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HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA SERVICES. ![]()
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25 APRIL: PALM SUNDAY – THE ENTRANCE OF THE LORD INTO JERUSALEM ![]()
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Hours & Divine Liturgy: 11:00 (Confessions before service) ![]()
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28 APRIL: HOLY & GREAT WEDNESDAY ![]()
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Confession: 17:30 ![]()
The Mystery of Holy Unction (Soborovanie): 19:00 ![]()
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29 APRIL: HOLY & GREAT THURSDAY ![]()
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(Vesperal Liturgy in Llanelli) ![]()
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Confessions: 18:00 ![]()
The Reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels (Matins of Great and Holy Friday): 19:00 ![]()
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30 APRIL: HOLY & GREAT FRIDAY ![]()
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Royal Hours: 08:00 ![]()
Vespers with the bringing out of the Plashchanitsa: 16:00 (Confessions will follow this service) ![]()
The Burial Service of the Lord (Matins of Holy Saturday): 19:00 ![]()
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1 MAY: HOLY & GREAT SATURDAY ![]()
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Confessions: 09:00 ![]()
The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday: 10:00 ![]()
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The reading of the Acts of the Apostles / Confessions: 22:00 ![]()
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Midnight Office: 23:30 ![]()
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Midnight: 1-2 May - PASCHA - Procession, matins and Liturgy of the Resurrection of Christ: 00:00 ![]()
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Agape Vespers: 12:00
orthodox-europe.org
Bishop Irenei visited the Kazan Icon Parish in Cardiff on the Sunday of St Mary of Egypt. | Преосвященный епископ Ириней посетил Казанский иконный пр...
The Girl That St. John of Shanghai Named. Part 2. Olga Rozhneva
orthochristian.com
Olga says of herself:“I pray to St. John of Shanghai, wonderworker of San Francisco, day and night. I talk to him as if he were alive.”
The Girl That St. John of Shanghai Named. Olga Rozhneva
orthochristian.com
Olga Vladimirovna didn’t merely know St. John—it was he who chose her name when she had just been born, and who performed the funeral of her beloved father several years later and blessed her long...
17/18 APRIL: HIS GRACE BISHOP IRENEI VISITS THE PARISH![]()
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Every weekend is a cause of celebration as we come together to celebrate the Holy Mysteries, but this weekend was especially significant as we gathered around our bishop to celebrate the Divine Liturgy.![]()
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His Grace, Bishop Irenei and Reader George arrived in Cardiff on Saturday, praying the service of Little Compline with the clergy and members of one of our parish families before sitting down to supper and discussing issues surrounding the lives of our parish, diocese and patriarchate. ![]()
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On Sunday morning, parishioners finalised arrangements in the church whilst the rector performed the proskomedia, Father Luke heard confessions and Deacon Mark went to bring Vladika to St John’s.![]()
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His Grace was met at the church-door at 11:00, with the traditional welcome of bread and salt, with our youngest children greeting their bishop with flowers.![]()
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Vladika was then met and greeted by our deacon and oltarniky, by the rector, bearing the cross, by our Archpriest Luke, and Father Sorin, the priest of our Romanian sister-parish.![]()
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The lack of ikonostasis meant that the faithful were able to witness the vesting of the bishop during the Hours, seeing the vestments as they were donned one by one.![]()
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Following, the completion of the proskomedia and the completion of the Hours, the Hierarchical Liturgy was celebrated with a beauty and solemnity that we are sure St John's Church has never seen in its history.![]()
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Our singers, readers and servers sang, read and served with great care and attention, and we were blessed by Romanian singing during Holy Communion.![]()
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As is His custom, at the Great Entrance, His Grace prayed that all who serve in the parish, whether singing, baking, cleaning or any small way may be remembered by the Lord in His Kingdom. The parish clergy thank all of these people, especially for their obedience and labours for the weekend.![]()
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At the end of Liturgy, His Grace preached on the spiritual link between the Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete as a liturgical contemplation and exploration of repentance and the life of St Mary of Egypt, as the realisation of the call to repentance in the Christian life.![]()
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As there was no possibility of a parish meal, following the Liturgy, His Grace gave a spiritual talk, including questions and answers on St John of Shanghai and San Francisco, and parishioners have expressed their joy at this, sending enthusiastic messages over the course of yesterday evening and today, relating their thanks for this blessing and consolation.![]()
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During the talk the sisterhood prepared a simple lunch for the bishop, parish clergy, readers, singers/servers and their spouses at the chaplaincy. It was the first time that we have been unable to have a parish-trapeza, but it allowed Vladika to share some time with those who have ‘staffed’ the parish and ensured the continuation of parish life over the last difficult year. Thank you everyone who contributed, and thanks to Father Sebastian. We look forward to the time when we may all sit down with Vladika, whose last two visits have been under lockdown regulations, and we hope and pray that the next visit will be less restricted and more normal.![]()
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We thank Vladika for making this visitation and Reader George for the assistance he gives in managing the hierarchical Liturgy. We thank Aleksandra for her labours in building the confidence and repertoire of our kliros since her arrival from Russia, especially in the celebrations of the Liturgy of St Basil during the Great Fast.![]()
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May God bless you all.![]()
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In Christ – Hieromonk Mark
When Thou didst see, our Lord, that I had lost Thy glory, Thy love did not suffer it to be so. Thou Who descendedst in Thy birth hast delivered me from Satan by Thy suffering and Thy death on the Cross.![]()
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But behold, I have sinned again and angered Thee and offended Thy name with the sins, transgressions and crimes I have committed. Woe is me, for I was ungrateful and have defiled myself with a multitude of wicked deeds!![]()
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I have wept and shed bitter tears while meditating on this fact. My meditation has transported me to fire, led me to a land of terror, carried me into a frightening and terrible abyss, cast me into flames and thrust me into darkness. My heart has felt all this, and I have sighed from fear and terror while contemplating this journey.![]()
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Carried away by these thoughts I have inspected the dwelling places of darkness. Then, sobbing and weeping, pained and sorrowing, have I condemned myself and bitterly exclaimed: woe is me, exceeding woe. What has justice prepared for me!![]()
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In terror I awoke as from a dream, but neither in waking was I delivered from torment of heart. I rent my garment, wept and sobbed: what have I done to my miserable self? I shall uncover my head like the harlot and confess my sins; with sighs shall I pray; I will turn my eyes into fountains of tears, that I might mourn for my unfortunate self.![]()
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I shall go to the publicans who are like me, I shall go to the sinners who repented. I will awaken my sleeping heart which has grown old in a multitude of evils. I will unite myself to the publicans and sinners and make myself like unto them. Like them shall I sob over the sins I have committed, that God's judgement might not be upon me and that I might not be tormented in the abyss of gehenna....![]()
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Vouchsafe me, O Lord, to love Thy love that comforts the saints and the righteous ones, who love non e other than Thee, O God, Who art magnanimous to the penitent, Who lovest the sinner who bedews his face with tears and bitterly mourns his transgression. Vouchsafe me, O Lord, the blessed repose that Thou hast prepared for all the saints.![]()
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'Psalm' 79 from 'A Spiritual Psalter' by St Ephraim the Syria
Dear brothers and sisters, greetings to you, as we celebrate the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos.![]()
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When we think of the great treasures of the Church, all too often, we think in material terms, recalling the great sacred objects in the treasuries of our cathedrals and monasteries. However, some of our greatest treasures are the liturgical hymns and prayers that shape us as Orthodox Christians: by the words and language with which we pray; in the conceptual ways in which we express ourselves; in the language of the theology of the Church; in the spiritual patters of our thoughts and ideas.![]()
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The great Akathist Hymn, with its rich and varied language, is ornamented with symbols and images from the Old and New Testaments, and through its imagery it explores the place of the Mother of God in the Incarnation and the Economy of Salvation.![]()
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Its poetry opens our hearts and minds to the Mother of God, and in the laudations of each ikos, each of us is called to approach the Mother of God with joy and gratitude for her place in our salvation and the restoration of fallen Adam and Eve, whom - in the harrowing of hell - we will see swept into the Kingdom of Heaven in the joy and power of the Resurrection.![]()
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"Rejoice, only door through which the Word alone hath passed. By thy birthgiving, O Lady, thou hast broken the bars and gates of hell. Rejoice, Bride of God, divine entry of the saved."
She is Our Spiritual Guide in Ascending to Heaven. A Homily for the Saturday of the Akathist
orthochristian.com
Thus, in this remarkable service, the glorification of the Annunciation, the dawn of our salvation, which began with the Archangel’s greeting to the Most Pure Virgin: “Rejoice,” and the praise o...
We would kindly ask that everyone attending Liturgy this Sunday does not park their car on the church driveway as we require the driveway to be clear to allow Vladyka Irenei to park and enter church easily.![]()
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The following 2 car parks have been identified as free to use on a Sunday - Both are approximately a 5 minute walk to the church.![]()
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Gray Street Car Park![]()
Sat Nav Postcode - CF11 9NE![]()
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Entrance is from Cowbridge Road East with spaces for 89 vehicles![]()
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www.visitcardiff.com/highlights/gray-street-car-park/![]()
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Leckwith Road Car Park![]()
Sat Nav Postcode - CF11 9TB![]()
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Spaces for 63 vehicles![]()
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www.visitcardiff.com/highlights/leckwith-road-car-park/
orthochristian.com
Where shall I begin to weep for the actions of my wretched life? What first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, in this my lamentation? But in Thy compassion grant me forgiveness of sins.
O Good Mother of the All-good God: look upon the prayer of thine unworthy servant with thy merciful eye and grant me the contrition, quietness of thoughts, constancy of mind, chaste reason, sobriety of soul, humble thinking, radiance of spirit, prudent disposition, and spiritual peace that the Lord granted His disciples. ![]()
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Blot out the record of my falls into sin, cleave the clouds of my sorrow, the haze and tumult of my thoughts. Remove from me the tempest and tumult of passions; enlarge my heart with spiritual breadth, give me joy and gladness and grant that I may walk the right path of Thy Son's commandments and properly pass through life without faltering and with an untainted conscience. ![]()
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Also grant me who pray before thee pure prayer, that with an untroubled mind and concentrated thought I might always offer prayer to the honour, glory, and magnification of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.![]()
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'Psalm' 88, from 'A Spiritual Psalter, or Reflections on God Excerpted by Bishop Theophan the Recluse from the works of our Holy Father Ephraim the Syrian'
Facebook locks Abbot Tryphon (The Morning Offering) out of his account
orthochristian.com
Abbot Tryphon, the head of the All-Merciful Savior Monastery on Vashon Island in Washington and the author of the popular “The Morning Offering” blog and podcast, has been locked out of his Facebo...
IMPORTANT: NO PARISH TRAPEZA AFTER SUNDAY LITURGY!!!![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters,![]()
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It has come to my attention that there is some confusion and misinformation regarding food after Vladika's visit.![]()
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Let us be absolutely clear that THERE IS NO PARISH TRAPEZA AFTER LITURGY.![]()
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I have been able to gain permission for an informal outside buffet for the clergy away from St John's, so that Vladika and Reader George may eat before their return to London. I have invited oltarniky and singers to attend to greet the bishop, but this is the limit of attendance.![]()
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We deeply regret that all parishioners cannot attend, but this is absolutely unavoidable and is an act of compliance with measures that are still in place, and the conditions of our generous hosts.![]()
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We have always enjoyed parish trapeza with our bishop, but sadly on this occasion, it is simply not possible - so, please respect this, and look forward to the next time we can all be with Vladika for a meal.![]()
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Thank you for your cooperation and support.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
Further to yesterday's email regarding this coming weekend, the church is nearly full to capacity for the bishop's visit.![]()
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Can I ask that all worshippers for this Sunday (whether confessing or not) email Deacon Mark NOW to arrange a place at Liturgy. Within the next day or two, we will probably have to stop accepting requests as the church will be as full as it can be with social distancing in place.![]()
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Those requiring confession should make this clear.![]()
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Please email Deacon Mark as a matter of urgency: rmfisher@ntlworld.com![]()
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Vladika will be met at 11:00, so everyone should be inside before his arrival.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
Dear brothers and sisters, ![]()
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May I thank all who laboured for the celebrations of the weekend, in both Cheltenham and Llanelli. ![]()
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Saturday morning saw Father Deacon Mark and I travel to Cheltenham, where we celebrated the Divine Liturgy and a litia for the departed in All Saints’ Church, Pittville. ![]()
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I greatly enjoy the journey to Cheltenham, feeling a strong attachment because of family roots in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and making that journey at this time of spring with the hedgerows full of blackthorn blossom is a pleasure. Thanks to Father Deacon Mark for making this possible. ![]()
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All Saints has become a cherished home for our mission, with the Lady Chapel having become a little Orthodox sanctuary for us. The community continue to add to the icons that surround us in our worship and we are permitted to leave them in place. The Lady Chapel has become an established place of Orthodox prayer, with the regular singing of akathist hymns and the community coming together for reader services to sustain parish life between liturgies. ![]()
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The sisters of the parish worked hard baking memorial food for yesterday's litia for the departed, with the memorial table having a mass of pirozhky - in place of a mercy-meal - with which to sustain our faithful on their journeys home. Thank you sisters, your clergy most definitely enjoyed the fruits of your labours on the journey back to Wales! ![]()
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On my return to Cardiff, I was able to join Father Sorin at St Luke’s Church, Canton, where we heard the confessions of our respective parishioners. Many thanks to the kind parishioners who kindly brought several clergy suppers for the evening. Thanks also to the faithful who showed similar kindness today. May God bless your attentiveness to your clergy and reward your love and care! ![]()
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Though numbers were a little dented, again, today’s Liturgy was offered with the same love and devotion that can be guaranteed in Cardiff services, with beautiful singing and prayerful diligence on the part of the faithful. Though the boiler hadn’t fired (again) and things were chilly, the spiritual warmth was not lacking. Congratulations to all who partook of the Holy Mysteries, and thanks to all who labour for our parish worship, which at the moment is pretty much the extent of parish life, apart from the time I am able to spend with people before and after confessions. ![]()
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Next week sees the visit of Bishop Irenei, whom we will meet at the church door at 11:00 – so please be in church ready for this. Also please communicate need for confession to Fr Deacon Mark by Wednesday midday at the latest please, as we have to plan what will be a tight confession schedule. Sunday will only be for travellers, and all confessions must finish by the time Vladika arrives. Please contact Father Deacon Mark, as usual: rmfisher@ntlworld.com (07790 031375) – or if in Swansea/Llanelli Archpriest Luke: occwales@yahoo.co.uk (07895 991056). ![]()
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Please remember that this Thursday will be the Thursday of the Great Canon of Repentance and try to pray it in your homes, whether on Wednesday evening or Thursday day-time. We will post the text on our Facebook page.![]()
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Details of Holy Week and Pascha will be published as soon as we have the go-ahead from St John’s Church. We know that all are eager to know the schedule, but do not wish to make any presumptions and then cause disappointment. ![]()
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Please remember that the appeal for support to Mother Photini continues:![]()
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-nun-photini?fbclid=IwAR064rfuXe5M0NDF7NoYNH0V10fO0GYGCzrw9_eKqzBsKkczc...![]()
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Thank you all who have contributed.![]()
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Слава Богу за всё! ![]()
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May God bless you all. ![]()
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In Christ – Hieromonk Mark
Venerable Father, Paisie, pray to God for us!
iconandlight.wordpress.com
Elder Paisius (Olaru) of Sihla Skete (1897–1990) —“What is humility, Father Paisius?” some of his disciples once asked him. Humility is the thought and conviction of our heart that we are more...
