Wishing all a Joyous PASCHA and Brightweek 2021! Christ isRisen!
Χριστός Ανέστη! Αληθώς Ανέστη!
Христос Воскресе! Воистину Воскресе!
Hristos a înviat! Adevărat a înviat!
Christus Resurrexit! Vere Resurrexit!
المسيح قام! حقا قام!
Քրիստոս յառեաւ ի մեռելոց! Օրհնեալ է յառութիւնն Քրիստոսի!
Cristo ha Resucitado! En verdad esta Resucitado!
!ܡܫܝܚܐ ܩܡ! ܫܪܝܪܐܝܬ ܩܡ
Kristus aq ungwektaq! Pichinuq ungwektaq!
Xris-tusaq Ung-uixtuq! Iluumun Ung-uixtuq!
Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!
Tá Críost éirithe! Go deimhin, tá sé éirithe!
येसु मसीह ज़िन्दा हो गया है! हाँ यक़ीनन, वोह ज़िन्दा हो गया है!
“Forestalling the dawn, the women came with Mary, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and heard from the angel: why seek ye among the dead, as though He were a mortal, Him Who liveth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen and hath slain death. For He is the Son of God Who saveth mankind.” Hypakoe Eighth Tone Paschal Hours
Le Christ est Ressuscite! En verite il est Ressuscite!
ハリストス復活！実に復活！
Kristus är uppstånden! Sannerligen uppstånden!
Si Kristo ay nabuhay! Totoo! Siya nga ay nabuhay!
Kristus telah bangkit! Dia benar-benar telah bangkit!
Ua ala aʻe nei ʻo Kristo! Ua ala ʻiʻo nō ʻo Ia!
Xristos Kuxwoo-digoot! Xegaa-kux Kuxwoo-digoot!
ハリストス復活！実に復活！
그리스도께서 부활하셨습니다! 참으로 부활하셨습니다!
基督復活了 他確實復活了
Kristo Amefufukka! Kweli Amefufukka!
Forget not the suffering Christians in Egypt, the Middle East and around the world.
If anyone can send me Christ is Risen in formal Church Ethiopian and Coptic I would appreciate it and add it. I have looked but have only found transliterations. (editorOrthodoxNorthwest@gmail.com)
Glory to thy Long Suffering O Lord! (Crucifixion, 1209, fresco, Studenica Monastery, Serbia.)
Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in purple of mockery. He who in Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face. The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails. The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection. Good Friday Matins (Reading of the 12 Gospels)
“The first Adam yielded to temptation in a garden. The Last Adam beat temptation in a garden. The first man, Adam, sought to become like God. The Last Adam was God who became a man. The first Adam was naked and received clothes. The Last Adam had clothes but was stripped. The first Adam tasted death from a tree. The Last Adam tasted death on a tree. The first Adam hid from the face of God, while the Last Adam begged God not to hide His face.
The first Adam blamed his bride, while the Last Adam took the blame for His bride. The first Adam earned thorns. The Last Adam wore thorns. The first Adam gained a wife when God opened man’s side, but the Last Adam gained a wife when man opened God’s side. The first Adam brought a curse. The Last Adam became a curse. While the first Adam fell by listening when the Serpent said “take and eat,” the Last Adam told His followers, “take and eat, this is my body.” We celebrate this last event today—Jesus’ final meal with His Disciples, and His new command that we “love one another.” In giving Christians this meal, He sealed His role as Adam’s replacement.
Do you remember how, when Mary Magdalene saw the risen Christ, she mistook Him for a gardener? Through His body and blood, the Last Adam restored what the Forbidden Fruit destroyed, inviting us back to a restored Garden-City in the New Heavens and Earth, where the tree of life grows around the throne of God, free for the taking. That’s what His story, our story, the story—and this week—are all about.
Good Friday is tomorrow, and it’s easy to rush through this dark reminder of our sin, and look forward to Easter. But please, stay here a while. The only way to Sunday is through this week, and the events and the words Jesus spoke before His death are worthy of our reflection.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3 16-17
Entrance of St. Nina (Nino), Equal-to-the-Apostles, into Georgia (323) (Georgia). Monk-martyrs and confessors John, Conon, Jeremias, Cyril, Theoctistus, Barnabas, Maximus, Theognostus, Joseph, Gennadius, Gerasimus, Mark, and Herman of Cyprus, who suffered under the Latins (1231).
We all know of the wrongful death George Floyd and the subsequent riots and protests. I will not speak of this personally but rather will share Abbot Tryphon of All-Merciful Saviour Monasteryfb on Vashon Island, Washington reflection on it. ( Please note if you read it on the website you will see a photo of Abbot Tryphon and Fr Moses Berry together. Fr Moses two videos embedded below. May the Lord have mercy on George (Floyd) and for those who loved him. And for those who were involved in his unjust death, may the Lord bring them to repentance. And for all of us that we may repent of our sins of commission and omission against our neighbors. St Moses Pray for all of us.
The western world has entered a period of decadence and decline, for we’ve departed far from our Christian roots. With the Western world having turned our collective roots on our common historical and cultural Christian heritage, a secular based world-view now reigns dominant. We are now witnessing the ravaging of our social institutions, our churches have been closed by the pandemic that is sweeping across the world, and racism, together with a massive economic collapse, has sparked nation-wide violence and destruction like never witnessed in our nation’s history.
