Descend my sealed brethren, put on our Lord, and be rejoined to His lineage, for He is son of a great lineage, as He has said in His Word.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
From on high is His Nature, and from beneath is His Vesture. Each that puts off his vesture, commingled is that vesture, with His Vesture forever.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
You too in the water, receive from him the vesture that wastes not, nor is lost for, it is the vesture that vests them that are vested in it forever.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
But the blessed Priest, is mediator between two: the covenant shall be made before Him, He is mediator of his Lord, and surety on our part.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
The Godhead in the water, lo, has mingled His leaven for the creatures of dust, that leaven raises up and the Godhead joins them.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
For it is the leaven of the Lord that can glide into the bondman and raise him to freedom; it has joined the bondman to the lineage of Him the Lord of all.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
For the bondman who has put on Him, Who makes all free in the waters though bondman he be on earth, is son of the free on high, for freedom He has put on.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
The freeman who has put on, that Angel in the waters, is as the fellow of servants, that he may be made like to the Lord, Who became bondman unto bondmen.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
He Who enriches all came down, and put on poverty, that He might divide to the poor, the stores that were hidden out of the treasure-house of the water.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
The lowly one again that has put on the Giver of all greatness, in the water even though he be base in the sight of fools, yet is great in the sight of the Watchers, for that he is clad in greatness.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
For like as He Who is great, Who became lowly in His love by the unbelievers was persecuted, and by the Watchers* was worshipped, was made lowly and makes the lowly great.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
Thus, let him be lowly who is great, that in him the lowly may be great: Let us be like to Him Who is greater than all, Who became less than all: He was made lowly, and makes all men great.
The meek man who has put on Him Who is great, in the water though humble be his countenance, very great is his discernment, for He Who is exalted above all dwells in him.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
For who could be found to despise the bush of thorn the despised and humble, wherein the Majesty in fire made its dwelling within?
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
Who again could be found to despise Moses the meek and slow of speech when that excelling glory dwelt upon his meekness?
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
They that despised him despised his Lord; the wicked that despised him the earth swallowed up in anger; the Levites who scorned Him the fire devoured in fury.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
Of Him Christ commanded, You shall not call him who is baptised and has put Him on Raca (worthless/empty); for whoso despises the despised, despises with him the Mighty.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
In Eden and in the world are parables of our Lord; and what tongue can gather the similitudes of His mysteries? For, He is figured all of Him in all things.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
In the Scriptures He is written of; on Nature He is impressed; His crown is figured in kings, in prophets His truth, His atonement in priests.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
In the rod of Moses was He, and in the hyssop of Aaron and in the crown of David: to the prophets pertains His similitude, to the Apostles His Gospel.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
Revelations beheld Thee, proverbs looked for Thee, mysteries expected Thee, similitudes saluted Thee, parables showed types of Thee.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
The Covenant of Moses looked forward to the Gospel: all things of old time flew on and alighted thereon in the new Covenant.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
Lo! The prophets have poured out on Him their glorious mysteries; the priests and kings have poured out upon Him their wonderful types: they all have poured them out on all of Him.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
Christ overcame and surpassed, by His teachings the mysteries by His interpretations the parables; as the sea into its midst receives all streams.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
For Christ is the sea, and He can receive the fountains and brooks, the rivers and streams, that flow from the midst of the Scriptures.
Blessed be He that blots out in water misdeeds that are without measure!
* Syriac: ‘ira = Watcher/Angel. The book of Daniel refers t ‘irin and qaddishin, “Watchers and Holy Ones” among the angels.
The heavens He has renewed, for that fools worshipped all the luminaries: He has renewed the earth, for that in Adami t was wasted. That which He fashioned has become new by His spittle: and the All-Sufficing has restored bodies with souls.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
Gather yourselves again O sheep and without labour receive cleansing! For one needs not as Elisha to bathe seven times in the river, nor again to be wearied as the priests are wearied with sprinklings.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
Seven times Elisha purified himself in a mystery of the seven spirits; and the hyssop and blood are a mighty symbol. There is no room for division He is not divided from the Lord of all Who is Son of the Lord of all.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock in the day of Thine Epiphany!
Moses sweetened in Marah the waters that were bitter because the People complained and murmured: Thus he gave a sign of baptism wherein the Lord of life makes sweet them that were bitter.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock in the day of Thine Epiphany!
The cloud overshadowed and kept off the burning heat from the camp it showed a symbol of the Holy Spirit, which overshadows you in baptism tempering the flaming fire that it harm not our bodies.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
Through the sea the People then passed, and showed a symbol of the baptism wherein ye were washed. The People passed through that and believed not: the Gentiles were baptised in this and believed and received the Holy Spirit.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The Word sent the Voice to proclaim before His Coming, to prepare for Him the way by which He came and to betroth the Bride till He should come that she might be ready when He should come and take her from the water.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The voice of prophecy stirred the son of the barren woman and he went forth wandering in the desert and crying, “Lo! The Son of the Kingdom comes! prepare the way that He may enter and abide in your dwellings!”
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
John cried, Who comes after me, He is before me: I am the Voice but not the Word; I am the torch but not the Light the Star that rises before the Sun of Righteousness.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
In the wilderness this John had cried and had said, “Repent ye sinners of your evils and offer the fruits of repentance; for lo! He comes that winnows the wheat from the tares.”
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The Light-giver has prevailed and marked a mystery, by the degrees he ascended: Lo! There are twelve days since he ascended, and today this is the thirteenth: a perfect mystery of Him, the Son, and His twelve!