The Spirituial Ladder of St. John Climacus and Our Christian Praxis. Priest Ioannis Fortomas
orthochristian.com
We could not possibly exhaust the well of wisdom which is the
URGENT - PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUPPORT IF YOU ARE ABLE![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters, during the last week Masha who serves on our kliros made me aware of the situation of Igumenia Photini and her small convent in Corfu. As you can read in Masha's article on the Crowdfunder page, due to injury, requred treatments, and the effects of lockdown, Mother Photini, her sisterhood and their little monastery of St Paraskeva face great hardship.![]()
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The little monastery - originally a male house - was left with no monastics until it was restored and reinhabited as a women's monastic house, and Mother and the sisterhood keep the flame of monasticism, ascetecism and prayer burning in this little sanctuary. ![]()
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The Church teaches us that monastics burn as candles stretching from earth to heaven, and that by their prayers the world is protected and preserved by God's almighty hand.![]()
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May I encourage as many of you as are able all to try to make a donation to support Mother Photini and her sisterhood at a time of great trial and need.![]()
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Please... Let us help these mothers and sisters in Christ.![]()
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Through the prayers of the Holy Great Martyr, Parekeva, may the Lord bless you and have mercy.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
To raise money to help Nun Photini of Agia Paraskevi after her spinal fractures, treatment of severe osteoporosis and support of the convent
Sunday April 11: 4th Sunday of Great Lent, Venerable John Climacus (movable holiday on the 4th Sunday of the Great Lent).Tone 3. ![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters, this Sunday - the fourth in the Great Fast - will be the celebration of St John Climacus, the author of 'The Ladder of Divine Ascent.' ![]()
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Visitors are most welcome to join the parish for the Divine Liturgy, which will be celebrated at St John's Canton. Location details may be found on the Facebook homepage.![]()
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10:40: the Hours and Liturgy of St Basil the Great ![]()
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Воскресенье 4 апреля: Неделя 4-я Великого поста, Прп. Иоанна Лествичника (переходящее празднование в 4-ю Неделю Великого поста). Глас 3-й. ![]()
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10:40: часы и Литургия св Василия Великого. ![]()
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The variables for the Liturgy may be found here: ![]()
drive.google.com/file/d/1_f4SIVxn6Og3trTYO7A5yasvLpNUVIG8/view
March 26 / April 8![]()
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Nameday greetings to Alla and Larissa of our Cardiff and Cheltenham communities, thanking them for the labours for our parishes and the support they give to their husbands, our Deacon Mark and Reader Philip, in their diakonia. ![]()
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May God bless you and grant you many years! ![]()
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Храни Вас Господь и Матерь Божия на многая и благая лета!
Elder Gabriel of Athos: OCU “priests” are blasphemers
spzh.news
The Athonite Elder Gabriel believes that the schismatics and all who pray with them will not be saved.
Sermon from Father Mark on the Third Sunday of Great Lent : Adoration of the Cross
“Today are strains of praise sung joyfully by the choir of angels, and the light of the advent of Christ shines brightly upon the faithful. Today is the glad spring-time to us, and Christ the Sun of righteousness has beamed with clear light around us, and has illumined the minds of the faithful. Today is Adam made anew, and moves in the choir of angels, having winged his way to heaven. Today is the whole circle of the earth filled with joy, since the sojourn of the Holy Spirit has been realized to men. Today the grace of God and the hope of the unseen shine through all wonders transcending imagination, and make the mystery that was kept hidden from eternity plainly discernible to us. Today are woven the chaplets of never-fading virtue. Today, God, willing to crown the sacred heads of those whose pleasure is to hearken to Him, and who delight in His festivals, invites the lovers of unswerving faith as His called and His heirs; and the heavenly kingdom is urgent to summon those who mind celestial things to join the divine service of the incorporeal choirs.” * ![]()
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Reverend Fathers and Mothers, dear brothers and sisters: greetings as we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation. ![]()
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Поздравления с Благовещением Пресвятой Богородицы! ![]()
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We greet this feast with great joy, as this is truly the turning point of history. ![]()
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The redemptive plan, cherished by God since the fall of the first-father and first-mother was manifested in the world through the descent of the Holy Spirit after the Virgin’s fiat – her ‘yes’, in which she became the Mother of God and the Mother of our Salvation; her ‘yes’ in which God became man in the inexplicable mystery that is the manifestation of the love of God. ![]()
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The troparion of the feast narrates how the redemptive plan comes to fruition, calling us to greet the Mother of God with joy: ![]()
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“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!” ![]()
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The kontakion of the feast reminds us that the Annunciation, the Incarnation and the place of the Mother of God in this ‘enfleshment’ of the God-Man are all part of the cosmic battle and Christ’s victory through the Cross and Resurrection. The kontakion addresses the Mother of God as our Commander – our battle leader - whose place in Christ’s battle against hell and death lead us into His victory: ![]()
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“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!” ![]()
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It is in this kontakion that we find the origin of the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God, where further poetic stanzas written by St Romanos the Melodist explore the mystery of the Incarnation and bring us to the Mother of God to continually greet her with joy, with the many ‘rejoices’, or ‘hails’ – depending on the translation we use. ![]()
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Celebrating and poetically contemplating the Annunciation and the Incarnation, the ‘rejoices’ of the ikosy explore the place of the Mother of God in the economy of salvation, with rich imagery of drawn on the Old Testament and the Gospels: ![]()
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Rejoice, uplifting of men. ![]()
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Rejoice, downfall of demons. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou who hast trampled down the power of delusion. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou who didst expose the fraud of idols. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou who like the sea hast drowned the noetic pharaoh. ![]()
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Rejoice, rock that hast given drink to those thirsting for life. ![]()
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Rejoice, pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness. ![]()
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Rejoice, protection of the world, broader than a cloud. ![]()
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Rejoice, food that takest the place of manna. ![]()
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Rejoice, minister of holy delight. ![]()
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Rejoice, Promised Land. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou from whom flow milk and honey. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded! ** ![]()
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Old Testament imagery connected with the Exodus of the children of Israel from their Egyptian captivity reminds us that the Hebrews remained held captive by sin and death, despite the deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. Even the souls of the righteous of the Old Testament were held captive by death until the crucified, victorious Christ descended into Hades and swept them away in the saving power of His Resurrection. ![]()
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Today we celebrate the Incarnation of Him who became a new Moses, leading us not through the waters of the Red sea, but through the captivity of death into the Promised Land of the Kingdom to come, with the souls of the patriarchs, prophets, judges, righteous kings and the saints of the Old Testament having gone before us as the Saviour shattered the gates and chains of hell: the image we see in the Paschal icon. ![]()
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Now, this feast is a foretaste of Pascha and the Cross and Resurrection. It is the moment to which the Old Testament saints led the children of Israel, to which the Prophet Isaiah looked when he said, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive…” ![]()
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With joy we greet her in anticipation of Pascha in this Divine Conception: ![]()
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The fall of Adam and Eve was through ego and disobedience, but now, through the selfless obedience of the second mother the Redeemer comes to us, to slay death and restore fallen Adam. Eva becomes Ave as the archangel’s salutation is greeted by the obedience of the Mother of our Salvation and the Virgin crushes the head of the serpent at the uttering of her words: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word…” at which point – hidden within her womb – “the Word became flesh” albeit in the fragility of a newly conceived life. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom joy shall shine forth. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom the curse will cease. ![]()
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Rejoice, raising of fallen Adam. ![]()
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Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve. ![]()
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Rejoice, height hard to climb for the thoughts of men. ![]()
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Rejoice, depth hard to scan even for the eyes of angels. ![]()
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Rejoice, for thou art the throne of the King. ![]()
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Rejoice, for thou holdest Him who upholdeth all. ![]()
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Rejoice, star that bringest the Sun. ![]()
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Rejoice, womb of the divine incarnation. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom creation is made new. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom we worship the creator. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded! *** ![]()
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The feast that shows the heavenward path of selflessness, obedience to God, cooperation with His will, and living as His children – not in slavery or subjugation, but in the freedom that obedience brings – above all, freedom from hell and death and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection. ![]()
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In awe of the Mother of God, our exemplar in Faith, imitating her example and following in her footsteps, let us join the Archangel greeting her on this joyful feast. ![]()
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“Your praise, O most holy Virgin, surpasses all laudation, by reason of the God who received the flesh and was born man of you. To you every creature, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth, offers the meet offering of honour. For you have been indeed set forth as the true cherubic throne. You shine as the very brightness of light in the high places of the kingdoms of intelligence; where the Father, who is without beginning, and whose power you had overshadowing you, is glorified; where also the Son is worshipped, whom you bore according to the flesh; and where the Holy Spirit is praised, who effected in your womb the generation of the mighty King. Through you, O thou that art highly favoured, is the holy and consubstantial Trinity known in the world. Together with yourself, deem us also worthy to be made partakers of your perfect grace in Jesus Christ our Lord: with whom, and with the Holy Spirit, be glory to the Father, now and ever, and unto the ages of the ages. Amen.” **** ![]()
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In Christ – Hieromonk Mark ![]()
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* from the sixth ikos of the Akathist Hymn ![]()
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** from the first homily on the Annunciation by St Gregory the Wonderworker ![]()
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*** from the first ikos of the Akathist Hymn ![]()
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**** from the second homily on the Annunciation by St Gregory the Wonderworker
This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross. Now it is placed before us and shines with the brightness of Christ’s Resurrection. Let us all draw near and kiss it with great rejoicing in our souls
March 24/ April 6: Икона Богородицы «Тучная Гора»![]()
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Около 250–300 лет тому назад эта икона находилась в одном из мужских монастырей Твери и подарена была настоятелем Косме Волчанинову в благодарность за хорошо исполненные работы в монастырском храме. Эта икона как святыня передавалась из поколения в поколение, но один неблагоговейный внук Космы вынес обветшавшую икону на чердак. Его невестка терпела много оскорблений от мужа и его родных. В отчаянии женщина решила покончить самоубийством в пустой бане. На пути ей явился какой-то монах и сказал: "Куда ты, несчастная, идешь? Воротись назад; иди, помолись Божией Матери Тучной Горе – и будешь жить хорошо и покойно". Взволнованная молодая женщина, возвратившись домой, рассказала все, не скрывая и своего преступного намерения. Стали разыскивать монаха, но не нашли его, никто кроме нее его не видел. Случилось это накануне праздника Благовещения Пресвятой Богородицы. Икону немедленно отыскали на чердаке, отчистили от грязи и поставили в доме на почетном месте. Вечером был приглашен приходской священник, который совершил пред иконой всенощное бдение, которое с тех пор совершалось в доме ежегодно в этот день. Более полутораста лет икона находилась в семье Волчаниновых. Екатерина, дочь Василия, последнего из рода Волчаниновых, выйдя замуж за Георгия Ивановича Коняева, взяла к себе икону Матери Божией как самое дорогое наследие. И в доме Коняева перед этой иконой совершались молебствия и всенощные бдения 24 марта и 7 ноября (вероятно, это был день перенесения иконы из монастыря в дом Космы Волчанинова).![]()
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В 1863 году при кладбищенской церкви Смоленской иконы Божией Матери было решено устроить придел в честь святителя Тихона и преподобного Макария Калязинского. Тогдашний владелец иконы, Георгий Коняев († 1868, в возрасте 97 лет) пожелал передать цельбоносный образ Богородицы в храм. Он обратился к причту с просьбой устроить еще один придел для чудотворного образа Матери Божией "Тучная Гора". При этом он сказал: "Я считаю самым лучшим для нее храм Смоленской иконы Божией Матери, потому что место, на котором построена церковь, в старину называлось горой, как самое высокое место в городе. На эту гору в прежнее время жители во время наводнений сносили свое имущество и здесь спасались сами от погибели. Пусть же Царица Небесная – Тучная Гора – почивает своей благодатью на этой горе и покрывает всех здесь погребенных Своей милостью". 15 июля 1866 года икона была перенесена в построенный придел, который на следующий день был освящен Старицким епископом Антонием.![]()
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На иконе Пресвятая Богородица изображена стоящей на полукруглом возвышении – горе; на левой руке Ее – Богомладенец с благословляющей десницей. На главе Богоматери корона, а в руке небольшая гора, на которой виден верх церкви с куполами и крестами.