These are terrible times in which our churches have been forced to close by our state governments, our nation’s economic foundation is in ruins, and racism is raising its ugly head. Is it any wonder all this is contributing to the proliferation of violent demonstrations across our country? Should this all not be a clear reminder of just how far we’ve departed as a people from the biblical image of a God-centered society? Is it not clear that all this is being allowed by God as a wakeup call?
Now is the time we are all being called to repentance, both individually, and as a nation, and return to the true basis of what it means to be “one nation, under God”. Unless we see a return to God, and a collective nationwide repentance before the Lord, our country, and even the world, will face destruction, and it will be only ourselves who are to blame.
The good news is that we can learn from this national disaster, and begin to make this a better society. Our black brothers and sisters have suffered more from this pandemic than the general population because many of them, due to the inequalities they’ve suffered, accompanied by the poverty that has befallen them because of racism, have been more vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus.
This must be a call to action for the rest of us, that we learn the truth that the words, to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself’, and that ‘There is no commandment greater than these (Matthew 22:37-39).’” If we truly desire to love God, we must know that loving our neighbor is required of us, for the commandment is a twofold commandment.
If we are to truly heed the call to repentance, we will come out of this pandemic as a people who are united, and where racial and economic disparity is forever put off as the dark side of our common history. And we will come out of this as a people who truly love God, and are forever devoid of hatred and racial disparity.
Love in Christ,
Abbot Tryphon”
Abbot Tryphon has a both a Blog The Morning Offering (Daily Inspiration from All-Merciful Saviour Monastery) and a daily Podcast also called The Morning Offering Podcast. His site features daily scripture verses, a reflection, and often some lovely pictures of the Monastery or other local NW Orthodox Churches to inspire our pilgrim journey. He has a book “The Morning Offering” which can be purchased here. On a side note I know the Monastery could use financial support. They receive a number of pilgrims and visitors and need to build guest quarters.
Plans for the 2020 Pan-Orthodox Music Symposium have been reconfigured to a global online format on Thursday, June 11 through Saturday, June 13, 2020.
The event, cohosted by St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary (SVS) and the International Society for Orthodox Church Music (ISOCM) will explore the theme of “Music as Liturgy” with masterclasses, keynote presentations, and workshops.
“The reality of the COVID-19 pandemic has required us to abandon the in-person format, but the number of registrants has been quite amazing, and we wanted to find a way to deliver an outstanding musical experience in spite of current circumstances,” according to Protopresbyter Ivan Moody, chair of the ISOCM board.
Registration is open for the Symposium and over 100 participants have already registered for the three-day event open to choir directors, singers, chanters, composers, musicologists, church school educators, clergy, youth leaders, and readers interested in developing their liturgical music skill sets from the comfort and safety of their homes.
Choral Leadership
(Dr. Tamara Petijevic – Serbian Orthodox Church)
Introduction to Liturgical Conducting
(Robin Freeman – Orthodox Church in America)
Advanced Liturgical Conducting
(Dr. Peter Jermihov – Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia)
Byzantine Chant for Beginners
(Amy Hogg – Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese)
Advanced Byzantine Chant
(John Michael Boyer – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese)
Composing in the Orthodox Context
(Nazo Zakkak – Antiochian Orthodox Archdiocese)
Engaging Young People with Music
(Maria Sheehan – Orthodox Church in America)
Each masterclass will provide participants with 6+ hours of concentrated learning over three days, while additional workshop sessions will explore other themes for application in parish life:
Introduction to liturgical theology
Training for reading and chanting
Arranging settings for voices
Achieving a unified choral sound
Para-liturgical activities
The spiritual dimension of the church musician
“By evolving this gathering to an online format, we’re able to provide a wide range of church music offerings – in some ways we’re doing even more than we could have in person!” said Dr. Peter Bouteneff, Professor of Systematic Theology and Director of the Seminary’s Institute of Sacred Arts. “This event will benefit singers, choir directors, and composers seeking to ‘up their game.’”
The complete schedule, available here: orthodoxmusicsymposium.org/schedule, also includes a keynote presentation by Dr. Susan Ashbrook Harvey on the Symposium theme of “Music as Liturgy,” and a keynote presentation by Father Ivan Moody exploring the Symposium theme from an alternate perspective, “Liturgy as Music.”
Attendees will also have an opportunity to join virtual coffee chats exploring current trends in liturgical music, sing in a music reading session of new compositions written honoring the noted American Orthodox composer, the Archpriest Sergei Glagolev, and participate in a virtual Akathist service to the miracle-working icon of the Sitka Mother of God.
Seating is limited for some of the masterclasses, so early registration is encouraged. All presentations will be in English. The updated and expanded schedule, presentation abstracts, speaker biographies, along with registration details are available at www.orthodoxmusicsymposium.org
About the International Society for Orthodox Church Music
Founded in 2005, the ISOCM seeks to provide an open platform for musicians, musicologists, singers, and composers that encourages dialogue, the exchange of information and ideas, and inspires cooperation. The Society sees the promotion of communication between East and West as one of its priorities and hosts biannual conferences, at the University of Eastern Finland on its Joensuu campus. The Society also hosts regional symposia and gatherings elsewhere throughout the world to help create opportunities for collaboration and the sharing of knowledge in the field of Orthodox liturgical music.