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
Darkness was overcome to make it manifest that Satan was overcome and the Light prevailed that he should proclaim that the Firstborn triumphs: darkness was overcome with the Dark Spirit, and our Light prevailed with the Light-giver.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
In the Height and the Depth the Son had two heralds. The star of light proclaimed Him from above John likewise preached Him from beneath: two heralds, the earthly and the heavenly.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The star of light, contrary to nature, shone forth of a sudden less than the sun yet greater than the sun. Less was it than he in manifest light and greater than he in secret might because of its mystery.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The star of light shed its rays among them that were in darkness and guided them as though they were blind so that they came and met the great Light: they gave offerings and received life and adored and departed.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The herald from above showed His Nature to be from the Most High; likewise he that was from beneath showed His Body to be from humankind, mighty marvel! that His Godhead and His Manhood by them were proclaimed!
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
Thus whoever reckons Him as of earth, the star of light will convince him that He is of Heaven: and whoever reckons Him as of spirit, this John will convince him that He is also bodily.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
John drew near with his parents and worshipped the Sun and brightness rested on His Face. He was not moved as when in the womb. Mighty marvel! That here he worships and there he leaped!
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The whole creation became for Him as one mouth and cried out concerning Him. The Magi cry out in their gifts; the barren cry out with their children the star of light, lo! It cries out in the air, Behold the Son of the King!
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
The heavens are opened, the waters break forth, the dove is in glory! The voice of the Father is stronger than thunder as it utters the word, “This is My Beloved”; the Watchers brought the tidings, the children acclaimed Him in their Hosannas.
To Thee be praise from Thy flock on the day of Thine Epiphany!
Given the great spiritual, physical and culinary labours of the last few days, there are, no doubt, many people in our community who are tired, but saying “Slava Bogu… glory to God!” for the blessing of being able to welcome our hierarch and archpastor, Bishop Irenei to Cardiff – with today’s hierarchical Divine Liturgy as the crown of our celebration.
After more than a year and a half since his last hierarchical visitation, Vladika’s visit was important, especially given the great changes and expansion in our parish and local missions since the trials of covid and lockdown.
We rejoice that we were able to come together as a scattered community of Orthodox faithful, representing our Cardiff parish and our Cheltenham and Swansea missions, with the blessing of welcoming Deacon Andrey and Reader George to serve with us. The contribution of Hierodeacon Avraamy – now blessed to serve in our South Wales communities – was also most welcome.
Gathered around our hierarch, the Liturgy expressed the spiritual bond and catholicity/sobornost of our common and shared life as the Church, in which each of us called to individual ministry and vocation, as alluded to by Vladika in his homily.
Within our community we glorify God for so many vocations, great gifts and talents – in singing, reading, icon painting, cooking, liturgical expertise, floral craft, and the simple ability to organise hospitality and to welcome all who gather not only to the Holy Table of the eucharist, but also to the table of Christian fellowship to share in food and drink.
As well as catching up with familiar parishioners in the parish, His Grace was able to meet those who now travel from England for Liturgy, those baptised since his last visitation, and our catechumens, several of whom will be baptised in the next couple of months. For many parishioners this was their first meeting with Vladika, and for some, it was there first encounter with an Orthodox bishop – and such a personable, warm and positive one.
We were also very happy to welcome our brother-priest, Father Sorin of the Romanian Parish of St Stephen, and were so pleased that he was able to meet Vladika Irenei once again, and join us for trapeza.
The festive table on this feast of the Holy Hieromartyr, Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow summed up the wonderful diversity of our parishioners – with Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Romanian, Spanish, British and Caribbean fare feeding all those assembled, as well as supplying many parishioners with meals for the next few days.
We are so very grateful to all who contributed so generously, and especially for Melangell who took on the role of Senior Sister, having this episcopal visitation as her first rather daunting duty, ceremonially starting with the welcome she offered to Vladika, with the traditional offering of bread and salt, after which the children of the parish offered posies of flowers to their bishop.
We are particularly indebted to our kliros and oltarniky, for their part in the Liturgy, particularly to our oltarnik Oswald, who so capably served with Reader George in fulfilling what would ordinarily have been the obedience of subdeacon.
As Vladika commented, it is the choir who face the greatest challenge in the Hierarchical Liturgy, given the many variations from our usual celebration. May God bless you all!
Thank you everyone for your many and varied offerings, obediences, gifts, generosity and goodwill in making the feast of St Philip such a truly memorable and joyful day and for welcoming Vladika Irenei to lead us in our celebrations.
Above all, we express our thanks to His Grace Bishop Irenei, for his fatherly love and care, and for visiting and nurturing his flock in the fullness of Orthodoxy within our God-Preserved Diocese.
After Wednesday’s Vesperal Liturgy and Great Blessing of the Waters in Llanelli, we continued our Theophany celebrations in Cardiff today.
Due to the daily mass at Nazareth House, we were unable to start the Hours and Liturgy until 11:00, so that with the Great Blessing of the Waters, our celebration reached well into the afternoon.
Having not enjoyed Theophany in Nazareth House since 2020, it was wonderful to celebrate the feast again, though on a smaller scale, given that the feast fell on a work day. This said, we still had community members from Wiltshire and Bath joining us, singing, serving and reading for the feast.
Gathering before our water vessels at the end of the Liturgy, the Theophany hymns and prayers called us to participate in the outpouring of God’s Grace once manifested in the consecration of the Jordan and the whole creation at the Saviour’s baptism, continually realised anew in the celebration of His Baptism and the Great Blessing of the Waters, each year.
