having his spiritual children copy it, with each mystery followed by the prayer. When he died, his disciple, Zosima, found a book recording the miracles that the Mother of God granted those who prayed to her with this devotion.
St Seraphim instructed his spiritual daughters, the nuns of Diveyevo to keep this prayer rule, reciting it as they walked three times around the ‘canal’ that the Mother of God instructed to be dug around the monastery. For praying the rule they made, and continue to make, a special lestovka with 150 steps, and they continue this devotion in obedience to St Seraphim, and to do so they make a modified version of the traditional Russian leather lestovka (ladder), that is an alternative to prayer ropes and chotki, was used by St Seraphim to recite the Jesus prayer, as we see his icons.
The second St Seraphim connected with this prayer rule, the Bishop of Dmitrov and new-martyr came from a family of Orthodox Old Believers and his father wrote the liturgical service for the canonisation of St Seraphim of Sarov in 1903.
He prayed the Rule of the Mother of God every day adding prayers of intercession at the end of each decade,
Whilst St Seraphim of Sarov also prayed in a similar way, he did not reveal his prayers.
We very much hope that this can become the focus of group prayer in our communities, as it can be prayed by any number of people in an informal setting, without the need for clergy. We simply need an icon-corner, reverence and love for the Mother of God.
Богородице Дево, радуйся, благодатная Марие, Господь с Тобою, Благословенна Ты в женахъ и благословенъ Плодъ чрева Твоего, яко Спаса родила еси душъ нашихъ.
Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast borne the Saviour of our souls.
Милосердия двери отверзи намъ, Благословенная Богородице, надеющиися на Тя, да не погибнемъ, но да избавимся Тобою от бедъ, Ты бо еси спасение рода христианскаго.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness, O most blessed Mother of God. As we set our hope in thee, let us not be confounded, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversities. For thou art the salvation of the Christian race.
Usual opening prayers with Psalm 50 and the creed, then…
First decade: Let us remember the birth of the Mother of God. Let us pray for mothers, fathers and children.
Our Father…
Rejoice, O Virgin Mother of God, Mary full of grace, the Lord is with thee! Blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, for thou hast born the Saviour of our souls. (Богородице Дево, радуйся… x 10)
Troparion, Tone IV: Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed joy to all the world; for from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of righteousness, Who having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death, hath granted us life everlasting.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness, O most blessed Mother of God. As we set our hope in thee, let us not be confounded, but through thee may we be delivered from all adversities, for thou art the salvation of the Christian race. (Милосердия двери отверзи намъ…)
O Most Holy Lady Theotokos, save and protect thy servants (names of parents and relatives), and to the departed grant rest with the saints in thine eternal glory.
Second decade: Let us remember the feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin and Mother of God. Let us pray for those who have lost their way and fallen away from the church.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone IV: Today is the prelude of God’s good will and the proclamation of the salvationof men. The Virgin hath manifestly appeared in the temple of God and proclaimeth Christ unto all. To her let us cry aloud: Rejoice, O thou fulfilment of the Creator’s dispensation!
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, save and protect and reunite (or join) to the Holy Orthodox Church thy servants (names) who are lost and have fallen away.
Third decade: Let us remember the Annunciation of the Blessed Mother of God – let us pray for the soothing of sorrows and the consolation of those who grieve.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10
Troparion, Tone IV: Today is the crown of our salvation, and the revelation of the mystery which is from before the ages! The Son of God becometh the Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announceth the glad tidings of grace. Wherefore, with him let us cry out to the Theotokos: Rejoice, O thou who art full of grace! The Lord is with thee!
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, soothe our sorrows and send consolation to thy servants (names) who are grieving or sick.
Fourth decade: Let us remember the Visitation of the Blessed Virgin with the righteous Elizabeth. Let us pray for the reunion of the separated, for those whose dear ones or children are living away from them or missing.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
It is truly meet to bless thee, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most immaculate, and the Mother of God. More honourable than the cherubim, and truly more glorious than the seraphim; who without corruption gavest birth to God the Word; the true Theotokos, thee do we magnify.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, unite Thy servants (names) who have been separated.