For more information about the ISOCM, visit: www.isocm.com
About St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary
St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary serves Christ, his Church, and the world through Orthodox Christian theological education, research, and scholarship, and the promotion of inter-Orthodox cooperation. The pan-Orthodox graduate school of theology within the canonical jurisdiction of the Orthodox Church in America (OCA) is located in New York’s Westchester County. The Seminary’s programs are registered by the New York State Education Department and are accredited nationally by the Association of Theological Schools in the United States and Canada. The Seminary grants the degrees of Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.), Master of Theology (Th.M.), Master of Divinity (M.Div.), and Master of Arts (M.A.). The seminary’s Institute of Sacred Arts www.instituteofsacredarts.com makes events like the Symposium possible for the general public.
For more information about the Seminary, visit: www.svots.edu
Sixth Week of the Great Lent. Tone one. Great Lent. Fish Allowed
The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.
New Hieromartyr Tikhon, patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1925). Venerable Sabbas the New (1948). “Annunciation” (16th c.) Icon of the Mother of God. Martyrs Pelagia, Theodosia, and Dula of Nicomedia, who suffered under Valentinian. Venerable Parthenius of the Kiev Caves (1855). St. Senuphius the Wonderworker of Latomos (9th c.).
St. Nicander of Pskov (1581).
A Joyous Feast to All!
Orthodox Ethos debuts today with Fr Peter Heers speaking on:
Apodosis of the Theophany. The Holy Fathers slain at Sinai and Raithu: Isaiah, Sabbas, Moses and his disciple Moses, Jeremiah, Paul, Adam, Sergius, Domnus, Proclus, Hypatius, Isaac, Macarius, Mark, Benjamin, Eusebius, Elias, and others (4th-5th c.). St. Nina (Nino), equal-to-the-Apostles, enlightener of Georgia (335). St. Sava I, enlightener and first archbishop of Serbia (1235).
“CLRC Great Books instructor, Sue Ellen Turscak, is planning a trip to Greece for Summer 2021! She will hold informational meetings about the trip this week. Please note that 19-year-olds are also welcome to join the trip for the discounted student price, and parents are welcome to join the group at the adult price (an additional $500).
See below from Mrs. Turscak for more details!
Dear Families,
Your student is invited to join me for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience to Greece!
Please join our meeting to hear to hear all the details including the destination, itinerary, and cost of this trip as well as the official opening of enrollment!
There will be two informational meetings, so please choose the one that works best for you.
You do not need a login to enter the room – just type in your name when prompted to do so and you will be allowed to enter as a guest. If you have trouble entering, please contact Matthew Gallatin (matthewgallatin@clrconline.com)
There are limited spots on this tour but we would love to have you attend this meeting to learn more about this exciting opportunity!
Thanks,
Sue Ellen Turscak”
Of all holy works, the education of children is the most holy.
– St. Theophan the Recluse
Additionally CLRC Greek and Latin instructor, Anne Van Fossen, was interviewed on Ancient Faith Radio. To hear her interview click here.
St. George the Chozebite, abbot (7th c.) and St. Emilian Bishop of Cyzicus (9th c.). Venerable Domnica of Constantinople (395).
Blessed Franz Jaegerstatter the Roman Catholic farmer and faithful Christian who refused to fight for the Nazis. He has not been fully Canonized in their communion at this time.
I just learned of this movie a couple of days ago. It looks good and has got good reviews. I include it for those looking for a movie of faith, conviction and standing for Christ. Hopefully people can still find it locally. For those who have not heard of him Franz Jägerstätter was an Austrian who refused to fight for the Nazis. He was killed and mostly forgotten. Of course as Christians we believe it is most important to be Remembered in the Kingdom. I hope this movie inspires you.
Below is a trailer to a documentary on his life.
Finally here is an article on the movie and his life. I found it interesting that the patron Saint of his mountain parish was mostly a local and not well known Saint. Much like his own witness.
27th Sunday after Pentecost. Tone two. Nativity (St. Philip’s Fast). Fish Allowed
The Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos. New Martyr Priest Sergius Mechev of Moscow (1941). Prophetess Anna (Hannah) (1100 B.C.), mother of the Prophet Samuel.
” “Everyone has a deep-seated need, at the core of our humanity, to gather together with people in our neighborhoods and communities, and contemplate the things that are meaningful to us.” – Fr. Damian Kuolt.
The Open Book bookstore has been serving Bend since the 1980s, and we are continuing this model of ‘books for trade’, and expanding the vision to combine a classic coffeehouse with this historic bookstore.” from the webpage click image for more info.
Commemoration of the Meeting of the “Vladimir” Icon of the Most Holy Theotokos and the deliverance of Moscow from the Invasion of Tamerlane in 1395.
Martyrs Adrian and Natalia and 23 companions of Nicomedia (4th c.). New Hieromartyr Peter priest and St. Gregory confessor, priest (1938) Venerable Adrian, abbot of Ondrusov (Valaam) (1549).