What joyous words we heard, with the poetic joy of creation’s renewal through the wonder of the Incarnate-God bringing grace, light and life by His selfless descent into the world as the God-Man and in His humble and self-effacing descent into the streams of the Jordan, though He was holy, divine and sinless.
From the Prophet Isaiah we heard the wonderful expectation that,
“… the desert places of Jordan shall blossom, and all shall be glad and rejoice; the glory of Lebanon hath been given to it, and the honour of Carmel; and My people shall see the glory of the Lord, and the majesty of God… For the mountains and the hills shall exult to welcome you with joy, and all the trees of the field shall clap with their branches. And instead of the bramble shall come up the cypress, and instead of the nettle shall come up the myrtle: and the Lord shall be for a name, and for an everlasting sign, and shall not fail.”
And in His Baptism, the glory of the Lord and the majesty of God was the manifestation of the Trinity, in the ceaseless outpouring and exchange of love between the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit bearing witness together in the events of the Jordan river.
The special petitions of the Litany of Peace reminded us that on the feast we do not merely come as witnesses, but rather to be participators in the great mystery of Christ’s Baptism, to be partakers of the grace of the Holy Spirit and the consecration of God’s world and the waters of Theophany.
They speak of our illumination, liberation, sanctification, purification, participation, and standing before the vessels of water we ask the Lord to
“impart unto it the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan. Make it a fountain of immortality, a gift of sanctification, the remission of sins, the healing of infirmities, the destruction of the demons, unapproachable by hostile powers, filled with angelic might. And may it be unto all those who shall draw it, and shall partake of it unto the purification of their souls and bodies, unto the healing of their passions, unto the sanctification of their homes, and unto every expedient service.”
I sincerely hope that those who prayed with me throughout the Liturgy and the consecration of the waters felt themselves to be participators in the wonderful and joyful feast, and (with their bottles of holy water) have gone back to their towns, villages, and homes buoyed with the feeling that they have truly been part of the Lord’s Theophany, in a celebration in which His Baptism became spiritually real as an event which transcends time and place, whose joy and grace is renewed in God’s world, even if just in our little corner of it, every year.
We now look forward to continuing in this joy and being participators in the illumination and manifestation of God’s glory and grace as we travel across the counties in which our faithful live – in both Wales and England – enthusiastically blessing dwellings, gardens and land, as we continue to sing the festal hymns – desirous and mindful of our need for sanctification, illumination, liberation and purification through our life in Christ, and through Him in our life in the Holy Trinity.
“O ye faithful, let us hymn the magnitude of God’s benefactions toward us; for having become man for the sake of our transgressions, He Who alone is pure and incorrupt, Who sanctifieth me and the waters, and crusheth the heads of the serpents in the water, is purified in the Jordan with our purification. Wherefore, let us draw forth water with gladness, O brethren; for the grace of the Spirit is invisibly imparted to those who draw it forth with faith, by Christ God, the Saviour of our souls.”
In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Dear brothers and sisters,
Greetings for the feast of the Theophany: the Baptism of the Lord.
S prazdnikom!
At the beginning of the feast, we celebrated the vesperal Liturgy on the eve of the Lord’s Theophany, with the thirteen readings for the feast rich with images of water.
We heard of the creation of the waters of the world by the Lord on the third day; of the waters of the Red Sea as the passage of the children of Israel to safety and freedom in the exodus from Egypt; of the sweetening of the waters of Marah, rendered drinkable when Moses cast a tree – prefiguring of the Life-Giving Cross – into the bitter, undrinkable spring; of the parting of the Jordan as the priests bearing the Ark of the Covenant stepped into its watery fringes; of the waters poured upon the sacrifice of Elijah, ‘licked up’ by the flames which descended form heaven – a symbol of the fire of the Holy Spirit and the waters of baptism; of Elisha parting the Jordan by striking it with the mantle of his master, Elijah; of the waters of the Nile being the salvation of the infant Moses when the sons of the Israelites were slain.
In the prayers of the Great Blessing of Waters, we returned to the Old Testament:
“For Thou art our God, Who through water and the Spirit hast renewed our nature which had fallen into decay through sin. For Thou art our God, Who with water didst drown sin in the days of Noah. For Thou art our God, Who by the sea, through Moses, freed the Hebrew people from slavery to Pharaoh. For Thou art our God, Who smote the rock in the wilderness, so that waters gushed forth, and torrents welled forth, and Who satisfied Thy thirsty people. For Thou art our God, Who by water and fire, through Elijah, didst set Israel free from the errors of Baal.”
Through these episodes run themes of safe passage, freedom, salvation and transformation, of the waters as a path to a promised land or sacred destination, and of spiritual renewal – and each of these themes prefigure the Lord’s Baptism, narrated in the final reading from the Gospel of Mark, and celebrated each year on this feast:
“At that time, Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptised of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him: And there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
In this cosmic event, the freedom, exodus, safe-passage and transformation images of the Old Testament lessons become an eternal spiritual reality, whose promise and power bring freedom and redemption not simply in an earthly and temporal manner to a generation of God’s people in an historical time and place, but to all who seek the Lord in Faith until the end of the ages by entering into the mystery of the Saviour’s victory over death through the waters of the mystery of Holy Baptism.
At His baptism by John, the Eternal Logos and Creator descended into the waters which He Himself had created on the third day, consecrating them by entering their depths with His Divinity clothed in the physicality of the God-Man. Not simply Christ’s Humanity, but His Divinity entered into the Jordan and the elemental waters of the world.