Fifth decade: Let us remember the Birth of Christ. Let us pray for the rebirth of souls, for new life in Christ.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone IV: Thy nativity, O Christ our God, hath shone forth the light of knowledge upon the world; for therein those who worship the stars have been taught by a star to worship Thee, the Sun of righteousness, and to know Thee the Orient from on high. O Lord, glory be to Thee!
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me, who was baptized into Christ, to put on Christ.
Sixth decade: Let us remember the Feast of the Presentation of the Lord, and the words uttered by St. Simeon: Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also (Luke 2:35). Let us pray that the Mother of God will meet our souls at the hour of our death, and will contrive that we receive the Holy Mysteries with our last breath, and will lead our souls through the terrible torments.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone I: Rejoice, O Virgin Theotokos full of grace, for from thee hath shone forth the Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God, enlightening them that are in darkness. Be glad thou also, O righteous elder, who receivest in thine arms the Deliverer of our souls,Who granteth us Resurrection.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me with my last breath to partake of the Holy Mysteries of Christ and do thou thyself lead my soul through the terrible ordeals [of the toll-houses].
Seventh decade: Let us remember the flight of the Mother of God with the God-Child into Egypt. Let us pray that the Mother of God will help us avoid temptation in this life and deliver us from misfortunes.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Kontakion, Tone VIII: To thee, the Champion Leader, we, thy servants, dedicate a feast of victory and of thanksgiving, as ones rescued out of sufferings, O Theotokos; but as thou art one with might which is invincible, from all dangers that can be do thou deliver us, that we may cry to thee: Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded!
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, let me not be led into temptation in this life and deliver me from all misfortunes.
Eighth decade: Let us remember the disappearance of the twelve-year old boy Jesus in Jerusalem and the sorrow of the Mother of God on this account. Let us pray, begging the Mother of God on this account.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone 7: Receive me who sighest, O Lord, since Thou art merciful, and have mercy on me as the publican, through the intercession of Thy Mother.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, Most-Pure Virgin Mary, grant me to pray unceasingly the Jesus Prayer.
Ninth decade: Let us remember the miracle performed in Cana of Galilee, when the Lord turned water into wine at the words of the Mother of God: They have no wine (John 2:3). Let us ask the Mother of God for help in our affairs and deliverance from need.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone 3: Overwhelmed in the abyss of life, we have a haven of salvation in thee, O Mother of God. Do thou save from all trouble those who flee to thy goodness.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, help me in every enterprise and deliver me from all needs and sorrows.
Tenth decade: Let us remember the Mother of God standing at the Cross of the Lord, when grief pierced through her heart like a sword. Let us pray to the Mother of God for the strengthening of our souls and the banishment of despondency
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone 6: Weep not for me, O Mother, seeing in the tomb the Son conceived in the womb without seed, for I shall arise and be glorified: as God I shall exalt with glory-unceasing those who with faith and love magnify thee.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, Blessed Virgin Mary, strengthen my spiritual fortitude and drive despondency far from me.
Eleventh decade: Let us remember the Resurrection of Christ and ask the Mother of God in prayer to resurrect our souls and give us a new courage for spiritual feats.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Tone V: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, resurrect my soul and grant me constant readiness for spiritual contest [podvig].
Twelfth decade: Let us remember the Ascension of Christ, at which the Mother of God was present. Let us pray and ask the Queen of Heaven to raise up our souls from earthly and worldly amusements and direct them to striving for higher things.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone IV: Thou didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, having gladdened Thy disciples by the promise of the Holy Spirit. And this blessing convinced them that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, deliver me from vain thoughts and grant me a mind and a heart that strives for the salvation of the soul.
Thirteenth decade: Let us remember the Upper Room and the descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles and the Mother of God. Let us pray: Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me (Psalm 50).