Dear readers, have you looked at the Pilgrimage page? While there are still a few things I would like to include, pending my own travels, it is fairly complete.
I invite you to look and let me know what you think.
St Spiridon’s Cathedral as seen from a public telescope on the Space Needle, Seattle, WA Photo Property of OrthodoxNorthwest.
St. AlexanderNevsky (in schema Alexis), grand prince of Novgorod (1263)
A Joyous Advent to All!
“I was in Prison and ye came unto me.” Matt 25:36
Icon of Christ the Prisoner: Found on the Internet Original Unk.
Dear Readers if you are looking for a worthwhile charity to donate to this holiday season, take a look at the Northwests own Joy Corey’s blog on Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry (OCPM) at www.theocpm.org. Joy is a member of the Board of Trustees for OCPM and has been ministering in the Kootenai County Jail for over thirteen years. Read her blog which is entitled “The Inspiration For My Prison Ministry. (Thanks to Fr Mark for sharing this information and links)
Please be aware also of this NW based resource for those ministering to those in prison and their families. They have a discussion board, ways to help those getting out of prison and volunteer opportunities.
¨Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.¨ Matt 25:40 KJV Christ the Good Samaritan Icon original unk.
“Offering Material and Community support to ALL persons Released from Incarceration
Four Basic Pieces of Prison Ministry
Ministry to persons incarcerated in institutions, be they Federal, State, County or Municipal
Ministry to persons released from incarceration and persons in community custody
Ministry to the significant others, children, parents, relatives and friends of persons who are incarcerated, have been released from incarceration or are in community custody
Ministry to clergy that they may have support to pastor parish members who are incarcerated, oversee the laity in pursuit of the various prison ministries, and guide their parishes in communing with persons who have been released from incarceration or are in community custody” (From the OCPMN website)
Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry: An Agency of the Assembly of Bishops
The above will link you to the national Ministry.
31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
32 And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:
33 And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.
34 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
37 Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink?
38 When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?
39 Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?
40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
42 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me no meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink:
43 I was a stranger, and ye took me not in: naked, and ye clothed me not: sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not.
44 Then shall they also answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee?
45 Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it not to me.
46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal. Matthew 25:31-46King James Version (KJV)
Prophet Jonah (9th c. B.C.) Martyr Phocas the Gardener of Sinope (320). St. Peter the Tax-collector of Constantinople (6th cent)
High Paid Position with OrthodoxNorthwest!! Got your attention? Needs You! Looking for Coeditors! Yes your editor has been unable to keep up due to personal reasons and work My apologies…. Need assistants!!! Wishing all well and asking your prayers. PS I was amazed that the calendar of Saints includes a working tax collector………
OrthodoxNorthwest is looking for a few goodmen or women as assistant editors! These exciting, glamorous, high paid, high profile, positions will be in high demand. Act fast! Contact the infamous, mystery editor at his hidden lair deep in the Northwest. editorOrthodoxNorthwest@gmail.com
In particular OrthodoxNorthwest has a need for regional editors ( Seattle, Portland Greater WA and Oregon, Idaho/Montana, and British Columbia) and ethnic specific editors ( Slavic speaking, Romanian, Arabic, Coptic, Ethiopian, Armenian in particular). (Could probably benefit from an English editor with knowledge of how to properly use punctuation and avoid run on sentences… ) Basic responsibilities will include, signing up for parish email lists and looking at parish websites monthly for new events, and preparing posts thereof.
The Nativity according to the Flesh of Our Lord, God and Saviour Jesus Christ. Sviatki. Fast-free-till the Theophany Eve! The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthasar. Commemoration of the shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks and came to see the Lord.
Христос Pаждается! Славите! Christus Natus est! Gaudete! Χριστὸς Γεννᾶται! Δοξάσατε! Hristos se Naste! Ma ç riòi-L! LE Christ Est Ne! Glorifiez-Le! ¡Cristo Ha Nacido! ¡Glorifiquémosle!
Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One, and the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One! Angels, with shepherds, glorify Him! The wise men journey with the star! Since for our sake the Eternal God is born as a little child (Kontakion). Encaustic Nativity icon c.7-9th century. St Catherine’s Monastery, Sinai, Egypt.
Make glad, O you righteous!
Greatly rejoice, O heavens!
Dance for joy, O mountains; for Christ is born!
The Virgin has become like the cherubic throne.
She carries at her bosom God the Word, made flesh.
Shepherds glorify the newborn child.
Wise men offer the master gifts.
Angels praise Him and sing:
O Lord, past understanding, glory to Thee! (Canon of Matins)
And here are some Monks from Optina in Russia! Enjoy!!! And a Blessed Feast to All! Christ is Born!
“BEHOLD a new and wondrous mystery. My ears resound to the Shepherd’s song, piping no soft melody, but chanting full forth a heavenly hymn. The Angels sing. The Archangels blend their voice in harmony. The Cherubim hymn their joyful praise. The Seraphim exalt His glory. All join to praise this holy feast, beholding the Godhead here on earth, and man in heaven. He Who is above, now for our redemption dwells here below; and he that was lowly is by divine mercy raised.