God-Incarnate entered the waters, thus consecrated by the Creator’s very presence, as the the Triune God was made manifest as all of the persons of the Trinity were revealed in this wondrous event – as we hear not only in Mark’s Gospel, but also in the troparion of the feast:
“When Thou, wast baptised in the Jordan, O Lord, the worship of the Trinity was made manifest; for the voice of the Father bare witness to Thee, calling Thee His beloved Son. And the Spirit in the form of a dove confirmed the certainty of the word.”
Thus, the Life-Giving Trinity, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit – in whose name we are born again in our own baptism – seals this feast, and on this annual memorial, we call upon the operation of the Holy Trinity to consecrate the waters.
We beseech the Father to send forth the Holy Spirit, as He did upon the very day of the Lord’s Baptism. We pray that through the descent of the Holy Spirit, the Saviour’s blessing may descend upon and transform the waters, just as His physical descent into the Jordan consecrated, restored and renewed the creation that had been marred and tainted by the disobedience and rebellion of the first-father and first-mother. And, we pray boldly, with confidence in the goodwill and love for man of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, as we ask,
“That these waters may be sanctified by the power, effectual operation and descent of the Holy Spirit… That there may descent upon these waters the cleansing operation of the super-substantial Trinity… That He will endue them with the grace of redemption, the blessing of Jordan, the might, and operation, and descent of the Holy Spirit… That satan may speedily be crushed under our feet, and that every evil council directed against us may be brought to nought… That the Lord our God will free us from every attack and temptation of the enemy, and make us worthy of the good things He hath promised… That He will illumine us with the light of understanding and of piety, through the descent of the Holy Spirit… That the Lord God will send down the blessing of Jordan and sanctify these waters…That this water may be a fountain welling forth unto life eternal… That it may manifest itself effectual unto the averting of every machination of our foes, whether visible or invisible… For those who shall draw of it and take of it unto the sanctification of their homes… That it may be for the purification of the souls and bodies of all those who, with faith, shall draw and partake of it… That He will graciously enable us to perfect sanctification by participation in these waters, through the invisible manifestation of the Holy Spirit…”
Throughout its existence since its foundation by the very Saviour whose baptism is celebrated on this feast, the Church of Christ has had confidence in this grace-filled sanctification and renewal through the cleansing, restorative and life-giving power of the Holy Spirit.
But, as St John the Wonderworker of Shanghai and San Francisco reminds us, as rational, soul-endowed human beings – not simply elements of nature – we have to make the conscious decision whether we wish to enter into this wonderful renewal, or rather to allow the grace of the Holy Trinity to renew and restore us. Is it our will, and do we open ourself to the Lord’s wonderful grace?
“Today the Holy Spirit, descending up on the waters when the Cross of Christ is immersed into them, descends up on all of nature. Only in man He cannot enter without his will.
Let us open our hearts and souls to receive Him and with faith cry from the depths of our souls:
“Great art Thou, O Lord, and marvellous are Thy works, and there is no word which sufficeth to hymn Thy wonders.”
As announced at Liturgy on Sunday, confessions will be heard on Thursday and Saturday this week.
Those who confessed last weekend are blessed to commune at the Theophany Liturgy, and those preparing for communion on Sunday may confess after the Great Blessing of the Waters.
There will be limited time before our 11:00 Liturgy, so I would appreciate an idea of how many confessions are expected. I have already received several requests, and will confess those respective parishioners first. If needed, parishioners may be confessed and communed after the service. Please let us know if you would like to confess on Thursday.
On Saturday, we will celebrate Great Vespers with Vladika at 17:00, and I and Father Luke will be available to confess people before and after the service.
There will be confessions before the Sunday service, but these must end by 10:55, as Vladika will be greeted at 11:00. Those confessing should be mindful of the time, and long confessions will NOT be possible.
Whatever day works best for you, please drop us a line.
Dear brothers and sisters, I have just stopped en route from St Nicholas to the station so that I can send greetings on this Leave-Taking of the Nativity. Christ is Born! Happy Feast!
Tomorrow we will celebrate the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord in Cheltenham.
This celebration joins the Afterfeast of the Nativity to the Forefeast of the Theophany, joining the rites of the old covenant (signified by circumcision) to the new covenant (signified by baptism) through the salvific earthly-life and work of Christ.
The Church Fathers see this feast as the effective abolition of the old rites by Christ leading us from circumcision to the saving waters of baptism in the coming feast of His Theophany. As St John of Damascus says in the canon,
“The transcendent Word Who became incarnate hath been circumcised that the law might cease; and He hath given us the beginning of divine grace and life incorruptible.” (Canon, Ode III)
The fathers see the feast as the passing from law to grace:
“Circumcision hath ceased since Christ was willingly circumcised, saving the multitude of nations by grace.” (Canon, Ode IV)
The Lord’s submission to the Law, even though He is the giver of the law, and His willingness to suffer in the flesh to the shedding of blood – a foretokening of His passion – is a sign of his love and the humility of God – a phrase which seems shocking: the personal source of all that exists, the creator and giver of life bows down to embrace humanity and even accede to the religious laws given to His chosen people.
This this is a feast which continues to demonstrate the self-effacing and sacrificial love of the Incarnation. ‘He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all…’ and suffers in His economy of salvation even as an eight day old child.
“He Who is invisible in essence hath now become visible in the flesh; the uncreated Word hath now taketh form, born of the pure Virgin. * Wherefore, following the law for the sake of mankind, He hath been circumcised as a babe eight days of age. Let us therefore worship Him as our Saviour.”
As we move from one feast to another, S prazdnikom!
I have just stopped en route from St Nicholas to the station so that I can send greetings on this Leave-Taking of the Nativity. Christ is Born! Happy Feast!