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Dear brothers and sisters, ![]()
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Here we are at the middle of the Great Fast, having venerated the Life-Giving Cross in our Sunday celebrations. The Cross was beautifully adorned with flowers, and equally honoured with the reverent veneration of the faithful to the soft chanting from the kliros- “We venerate Thy Cross, O Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify.” ![]()
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The Liturgy was prayerful and beautiful, though attendance was disappointing given that this was the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross. Perhaps, for some, the leisure promises of the bank-holiday weekend were more attractive than celebrating the mid-point of the Great Fast before the Life-Giving Cross. ![]()
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Perhaps this the point to warn local Orthodox Christians who have been absent without reason for a long time, that if you are entertaining the idea of communing at Pascha you need to be in Liturgy NOW. Those who have not been to church at all during Great Lent, and some who have been invisible since the first lockdown, will not be admitted to the Holy Mysteries until they have returned to the fellowship of the community. There may be those who are disappointed at Pascha because they are turned away from the communion queue. Drop in, drive through service is the stuff of fast-food outlets, not the Church of Christ. If things have been a bit lax for a while do not despair: start fasting as an Orthodox Christian, praying as an Orthodox Christian, worshipping as an Orthodox Christian, and prepare for confession and communion – as part of the sobor: the assembly of the Church. ![]()
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Also, nobody should leave confession until the last minute if they have not been recently. If you are given an epitemia/penance, there can be no Holy Communion until that epitemia has been fulfilled. Confession is not a guarantee of admittance to Holy Communion. All who come to confession need to ask for a blessing to commune – whether of their spiritual father or the parish clergy. ![]()
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Tomorrow is the feast of the Annunciation, the great turning point of history, in which the Eternal Word, takes flesh and physically enters time and space – at first in the hidden new life within the virgin womb of the Mother of God, as the Christ-Child laid in the manger, as manifested Son of God confirmed by the voice of the Father and the descent of the Holy Spirit at his baptism, as the Saviour who leads us to the Life-Giving Cross where He shatters the gates of hell and death – manifesting this cosmic victory, and to His Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven. ![]()
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As the festal services will be celebrated in Llanelli, few people are able to fit in the small chapel, but I encourage you all to celebrate the feast in your homes, with the scriptural readings of the day and prayerfully reading the canon of the feast from our usual source (page 11): ![]()
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drive.google.com/file/d/15NTC0eQ4KGJeHcxljKM50veBXEHNTmXv/view ![]()
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Every weekday feast when we are unable to celebrate in Cardiff should be a reminder of how much the parish desperately needs its own temple, and of how tenuous our presence is in our nomadic life, always relying on the kindness of others. ![]()
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This Sunday will see the commemoration of St John of the Ladder, and the variables may be found here:![]()
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drive.google.com/file/d/1_f4SIVxn6Og3trTYO7A5yasvLpNUVIG8/view![]()
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The following Sunday will see the visit of His Grace, Bishop Irenei, with the celebration of the Hierarchical Liturgy.![]()
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As time will be very limited and we need to plan the confessions schedule, may I ask that all who require confessions on the next TWO weekends contact Father Deacon Mark as soon as possible: rmfisher@ntlworld.com ![]()
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May God bless you all!![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
ROCOR to publish book on Phanar's interference in Ukrainian Church affairs
spzh.news
The PH of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville has presented a new book on the reasons for the schism in Ukraine caused by Pat Bartholomew’s anti-canonical actions.
Miraculous 16th-century icon returns to Russian monastery from museum
orthochristian.com
All the necessary conditions have been created to ensure the safety of the newly-returned icon. It has been placed in a specialized climate-controlled kiosk, and a multi-level security and fire alarm ...
St. Seraphim of Vyritsa. Commerated April 3/March 21
orthochristian.com
Meanwhile, Vasily Nikolayevich Muravyov (St. Seraphim of Vyritsa’s secular name), a well-known fur trading merchant from St. Petersburg, did something unfathomable to ordinary human reasoning: He sh...
An aspiration for the parish - traditional and modest, and complete with the Kazanskaya icon of the Mother of God!
Лития, совершаемая мирянином дома и на кладбище![]()
общеупотребительный, адаптирован для чтения мирянами дома и на кладбище.![]()
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Моли́твами святы́х оте́ц на́ших, Го́споди Иису́се Христе́, Бо́же наш, поми́луй нас. Ами́нь.![]()
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Святы́й Бо́же, Святы́й кре́пкий, Святы́й безсме́ртный, поми́луй нас. (Трижды)![]()
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Сла́ва Отцу́ и Сы́ну и Свято́му Ду́ху, и ны́не и при́сно и во ве́ки веко́в. Ами́нь.![]()
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Пресвята́я Тро́ице, поми́луй нас; Го́споди, очи́сти грехи́ на́ша; Влады́ко, прости́ беззако́ния на́ша; Святы́й, посети́ и исцели́ не́мощи на́ша, и́мене Твоего́ ра́ди.![]()
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Го́споди, поми́луй. (Трижды) Слава, и ныне:![]()
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О́тче наш, И́же еси́ на небесе́х, да святи́тся и́мя Твое́, да прии́дет ца́рствие Твое́, да бу́дет во́ля Твоя́, я́ко на небеси́ и на земли́. Хлеб наш насу́щный даждь нам днесь; и оста́ви нам до́лги на́ша, я́коже и мы оставля́ем должнико́м на́шим; и не введи́ нас во искуше́ние, но изба́ви нас от лука́ваго.![]()
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И абие поют тропари сия. Глас 4:![]()
Со ду́хи пра́ведных сконча́вшихся, / ду́ши раб Твои́х, Спа́се, упоко́й, / сохраня́я их во блаже́нной жи́зни, / я́же у Тебе́, Человеколю́бче.![]()
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В поко́ищи Твое́м, Го́споди, / иде́же вси святи́и Твои́ упокоева́ются, / упоко́й и ду́ши раб Твои́х, / я́ко Еди́н еси́ Человеколю́бец.![]()
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Слава: Ты еси́ Бог соше́дый во ад, и у́зы окова́нных разреши́вый, / Сам и ду́ши раб Твои́х упоко́й.![]()
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И ныне: Еди́на чи́стая и непоро́чная Де́во, Бо́га без се́мене ро́ждшая, / моли́ спасти́ся душа́м их.![]()
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Молитва![]()
Помяни́, Го́споди Бо́же наш, в ве́ре и наде́жди живота́ ве́чнаго усо́пшаго раба́ Твоего́ (усо́пшую рабу́ Твою́, усо́пших раб Твои́х) (имена их), и я́ко благ и человеколю́бец, отпуща́яй грехи́, и потребля́яй непра́вды, осла́би, оста́ви, и прости́ вся во́льная его́ (ея́) согреше́ния и нево́льная, возставля́я его́ (ю) во свято́е второ́е прише́ствие Твое́ в прича́стие ве́чных Твои́х благ, и́хже ра́ди в Тя еди́наго ве́рова, и́стиннаго Бо́га и человеколю́бца; я́ко Ты еси́ воскресе́ние и живо́т, и поко́й рабу́ Твоему́ (рабе́ Твоей, рабо́м Твои́м) (имена их), Христе́ Бо́же наш, и Тебе́ сла́ву возсыла́ем, со безнача́льным Твои́м Отце́м, и с Пресвяты́м Ду́хом, ны́не и при́сно и во ве́ки веко́в, ами́нь.![]()
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Кондак, глас 8:![]()
Со святы́ми упоко́й, / Христе́, ду́ши раб Твои́х, / иде́же несть боле́знь, ни печа́ль, / ни воздыха́ние, / но жизнь безконе́чная.![]()
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Икос:![]()
Сам еди́н еси́ безсме́ртный, / сотвори́вый и созда́вый челове́ка: / земни́и у́бо от земли́ созда́хомся, / и в зе́млю ту́южде по́йдем, / я́коже повеле́л еси́, созда́вый мя и реки́й ми: / я́ко земля́ еси́, и в зе́млю оты́деши: / а́може вси челове́цы по́йдем, / надгро́бное рыда́ние, творя́ще песнь: / аллилу́ия, аллилу́ия, аллилу́ия.![]()
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Досто́йно есть я́ко вои́стину блажи́ти Тя Богоро́дицу, Присноблаже́нную и Пренепоро́чную и Ма́терь Бо́га на́шего. Честне́йшую Херуви́м и сла́внейшую без сравне́ния Серафи́м, без истле́ния Бо́га Сло́ва ро́ждшую, су́щую Богоро́дицу Тя велича́ем![]()
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Сла́ва, и ны́не: Го́споди, поми́луй, трижды.![]()
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Живы́ми и ме́ртвыми облада́яй, Го́споди, Иису́се Христе́, Сы́не Бо́жий, моли́твами Пречи́стыя Твоея́ Ма́тере, святы́х сла́вных и всехва́льных Апо́стол, преподо́бных и богоно́сных оте́ц на́ших и всех святы́х, ду́ши от нас преста́вльшихся рабо́в Свои́х [имярек], в селе́ниих пра́ведных учини́, в не́дрех Авраа́ма упоко́й и с пра́ведными сопричти, и нас поми́луй, я́ко Благ и Человеколю́бец. Ами́нь. И абие: Во блаже́нном успе́нии ве́чный поко́й пода́ждь, Го́споди, усо́пшим рабо́м Твои́м [имярек], и сотвори́ им ве́чную па́мять.![]()
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Поют: Ве́чная па́мять, трижды.![]()
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По традиции также поют:![]()
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Ду́ши их во благи́х водворя́тся и па́мять их в род и род.
orthochristian.com
Drabinko published another document from his personal archives showing that Pat. Bartholomew, President Viktor Yushchenko, and the heads of the schismatic KP and UAOC had already agreed to work togeth...
Dmitry Lapa. Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Wonderworker
orthochristian.com
“Have faith and wholeheartedly trust God Who will never abandon those who Love Him”—these words belong to St. Cuthbert, “the wonderworker of the English land” who lived more than 1300 years ...
We send our greetings to our parishioner Svetlana named in honour of St Photini/Svetlana, whom our Lord encountered at Jacob’s Well at Sychem. ![]()
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MARTYR PHOTINA (SVETLANA), THE SAMARITAN WOMAN, AND HER SONS![]()
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The Holy Martyr Photina (Svetlana) the Samaritan Woman, her sons Victor (named Photinus) and Joses; and her sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva, Kyriake; Nero’s daughter Domnina; and the Martyr Sebastian: The holy Martyr Photina was the Samaritan Woman, with whom the Savior conversed at Jacob’s Well (John. 4:5-42).![]()
During the time of the emperor Nero (54-68), who displayed excessive cruelty against Christians, Saint Photina lived in Carthage with her younger son Joses and fearlessly preached the Gospel there. Her eldest son Victor fought bravely in the Roman army against barbarians, and was appointed military commander in the city of Attalia (Asia Minor). Later, Nero called him to Italy to arrest and punish Christians.![]()
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Sebastian, an official in Italy, said to Saint Victor, “I know that you, your mother and your brother, are followers of Christ. As a friend I advise you to submit to the will of the emperor. If you inform on any Christians, you will receive their wealth. I shall write to your mother and brother, asking them not to preach Christ in public. Let them practice their faith in secret.”![]()
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Saint Victor replied, “I want to be a preacher of Christianity like my mother and brother.” Sebastian said, “O Victor, we all know what woes await you, your mother and brother.” Then Sebastian suddenly felt a sharp pain in his eyes. He was dumbfounded, and his face was somber.![]()
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For three days he lay there blind, without uttering a word. On the fourth day he declared, “The God of the Christians is the only true God.” Saint Victor asked why Sebastian had suddenly changed his mind. Sebastian replied, “Because Christ is calling me.” Soon he was baptized, and immediately regained his sight. Saint Sebastian’s servants, after witnessing the miracle, were also baptized.![]()
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Reports of this reached Nero, and he commanded that the Christians be brought to him at Rome. Then the Lord Himself appeared to the confessors and said, “Fear not, for I am with you. Nero, and all who serve him, will be vanquished.” The Lord said to Saint Victor, “From this day forward, your name will be Photinus, because through you, many will be enlightened and will believe in Me.” The Lord then told the Christians to strengthen and encourage Saint Sebastian to peresevere until the end.![]()
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All these things, and even future events, were revealed to Saint Photina. She left Carthage in the company of several Christians and joined the confessors in Rome.![]()
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At Rome the emperor ordered the saints to be brought before him and he asked them whether they truly believed in Christ. All the confessors refused to renounce the Savior. Then the emperor gave orders to smash the martyrs’ finger joints. During the torments, the confessors felt no pain, and their hands remained unharmed.![]()
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Nero ordered that Saints Sebastian, Photinus and Joses be blinded and locked up in prison, and Saint Photina and her five sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva and Kyriake were sent to the imperial court under the supervision of Nero’s daughter Domnina. Saint Photina converted both Domnina and all her servants to Christ. She also converted a sorcerer, who had brought her poisoned food to kill her.![]()
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Three years passed, and Nero sent to the prison for one of his servants, who had been locked up. The messengers reported to him that Saints Sebastian, Photinus and Joses, who had been blinded, had completely recovered, and that people were visiting them to hear their preaching, and indeed the whole prison had been transformed into a bright and fragrant place where God was glorified.![]()
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Nero then gave orders to crucify the saints, and to beat their naked bodies with straps. On the fourth day the emperor sent servants to see whether the martyrs were still alive. But, approaching the place of the tortures, the servants fell blind. An angel of the Lord freed the martyrs from their crosses and healed them. The saints took pity on the blinded servants, and restored their sight by their prayers to the Lord. Those who were healed came to believe in Christ and were soon baptized.![]()
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In an impotent rage Nero gave orders to flay the skin from Saint Photina and to throw the martyr down a well. Sebastian, Photinus and Joses had their legs cut off, and they were thrown to dogs, and then had their skin flayed off. The sisters of Saint Photina also suffered terrible torments. Nero gave orders to cut off their breasts and then to flay their skin. An expert in cruelty, the emperor readied the fiercest execution for Saint Photis: they tied her by the feet to the tops of two bent-over trees. When the ropes were cut the trees sprang upright and tore the martyr apart. The emperor ordered the others beheaded. Saint Photina was removed from the well and locked up in prison for twenty days.![]()
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After this Nero had her brought to him and asked if she would now relent and offer sacrifice to the idols. Saint Photina spit in the face of the emperor, and laughing at him, said, “O most impious of the blind, you profligate and stupid man! Do you think me so deluded that I would consent to renounce my Lord Christ and instead offer sacrifice to idols as blind as you?”![]()
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Hearing such words, Nero gave orders to again throw the martyr down the well, where she surrendered her soul to God (+ ca. 66).![]()
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On the Greek Calendar, Saint Photina is commemorated on February 26.![]()
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The Orthodox Church in America![]()
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3/20/2017![]()
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Commemorated on March 20