Bethlehem this day resembles heaven; hearing from the stars the singing of angelic voices; and in place of the sun, enfolds within itself on every side, the Sun of justice. And ask not how: for where God wills, the order of nature yields. For He willed; He had the power; He descended; He redeemed; all things yielded in obedience to God. This day He Who is, is Born; and He Who is, becomes what He was not. For when He was God, He became man; yet not departing from the Godhead that is His. Nor yet by any loss of divinity became He man, nor through increase became He God from man; but being the Word He became flesh, His nature, because of impassability, remaining unchanged.
And so the kings have come, and they have seen the heavenly King that has come upon the earth, not bringing with Him Angels, nor Archangels, nor Thrones, nor Dominations, nor Powers, nor Principalities, but, treading a new and solitary path, He has come forth from a spotless womb.
Since this heavenly birth cannot be described, neither does His coming amongst us in these days permit of too curious scrutiny. Though I know that a Virgin this day gave birth, and I believe that God was begotten before all time, yet the manner of this generation I have learned to venerate in silence and I accept that this is not to be probed too curiously with wordy speech.
For with God we look not for the order of nature, but rest our faith in the power of Him who works.
What shall I say to you; what shall I tell you? I behold a Mother who has brought forth; I see a Child come to this light by birth. The manner of His conception I cannot comprehend.
Nature here rested, while the Will of God labored. O ineffable grace! The Only Begotten, Who is before all ages, Who cannot be touched or be perceived, Who is simple, without body, has now put on my body, that is visible and liable to corruption. For what reason? That coming amongst us he may teach us, and teaching, lead us by the hand to the things that men cannot see. For since men believe that the eyes are more trustworthy than the ears, they doubt of that which they do not see, and so He has deigned to show Himself in bodily presence, that He may remove all doubt.
Christ, finding the holy body and soul of the Virgin, builds for Himself a living temple, and as He had willed, formed there a man from the Virgin; and, putting Him on, this day came forth; unashamed of the lowliness of our nature.
For it was to Him no lowering to put on what He Himself had made. Let that handiwork be forever glorified, which became the cloak of its own Creator. For as in the first creation of flesh, man could not be made before the clay had come into His hand, so neither could this corruptible body be glorified, until it had first become the garment of its Maker.
What shall I say! And how shall I describe this Birth to you? For this wonder fills me with astonishment. The Ancient of days has become an infant. He Who sits upon the sublime and heavenly Throne, now lies in a manger. And He Who cannot be touched, Who is simple, without complexity, and incorporeal, now lies subject to the hands of men. He Who has broken the bonds of sinners, is now bound by an infants bands. But He has decreed that ignominy shall become honor, infamy be clothed with glory, and total humiliation the measure of His Goodness.
For this He assumed my body, that I may become capable of His Word; taking my flesh, He gives me His spirit; and so He bestowing and I receiving, He prepares for me the treasure of Life. He takes my flesh, to sanctify me; He gives me His Spirit, that He may save me.
Come, then, let us observe the Feast. Truly wondrous is the whole chronicle of the Nativity. For this day the ancient slavery is ended, the devil confounded, the demons take to flight, the power of death is broken, paradise is unlocked, the curse is taken away, sin is removed from us, error driven out, truth has been brought back, the speech of kindliness diffused, and spreads on every side, a heavenly way of life has been ¡in planted on the earth, angels communicate with men without fear, and men now hold speech with angels.
Why is this? Because God is now on earth, and man in heaven; on every side all things commingle. He became Flesh. He did not become God. He was God. Wherefore He became flesh, so that He Whom heaven did not contain, a manger would this day receive. He was placed in a manger, so that He, by whom all things arc nourished, may receive an infant¢s food from His Virgin Mother. So, the Father of all ages, as an infant at the breast, nestles in the virginal arms, that the Magi may more easily see Him. Since this day the Magi too have come, and made a beginning of withstanding tyranny; and the heavens give glory, as the Lord is revealed by a star.
To Him, then, Who out of confusion has wrought a clear path, to Christ, to the Father, and to the Holy Ghost, we offer all praise, now and for ever. Amen.
St. John Chrysostom, “Homily on Christmas Morning”
Obviously, it is not for nothing that St. John is known as “Chrysostomos” the “Golden Throat.” My thanks to Ioannis (Edward Michael) Freeman for sharing this homily with me.” (This sermon is found online in several places I found it on the most inspiring site Glory to God for All Things!)
St Isaac the Syrian Sermon on the Nativity:
This Christmas night bestowed peace on the whole world;
So let no one threaten;
This is the night of the Most Gentle One –
Let no one be cruel;
This is the night of the Humble One –
Let no one be proud.
Now is the day of joy –
Let us not revenge;
Now is the day of Good Will –
Let us not be mean.
In this Day of Peace –
Let us not be conquered by anger.
Today the Bountiful impoverished Himself for our sake;
So, rich one, invite the poor to your table.
Today we receive a Gift for which we did not ask;
So let us give alms to those who implore and beg us.
This present Day cast open the heavenly doors to our prayers;
Let us open our door to those who ask our forgiveness.
Today the Divine Being took upon Himself the seal of our humanity,
In order for humanity to be decorated by the Seal of Divinity.