Tomorrow we will celebrate the feast of the Circumcision of the Lord in Cheltenham.
This celebration joins the Afterfeast of the Nativity to the Forefeast of the Theophany, joining the rites of the old covenant (signified by circumcision) to the new covenant (signified by baptism) through the salvific earthly-life and work of Christ.
The Church Fathers see this feast as the effective abolition of the old rites by Christ leading us from circumcision to the saving waters of baptism in the coming feast of His Theophany. As St John of Damascus says in the canon,
“The transcendent Word Who became incarnate hath been circumcised that the law might cease; and He hath given us the beginning of divine grace and life incorruptible.” (Canon, Ode III)
The fathers see the feast as the passing from law to grace:
“Circumcision hath ceased since Christ was willingly circumcised, saving the multitude of nations by grace.” (Canon, Ode IV)
The Lord’s submission to the Law, even though He is the giver of the law, and His willingness to suffer in the flesh to the shedding of blood – a foretokening of His passion – is a sign of his love and the humility of God – a phrase which seems shocking: the personal source of all that exists, the creator and giver of life bows down to embrace humanity and even accede to the religious laws given to His chosen people.
This this is a feast which continues to demonstrate the self-effacing and sacrificial love of the Incarnation. ‘He came down to earth from heaven, Who is God and Lord of all…’ and suffers in His economy of salvation even as an eight day old child.
“He Who is invisible in essence hath now become visible in the flesh; the uncreated Word hath now taketh form, born of the pure Virgin. * Wherefore, following the law for the sake of mankind, He hath been circumcised as a babe eight days of age. Let us therefore worship Him as our Saviour.”
As we move from one feast to another, S prazdnikom!
Sunday 15 January, Forefeast of Theophany: Nazareth House, Cardiff. Hours and Divine Liturgy: 10:40.
Wednesday 18th January: Chapel of St David and St Nicholas, Llanelli. Vesperal Liturgy and Great Blessing of the Waters: 10:00.
Thursday 19th January: Nazareth House, Cardiff. Divine Liturgy and Great Blessing of the Waters 11:00.
(Please remember to bring your bottles to take Theophany water home.)
Saturday 21 January: Nazareth House, Cardiff. Great Vespers for Bishop Irenei’s Visit: 17:00.
Sunday 22 January: St John’s Church, Canton. Greeting of Bishop Irenei at 11:00, followed by the Hours and Hierarchical Liturgy. A buffet lunch will follow the service.
Kontakion 1: Let us believers with one voice all praise him who was sent by God in these times of trial for our comfort and guidance, Paisios the wonderful, who struggled graciously and pleasingly for the Master, burning with love for the whole world and pledged his heart for us and for our salvation. And let us call out to him in thanksgiving, saying: Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Ikos 1: God ordained that thou wast born in the blessed land of Cappadocia, the cradle of a countless multitude of saints, to whom thou too wast added in perfect worthiness, shining forth together with them and unceasingly guiding us to repentance. Therefore we praise thee with great joy, saying:
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a precious follower of the saints of Cappadocia! Rejoice, for thou didst wholly liken thyself to them as a true bearer of God! Rejoice, most fair and fragrant flower, who hast blossomed for our enlightenment! Rejoice, wellspring of heavenly grace, who refreshest the whole world! Rejoice, sweetest food, who fillest the souls that are starved of right teaching! Rejoice, receptacle that hast gathered all our weaknesses, troubles and sorrows! Rejoice, pillar of fire, who art the unshakable support of those that desire to gain salvation! Rejoice, star that shinest in the firmament of the Church, guiding us to the everlasting mansions! Rejoice, for thou wast shown to be a blessing of God and a sign of His ineffable mercy! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 2: O Blessed Father, thou wast chosen from thy mother’s womb to give thyself up to God in all things and thus become a precious vessel unto Him, for the salvation and guidance of all that put their hope in thee. To Him, Who worked great wonders and mercy through thee, for such a blessing we all sing with joy the song: Alleluia!