What profundity of richness, what mind and exalted wisdom is God’s. What compassionate kindness and abundant goodness belongs to the Creator! With what purpose and with what love did He create this world and bring it into existence! What a mystery does the coming into being of this creation look towards! To what a state is our common nature invited! What love served to initiate the creation of the world! This same love which initiated the act of creation prepared beforehand by another dispensation the things appropriate to adorn the world’s majesty which sprung forth as a result of the might of His love.![]()
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In love did He bring the world into existence; in love does He guide it during this its temporal existence; in love is He going to bring it to that wondrous transformed state, and in love will the world be swallowed up in the great mystery of Him who has performed all things; in love will the whole course of the governance of creation be finally comprised. And since in the New World the Creator’s love rules over all rational nature, the wonder at His mysteries that will be revealed then will captive to itself the intellect of all rational beings whom He has created so that they might have delight in Him, whether they be evil or whether they be just. With this design did He bring them into existence, even though they among themselves have made, after their coming into being, this distinction between the just and the wicked. Even though this is so, nevertheless in the Creator’s design there is none, from among all who were created and who have come into being—that is, every rational nature—who is to the front or to the back of God’s love. Rather, He has a single equal love which covers the whole extent of rational creation, all things whether visible or invisible: there is no first place or last place with Him in this love for any single one of them, as I have said.![]()
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And just as there is not a single nature who is in the first place or last place in creation in the Creator’s knowledge—I refer here to this knowledge which was set in His purpose eternally, that He would bring them into being: it was not the case of His knowing one before or after another, but all of them equally without any before or after, in a twinkling of an eye—similarly there is no before or after in His love towards them: no greater or lesser amount of love is to be found with Him at all. Rather, just like the continual equality of His knowledge, so too is the continual equality of His love; for He knew them all before they ever became just or sinners. The Creator and His love did not change because they underwent change after He had brought them into being, nor does His purpose which exists eternally change. And if it were otherwise, He would be subject to change just as created beings are—a shocking idea.![]()
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My brethren, if there is anyone to whom these things are difficult to believe, he should be careful lest, by running away from one element in the argument he fall into blasphemy at another: imagining that he is spurning the words of a fellow human being, he may find himself arming himself against what concerns the divine Nature, being forced by the logic of his case to reduce the glorious Nature of his Creator to weakness and change.![]()
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But we know that everyone is agreed on this, that there is no change, or any earlier and later intentions, with the Creator: there is no hatred or resentment in His nature, no greater or lesser place in His love, no before or after in His knowledge. For if it is believed by everyone that the creation came into existence as a result of the Creator’s goodness and love, then we know that this original cause does not ever diminish or change in the Creator’s nature as a result of the disordered course of creation.![]()
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St Isaac of Nineveh
Воскресенье 4 апреля: Неделя 3-я Великого поста, Крестопоклонная. Глас 2-й. ![]()
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10:40: часы и Литургия св Василия Великого. ![]()
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Sunday April 4: 3rd Sunday of Great Lent: Adoration of Cross. Tone 2. ![]()
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10:40: the Hours and Liturgy of St Basil the Great ![]()
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We are nearly half way through Lent, and this Sunday will be the middle of the Great Fast. We will be celebrating the Sunday of the Holy Cross and the variables for the Liturgy may be found here: drive.google.com/file/d/1VvGIXR38iH3WHPVJ1bMM-ffkcB7Q7mic/view ![]()
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There will also be a litia for the departed after Sunday Liturgy, as we do not have the use of the Church on Saturday for the customary General Panikhida. ![]()
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Thank you all who have pre-arranged confessions. ![]()
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I was greatly heartened that last Sunday saw some of our young parishioners make a pilgrimage to St David’s after attending the 6:00 a.m. Liturgy at St Luke’s, where our sister Romanian parish worships. ![]()
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Like us, the Romanian parish has been given a home through the generosity of the Canton Benefice and the good offices of Mother Frances, who gave them a home for Christmas services, and has made it possible for Father Sorin to celebrate an early Liturgy each Sunday. ![]()
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Interestingly, we now have a cross-community cluster of young people, some of whom attend both the Romanian and ROCOR Liturgies and are beginning to build friendships based on their Orthodox Faith. This is a wonderful development, mirroring our ability to welcome Romanian Orthodox for whom the 6:00 Liturgy is impractical because of very young children, as well as friends from further afield. Thanks are due to Catalin for encouraging Romanian-ROCOR relations and the sharing of our traditions. ![]()
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I am delighted that our communities have established a friendship that can be the foundation for sharing our Orthodox Faith in the city, and we look forward to hopefully bringing the parishes together for pilgrimages and other shared activities in the future.
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Met Anthony explains difference in understanding primacy by Phanar and ROC
spzh.news
Met Anthony believes that Phanar is developing the idea of an "Eastern papacy", which is completely unacceptable for the Russian Church and other Local Churches.
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Through the Help of the Saints and Brother Bishops. Abp. Juraj of Michalovce and Košice
orthochristian.com
You have to put aside all the masks, all the false walking sticks that help you get through life, all the pretensions, all the unnecessary relations; and you just have to realize that the only thing y...
Former Gulag becomes site of Chapel of New Martyrs and Confessors
orthochristian.com
A great spiritual event took place on Memorial Saturday, March 27, when the Church commemorates the departed, as a chapel was consecrated on the site of a former Soviet Gulag.
orthochristian.com
The relics of St. Olaf, “the eternal king of Norway,” originally rested by the altar table in the Church of St. Clement of Rome in Nidaros, the ancient capital of Norway, today called Trondheim. T...
Dear brothers and sisters, ![]()
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Greetings to you all as we celebrate not only St Patrick, but St Aleksey the Man of God.![]()
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May we have requests for confessions as soon as possible? Email: rmfisher@ntlworld.com![]()
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I have greater flexibility this week and would like to combine some confessions with pastoral visits.![]()
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For the coming Sunday of the Holy Cross, the variables for the Liturgy may be found here: drive.google.com/file/d/1VvGIXR38iH3WHPVJ1bMM-ffkcB7Q7mic/view![]()
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As usual we will have to be flexible with our late entrance to church, depending on the departure time of our hosts, but we continue to aim to celebrate the Hours at 10:40, with the Liturgy of St Basil commencing around 11:00. Thank you for your abiding patience on this front. Confessions on Friday/Saturday greatly help us to try to stick as close as possible to these times.![]()
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Again, may I encourage parishioners to invest in a pomianik / commemoration book for those whom they wish to be remembered at Liturgy - and to keep it up to date. This avoids the multiplication of paper slips and allows the proskomedia and moleben/panikhida services to operate smoothly. All names listed should be baptismal names, so there should be no Ivans, Tanyas, and Nadias, and definitely no Vanyushas: Ioanns, Tatianas and Nadezhdas please! Also, there should be no entries of 'Father' or 'Mothers', please. Clergy and monastics are listed by rank with the none-ordained monastics simply listed as Monk or Nun if you do not know their monastic 'rank' - i.e. schema, stavrophore, or rassophore.![]()
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May I also request that parishioners start thinking about contributions towards flowers for Holy Week and Pascha?![]()
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In your prayers, please pray for the eternal rest of the soul of Archbishop Tikhon of San Francisco (1963) of blessed memory, whose anniversary falls today.![]()
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In Christ - Fr Mark
As we celebrate the feast of St Patrick the Enlightener and Apostle of Ireland, we greet our brothers and sisters in Belfast and Stradbally with the feast. Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!![]()
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Icon source: www.sacredmurals.com/icons_of_saints/contemporary_icon_st_patrick.jpg
Wisdom! Let us attend!![]()
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I am grateful that one of our parishioners has questioned the use of the word punishment with regard to the gangrene of the man in the narrative. This makes it easy to lose the context of what happened as it it stresses retribution and misses the fact that God sends us afflictions/temporary punishments to correct us and to save us. ![]()
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This was my observation to the parishioner:![]()
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"God sent this affliction to call this man to senses, to realisation and repentance, and to free him from the strast (passion) that possessed him - because this is serious and dangerous passion that disfigured him as a monk and as a Christian. It was not a punishment (in the retributional sense), but a wake up call before it was too late. In Geron Paisios, God sent him a saint to care for him and tend his wounds, and who knows, with repentance St Paisios - with the help of the Mother of God - may have healed him from his external sickness, as his spiritual sickness was healed.![]()
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All too often we see things as punishments, when in fact they are afflictions sent to save us and are really a gift from God. We are too quick to only see the 'nice' things as gifts. The lives of the saints show us that God has allowed all sorts of things to happen to save his children from captivity and prelest - which is truly soul destroying and deadly."![]()
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Sadly, this was to no avail. Lord, have mercy.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
St. Paisios on Fear of Germs and Holy Things
fatherjohn.blogspot.com
The following conversation that St. Paisios the Athonite had with one of his spiritual children, which is recorded in Elder Paisios of Moun...
Eternal memory to the handmaiden of God, the Abbess Moisseia. Remember her in your prayers and pray for the sisterhood of the Jerusalem Convent of the Ascension, a lighthouse of Faith and Orthodox monasticism.
“There Was No Other Way Than to Serve the Church”. In memory of Abbess Moisseia(Bubnova)
orthochristian.com
From her childhood and youth the future abbess was in constant contact with holy Archbishop John (Maximovitch) and from the age of nine sang and read in the choir. Contact with such a great saint left...
When Christianity Loses Its Ancient Name. Archpriest Alexander Shargunov
orthochristian.com
We can see that our enemies’ intentions are serious. Therefore during the fast we are not simply seeking comfort amidst unbearable sorrows, but the Comforter, Spirit of Truth Himself.
BRITISH SUMMER TIME![]()
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Parishioners, please remember that British Summer Time begins tomorrow and move your clocks forward by one hour, otherwise you will have a long wait on the doorstep before Liturgy!
Saint Ypomoni - Empress of the Romans (+ 1450)
shar.es
St. Ypomoni the Righteous (Feast Day - March 13 and May 29 ) St. Ypomoni (Patience), in the world named Helen Dragaš, and later as the wi...
Open to me the doors of repentance O Lifegiver; for my spirit rises early to pray towards Thy Holy Temple, bearing the temple of my body all defiled. But in Thy Compassion purify me by the loving kindness of Thy Mercy.
Покаяния отверзи ми двери (Rusi Lipoveni)
youtube.com
Покаяния отверзи ми двери. Глас 8. Из Постной триоди Морозовского круга.O. Аркадий Кутузов
When I lived in London, I would often go to pray in the church of St Dunstan in the West, in Fleet Street.![]()
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This octagonal church, built on the site of a medieval church was completed in 1832, and contains an Orthodox gem.![]()
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Screened by a high carved ikonostas from the Antim Monastery in Bucharest, one of the side chapels contains the sanctuary of the Romanian Orthodox parish that has worshipped in St Dunstan's since the 1960's.![]()
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It seems that the church is little used for Anglican worship, as the Orthodox parish has 'expanded' into various other parts of the building.![]()
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This is a wonderful refuge from the noise and commotion of the capital.
Ζήτω η Ελλάδα! Ζήτω η Ελευθερία!
ROC Primate congratulates President and Greek nation on Independence Day
spzh.news
On March 25, 2021, Greece celebrates the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the national liberation revolution against the four-century yoke of the Ottoman Empire.
A continuation of Vladika Juraj's conversation on the Czech-Slovak Church.
orthochristian.com
Families were crying and saying they miss the church, they miss the people, they miss the community, they miss worshiping together. It was stunning, because I think this is what Church should be.
ARCHPASTORAL VISIT: 17/18 APRIL![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters,![]()
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As announced at Sunday Liturgy, His Grace, Bishop Irenei will make an archpastoral visit to the parish for the Sunday of St Mary of Egypt: 17/18th April.![]()
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We were blessed with a low-key visit last July, when Vladika experienced covid-limited parish life in Newman Hall. This visit will see some further limitations, due to our inability to share a meal with Vladika as a parish, but we will be able to welcome more worshippers in the spacious setting of St John's.![]()
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Please share this news, encouraging those whom we have not seen for some time to come to Liturgy - not just for the bishop's visit but week by week.![]()
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The last few weeks have seen 35-50 at Liturgy, but many of these people are new to the parish. We need to encourage the 're-emergence' of those parishioners who have become 'dormant' during lockdown. This is an ideal opportunity.![]()
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May God bless you all!![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
Last Great Lent of the Russian Royal Family, as Reflected in the Diary of Nicholas II
blog.obitel-minsk.com
Tsar Nicholas II formally abdicated from the throne on 3 March 2017 and six months later he was exiled to Tobolsk, Russia, together with his family, attendants and servants. The royal family lived in ...
A very interesting and informative interview with Vladika Juraj. Read and learn!
orthochristian.com
It doesn’t look like it, but we are actually the oldest Slavonic-speaking Church. We tend to trace our origin back to the mission of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, but we can go even beyond that, because...