Venerable Pachomius the Great, founder of cenobitic monasticism (346). St.Isaiah, bishop and wonderworker of Rostov (1090).
A Joyous Feast of the Ascension to all!
Ascension mosaic from Monreale, Sicily. 12th century.
Troparion of the Feast.
Thou didst ascend into glory, O Christ our God, having gladdened Thy disciples with the promise of the Holy Spirit; and they were assured by the blessing that Thou art the Son of God, the Redeemer of the world.
Ascension, Kontakion, tone 6 When Thou didst fulfill the dispensation for our sake, / and unite earth to heaven; / Thou didst ascend in glory, O Christ our God, / not being parted from those who love Thee, / but remaining with them and crying: / I am with you and no one will be against you!
Do you see then to what height of glory human nature has been raised? Is it not from earth to heaven? Is it not from corruption to incorruption? How hard would not someone toil in order to become the intimate friend of a corruptible king here below? But we, although we were alienated and hostile in our intent by evil deeds, have not only been reconciled to God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, but we have also soared aloft to sonship, and now our nature is worshipped in the heavens by every creature seen and unseen.
Feast of the Ascension – Homily by St. John Chrysostom
St. John Chrysostom Homily II on the Acts of the Apostles
And having this said, while they beheld, He was taken up; and a cloud received Him out of their sight Acts 1:9. Do you see that they did preach and fulfil the Gospel? For great was the gift He had bestowed on them. In the very place, He says, where you are afraid, that is, in Jerusalem, there preach ye first, and afterwards unto the uttermost part of the earth. Then for assurance of what He had said, While they beheld, He was taken up. Not while they beheld did He rise from the dead, but while they beheld, He was taken up. Inasmuch, however, as the sight of their eyes even here was not all-sufficient; for in the Resurrection they saw the end, but not the beginning, and in the Ascension they saw the beginning, but not the end: because in the former it had been superfluous to have seen the beginning, the Lord Himself Who spoke these things being present, and the sepulchre showing clearly that He is not there; but in the latter, they needed to be informed of the sequel by word of others: inasmuch then as their eyes do not suffice to show them the height above, nor to inform them whether He is actually gone up into heaven, or only seemingly into heaven, see then what follows. That it was Jesus Himself they knew from the fact that He had been conversing with them (for had they seen only from a distance, they could not have recognized Him by sight), but that He is taken up into Heaven the Angels themselves inform them. Observe how it is ordered, that not all is done by the Spirit, but the eyes also do their part. But why did a cloud receive Him? This too was a sure sign that He went up to Heaven. Not fire, as in the case of Elijah, nor fiery chariot, but a cloud received Him; which was a symbol of Heaven, as the Prophet says; Who makes the clouds His chariot Psalm 104:3; it is of the Father Himself that this is said. Therefore he says, on a cloud; in the symbol, he would say, of the Divine power, for no other Power is seen to appear on a cloud. For hear again what another Prophet says: The Lord sits upon a light cloud Isaiah 19:1. For it was while they were listening with great attention to what He was saying, and this in answer to a very interesting question, and with their minds fully aroused and quite awake, that this thing took place. Also on the mount [Sinai] the cloud was because of Him: since Moses also entered into the darkness, but the cloud there was not because of Moses. And He did not merely say, I go, lest they should again grieve, but He said, I send the Spirit John 16:5-7; and that He was going away into heaven they saw with their eyes. O what a sight they were granted! And while they looked steadfastly, it is said, toward heaven, as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, You men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven— they used the expression This demonstratively, saying, this Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall thus— demonstratively, in this way— come in like manner as you have seen Him going into heaven. (v. 10-11.) Again, the outward appearance is cheering [in white apparel]. They were Angels, in the form of men. And they say, You men of Galilee: they showed themselves to be trusted by the disciples, by saying, You men of Galilee. For this was the meaning: else, what needed they to be told of their country, who knew it well enough? By their appearance also they attracted their regard, and showed that they were from heaven. But wherefore does not Christ Himself tell them these things, instead of the Angels? He had beforehand told them all things; [What if you shall see the Son of Man] going up where He was before? John 6:62.
Wishing all a Joyous PASCHA and Brightweek 2020! Christ isRisen!
Χριστός Ανέστη! Αληθώς Ανέστη!
Христос Воскресе! Воистину Воскресе!
Hristos a înviat! Adevărat a înviat!
Christus Resurrexit! Vere Resurrexit!
المسيح قام! حقا قام!
Քրիստոս յառեաւ ի մեռելոց! Օրհնեալ է յառութիւնն Քրիստոսի!
Cristo ha Resucitado! En verdad esta Resucitado!
!ܡܫܝܚܐ ܩܡ! ܫܪܝܪܐܝܬ ܩܡ
Kristus aq ungwektaq! Pichinuq ungwektaq!
Xris-tusaq Ung-uixtuq! Iluumun Ung-uixtuq!
Christus ist auferstanden! Er ist wahrhaftig auferstanden!
Tá Críost éirithe! Go deimhin, tá sé éirithe!
येसु मसीह ज़िन्दा हो गया है! हाँ यक़ीनन, वोह ज़िन्दा हो गया है!