Ikos 2: The baptism which thou, O Father, didst receive from the hands of the saint of God, Arsenios, was a sign of God’s grace resting on thee. For seeing thy many gifts in spirit, from thine early infancy he blessed thee to be his disciple and bear his name. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we honour thee, saying:
Rejoice, for thou wast found worthy to be baptised by Saint Arsenios the Cappadocian! Rejoice, for he foresaw all that was to come to pass with thee! Rejoice, for his spirit rejoiced, seeing such blessed fruit sprung forth from the flock that he shepherded! Rejoice, for on account of this he cared for thee unceasingly through all his earthly life! Rejoice, for even after departing to heaven he did not forsake thee, but all the more interceded for thee! Rejoice, for thou too didst honour him as befitting, piously reckoning him to be thy father in Christ! Rejoice, for thou didst struggle heartily for his glorification, gathering testimonies of his wondrous life! Rejoice, for the Saint of God blessed thee to find his most beloved relics, which became a fount of countless healings! Rejoice, for lovingly thou didst lay his revered body in the monastery founded by thee at Souroti! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 3: Moving to Greece because of the tyrannical Turkish persecution, thy parents came to the land of Konitsa, and, sacrificing thyself, O father, thou didst begin to ascend the godly ladder of perfection. For even since childhood, thou wast shown to be to be a guiding light for all those around thee, who, seeing thy precious gifts, glorified God, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 3: Instructed by the example of thy parents, from a young age thou didst strive with burning zeal for the love of Christ, showing the deeds of a perfect man. For following thy blessed mother, before long thou didst begin to fast strictly and pray unceasingly to God, a hermit by life, yet a child by age. Wondering at the manliness of thy heart, with joy we sing to thee thus:
Rejoice, for still young thou didst wholly forsake the fleeting lusts of this world! Rejoice, for through perfect fasting thou didst preserve unspoiled the crown of virginity! Rejoice, for thy youth did not prevent thee from acquiring unceasing prayer in solitude! Rejoice, for instead of revelling in childish games, thou didst delight in ever being with Christ and His saints! Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst avoid the friendship of those that sundered thee from thine ardent love! Rejoice, for thou didst not only strive for outward things, but also adorned thy soul with all virtue! Rejoice, for thou didst follow the kindness and devoutness of thy blessed mother! Rejoice, for she set thee an unspoiled example of love and utter self-sacrifice! Rejoice, for we all wonder at the courage with which thou didst begin to fight the good fight! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 4: Called to battle to defend thy country from the unbelievers, O Father, thou didst shine forth in thy boundless courage. For, wholly forsaking the love of self, thou didst ever seek to be amidst peril, in order to spare those that fought together with thee. And seeing this, they all thanked God for such support, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 4: O Blessed Father, thou didst use the war as a means of sanctification, for thou didst unceasingly grow in love beyond passion, sacrificing thy soul for the sake of thy friends. And thus thou didst win immortal crowns from Christ our God, Who makes Himself a hundredfold reward for all sacrifice. Understanding this, we too hasten to bring words like these to praise thee:
Rejoice, for thou wast a wonderful example of utter self-sacrifice in battle! Rejoice, for thou didst utterly scorn this earthly life, thus earning heavenly life! Rejoice, for thou didst not lose thy piety in the dread perils which thou didst endure! Rejoice, for through the greatness of thy soul, thou didst make thyself a light of sanctification to those around thee! Rejoice, for thou didst help in and out of season all in trouble and sorrow! Rejoice, for thou didst utterly overcome human fear, arming thyself with iron courage! Rejoice, for fighting against the enemies of thy country, thou didst also secretly fight against the enemies of Thy soul! Rejoice, for although thou didst wish to die in place of thy friends, God shielded thee as His most beloved one! Rejoice, for through the wonderful power of thy soul, thou didst show us also the path to perfection! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 5: With burning zeal thou didst forsake the world, O Father, and wholly dedicate thyself to Christ, joining the army of monks, who unceasingly struggle to overcome their nature. And in a short time thou didst become an angel in the flesh, wholly clothing thyself in Him, to Whom we too humbly sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 5: Thou didst withdraw to the blessed desert of Sinai in order to serve Christ, O Blessed Father, and overcoming the lusts of the world, thou didst become perfect man, shining forth with all virtue and burning with true love for God, Who through thee bestowed on us the abundance of His mercy. Therefore, despite our unworthiness, we too thank thee, saying:
Rejoice, angelic man, for thou didst reckon all worldly lusts as vanity! Rejoice, for thou didst strive for three years in the harsh desert of Sinai! Rejoice, for unknown by all, thou didst live there in a hidden cave, enduring heat and frost! Rejoice, for there thou didst fight unto blood against all desires! Rejoice, for through thy great meekness, thou hast utterly defeated the cunning demons! Rejoice, for thou didst wash from thyself all the filth of sin, becoming a true light of Christ! Rejoice, for thou didst begin to pray with fervent tears for the whole world! Rejoice, for seeing thy overwhelming sacrifice, God filled thee with gifts beyond nature! Rejoice, for in thy narrow cave, thou wast vouchsafed countless revelations of divine grace! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 6: After fighting the good fight in Sinai, O Father, thou wast called by the Mother of God to her earthly garden, the Holy Mount of Athos, the blossom and light of Orthodoxy. And foreseeing there the place of thy perfection, thou didst thank the Most Holy Queen for her wondrous protecting veil, with which she unceasingly shieldeth the whole world from troubles and sufferings; and with joy thou didst sing to her Son the sweet song: Alleluia!
Ikos 6: Arriving on the Holy Mountain and taken to many places by the grace of God, thou didst ascend the ladder of holiness, O Blessed Father, like a wise bee gathering from everywhere the sweetest spiritual nectar. And afterward thou didst become the son of Father Tikhon, the Spirit-bearing Elder who was full of virtue and whom thou didst follow in absolute obedience. Therefore, with feeble voices we sing to thee thus:
Rejoice, for God foreordained glorification for thee on blessed Mount Athos! Rejoice, for He entrusted thee to the care of His Most Pure Mother, Who guarded thee as Her beloved son! Rejoice, for overshadowed by the Holy Spirit, thou didst wander over the whole Mountain, seeking out fathers of holy life! Rejoice, for thou didst wonder at their unceasing prayers, through which God sheddeth His mercy on the whole world! Rejoice, for thou didst strive to write their lives too, for the glory of God and the profit of men! Rejoice, for afterward thou didst become the disciple of Blessed Father Tikhon, the one perfect in holiness! Rejoice, for thou didst serve him with endless love, in all things trusting in his wise guidance! Rejoice, for seeing thy utter obedience, God also gave thee the gift to abide in thy holy father! Rejoice, for after his repose, Blessed Tikhon revealed to thee that he would pray for thee unceasingly! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 7: Perfecting thyself in absolute love, thou didst make thyself a tool of God, Who began to work through thee with great power. For He made thee a comfort for all those that were troubled and a guide for those that were darkened in sin. We all thank God, O Father, for He gave thee to us for our salvation, and we sing to Him thus: Alleluia!