HOLY WEEK AND PASCHA SERVICES. ![]()
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25 APRIL: PALM SUNDAY – THE ENTRANCE OF THE LORD INTO JERUSALEM ![]()
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Hours & Divine Liturgy: 11:00 (Confessions before service) ![]()
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28 APRIL: HOLY & GREAT WEDNESDAY ![]()
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Confession: 17:30 ![]()
The Mystery of Holy Unction (Soborovanie): 19:00 ![]()
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29 APRIL: HOLY & GREAT THURSDAY ![]()
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(Vesperal Liturgy in Llanelli) ![]()
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Confessions: 18:00 ![]()
The Reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels (Matins of Great and Holy Friday): 19:00 ![]()
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30 APRIL: HOLY & GREAT FRIDAY ![]()
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Royal Hours: 08:00 ![]()
Vespers with the bringing out of the Plashchanitsa: 16:00 (Confessions will follow this service) ![]()
The Burial Service of the Lord (Matins of Holy Saturday): 19:00 ![]()
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1 MAY: HOLY & GREAT SATURDAY ![]()
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Confessions: 09:00 ![]()
The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday: 10:00 ![]()
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The reading of the Acts of the Apostles / Confessions: 22:00 ![]()
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Midnight Office: 23:30 ![]()
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Midnight: 1-2 May - PASCHA - Procession, matins and Liturgy of the Resurrection of Christ: 00:00 ![]()
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Agape Vespers: 12:00
orthodox-europe.org
Bishop Irenei visited the Kazan Icon Parish in Cardiff on the Sunday of St Mary of Egypt. | Преосвященный епископ Ириней посетил Казанский иконный пр...
The Girl That St. John of Shanghai Named. Part 2. Olga Rozhneva
orthochristian.com
Olga says of herself:“I pray to St. John of Shanghai, wonderworker of San Francisco, day and night. I talk to him as if he were alive.”
The Girl That St. John of Shanghai Named. Olga Rozhneva
orthochristian.com
Olga Vladimirovna didn’t merely know St. John—it was he who chose her name when she had just been born, and who performed the funeral of her beloved father several years later and blessed her long...
17/18 APRIL: HIS GRACE BISHOP IRENEI VISITS THE PARISH![]()
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Every weekend is a cause of celebration as we come together to celebrate the Holy Mysteries, but this weekend was especially significant as we gathered around our bishop to celebrate the Divine Liturgy.![]()
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His Grace, Bishop Irenei and Reader George arrived in Cardiff on Saturday, praying the service of Little Compline with the clergy and members of one of our parish families before sitting down to supper and discussing issues surrounding the lives of our parish, diocese and patriarchate. ![]()
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On Sunday morning, parishioners finalised arrangements in the church whilst the rector performed the proskomedia, Father Luke heard confessions and Deacon Mark went to bring Vladika to St John’s.![]()
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His Grace was met at the church-door at 11:00, with the traditional welcome of bread and salt, with our youngest children greeting their bishop with flowers.![]()
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Vladika was then met and greeted by our deacon and oltarniky, by the rector, bearing the cross, by our Archpriest Luke, and Father Sorin, the priest of our Romanian sister-parish.![]()
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The lack of ikonostasis meant that the faithful were able to witness the vesting of the bishop during the Hours, seeing the vestments as they were donned one by one.![]()
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Following, the completion of the proskomedia and the completion of the Hours, the Hierarchical Liturgy was celebrated with a beauty and solemnity that we are sure St John's Church has never seen in its history.![]()
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Our singers, readers and servers sang, read and served with great care and attention, and we were blessed by Romanian singing during Holy Communion.![]()
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As is His custom, at the Great Entrance, His Grace prayed that all who serve in the parish, whether singing, baking, cleaning or any small way may be remembered by the Lord in His Kingdom. The parish clergy thank all of these people, especially for their obedience and labours for the weekend.![]()
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At the end of Liturgy, His Grace preached on the spiritual link between the Great Canon of St Andrew of Crete as a liturgical contemplation and exploration of repentance and the life of St Mary of Egypt, as the realisation of the call to repentance in the Christian life.![]()
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As there was no possibility of a parish meal, following the Liturgy, His Grace gave a spiritual talk, including questions and answers on St John of Shanghai and San Francisco, and parishioners have expressed their joy at this, sending enthusiastic messages over the course of yesterday evening and today, relating their thanks for this blessing and consolation.![]()
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During the talk the sisterhood prepared a simple lunch for the bishop, parish clergy, readers, singers/servers and their spouses at the chaplaincy. It was the first time that we have been unable to have a parish-trapeza, but it allowed Vladika to share some time with those who have ‘staffed’ the parish and ensured the continuation of parish life over the last difficult year. Thank you everyone who contributed, and thanks to Father Sebastian. We look forward to the time when we may all sit down with Vladika, whose last two visits have been under lockdown regulations, and we hope and pray that the next visit will be less restricted and more normal.![]()
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We thank Vladika for making this visitation and Reader George for the assistance he gives in managing the hierarchical Liturgy. We thank Aleksandra for her labours in building the confidence and repertoire of our kliros since her arrival from Russia, especially in the celebrations of the Liturgy of St Basil during the Great Fast.![]()
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May God bless you all.![]()
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In Christ – Hieromonk Mark
When Thou didst see, our Lord, that I had lost Thy glory, Thy love did not suffer it to be so. Thou Who descendedst in Thy birth hast delivered me from Satan by Thy suffering and Thy death on the Cross.![]()
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But behold, I have sinned again and angered Thee and offended Thy name with the sins, transgressions and crimes I have committed. Woe is me, for I was ungrateful and have defiled myself with a multitude of wicked deeds!![]()
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I have wept and shed bitter tears while meditating on this fact. My meditation has transported me to fire, led me to a land of terror, carried me into a frightening and terrible abyss, cast me into flames and thrust me into darkness. My heart has felt all this, and I have sighed from fear and terror while contemplating this journey.![]()
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Carried away by these thoughts I have inspected the dwelling places of darkness. Then, sobbing and weeping, pained and sorrowing, have I condemned myself and bitterly exclaimed: woe is me, exceeding woe. What has justice prepared for me!![]()
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In terror I awoke as from a dream, but neither in waking was I delivered from torment of heart. I rent my garment, wept and sobbed: what have I done to my miserable self? I shall uncover my head like the harlot and confess my sins; with sighs shall I pray; I will turn my eyes into fountains of tears, that I might mourn for my unfortunate self.![]()
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I shall go to the publicans who are like me, I shall go to the sinners who repented. I will awaken my sleeping heart which has grown old in a multitude of evils. I will unite myself to the publicans and sinners and make myself like unto them. Like them shall I sob over the sins I have committed, that God's judgement might not be upon me and that I might not be tormented in the abyss of gehenna....![]()
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Vouchsafe me, O Lord, to love Thy love that comforts the saints and the righteous ones, who love non e other than Thee, O God, Who art magnanimous to the penitent, Who lovest the sinner who bedews his face with tears and bitterly mourns his transgression. Vouchsafe me, O Lord, the blessed repose that Thou hast prepared for all the saints.![]()
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'Psalm' 79 from 'A Spiritual Psalter' by St Ephraim the Syria
Dear brothers and sisters, greetings to you, as we celebrate the Saturday of the Akathist Hymn to the Most Holy Theotokos.![]()
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When we think of the great treasures of the Church, all too often, we think in material terms, recalling the great sacred objects in the treasuries of our cathedrals and monasteries. However, some of our greatest treasures are the liturgical hymns and prayers that shape us as Orthodox Christians: by the words and language with which we pray; in the conceptual ways in which we express ourselves; in the language of the theology of the Church; in the spiritual patters of our thoughts and ideas.![]()
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The great Akathist Hymn, with its rich and varied language, is ornamented with symbols and images from the Old and New Testaments, and through its imagery it explores the place of the Mother of God in the Incarnation and the Economy of Salvation.![]()
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Its poetry opens our hearts and minds to the Mother of God, and in the laudations of each ikos, each of us is called to approach the Mother of God with joy and gratitude for her place in our salvation and the restoration of fallen Adam and Eve, whom - in the harrowing of hell - we will see swept into the Kingdom of Heaven in the joy and power of the Resurrection.![]()
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"Rejoice, only door through which the Word alone hath passed. By thy birthgiving, O Lady, thou hast broken the bars and gates of hell. Rejoice, Bride of God, divine entry of the saved."
She is Our Spiritual Guide in Ascending to Heaven. A Homily for the Saturday of the Akathist
orthochristian.com
Thus, in this remarkable service, the glorification of the Annunciation, the dawn of our salvation, which began with the Archangel’s greeting to the Most Pure Virgin: “Rejoice,” and the praise o...
We would kindly ask that everyone attending Liturgy this Sunday does not park their car on the church driveway as we require the driveway to be clear to allow Vladyka Irenei to park and enter church easily.![]()
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The following 2 car parks have been identified as free to use on a Sunday - Both are approximately a 5 minute walk to the church.![]()
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Gray Street Car Park![]()
Sat Nav Postcode - CF11 9NE![]()
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Entrance is from Cowbridge Road East with spaces for 89 vehicles![]()
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www.visitcardiff.com/highlights/gray-street-car-park/![]()
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Leckwith Road Car Park![]()
Sat Nav Postcode - CF11 9TB![]()
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Spaces for 63 vehicles![]()
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www.visitcardiff.com/highlights/leckwith-road-car-park/
orthochristian.com
Where shall I begin to weep for the actions of my wretched life? What first-fruit shall I offer, O Christ, in this my lamentation? But in Thy compassion grant me forgiveness of sins.
O Good Mother of the All-good God: look upon the prayer of thine unworthy servant with thy merciful eye and grant me the contrition, quietness of thoughts, constancy of mind, chaste reason, sobriety of soul, humble thinking, radiance of spirit, prudent disposition, and spiritual peace that the Lord granted His disciples. ![]()
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Blot out the record of my falls into sin, cleave the clouds of my sorrow, the haze and tumult of my thoughts. Remove from me the tempest and tumult of passions; enlarge my heart with spiritual breadth, give me joy and gladness and grant that I may walk the right path of Thy Son's commandments and properly pass through life without faltering and with an untainted conscience. ![]()
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Also grant me who pray before thee pure prayer, that with an untroubled mind and concentrated thought I might always offer prayer to the honour, glory, and magnification of thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.![]()
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'Psalm' 88, from 'A Spiritual Psalter, or Reflections on God Excerpted by Bishop Theophan the Recluse from the works of our Holy Father Ephraim the Syrian'
Facebook locks Abbot Tryphon (The Morning Offering) out of his account
orthochristian.com
Abbot Tryphon, the head of the All-Merciful Savior Monastery on Vashon Island in Washington and the author of the popular “The Morning Offering” blog and podcast, has been locked out of his Facebo...
IMPORTANT: NO PARISH TRAPEZA AFTER SUNDAY LITURGY!!!![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters,![]()
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It has come to my attention that there is some confusion and misinformation regarding food after Vladika's visit.![]()
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Let us be absolutely clear that THERE IS NO PARISH TRAPEZA AFTER LITURGY.![]()
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I have been able to gain permission for an informal outside buffet for the clergy away from St John's, so that Vladika and Reader George may eat before their return to London. I have invited oltarniky and singers to attend to greet the bishop, but this is the limit of attendance.![]()
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We deeply regret that all parishioners cannot attend, but this is absolutely unavoidable and is an act of compliance with measures that are still in place, and the conditions of our generous hosts.![]()
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We have always enjoyed parish trapeza with our bishop, but sadly on this occasion, it is simply not possible - so, please respect this, and look forward to the next time we can all be with Vladika for a meal.![]()
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Thank you for your cooperation and support.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
Further to yesterday's email regarding this coming weekend, the church is nearly full to capacity for the bishop's visit.![]()
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Can I ask that all worshippers for this Sunday (whether confessing or not) email Deacon Mark NOW to arrange a place at Liturgy. Within the next day or two, we will probably have to stop accepting requests as the church will be as full as it can be with social distancing in place.![]()
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Those requiring confession should make this clear.![]()
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Please email Deacon Mark as a matter of urgency: rmfisher@ntlworld.com![]()
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Vladika will be met at 11:00, so everyone should be inside before his arrival.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
Dear brothers and sisters, ![]()
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May I thank all who laboured for the celebrations of the weekend, in both Cheltenham and Llanelli. ![]()
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Saturday morning saw Father Deacon Mark and I travel to Cheltenham, where we celebrated the Divine Liturgy and a litia for the departed in All Saints’ Church, Pittville. ![]()
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I greatly enjoy the journey to Cheltenham, feeling a strong attachment because of family roots in Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and making that journey at this time of spring with the hedgerows full of blackthorn blossom is a pleasure. Thanks to Father Deacon Mark for making this possible. ![]()
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All Saints has become a cherished home for our mission, with the Lady Chapel having become a little Orthodox sanctuary for us. The community continue to add to the icons that surround us in our worship and we are permitted to leave them in place. The Lady Chapel has become an established place of Orthodox prayer, with the regular singing of akathist hymns and the community coming together for reader services to sustain parish life between liturgies. ![]()
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The sisters of the parish worked hard baking memorial food for yesterday's litia for the departed, with the memorial table having a mass of pirozhky - in place of a mercy-meal - with which to sustain our faithful on their journeys home. Thank you sisters, your clergy most definitely enjoyed the fruits of your labours on the journey back to Wales! ![]()
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On my return to Cardiff, I was able to join Father Sorin at St Luke’s Church, Canton, where we heard the confessions of our respective parishioners. Many thanks to the kind parishioners who kindly brought several clergy suppers for the evening. Thanks also to the faithful who showed similar kindness today. May God bless your attentiveness to your clergy and reward your love and care! ![]()
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Though numbers were a little dented, again, today’s Liturgy was offered with the same love and devotion that can be guaranteed in Cardiff services, with beautiful singing and prayerful diligence on the part of the faithful. Though the boiler hadn’t fired (again) and things were chilly, the spiritual warmth was not lacking. Congratulations to all who partook of the Holy Mysteries, and thanks to all who labour for our parish worship, which at the moment is pretty much the extent of parish life, apart from the time I am able to spend with people before and after confessions. ![]()
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Next week sees the visit of Bishop Irenei, whom we will meet at the church door at 11:00 – so please be in church ready for this. Also please communicate need for confession to Fr Deacon Mark by Wednesday midday at the latest please, as we have to plan what will be a tight confession schedule. Sunday will only be for travellers, and all confessions must finish by the time Vladika arrives. Please contact Father Deacon Mark, as usual: rmfisher@ntlworld.com (07790 031375) – or if in Swansea/Llanelli Archpriest Luke: occwales@yahoo.co.uk (07895 991056). ![]()
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Please remember that this Thursday will be the Thursday of the Great Canon of Repentance and try to pray it in your homes, whether on Wednesday evening or Thursday day-time. We will post the text on our Facebook page.![]()
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Details of Holy Week and Pascha will be published as soon as we have the go-ahead from St John’s Church. We know that all are eager to know the schedule, but do not wish to make any presumptions and then cause disappointment. ![]()
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Please remember that the appeal for support to Mother Photini continues:![]()
www.crowdfunder.co.uk/help-nun-photini?fbclid=IwAR064rfuXe5M0NDF7NoYNH0V10fO0GYGCzrw9_eKqzBsKkczc...![]()
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Thank you all who have contributed.![]()
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Слава Богу за всё! ![]()
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May God bless you all. ![]()
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In Christ – Hieromonk Mark
Venerable Father, Paisie, pray to God for us!
iconandlight.wordpress.com
Elder Paisius (Olaru) of Sihla Skete (1897–1990) —“What is humility, Father Paisius?” some of his disciples once asked him. Humility is the thought and conviction of our heart that we are more...