“Forestalling the dawn, the women came with Mary, and found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre, and heard from the angel: why seek ye among the dead, as though He were a mortal, Him Who liveth in everlasting light? Behold the grave-clothes. Go quickly and proclaim to the world that the Lord is risen and hath slain death. For He is the Son of God Who saveth mankind.” Hypakoe Eighth Tone Paschal Hours
Le Christ est Ressuscite! En verite il est Ressuscite!
ハリストス復活！実に復活！
Kristus är uppstånden! Sannerligen uppstånden!
Si Kristo ay nabuhay! Totoo! Siya nga ay nabuhay!
Kristus telah bangkit! Dia benar-benar telah bangkit!
Ua ala aʻe nei ʻo Kristo! Ua ala ʻiʻo nō ʻo Ia!
Xristos Kuxwoo-digoot! Xegaa-kux Kuxwoo-digoot!
ハリストス復活！実に復活！
그리스도께서 부활하셨습니다! 참으로 부활하셨습니다!
基督復活了 他確實復活了
Kristo Amefufukka! Kweli Amefufukka!
Forget not the suffering Christians in Egypt, the Middle East and around the world.
If anyone can send me Christ is Risen in formal Church Ethiopian and Coptic I would appreciate it and add it. I have looked but have only found transliterations. (editorOrthodoxNorthwest@gmail.com)
Glory to thy Long Suffering O Lord! (Crucifixion, 1209, fresco, Studenica Monastery, Serbia.)
Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the Cross. He who is King of the angels is arrayed in a crown of thorns. He who wraps the heaven in clouds is wrapped in purple of mockery. He who in Jordan set Adam free receives blows upon His face. The Bridegroom of the Church is transfixed with nails. The Son of the Virgin is pierced with a spear. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. We venerate Thy Passion, O Christ. Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection. Good Friday Matins (Reading of the 12 Gospels)
“The first Adam yielded to temptation in a garden. The Last Adam beat temptation in a garden. The first man, Adam, sought to become like God. The Last Adam was God who became a man. The first Adam was naked and received clothes. The Last Adam had clothes but was stripped. The first Adam tasted death from a tree. The Last Adam tasted death on a tree. The first Adam hid from the face of God, while the Last Adam begged God not to hide His face.
The first Adam blamed his bride, while the Last Adam took the blame for His bride. The first Adam earned thorns. The Last Adam wore thorns. The first Adam gained a wife when God opened man’s side, but the Last Adam gained a wife when man opened God’s side. The first Adam brought a curse. The Last Adam became a curse. While the first Adam fell by listening when the Serpent said “take and eat,” the Last Adam told His followers, “take and eat, this is my body.” We celebrate this last event today—Jesus’ final meal with His Disciples, and His new command that we “love one another.” In giving Christians this meal, He sealed His role as Adam’s replacement.
Do you remember how, when Mary Magdalene saw the risen Christ, she mistook Him for a gardener? Through His body and blood, the Last Adam restored what the Forbidden Fruit destroyed, inviting us back to a restored Garden-City in the New Heavens and Earth, where the tree of life grows around the throne of God, free for the taking. That’s what His story, our story, the story—and this week—are all about.
Good Friday is tomorrow, and it’s easy to rush through this dark reminder of our sin, and look forward to Easter. But please, stay here a while. The only way to Sunday is through this week, and the events and the words Jesus spoke before His death are worthy of our reflection.
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. 17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. John 3 16-17
For this parish and city, for every city and country, and for the faithful who live in them, let us pray to the Lord. Lord have mercy. (Great litany)
Sunset silhoutte of St Spiridon Cathedral in Seattle posted Oct 5th on their Facebook Page. Many Thanks to John Michael and the Parish of St Spiridon for permission to use on OrthodoxNorthwest. (All rights reserved)
Sixth Week of the Great Lent. Tone one. Great Lent. Fish Allowed
The Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary. New Hieromartyr Tikhon, patriarch of Moscow and All Russia (1925). Venerable Sabbas the New (1948). “Annunciation” (16th c.) Icon of the Mother of God. Martyrs Pelagia, Theodosia, and Dula of Nicomedia, who suffered under Valentinian. Venerable Parthenius of the Kiev Caves (1855). St. Senuphius the Wonderworker of Latomos (9th c.). St. Nicander of Pskov (1581).
Gabriel the Archangel was sent from heaven to announce to the Virgin the glad tidings of her conceiving; and coming to Nazareth he pondered in amazement on this wonder. “O how shall He who dwelleth in the heights, Whom none can comprehend, be born of a Virgin? How shall He Whose throne is heaven and Whose footstool is the earth be held in the womb of a woman? He upon Whom the six-winged seraphim and the many-eyed cherubim cannot gaze has been pleased at a single word to be made flesh of this His creature. It is the Word of God Who dwells within her. Why then do I stand here, and not say to the Maiden: ‘Hail, thou who art full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Hail, O pure Virgin; hail, Bride unwedded. Hail, Mother of Life: blessed is the Fruit of thy womb.” (From the Vigil)
Mary says to God’s people:
‘Come, all you who have discernment,
vocal advocates of the Spirit,
prophets who beheld hidden things in your true visions;
you farmers who sowed seed, and slept in hope,
rise up and rejoice at the harvest.