Ikos 7: Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father that is in heaven, said the Saviour of the world with true voice. For in thee too, O Father, his word was fulfilled with all power. Therefore we praise thee too, saying:
Rejoice, thou who hast taught the world through books enlightened by the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, thou who through words of great profit hast dispelled the ignorance of our times! Rejoice, trumpet of the Spirit, who heralded to all the joy of repentance! Rejoice, wondrous prophet, who showed us that we live in the end times! Rejoice, merciful healer of all diseases which cannot be healed! Rejoice, precious carer for all whose souls are burdened with sorrows! Rejoice, godly oil, that hast cleansed all our wounds! Rejoice, heavenly peace, that hast brought so many broken families back together! Rejoice, skilful guide, that hast removed all devilish snares from among the people! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 8: Seeing the terrible struggle conducted by the enemy of salvation against the family blessed by God, thou didst gird thyself with the weapon of the word, teaching spouses that only patience, long-suffering, forbearance and self-sacrifice with love can ensure the peace of their homes. Unceasingly we glorify God for sending thee, O Blessed Father, to show us the right way, and we sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 8: Give me Christian mothers and I will give you saints to change the world, said the godly l. And touched by this truth, thou didst ever struggle with prayers and advice, showing faithful spouses that peace in the family is fruit of the Holy Spirit, and that they must wisely strive for this. We all thank thee for thine effort to bring healing to our families, so cruelly struck by temptations, saying:
Rejoice, intercessor before God for the harmony of those in married life! Rejoice, for the faithful spouses whom thou didst advise to live in moderation and holiness! Rejoice, for thou didst teach them lovingly and unselfishly to bear one another’s weaknesses! Rejoice, for thou didst show the parents that through prayer the grace of God descendeth on the whole family, bringing peace and happiness! Rejoice, for thou didst struggle against all sins, seeing them as the cause of the falling apart of families! Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself an unyielding reprover of the horrible slaughter of infants! Rejoice, for thou didst tell faithful mothers that through the example of their lives they can turn their children into saints! Rejoice, for thou didst show the young that through obedience they attract the mercy of God and a peaceful life! Rejoice, for thou didst beseech them to earn their parents’ blessing, through which cometh also the blessing of the Holy Spirit! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 9: Let us now joyfully praise Paisios, our intercessor, who through his heartfelt prayers miraculously healed all our sufferings, both in body and soul. And let us sing with thanksgiving to God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity: Alleluia!
Ikos 9: O Father, thou didst make thyself the healer of all diseases through the gift given to thee by God. For burning with love and pity for those tormented by afflictions, thou didst selflessly pray for their relief, teaching them to thank God for all things. We all praise thee with one voice, saying:
Rejoice, strong weapon against the horrible disease of cancer! Rejoice, tireless carer for those that suffer in terrible pain! Rejoice, wellspring of healing, in which all those wounded in soul refresh themselves! Rejoice, banisher of demons, for with thy meekness thou didst crush all the wickedness and tyranny of the devil! Rejoice, most merciful father, for thou couldst not bear to see the people crushed under the weight of their sufferings of body and soul! Rejoice, for on account of this thou didst take upon thyself all our troubles and sorrows! Rejoice, for thou didst selflessly pray that God might give thee our weaknesses! Rejoice, for thou didst teach us that all sorrows come through straying from God and His commandments! Rejoice, thou who hast shown us that the reward for those that suffer with patience and glorify God is ineffable! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 10: The Lord and Saviour of the world promised a great reward to those that would strive in righteousness for the perfection of others. And though a simple monk and unlearned in worldly things, thou, O Blessed Father, wast gifted with wisdom by the Spirit of the Lord Himself, to guide thousands on the path of salvation. Unto now thou prayest for them to God, to Whom with joy we too sing: Alleluia!
Ikos 10: On account of thy complete virtue, God adorned thee with gifts beyond nature, which thou didst use for His glory and the profit of men. For thou didst make thyself a father of countless believers, who, beset by the terrible temptations of our times, sought thee as a heavenly haven. And therefore we ask thee to accept us too among thy spiritual children and allow us to sing with thanksgiving to thee thus:
Rejoice, for thou didst teach the people to struggle against the evil thoughts sown in their minds by the enemy of our salvation! Rejoice, for shining with the gift of discernment, thou didst at once reveal to thy sons whether their thoughts were from God or from the devil! Rejoice, for by the grace of God thou didst know the depths of the hearts of men! Rejoice, for having great wisdom, thou hast brought to naught all the cunning snares of the evil one! Rejoice, for thou didst bring many to repentance through thine unfeigned love! Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a wise reproof of the proud and stubborn! Rejoice, for thou wast a tender caress for those in despair and overwhelmed by temptations! Rejoice, for thou didst weep unceasingly for all that looked to thee as a true hope of salvation! Rejoice, for on the day of judgement thou shalt say to God with sweet joy: Behold I and the children that Thou hast given me! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 11: Becoming a perfect monk, O Father, and full of the grace of God, thou didst make thyself the steadfast hope of the unconsoled souls of those who desired to dedicate themselves wholly to Christ. And in thy gifts they all saw in thee a guide enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Therefore we praise God, Who did not deprive His flock of shepherds of holy life, saying: Alleluia!