The Spirituial Ladder of St. John Climacus and Our Christian Praxis. Priest Ioannis Fortomas
orthochristian.com
We could not possibly exhaust the well of wisdom which is the
URGENT - PLEASE READ AND GIVE SUPPORT IF YOU ARE ABLE![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters, during the last week Masha who serves on our kliros made me aware of the situation of Igumenia Photini and her small convent in Corfu. As you can read in Masha's article on the Crowdfunder page, due to injury, requred treatments, and the effects of lockdown, Mother Photini, her sisterhood and their little monastery of St Paraskeva face great hardship.![]()
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The little monastery - originally a male house - was left with no monastics until it was restored and reinhabited as a women's monastic house, and Mother and the sisterhood keep the flame of monasticism, ascetecism and prayer burning in this little sanctuary. ![]()
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The Church teaches us that monastics burn as candles stretching from earth to heaven, and that by their prayers the world is protected and preserved by God's almighty hand.![]()
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May I encourage as many of you as are able all to try to make a donation to support Mother Photini and her sisterhood at a time of great trial and need.![]()
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Please... Let us help these mothers and sisters in Christ.![]()
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Through the prayers of the Holy Great Martyr, Parekeva, may the Lord bless you and have mercy.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
www.crowdfunder.co.uk
To raise money to help Nun Photini of Agia Paraskevi after her spinal fractures, treatment of severe osteoporosis and support of the convent
Sunday April 11: 4th Sunday of Great Lent, Venerable John Climacus (movable holiday on the 4th Sunday of the Great Lent).Tone 3. ![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters, this Sunday - the fourth in the Great Fast - will be the celebration of St John Climacus, the author of 'The Ladder of Divine Ascent.' ![]()
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Visitors are most welcome to join the parish for the Divine Liturgy, which will be celebrated at St John's Canton. Location details may be found on the Facebook homepage.![]()
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10:40: the Hours and Liturgy of St Basil the Great ![]()
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Воскресенье 4 апреля: Неделя 4-я Великого поста, Прп. Иоанна Лествичника (переходящее празднование в 4-ю Неделю Великого поста). Глас 3-й. ![]()
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10:40: часы и Литургия св Василия Великого. ![]()
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The variables for the Liturgy may be found here: ![]()
drive.google.com/file/d/1_f4SIVxn6Og3trTYO7A5yasvLpNUVIG8/view
March 26 / April 8![]()
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Nameday greetings to Alla and Larissa of our Cardiff and Cheltenham communities, thanking them for the labours for our parishes and the support they give to their husbands, our Deacon Mark and Reader Philip, in their diakonia. ![]()
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May God bless you and grant you many years! ![]()
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Храни Вас Господь и Матерь Божия на многая и благая лета!
Elder Gabriel of Athos: OCU “priests” are blasphemers
spzh.news
The Athonite Elder Gabriel believes that the schismatics and all who pray with them will not be saved.
Sermon from Father Mark on the Third Sunday of Great Lent : Adoration of the Cross
“Today are strains of praise sung joyfully by the choir of angels, and the light of the advent of Christ shines brightly upon the faithful. Today is the glad spring-time to us, and Christ the Sun of righteousness has beamed with clear light around us, and has illumined the minds of the faithful. Today is Adam made anew, and moves in the choir of angels, having winged his way to heaven. Today is the whole circle of the earth filled with joy, since the sojourn of the Holy Spirit has been realized to men. Today the grace of God and the hope of the unseen shine through all wonders transcending imagination, and make the mystery that was kept hidden from eternity plainly discernible to us. Today are woven the chaplets of never-fading virtue. Today, God, willing to crown the sacred heads of those whose pleasure is to hearken to Him, and who delight in His festivals, invites the lovers of unswerving faith as His called and His heirs; and the heavenly kingdom is urgent to summon those who mind celestial things to join the divine service of the incorporeal choirs.” * ![]()
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Reverend Fathers and Mothers, dear brothers and sisters: greetings as we celebrate the feast of the Annunciation. ![]()
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Поздравления с Благовещением Пресвятой Богородицы! ![]()
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We greet this feast with great joy, as this is truly the turning point of history. ![]()
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The redemptive plan, cherished by God since the fall of the first-father and first-mother was manifested in the world through the descent of the Holy Spirit after the Virgin’s fiat – her ‘yes’, in which she became the Mother of God and the Mother of our Salvation; her ‘yes’ in which God became man in the inexplicable mystery that is the manifestation of the love of God. ![]()
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The troparion of the feast narrates how the redemptive plan comes to fruition, calling us to greet the Mother of God with joy: ![]()
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“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!” ![]()
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The kontakion of the feast reminds us that the Annunciation, the Incarnation and the place of the Mother of God in this ‘enfleshment’ of the God-Man are all part of the cosmic battle and Christ’s victory through the Cross and Resurrection. The kontakion addresses the Mother of God as our Commander – our battle leader - whose place in Christ’s battle against hell and death lead us into His victory: ![]()
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“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!” ![]()
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It is in this kontakion that we find the origin of the Akathist Hymn to the Mother of God, where further poetic stanzas written by St Romanos the Melodist explore the mystery of the Incarnation and bring us to the Mother of God to continually greet her with joy, with the many ‘rejoices’, or ‘hails’ – depending on the translation we use. ![]()
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Celebrating and poetically contemplating the Annunciation and the Incarnation, the ‘rejoices’ of the ikosy explore the place of the Mother of God in the economy of salvation, with rich imagery of drawn on the Old Testament and the Gospels: ![]()
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Rejoice, uplifting of men. ![]()
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Rejoice, downfall of demons. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou who hast trampled down the power of delusion. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou who didst expose the fraud of idols. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou who like the sea hast drowned the noetic pharaoh. ![]()
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Rejoice, rock that hast given drink to those thirsting for life. ![]()
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Rejoice, pillar of fire, guiding those in darkness. ![]()
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Rejoice, protection of the world, broader than a cloud. ![]()
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Rejoice, food that takest the place of manna. ![]()
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Rejoice, minister of holy delight. ![]()
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Rejoice, Promised Land. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou from whom flow milk and honey. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded! ** ![]()
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Old Testament imagery connected with the Exodus of the children of Israel from their Egyptian captivity reminds us that the Hebrews remained held captive by sin and death, despite the deliverance from the bondage of Egypt. Even the souls of the righteous of the Old Testament were held captive by death until the crucified, victorious Christ descended into Hades and swept them away in the saving power of His Resurrection. ![]()
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Today we celebrate the Incarnation of Him who became a new Moses, leading us not through the waters of the Red sea, but through the captivity of death into the Promised Land of the Kingdom to come, with the souls of the patriarchs, prophets, judges, righteous kings and the saints of the Old Testament having gone before us as the Saviour shattered the gates and chains of hell: the image we see in the Paschal icon. ![]()
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Now, this feast is a foretaste of Pascha and the Cross and Resurrection. It is the moment to which the Old Testament saints led the children of Israel, to which the Prophet Isaiah looked when he said, “Behold, a virgin shall conceive…” ![]()
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With joy we greet her in anticipation of Pascha in this Divine Conception: ![]()
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The fall of Adam and Eve was through ego and disobedience, but now, through the selfless obedience of the second mother the Redeemer comes to us, to slay death and restore fallen Adam. Eva becomes Ave as the archangel’s salutation is greeted by the obedience of the Mother of our Salvation and the Virgin crushes the head of the serpent at the uttering of her words: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word…” at which point – hidden within her womb – “the Word became flesh” albeit in the fragility of a newly conceived life. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom joy shall shine forth. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom the curse will cease. ![]()
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Rejoice, raising of fallen Adam. ![]()
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Rejoice, redemption of the tears of Eve. ![]()
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Rejoice, height hard to climb for the thoughts of men. ![]()
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Rejoice, depth hard to scan even for the eyes of angels. ![]()
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Rejoice, for thou art the throne of the King. ![]()
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Rejoice, for thou holdest Him who upholdeth all. ![]()
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Rejoice, star that bringest the Sun. ![]()
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Rejoice, womb of the divine incarnation. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom creation is made new. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou through whom we worship the creator. ![]()
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Rejoice, thou Bride unwedded! *** ![]()
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The feast that shows the heavenward path of selflessness, obedience to God, cooperation with His will, and living as His children – not in slavery or subjugation, but in the freedom that obedience brings – above all, freedom from hell and death and the promise of Christ’s Resurrection. ![]()
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In awe of the Mother of God, our exemplar in Faith, imitating her example and following in her footsteps, let us join the Archangel greeting her on this joyful feast. ![]()
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“Your praise, O most holy Virgin, surpasses all laudation, by reason of the God who received the flesh and was born man of you. To you every creature, of things in heaven, and things on earth, and things under the earth, offers the meet offering of honour. For you have been indeed set forth as the true cherubic throne. You shine as the very brightness of light in the high places of the kingdoms of intelligence; where the Father, who is without beginning, and whose power you had overshadowing you, is glorified; where also the Son is worshipped, whom you bore according to the flesh; and where the Holy Spirit is praised, who effected in your womb the generation of the mighty King. Through you, O thou that art highly favoured, is the holy and consubstantial Trinity known in the world. Together with yourself, deem us also worthy to be made partakers of your perfect grace in Jesus Christ our Lord: with whom, and with the Holy Spirit, be glory to the Father, now and ever, and unto the ages of the ages. Amen.” **** ![]()
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In Christ – Hieromonk Mark ![]()
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* from the sixth ikos of the Akathist Hymn ![]()
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** from the first homily on the Annunciation by St Gregory the Wonderworker ![]()
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*** from the first ikos of the Akathist Hymn ![]()
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**** from the second homily on the Annunciation by St Gregory the Wonderworker
This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross. Now it is placed before us and shines with the brightness of Christ’s Resurrection. Let us all draw near and kiss it with great rejoicing in our souls
March 24/ April 6: Икона Богородицы «Тучная Гора»![]()
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Около 250–300 лет тому назад эта икона находилась в одном из мужских монастырей Твери и подарена была настоятелем Косме Волчанинову в благодарность за хорошо исполненные работы в монастырском храме. Эта икона как святыня передавалась из поколения в поколение, но один неблагоговейный внук Космы вынес обветшавшую икону на чердак. Его невестка терпела много оскорблений от мужа и его родных. В отчаянии женщина решила покончить самоубийством в пустой бане. На пути ей явился какой-то монах и сказал: "Куда ты, несчастная, идешь? Воротись назад; иди, помолись Божией Матери Тучной Горе – и будешь жить хорошо и покойно". Взволнованная молодая женщина, возвратившись домой, рассказала все, не скрывая и своего преступного намерения. Стали разыскивать монаха, но не нашли его, никто кроме нее его не видел. Случилось это накануне праздника Благовещения Пресвятой Богородицы. Икону немедленно отыскали на чердаке, отчистили от грязи и поставили в доме на почетном месте. Вечером был приглашен приходской священник, который совершил пред иконой всенощное бдение, которое с тех пор совершалось в доме ежегодно в этот день. Более полутораста лет икона находилась в семье Волчаниновых. Екатерина, дочь Василия, последнего из рода Волчаниновых, выйдя замуж за Георгия Ивановича Коняева, взяла к себе икону Матери Божией как самое дорогое наследие. И в доме Коняева перед этой иконой совершались молебствия и всенощные бдения 24 марта и 7 ноября (вероятно, это был день перенесения иконы из монастыря в дом Космы Волчанинова).![]()
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В 1863 году при кладбищенской церкви Смоленской иконы Божией Матери было решено устроить придел в честь святителя Тихона и преподобного Макария Калязинского. Тогдашний владелец иконы, Георгий Коняев († 1868, в возрасте 97 лет) пожелал передать цельбоносный образ Богородицы в храм. Он обратился к причту с просьбой устроить еще один придел для чудотворного образа Матери Божией "Тучная Гора". При этом он сказал: "Я считаю самым лучшим для нее храм Смоленской иконы Божией Матери, потому что место, на котором построена церковь, в старину называлось горой, как самое высокое место в городе. На эту гору в прежнее время жители во время наводнений сносили свое имущество и здесь спасались сами от погибели. Пусть же Царица Небесная – Тучная Гора – почивает своей благодатью на этой горе и покрывает всех здесь погребенных Своей милостью". 15 июля 1866 года икона была перенесена в построенный придел, который на следующий день был освящен Старицким епископом Антонием.![]()
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На иконе Пресвятая Богородица изображена стоящей на полукруглом возвышении – горе; на левой руке Ее – Богомладенец с благословляющей десницей. На главе Богоматери корона, а в руке небольшая гора, на которой виден верх церкви с куполами и крестами.
