Christ is risen from the dead, and through death He did trample upon death, and thus bestowing to those in the tombs the gift of life, of eternal life!
Most Merciful God Meets Merciless Man: Good Friday
Read as a part of the Good Friday Vespers-- The Apokathelosis:
You Who clothed Yourself with light as a garment, Joseph with Nicodemus, brought down from the Cross, and seeing You dead, naked, and unburied, felt deeply a sympathetic lament, and in grieving said: "Woe to me, sweetest Jesus! Whom, but a short while ago, when the sun beheld You hanging on the Cross, enshrouded itself in darkenss, and the earth quaked in fear, and the veil of the Temple was rent assunder. But Lo, I now see, that You willingly underwent death for my sake. How then shall I array You for burrial, my God? Or how shall I touch your sacred Body? Or what dirges shall I chant for Your funeral, O Merciful One? I magnify Your Passion; I praise in hymn Your Burial, with Your Resurrection, crying aloud: Lord, glory to You."O Christ, the Life, You were laid in the tomb, and ranks of Angels were amazed, glorifying Your condescension
Unworthy Orthodox Christian Meet Merciful God: Holy Thursday
Read as prayer:
All creation was changed by fear, when it saw You, O Christ, hanging on the Cross; the sun was darkened, and the foundations of the earth were shaken. All things suffered together with the Creator of all things. O Lord, Who for us endured willingly, glory to You.Glory to Your forbearance O Lord, glory to You.
Unworthy Orthodox Christian Meets Merciful God
Read in prayer on Holy Monday during the Bridegroom service.
Since I, O Bridegroom Christ, have permitted my soul to slumber in indolence, I do not possess the flaming lamp of virtues; and like the foolish virgins, I wander, when it is the time for work. O Master, do not close for me Your heart of compassion; but awaken me, shaking off my darkening sleep, and bringing me in with the prudent Virgins to Your Bridal Chamber, where there is the clarity of song, from those who feast, and unceasingly cry out: "O Lord, glory to You."****For a schedule of services this Holy Week 2003 at St. Paul's, go here: calendar of events.****
O Lord Jesus Christ, our God, have mercy on us and save us
The Onion
I know that I'm probably a late-comer to this website, but I've just recently found it, and it's really really funny.*
For a sample read this: Saddam Speech Suspiciously Mentions Nelly Song From Last Summer.
*some content not appropriate for children
Orthodoxy Reforming the Reformers?
Whether it’s the Evangelical publication Modern Reformation interviewing the acclaimed Orthodox author Frederica Mathewes-Green, or certain Orthodox affiliated websites commenting on the renewed interest in "tradition" among even Protestant scholars, it’s hard to deny the affect that the rapid growth of Orthodoxy is having on modern-day Protestantism.
Highly respected scholars from not only the Anglican ranks, Richard Swinburn, but also from the Lutheran ranks, Jaroslav Pelikan, and Evangelical ranks, Frank Schaeffer are converting to Eastern Orthodoxy, causing quiet earthquakes in Protestant lands—not so much heard as they are felt.
It makes me curious. How many other Protestant scholars find Orthodoxy appealing, even if they stay short of conversion (possibly for professional reasons)? One might consider Dallas Willard’s recent endorsement of the transparently Orthodox book, The Illumined Heart to be a sign of a broadened view. In addition Willard is scaling back work on his normal trade: strict philosophical endeavor—instead he seems to be focusing more of his writing on the spiritual disciplines (a topic closely connected to Orthodox Christianity). Is Dallas Willard toying with Orthodoxy? One also may think of Protestant Philosopher J.P. Moreland who has said openly that he has a lot of respect for Orthodox spirituality-- I have even been told that he admonishes his students to picture Christ and Christian events in their minds as they pray (one could see a close connection there with the use of icons). Is Moreland moving towards Orthodoxy? Perhaps only time will tell.
Regardless, let us pray that former Southern Baptist Dmitri Royster’s story be almost commonplace. Amen.