Ikos 11: Thou didst found a convent in Souroti, where thy finest spiritual daughters would dedicate themselves to Christ the Bridegroom with great love. And then thou didst lead them to perfection through thy most wondrous counsel, as a loving and long-suffering father, who is to us also an undeceiving guide. Therefore we all bless thee, saying:
Rejoice, for thou didst found the convent of Saint John the Theologian in Souroti! Rejoice, for this became a haven of salvation for souls that thirsted for Christ! Rejoice, for thou didst strive in and out of season to make the nuns into perfect brides of our Lord! Rejoice, for thou didst teach them true monastic life, signifying to forsake the world and its lusts! Rejoice, for thou didst strive unceasingly to kindle their zeal for blessed ascetic feats! Rejoice, for thou didst guide them to frequent confession of sins, through which all the devil’s works are utterly despoiled! Rejoice, for thy counsel fell on fruitful earth and refreshed the whole world! Rejoice, for thou didst struggle diligently against the spirit of this world, which doth terrible harm to monastic life! Rejoice, for through thy courage and love thou didst make thyself an example of spiritual victory for all monks! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 12: Great was the grace of God on thee, O Blessed Father, and also His great mercy, for on account of thy great self-sacrifice, the Almighty vouchsafed thee wonderful revelations and joys beyond belief. We too rejoice, seeing the reward that God giveth His saints, and we beg Him to make us too partakers thereof and we sing to Him: Alleluia!
Ikos 12: Even from this earth, O Father, thou didst taste of the joys of heaven, prepared by our All-Merciful God for all that serve Him with love. For although the struggles which the evil one conducted against thee were terrible, so much greater were the consolations through which God strengthened thee in virtue. Therefore, in humble praise, we sing to thee:
Rejoice, all-sweet light, through which Christ shineth forth to the whole world! Rejoice, wonderful flame that thou kindlest in us with the love of God! Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself the perfect abode of heavenly grace! Rejoice, for in thee it bore all the fruits of holiness! Rejoice, for God overwhelmed thee with His gifts beyond nature! Rejoice, for thou didst taste of everlasting and uncreated light! Rejoice, for thou didst live with the Saints as with thy close friends! Rejoice, for the Most Gracious Mother of our Lord appeared to thee to strengthen thee in sorrows! Rejoice, ineffable wonder, for thou wast vouchsafed to speak to Christ Our Lord and God Himself! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 13: Thou, O Father, didst say with words enlightened by the Holy Spirit that many saints would have desired to live in our times, in order to strive for salvation. For Thou didst herald to us, who live in darkness, that the time is almost ready and that those that now struggle valiantly to win their salvation will receive a martyr’s reward. For this we thank God, Who with mercy looked on His people, sending His Saint for our enlightenment, and thus with voices of joy we gladly sing to our All-Gracious Master the song: Alleluia! (3 times)
Ikos 1: God ordained that thou wast born in the blessed land of Cappadocia, the cradle of a countless multitude of saints, to whom thou too wast added in perfect worthiness, shining forth together with them and unceasingly guiding us to repentance. Therefore we praise thee with great joy, saying:
Rejoice, for thou didst make thyself a precious follower of the saints of Cappadocia! Rejoice, for thou didst wholly liken thyself to them as a true bearer of God! Rejoice, most fair and fragrant flower, who hast blossomed for our enlightenment! Rejoice, wellspring of heavenly grace, who refreshest the whole world! Rejoice, sweetest food, who fillest the souls that are starved of right teaching! Rejoice, receptacle that hast gathered all our weaknesses, troubles and sorrows! Rejoice, pillar of fire, who art the unshakable support of those that desire to gain salvation! Rejoice, star that shinest in the firmament of the Church, guiding us to the everlasting mansions! Rejoice, for thou wast shown to be a blessing of God and a sign of His ineffable mercy! Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Kontakion 1: Let us believers with one voice all praise him who was sent by God in these times of trial for our comfort and guidance, Paisios the wonderful, who struggled graciously and pleasingly for the Master, burning with love for the whole world and pledged his heart for us and for our salvation. And let us call out to him in thanksgiving, saying: Rejoice, Blessed Father Paisios, enlightener of the latter times!
Prayer to our Blessed Father Paisius the Athonite
O beloved Father Paisios, thou that didst ascend the rungs of holiness and become perfect in virtue, therefore gaining boldness before our Merciful God, do thou pray to Him, Whom thou didst serve unceasingly all thy life, not to let us perish for the multitude of our sins, but to turn us back to blessed repentance. Thou, who on earth didst heal with such love our countless weaknesses, diseases both of body and soul, canst all the more now deliver us from all sufferings. So do thou have mercy on us, O Father, through thy immeasurable love and godly kindness, not forsaking us that are full of sins. Do thou, who didst never tire of guiding us to salvation and bearing our weaknesses whilst thou wast here with us, now grant us too the wisdom to overcome the temptations which the wicked devil doth ever weave around us and through which he would destroy our souls for eternity. Enlighten us to know the will of God for us and pray to the Master that He might give us power to fulfil it with thanksgiving. Do thou, who didst set an unwavering example of courage and self-sacrifice, strengthen us also to follow Thy virtue, that we may win an everlasting crown, of which thou thyself wast found most worthy. Thus, O Father, do not forsake us, who ceaselessly anger our long-suffering God, but rather stand with boldness before His throne, interceding for us with tears, that God may give us for thy sake most dear salvation. And thus, thanking thee with all our heart for all that thou hast done and still doest for us, let us also thank our Most Gracious God, Who is glorified in the Holy Trinity, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen!
The heavens He has renewed, for that fools worshipped all the luminaries: He has renewed the earth, for that in Adami t was wasted. That which He fashioned has become new by His spittle: and the All-Sufficing has restored bodies with souls.
The festive table on this feast of the Holy Hieromartyr, Philip, Metropolitan of Moscow summed up the wonderful diversity of our parishioners – with Russian, Ukrainian, Serbian, Romanian, Spanish, British and Caribbean fare feeding all those assembled, as well as supplying many parishioners with meals for the next few days.