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Dear brothers and sisters, ![]()
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Here we are at the middle of the Great Fast, having venerated the Life-Giving Cross in our Sunday celebrations. The Cross was beautifully adorned with flowers, and equally honoured with the reverent veneration of the faithful to the soft chanting from the kliros- “We venerate Thy Cross, O Master, and Thy Holy Resurrection we glorify.” ![]()
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The Liturgy was prayerful and beautiful, though attendance was disappointing given that this was the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross. Perhaps, for some, the leisure promises of the bank-holiday weekend were more attractive than celebrating the mid-point of the Great Fast before the Life-Giving Cross. ![]()
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Perhaps this the point to warn local Orthodox Christians who have been absent without reason for a long time, that if you are entertaining the idea of communing at Pascha you need to be in Liturgy NOW. Those who have not been to church at all during Great Lent, and some who have been invisible since the first lockdown, will not be admitted to the Holy Mysteries until they have returned to the fellowship of the community. There may be those who are disappointed at Pascha because they are turned away from the communion queue. Drop in, drive through service is the stuff of fast-food outlets, not the Church of Christ. If things have been a bit lax for a while do not despair: start fasting as an Orthodox Christian, praying as an Orthodox Christian, worshipping as an Orthodox Christian, and prepare for confession and communion – as part of the sobor: the assembly of the Church. ![]()
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Also, nobody should leave confession until the last minute if they have not been recently. If you are given an epitemia/penance, there can be no Holy Communion until that epitemia has been fulfilled. Confession is not a guarantee of admittance to Holy Communion. All who come to confession need to ask for a blessing to commune – whether of their spiritual father or the parish clergy. ![]()
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Tomorrow is the feast of the Annunciation, the great turning point of history, in which the Eternal Word, takes flesh and physically enters time and space – at first in the hidden new life within the virgin womb of the Mother of God, as the Christ-Child laid in the manger, as manifested Son of God confirmed by the voice of the Father and the descent of the Holy Spirit at his baptism, as the Saviour who leads us to the Life-Giving Cross where He shatters the gates of hell and death – manifesting this cosmic victory, and to His Resurrection and Ascension to Heaven. ![]()
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As the festal services will be celebrated in Llanelli, few people are able to fit in the small chapel, but I encourage you all to celebrate the feast in your homes, with the scriptural readings of the day and prayerfully reading the canon of the feast from our usual source (page 11): ![]()
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drive.google.com/file/d/15NTC0eQ4KGJeHcxljKM50veBXEHNTmXv/view ![]()
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Every weekday feast when we are unable to celebrate in Cardiff should be a reminder of how much the parish desperately needs its own temple, and of how tenuous our presence is in our nomadic life, always relying on the kindness of others. ![]()
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This Sunday will see the commemoration of St John of the Ladder, and the variables may be found here:![]()
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drive.google.com/file/d/1_f4SIVxn6Og3trTYO7A5yasvLpNUVIG8/view![]()
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The following Sunday will see the visit of His Grace, Bishop Irenei, with the celebration of the Hierarchical Liturgy.![]()
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As time will be very limited and we need to plan the confessions schedule, may I ask that all who require confessions on the next TWO weekends contact Father Deacon Mark as soon as possible: rmfisher@ntlworld.com ![]()
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May God bless you all!![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
ROCOR to publish book on Phanar's interference in Ukrainian Church affairs
spzh.news
The PH of the Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville has presented a new book on the reasons for the schism in Ukraine caused by Pat Bartholomew’s anti-canonical actions.
Miraculous 16th-century icon returns to Russian monastery from museum
orthochristian.com
All the necessary conditions have been created to ensure the safety of the newly-returned icon. It has been placed in a specialized climate-controlled kiosk, and a multi-level security and fire alarm ...
St. Seraphim of Vyritsa. Commerated April 3/March 21
orthochristian.com
Meanwhile, Vasily Nikolayevich Muravyov (St. Seraphim of Vyritsa’s secular name), a well-known fur trading merchant from St. Petersburg, did something unfathomable to ordinary human reasoning: He sh...
An aspiration for the parish - traditional and modest, and complete with the Kazanskaya icon of the Mother of God!
Лития, совершаемая мирянином дома и на кладбище![]()
общеупотребительный, адаптирован для чтения мирянами дома и на кладбище.![]()
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Моли́твами святы́х оте́ц на́ших, Го́споди Иису́се Христе́, Бо́же наш, поми́луй нас. Ами́нь.![]()
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Святы́й Бо́же, Святы́й кре́пкий, Святы́й безсме́ртный, поми́луй нас. (Трижды)![]()
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Сла́ва Отцу́ и Сы́ну и Свято́му Ду́ху, и ны́не и при́сно и во ве́ки веко́в. Ами́нь.![]()
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Пресвята́я Тро́ице, поми́луй нас; Го́споди, очи́сти грехи́ на́ша; Влады́ко, прости́ беззако́ния на́ша; Святы́й, посети́ и исцели́ не́мощи на́ша, и́мене Твоего́ ра́ди.![]()
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Го́споди, поми́луй. (Трижды) Слава, и ныне:![]()
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О́тче наш, И́же еси́ на небесе́х, да святи́тся и́мя Твое́, да прии́дет ца́рствие Твое́, да бу́дет во́ля Твоя́, я́ко на небеси́ и на земли́. Хлеб наш насу́щный даждь нам днесь; и оста́ви нам до́лги на́ша, я́коже и мы оставля́ем должнико́м на́шим; и не введи́ нас во искуше́ние, но изба́ви нас от лука́ваго.![]()
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И абие поют тропари сия. Глас 4:![]()
Со ду́хи пра́ведных сконча́вшихся, / ду́ши раб Твои́х, Спа́се, упоко́й, / сохраня́я их во блаже́нной жи́зни, / я́же у Тебе́, Человеколю́бче.![]()
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В поко́ищи Твое́м, Го́споди, / иде́же вси святи́и Твои́ упокоева́ются, / упоко́й и ду́ши раб Твои́х, / я́ко Еди́н еси́ Человеколю́бец.![]()
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Слава: Ты еси́ Бог соше́дый во ад, и у́зы окова́нных разреши́вый, / Сам и ду́ши раб Твои́х упоко́й.![]()
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И ныне: Еди́на чи́стая и непоро́чная Де́во, Бо́га без се́мене ро́ждшая, / моли́ спасти́ся душа́м их.![]()
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Молитва![]()
Помяни́, Го́споди Бо́же наш, в ве́ре и наде́жди живота́ ве́чнаго усо́пшаго раба́ Твоего́ (усо́пшую рабу́ Твою́, усо́пших раб Твои́х) (имена их), и я́ко благ и человеколю́бец, отпуща́яй грехи́, и потребля́яй непра́вды, осла́би, оста́ви, и прости́ вся во́льная его́ (ея́) согреше́ния и нево́льная, возставля́я его́ (ю) во свято́е второ́е прише́ствие Твое́ в прича́стие ве́чных Твои́х благ, и́хже ра́ди в Тя еди́наго ве́рова, и́стиннаго Бо́га и человеколю́бца; я́ко Ты еси́ воскресе́ние и живо́т, и поко́й рабу́ Твоему́ (рабе́ Твоей, рабо́м Твои́м) (имена их), Христе́ Бо́же наш, и Тебе́ сла́ву возсыла́ем, со безнача́льным Твои́м Отце́м, и с Пресвяты́м Ду́хом, ны́не и при́сно и во ве́ки веко́в, ами́нь.![]()
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Кондак, глас 8:![]()
Со святы́ми упоко́й, / Христе́, ду́ши раб Твои́х, / иде́же несть боле́знь, ни печа́ль, / ни воздыха́ние, / но жизнь безконе́чная.![]()
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Икос:![]()
Сам еди́н еси́ безсме́ртный, / сотвори́вый и созда́вый челове́ка: / земни́и у́бо от земли́ созда́хомся, / и в зе́млю ту́южде по́йдем, / я́коже повеле́л еси́, созда́вый мя и реки́й ми: / я́ко земля́ еси́, и в зе́млю оты́деши: / а́може вси челове́цы по́йдем, / надгро́бное рыда́ние, творя́ще песнь: / аллилу́ия, аллилу́ия, аллилу́ия.![]()
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Досто́йно есть я́ко вои́стину блажи́ти Тя Богоро́дицу, Присноблаже́нную и Пренепоро́чную и Ма́терь Бо́га на́шего. Честне́йшую Херуви́м и сла́внейшую без сравне́ния Серафи́м, без истле́ния Бо́га Сло́ва ро́ждшую, су́щую Богоро́дицу Тя велича́ем![]()
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Сла́ва, и ны́не: Го́споди, поми́луй, трижды.![]()
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Живы́ми и ме́ртвыми облада́яй, Го́споди, Иису́се Христе́, Сы́не Бо́жий, моли́твами Пречи́стыя Твоея́ Ма́тере, святы́х сла́вных и всехва́льных Апо́стол, преподо́бных и богоно́сных оте́ц на́ших и всех святы́х, ду́ши от нас преста́вльшихся рабо́в Свои́х [имярек], в селе́ниих пра́ведных учини́, в не́дрех Авраа́ма упоко́й и с пра́ведными сопричти, и нас поми́луй, я́ко Благ и Человеколю́бец. Ами́нь. И абие: Во блаже́нном успе́нии ве́чный поко́й пода́ждь, Го́споди, усо́пшим рабо́м Твои́м [имярек], и сотвори́ им ве́чную па́мять.![]()
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Поют: Ве́чная па́мять, трижды.![]()
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По традиции также поют:![]()
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Ду́ши их во благи́х водворя́тся и па́мять их в род и род.
orthochristian.com
Drabinko published another document from his personal archives showing that Pat. Bartholomew, President Viktor Yushchenko, and the heads of the schismatic KP and UAOC had already agreed to work togeth...
Dmitry Lapa. Saint Cuthbert of Lindisfarne, Wonderworker
orthochristian.com
“Have faith and wholeheartedly trust God Who will never abandon those who Love Him”—these words belong to St. Cuthbert, “the wonderworker of the English land” who lived more than 1300 years ...