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone VIII: Blessed art Thou, Christ our God, Who didst make the fishermen wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of mankind, glory to Thee.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, send down into my heart and strengthen within it the grace of the Holy Spirit.
Fourteenth decade: Let us remember the Dormition of the Blessed Mother of God, and ask for a peaceful and serene end.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone I: In giving birth thou didst preserve thy virginity, and in thy falling asleep thou hast not forsaken the world, O Theotokos. Thou hast been, translated to life, as thou art the Mother of Life. And by thy supplications thou dost deliver our souls from death.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, grant me a peaceful and serene ending to my life.
Fifteenth decade: Let us remember the glory of the Mother of God, with which the Lord crowned her after her removal from earth to heaven. Let us pray to the Queen of Heaven not to abandon the faithful who are on earth but to defend them from every evil, covering them with her honourable Protecting Veil.
The Lord’s Prayer; ‘Rejoice O Mother of God’ (Богородице Дево, радуйся) x 10.
Troparion, Tone IV: Overshadowed by thy coming, O Mother of God, we the right faithful people, celebrate today with splendour, and gazing at thine all-precious image, we say with compunction: Cover us with thy precious omophorion, and deliver us from all evil, entreating thy Son, Christ our God, that He save our souls.
Open unto us the doors of thy loving-kindness…
O Most-Holy Lady Theotokos, save me from all evil and cover me with Thy Most-Honourable Omophorion.
We magnify thee, O all-holy Virgin, divinely elect Maiden, and we honour thy holy image, whereby thou pourest forth healings upon all who have recourse to it.
What a momentous few days it has been, with the great blessing of the Hawaiian-Iveron myrrh-streaming icon of the Mother of God to Cardiff and Chippenham: days of much travelling and little sleep, but immeasurable joy for those involved.
The icon’s late arrival in Cardiff was due to the throngs of the faithful – four hundred people or more – who flocked to Lazarica, to pray and venerate the Icon in Bournville.
Though the lateness in Cardiff was a challenge, knowing that so many had been able to gather to honour the Mother of God in St Lazar’s was a great joy. We pray for the blessing and grace of the Mother of God to pour forth upon Father Nenad, the Serbian Orthodox parish faithful, and the constant flow of pilgrims who make their way to Lazarica to venerate the Hilandarska-Trojerucica Icon.
The Icon did not arrive in Cardiff until 19:30, and in the vastness of the Oratory Church, it was difficult to ascertain the numbers of pilgrims until the veneration, when we realised that there were several hundred faithful gathered to pray and receive the blessing of the Mother of God. We were pleased to have Father Sorin with us, and to welcome Father Youhanis, the Coptic priest from Risca.
It was lovely to see that the Mother of God was greeted and honoured with so many flowers, and their remaining presence in the Oratory Church now is a testimony to the love of the faithful for the Theotokos.
Though the myrrh was less abundant than the following morning, people commented that it could be smelled in the street outside and the environs of the Oratory Church. I look forward to the offering of the “Rule of the Mother of God” / «Богородичное правило» in St Alban’s this afternoon, as a sort of “after-feast” for the icon’s visit.
Wednesday started with the Icon visiting our senior sister’s house, where the clergy had breakfast, before a brief visit to Chippenham, and during the course of the meal the Icon streanmed much myrrh, which soaked the cloth beneath it, so that we were able to soak it up with our prayer ropes and lots of cotton wool. The fragrance greeted us, when we finally arrived back in Cardiff and sat down for supper in the late evening.
It was a short, but welcome visit that brought the blessing of the Mother of God to Chippenham, where Father Nectarios chanted a moleben, before the faithful venerated the icon and were anointed with myrrh.
We were blessed to have a group of young people with us, and after the departure of the icon, the day was treated as a feast day with a meal and afternoon of conversation. I was pleased to hear that after we departed, the day continued in Chippenham with the chanting of the akathist.Immense thanks to those who chanted, served, cooked, cleaned brought vast amounts of flowers and submitted names for commemoration, which we will continue to commemorate the names submitted in prayers to the Mother of God this week, and to all who came to honour the Mother of God.
Our gratitude must especially be directed to the Oratorians, especially to Brother Francis Xavier, who stayed up very late, as we did not lock up and leave St Alban’s until after midnight. May the blessing of the Mother of God give him and his brethren strength.
Our hope and prayer is that the visit of the icon of the Mother of God will bring strength, help and consolation to all who came to honour the Queen of Heaven, and that whether their prayers are answered or not, their Faith is fortified and love for her increased!
O most glorious Lady, Queen of heaven and earth, Virgin Theotokos! Falling down now before thy precious icon, with compunction in our hearts we give voice to this, our meager entreaty; for we are unprofitable servants who deserve condemnation, yet hope to find mercy through thine almighty mediation before the Judge. We believe and trust, O Mistress, that thy Son, Who desireth not death of sinners, will hearken to thy mediation, and have now been informed of this by the wondrous sign of myrrh streaming from thy holy icon, from whence thou hast poured forth healings in abundance upon all who with love and faith have recourse unto thee. Wherefore, we cry out to thee with tears: Have pity on our wretchedness, forgive us our unfaithfulness, break thou the arrogance of our pride, dispel the numbness of our hardened hearts, regard the sighing of those beset by despondency, and make us chaste by the expectation of future reward. And grant, O Lady, that our Church may stand unshakably in the Truth and a goodly increase in love. Protect us from all the wiles of the demons and the vain beliefs of the heretics, and gather the scattered faithful together, that all who glorify thee in Orthodox manner on earth may also be vouchsafed to glorify with song in the heavens the most worshipful name of the Holy Trinity and thy merciful aid to us, unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Many thanks to all who contributed to yesterday’s parish celebration of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God, following Monday’s celebration of the feast on its proper date.
It was lovely to celebrate the feast in the Oratory on Monday, even though most people were unable to be with us, hence Sunday’s continuing parish celebration, with a longer chance to spend time together after Liturgy.
It was lovely to have Father Mark, Alla and Yuriy back, with Father’s presence freeing me to help on the kliros.
We look forward to our Marian celebrations continuing with tomorrow’s arrival of the Wonderworking Hawaiian-Iveron Icon of the Mother of God in Cardiff, after a parish visit to Pontypool.
Whilst understanding the unpredictability of evening traffic, we will be ready to greet the icon at 18:30 at the doors of the Oratory Church, Swinton St, Cardiff CF24 2NT.
We will the chant the moleben to the Mother of God, and you are invited to submit names for commemoration by the clergy throughout the service, and it would be helpful for you to prepare clearly written or printed lists in advance. Please let us know the names of the Orthodox sick, for Hierodeacon Avraamy to commemorate in the litanies.
There will be a collection basket for the Hawaiian Icon Association next to the icon, and we ask the faithful to be generous in their support for the grace-filled visits of the icon throughout the world.
You are also invited to remember the Oratory Church in your giving, being mindful that this event is not isolated, but indicative of the hospitality that the Oratorians show to the Orthodox faithful week after week, as we gather to pray and serve in St Alban’s, surrounded by such warmth, generosity and kindness.
On its eastward progress, the Wonderworking Icon will stop to Chippenham on Wednesday morning, making a station there for a moleben and veneration at Masha’s home around 10:30.
It was only yesterday that the parishioners of St John’s were informed that we will be leaving, and this was a cause of sadness for some of them, and emotional upset for one parishioner (who has been very supportive of our presence), who was comforted and reassured by Father Mark the Younger. We are very grateful for the immense warmth and kindness that has been shown by rank and file parishioners. It is unfortunate that the explanation for our departure hides behind “orders from above” and seeks to absolve and exonerate the West Cardiff Ministry team of any responsibility for their actions, and of the fact that our move back was with the support and encouragement of their lead minister, whose judgment and authority were trusted, to our cost and disadvantage. Our thoughts are with those who have been so kind and generous to us.