We send our greetings to our parishioner Svetlana named in honour of St Photini/Svetlana, whom our Lord encountered at Jacob’s Well at Sychem. ![]()
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MARTYR PHOTINA (SVETLANA), THE SAMARITAN WOMAN, AND HER SONS![]()
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The Holy Martyr Photina (Svetlana) the Samaritan Woman, her sons Victor (named Photinus) and Joses; and her sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva, Kyriake; Nero’s daughter Domnina; and the Martyr Sebastian: The holy Martyr Photina was the Samaritan Woman, with whom the Savior conversed at Jacob’s Well (John. 4:5-42).![]()
During the time of the emperor Nero (54-68), who displayed excessive cruelty against Christians, Saint Photina lived in Carthage with her younger son Joses and fearlessly preached the Gospel there. Her eldest son Victor fought bravely in the Roman army against barbarians, and was appointed military commander in the city of Attalia (Asia Minor). Later, Nero called him to Italy to arrest and punish Christians.![]()
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Sebastian, an official in Italy, said to Saint Victor, “I know that you, your mother and your brother, are followers of Christ. As a friend I advise you to submit to the will of the emperor. If you inform on any Christians, you will receive their wealth. I shall write to your mother and brother, asking them not to preach Christ in public. Let them practice their faith in secret.”![]()
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Saint Victor replied, “I want to be a preacher of Christianity like my mother and brother.” Sebastian said, “O Victor, we all know what woes await you, your mother and brother.” Then Sebastian suddenly felt a sharp pain in his eyes. He was dumbfounded, and his face was somber.![]()
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For three days he lay there blind, without uttering a word. On the fourth day he declared, “The God of the Christians is the only true God.” Saint Victor asked why Sebastian had suddenly changed his mind. Sebastian replied, “Because Christ is calling me.” Soon he was baptized, and immediately regained his sight. Saint Sebastian’s servants, after witnessing the miracle, were also baptized.![]()
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Reports of this reached Nero, and he commanded that the Christians be brought to him at Rome. Then the Lord Himself appeared to the confessors and said, “Fear not, for I am with you. Nero, and all who serve him, will be vanquished.” The Lord said to Saint Victor, “From this day forward, your name will be Photinus, because through you, many will be enlightened and will believe in Me.” The Lord then told the Christians to strengthen and encourage Saint Sebastian to peresevere until the end.![]()
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All these things, and even future events, were revealed to Saint Photina. She left Carthage in the company of several Christians and joined the confessors in Rome.![]()
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At Rome the emperor ordered the saints to be brought before him and he asked them whether they truly believed in Christ. All the confessors refused to renounce the Savior. Then the emperor gave orders to smash the martyrs’ finger joints. During the torments, the confessors felt no pain, and their hands remained unharmed.![]()
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Nero ordered that Saints Sebastian, Photinus and Joses be blinded and locked up in prison, and Saint Photina and her five sisters Anatola, Phota, Photis, Paraskeva and Kyriake were sent to the imperial court under the supervision of Nero’s daughter Domnina. Saint Photina converted both Domnina and all her servants to Christ. She also converted a sorcerer, who had brought her poisoned food to kill her.![]()
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Three years passed, and Nero sent to the prison for one of his servants, who had been locked up. The messengers reported to him that Saints Sebastian, Photinus and Joses, who had been blinded, had completely recovered, and that people were visiting them to hear their preaching, and indeed the whole prison had been transformed into a bright and fragrant place where God was glorified.![]()
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Nero then gave orders to crucify the saints, and to beat their naked bodies with straps. On the fourth day the emperor sent servants to see whether the martyrs were still alive. But, approaching the place of the tortures, the servants fell blind. An angel of the Lord freed the martyrs from their crosses and healed them. The saints took pity on the blinded servants, and restored their sight by their prayers to the Lord. Those who were healed came to believe in Christ and were soon baptized.![]()
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In an impotent rage Nero gave orders to flay the skin from Saint Photina and to throw the martyr down a well. Sebastian, Photinus and Joses had their legs cut off, and they were thrown to dogs, and then had their skin flayed off. The sisters of Saint Photina also suffered terrible torments. Nero gave orders to cut off their breasts and then to flay their skin. An expert in cruelty, the emperor readied the fiercest execution for Saint Photis: they tied her by the feet to the tops of two bent-over trees. When the ropes were cut the trees sprang upright and tore the martyr apart. The emperor ordered the others beheaded. Saint Photina was removed from the well and locked up in prison for twenty days.![]()
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After this Nero had her brought to him and asked if she would now relent and offer sacrifice to the idols. Saint Photina spit in the face of the emperor, and laughing at him, said, “O most impious of the blind, you profligate and stupid man! Do you think me so deluded that I would consent to renounce my Lord Christ and instead offer sacrifice to idols as blind as you?”![]()
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Hearing such words, Nero gave orders to again throw the martyr down the well, where she surrendered her soul to God (+ ca. 66).![]()
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On the Greek Calendar, Saint Photina is commemorated on February 26.![]()
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The Orthodox Church in America![]()
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3/20/2017![]()
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Commemorated on March 20
What profundity of richness, what mind and exalted wisdom is God’s. What compassionate kindness and abundant goodness belongs to the Creator! With what purpose and with what love did He create this world and bring it into existence! What a mystery does the coming into being of this creation look towards! To what a state is our common nature invited! What love served to initiate the creation of the world! This same love which initiated the act of creation prepared beforehand by another dispensation the things appropriate to adorn the world’s majesty which sprung forth as a result of the might of His love.![]()
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In love did He bring the world into existence; in love does He guide it during this its temporal existence; in love is He going to bring it to that wondrous transformed state, and in love will the world be swallowed up in the great mystery of Him who has performed all things; in love will the whole course of the governance of creation be finally comprised. And since in the New World the Creator’s love rules over all rational nature, the wonder at His mysteries that will be revealed then will captive to itself the intellect of all rational beings whom He has created so that they might have delight in Him, whether they be evil or whether they be just. With this design did He bring them into existence, even though they among themselves have made, after their coming into being, this distinction between the just and the wicked. Even though this is so, nevertheless in the Creator’s design there is none, from among all who were created and who have come into being—that is, every rational nature—who is to the front or to the back of God’s love. Rather, He has a single equal love which covers the whole extent of rational creation, all things whether visible or invisible: there is no first place or last place with Him in this love for any single one of them, as I have said.![]()
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And just as there is not a single nature who is in the first place or last place in creation in the Creator’s knowledge—I refer here to this knowledge which was set in His purpose eternally, that He would bring them into being: it was not the case of His knowing one before or after another, but all of them equally without any before or after, in a twinkling of an eye—similarly there is no before or after in His love towards them: no greater or lesser amount of love is to be found with Him at all. Rather, just like the continual equality of His knowledge, so too is the continual equality of His love; for He knew them all before they ever became just or sinners. The Creator and His love did not change because they underwent change after He had brought them into being, nor does His purpose which exists eternally change. And if it were otherwise, He would be subject to change just as created beings are—a shocking idea.![]()
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My brethren, if there is anyone to whom these things are difficult to believe, he should be careful lest, by running away from one element in the argument he fall into blasphemy at another: imagining that he is spurning the words of a fellow human being, he may find himself arming himself against what concerns the divine Nature, being forced by the logic of his case to reduce the glorious Nature of his Creator to weakness and change.![]()
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But we know that everyone is agreed on this, that there is no change, or any earlier and later intentions, with the Creator: there is no hatred or resentment in His nature, no greater or lesser place in His love, no before or after in His knowledge. For if it is believed by everyone that the creation came into existence as a result of the Creator’s goodness and love, then we know that this original cause does not ever diminish or change in the Creator’s nature as a result of the disordered course of creation.![]()
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St Isaac of Nineveh
Воскресенье 4 апреля: Неделя 3-я Великого поста, Крестопоклонная. Глас 2-й. ![]()
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10:40: часы и Литургия св Василия Великого. ![]()
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Sunday April 4: 3rd Sunday of Great Lent: Adoration of Cross. Tone 2. ![]()
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10:40: the Hours and Liturgy of St Basil the Great ![]()
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We are nearly half way through Lent, and this Sunday will be the middle of the Great Fast. We will be celebrating the Sunday of the Holy Cross and the variables for the Liturgy may be found here: drive.google.com/file/d/1VvGIXR38iH3WHPVJ1bMM-ffkcB7Q7mic/view ![]()
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There will also be a litia for the departed after Sunday Liturgy, as we do not have the use of the Church on Saturday for the customary General Panikhida. ![]()
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Thank you all who have pre-arranged confessions. ![]()
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I was greatly heartened that last Sunday saw some of our young parishioners make a pilgrimage to St David’s after attending the 6:00 a.m. Liturgy at St Luke’s, where our sister Romanian parish worships. ![]()
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Like us, the Romanian parish has been given a home through the generosity of the Canton Benefice and the good offices of Mother Frances, who gave them a home for Christmas services, and has made it possible for Father Sorin to celebrate an early Liturgy each Sunday. ![]()
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Interestingly, we now have a cross-community cluster of young people, some of whom attend both the Romanian and ROCOR Liturgies and are beginning to build friendships based on their Orthodox Faith. This is a wonderful development, mirroring our ability to welcome Romanian Orthodox for whom the 6:00 Liturgy is impractical because of very young children, as well as friends from further afield. Thanks are due to Catalin for encouraging Romanian-ROCOR relations and the sharing of our traditions. ![]()
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I am delighted that our communities have established a friendship that can be the foundation for sharing our Orthodox Faith in the city, and we look forward to hopefully bringing the parishes together for pilgrimages and other shared activities in the future.
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Met Anthony explains difference in understanding primacy by Phanar and ROC
spzh.news
Met Anthony believes that Phanar is developing the idea of an "Eastern papacy", which is completely unacceptable for the Russian Church and other Local Churches.
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Through the Help of the Saints and Brother Bishops. Abp. Juraj of Michalovce and Košice
orthochristian.com
You have to put aside all the masks, all the false walking sticks that help you get through life, all the pretensions, all the unnecessary relations; and you just have to realize that the only thing y...
Former Gulag becomes site of Chapel of New Martyrs and Confessors
orthochristian.com
A great spiritual event took place on Memorial Saturday, March 27, when the Church commemorates the departed, as a chapel was consecrated on the site of a former Soviet Gulag.
orthochristian.com
The relics of St. Olaf, “the eternal king of Norway,” originally rested by the altar table in the Church of St. Clement of Rome in Nidaros, the ancient capital of Norway, today called Trondheim. T...
Dear brothers and sisters, ![]()
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Greetings to you all as we celebrate not only St Patrick, but St Aleksey the Man of God.![]()
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May we have requests for confessions as soon as possible? Email: rmfisher@ntlworld.com![]()
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I have greater flexibility this week and would like to combine some confessions with pastoral visits.![]()
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For the coming Sunday of the Holy Cross, the variables for the Liturgy may be found here: drive.google.com/file/d/1VvGIXR38iH3WHPVJ1bMM-ffkcB7Q7mic/view![]()
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As usual we will have to be flexible with our late entrance to church, depending on the departure time of our hosts, but we continue to aim to celebrate the Hours at 10:40, with the Liturgy of St Basil commencing around 11:00. Thank you for your abiding patience on this front. Confessions on Friday/Saturday greatly help us to try to stick as close as possible to these times.![]()
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Again, may I encourage parishioners to invest in a pomianik / commemoration book for those whom they wish to be remembered at Liturgy - and to keep it up to date. This avoids the multiplication of paper slips and allows the proskomedia and moleben/panikhida services to operate smoothly. All names listed should be baptismal names, so there should be no Ivans, Tanyas, and Nadias, and definitely no Vanyushas: Ioanns, Tatianas and Nadezhdas please! Also, there should be no entries of 'Father' or 'Mothers', please. Clergy and monastics are listed by rank with the none-ordained monastics simply listed as Monk or Nun if you do not know their monastic 'rank' - i.e. schema, stavrophore, or rassophore.![]()
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May I also request that parishioners start thinking about contributions towards flowers for Holy Week and Pascha?![]()
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In your prayers, please pray for the eternal rest of the soul of Archbishop Tikhon of San Francisco (1963) of blessed memory, whose anniversary falls today.![]()
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In Christ - Fr Mark
As we celebrate the feast of St Patrick the Enlightener and Apostle of Ireland, we greet our brothers and sisters in Belfast and Stradbally with the feast. Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!![]()
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Icon source: www.sacredmurals.com/icons_of_saints/contemporary_icon_st_patrick.jpg
Wisdom! Let us attend!![]()
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I am grateful that one of our parishioners has questioned the use of the word punishment with regard to the gangrene of the man in the narrative. This makes it easy to lose the context of what happened as it it stresses retribution and misses the fact that God sends us afflictions/temporary punishments to correct us and to save us. ![]()
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This was my observation to the parishioner:![]()
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"God sent this affliction to call this man to senses, to realisation and repentance, and to free him from the strast (passion) that possessed him - because this is serious and dangerous passion that disfigured him as a monk and as a Christian. It was not a punishment (in the retributional sense), but a wake up call before it was too late. In Geron Paisios, God sent him a saint to care for him and tend his wounds, and who knows, with repentance St Paisios - with the help of the Mother of God - may have healed him from his external sickness, as his spiritual sickness was healed.![]()
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All too often we see things as punishments, when in fact they are afflictions sent to save us and are really a gift from God. We are too quick to only see the 'nice' things as gifts. The lives of the saints show us that God has allowed all sorts of things to happen to save his children from captivity and prelest - which is truly soul destroying and deadly."![]()
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Sadly, this was to no avail. Lord, have mercy.![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
St. Paisios on Fear of Germs and Holy Things
fatherjohn.blogspot.com
The following conversation that St. Paisios the Athonite had with one of his spiritual children, which is recorded in Elder Paisios of Moun...
Eternal memory to the handmaiden of God, the Abbess Moisseia. Remember her in your prayers and pray for the sisterhood of the Jerusalem Convent of the Ascension, a lighthouse of Faith and Orthodox monasticism.
“There Was No Other Way Than to Serve the Church”. In memory of Abbess Moisseia(Bubnova)
orthochristian.com
From her childhood and youth the future abbess was in constant contact with holy Archbishop John (Maximovitch) and from the age of nine sang and read in the choir. Contact with such a great saint left...
When Christianity Loses Its Ancient Name. Archpriest Alexander Shargunov
orthochristian.com
We can see that our enemies’ intentions are serious. Therefore during the fast we are not simply seeking comfort amidst unbearable sorrows, but the Comforter, Spirit of Truth Himself.
BRITISH SUMMER TIME![]()
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Parishioners, please remember that British Summer Time begins tomorrow and move your clocks forward by one hour, otherwise you will have a long wait on the doorstep before Liturgy!
Saint Ypomoni - Empress of the Romans (+ 1450)
shar.es
St. Ypomoni the Righteous (Feast Day - March 13 and May 29 ) St. Ypomoni (Patience), in the world named Helen Dragaš, and later as the wi...
Open to me the doors of repentance O Lifegiver; for my spirit rises early to pray towards Thy Holy Temple, bearing the temple of my body all defiled. But in Thy Compassion purify me by the loving kindness of Thy Mercy.
Покаяния отверзи ми двери (Rusi Lipoveni)
youtube.com
Покаяния отверзи ми двери. Глас 8. Из Постной триоди Морозовского круга.O. Аркадий Кутузов
When I lived in London, I would often go to pray in the church of St Dunstan in the West, in Fleet Street.![]()
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This octagonal church, built on the site of a medieval church was completed in 1832, and contains an Orthodox gem.![]()
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Screened by a high carved ikonostas from the Antim Monastery in Bucharest, one of the side chapels contains the sanctuary of the Romanian Orthodox parish that has worshipped in St Dunstan's since the 1960's.![]()
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It seems that the church is little used for Anglican worship, as the Orthodox parish has 'expanded' into various other parts of the building.![]()
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This is a wonderful refuge from the noise and commotion of the capital.
Ζήτω η Ελλάδα! Ζήτω η Ελευθερία!
ROC Primate congratulates President and Greek nation on Independence Day
spzh.news
On March 25, 2021, Greece celebrates the 200th anniversary of the beginning of the national liberation revolution against the four-century yoke of the Ottoman Empire.
A continuation of Vladika Juraj's conversation on the Czech-Slovak Church.
orthochristian.com
Families were crying and saying they miss the church, they miss the people, they miss the community, they miss worshiping together. It was stunning, because I think this is what Church should be.
ARCHPASTORAL VISIT: 17/18 APRIL![]()
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Dear brothers and sisters,![]()
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As announced at Sunday Liturgy, His Grace, Bishop Irenei will make an archpastoral visit to the parish for the Sunday of St Mary of Egypt: 17/18th April.![]()
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We were blessed with a low-key visit last July, when Vladika experienced covid-limited parish life in Newman Hall. This visit will see some further limitations, due to our inability to share a meal with Vladika as a parish, but we will be able to welcome more worshippers in the spacious setting of St John's.![]()
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Please share this news, encouraging those whom we have not seen for some time to come to Liturgy - not just for the bishop's visit but week by week.![]()
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The last few weeks have seen 35-50 at Liturgy, but many of these people are new to the parish. We need to encourage the 're-emergence' of those parishioners who have become 'dormant' during lockdown. This is an ideal opportunity.![]()
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May God bless you all!![]()
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In Christ - Hieromonk Mark
Last Great Lent of the Russian Royal Family, as Reflected in the Diary of Nicholas II
blog.obitel-minsk.com
Tsar Nicholas II formally abdicated from the throne on 3 March 2017 and six months later he was exiled to Tobolsk, Russia, together with his family, attendants and servants. The royal family lived in ...
A very interesting and informative interview with Vladika Juraj. Read and learn!
orthochristian.com
It doesn’t look like it, but we are actually the oldest Slavonic-speaking Church. We tend to trace our origin back to the mission of Sts. Cyril and Methodius, but we can go even beyond that, because...