Our parish committee is waiting to hopefully view a property owned by the now defunct Free Serbian Orthodox parish. Due to charity regulation, this property, in Ely will go to auction, but we are very interested to see it. We know there are structural issues, and need to ascertain the degree to which this affects the building and its use. Several other possible buildings are being explored for hire.
We must pray fervently for our parish and its future, and increase our prayers, so that our present trials bring us closer to God: tomorrow being a prime opportunity to pray together.
As we have said on WhatsApp, some of our sisters are offering prayers to the Mother of God every evening at 20:00, praying the much loved prayer –
Цари́це моя́ Преблага́я, Наде́ждо моя́, Богоро́дице, Прия́телище си́рых и стра́нных Предста́тельнице, скорбя́щих Ра́досте, оби́димых Покрови́тельнице! Зри́ши мою́ беду́, зри́ши мою́ скорбь; помози́ ми, я́ко не́мощну, окорми́ мя, я́ко стра́нна! Оби́ду мою́ ве́си, разреши́ ту, я́ко во́лиши: яко не и́мам ины́я по́мощи, ра́зве Тебе́, ни ины́я Предста́тельницы, ни благи́я Уте́шительницы, то́кмо Тебе́, о Богома́ти! Я́ко да сохрани́ши мя и покры́еши во ве́ки веко́в. Ами́нь.
O my most blessed Queen, O Theotokos my hope, guardian of orphans, intercessor for strangers, joy of the sorrowful, protectress of the wronged: Thou seest my misfortune, thou seest mine affliction; help me, for I am weak; feed me, for I am a stranger. Thou knowest mine offence: Absolve it as thou wilt, for I have no other help beside thee, no other intercessor, nor good consoler, except thee, O Mother of God. Do thou preserve and protect me unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Please consider joining them, or joining your voice in offering prayers to the Mother of God, in honour of her Kursk Root Icon, or to St John the Wonderworker. In addition to the akathists available online, I posted an English language canon to St John earlier today:
After the icon visits, Thursday will see a service at 15:00 in the Oratory Church, and I will then hear confessions either side of the service, as well as hearing evening confessions in Nazareth House.
Saturday will see the clergy fulfil their monthly obedience in serving the Liturgy in Cheltenham, and the faithful there would very much like to welcome Cardiff parishioners. Given that virtually none of them drive, they are rather cut off and isolated, but always keenly ask about the Cardiff faithful that have supported them over the years.
This month’s quite simple pilgrimage will see us visit the ancient Christian sites of St Cadoc’s and Merthyr Dyfan in Barry, and I would appreciate an indication of who will be able to attend to help decide what services will be celebrated. Please let me know as soon as possible.
May I ask your prayers for the newly departed Nikola, and for the Sesević family, as arrangements are made for Nikola’s funeral in Newport, next week.
Dear brothers and sisters,
Magnification: We extol Thee, O Christ, the Giver of Life for by fulfilling the sign foretold of Emmanuel, Thou didst reveal Thyself as Saviour, by prophets foretold.
Dear brothers and sisters,
Several hundred people gathered at St Alban’s, greeting the icon with hymns and flowers, before a full moleben chanted according to the typikon, with both canon and akathist – the service being celebrated by the South Wales clergy, with the welcome presence of Father Sorin, and Father Youhanna from Risca.
It was lovely to see that the Mother of God was greeted and honoured with so many flowers, and their remaining presence in the Oratory Church now is a testimony to the love of the faithful for the Theotokos.
Our gratitude must especially be directed to the Oratorians, especially to Brother Francis Xavier, who stayed up very late, as we did not lock up and leave St Alban’s until after midnight. May the blessing of the Mother of God give him and his brethren strength.
Dear brothers and sisters,