Look: in my arms I clasp the wheat-sheaf of life
that provides bread for the hungry,
that feeds the needy. Rejoice with me,
for I carry the sheaf full of joys.’
Blessed are you, O Mary, daughter of the poor,
who became Mother of the Lord of kings.
In your womb he has dwelt
of whose praise the heavens are full.
Blessed be your breast, which has nourished him with love,
your mouth which has lulled him
and your arms which have held him.
You have become a vehicle to bear a God of fire!
Blessed are you, O Mary,
you have become the home of the king.
In you, he who has power has taken abode,
he who rules the world.
You came from the tribe of Judah;
You descended from the family of David.
Illustrious is your lineage.
For you, though remaining virgin,
have become the mother of the Son of David.
Blessed are you, O maiden,
who have borne the lion cub spoken of by Jacob.
He humbled himself and became a lamb,
destined to ascend the Cross to deliver us.
He prefigured you, the tree,
which providing the kid, spared the life of Isaac.
Being the Annunciation on the traditional Orthodox Calendar it is also the actual Anniversary of Greek Independence. Wishing all of our Greek Readers Many Years! For it was on this day that Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at his monastery in Agia Lavras located in the Peloponnese. To this day, the monastery carries a symbolic representation as the birthplace of modern Greece.
Beginning of the Great Lent. Tone four. Great Lent. By Monastic Charter – Full abstention from food
Clean Monday. St. Leo the Great, pope of Rome (461). New Hieromartyrs Alexander (Medvedsky) (1932) priest and Benjamin hieromonk (1938). Commemoration of the New Martyrs who suffered during the “Holy Night” in St. Petersburg (1932). Finding of relics (1961) of New Martyr Irene of Lesbos (1463). St. Nicholas The Catholicos of Georgia (1591) (Georgia).
Καλή Σαρακοστή !
The lenten spring has come! the light of repentance; Let us, brothers, cleanse ourselves from all evil, crying out to the Giver of Light: Glory to Thee, O Lover of man…
Let us begin the time of fasting in light! Preparing ourselves for the spiritual efforts. Let us purify our soul; let us purify our body. As from food, let us abstain from all passion and enjoy the virtues of the spirit, So that perfected in time by love We may all be made worthy to see the Passion of Christ and the Holy Pascha In spiritual joy!Lenten Text
Holy Martyr Agatha of Palermo in Sicily (251). St. Theodosius, archbishop of Chernigov (1696).
Archbishop Varlaam and the Church of the Monastery of the Saints of North America, Dewdney British Columbia. Please see the OCA Archdiocese of Canada for more information. Just click.
“Friday, February 21 – Vladika Varlaam will be brought to the monastery at 4 p.m. and then a vigil will start at 4 p.m. and go on throughout the evening and night, until Saturday morning. The Psalms will be read continually, in a multitude of languages, until 11 a.m. on Saturday when the funeral service will begin.
A list has been created with the names of those people who are willing to read the Psalms and the times when they are available to do so. Please contact Father Mircea (Markel) @ (604) 441 – 7634 in order to add your name to this list; all are welcome to volunteer to read.
Saturday, February 22 – The Funeral Service for Vladika Varlaam will commence at 11 a.m. at the monastery.
The funeral procession will accompany Vladika Varlaam to the Heritage Gardens Cemetery, located at 19082 16th Avenue, in Surrey, B.C.
The Interment Service will begin at approximately 2:00 p.m. at the cemetery.
A memorial meal will be held at the monastery afterwards.
With the Saints give rest O Christ, to the soul of Your servant. Where there is neither sickness or sorrow and no more sighing but life everlasting. You only are immortal who has created and fashioned man. For out of the earth were we mortals made and into the same earth we will return again, As You commanded when You made me, saying to me for you are dust and into dust you will return. Where ever we mortals all shall go, making our lamentation the song: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia
Week of the Publican and the Pharisee. Tone one. Fast-free Week. Fast-free
Forefeast of the Meeting of Our Lord
Martyr Tryphon of Campsada near Apamea in Syria (250). Venerable Peter of Galatia, hermit near Antioch in Syria (429). Venerable Vendemianus (Bendemianus), hermit of Bithynia (512). Venerable Tryphon, bishop of Rostov (1468). St. Brigid of Ireland (523) (Celtic & British).
ONE MOUTH & ONE HEART
Orthodox Liturgical Singing Workshop Saturday March 7, 2020 at Church of the Annunciation
Benedict & Maria Sheehan bring their uniquely complementary skill sets to a weekend workshop tailored to your choir’s needs and integrated into your church’s liturgical schedule. In intensive sessions they help church musicians of all abilities reach new levels of mastery, with emphasis on how to retain these skills and employ them in an everyday setting. They particularly emphasize the spiritual work of the sacred choral musician, and its connections to ensemble blend, musicianship, expressiveness, attentiveness, and a prayerful ethos.
For the singer
Develop and strengthen your individual voice
Maintain healthy technique in a choral setting
Increase your endurance and prevent vocal damage
Learn to warm-up and practice more effectively
For the conductor
Improve your conducting technique
Lead rehearsals in a more effective and engaging way
Deepen your knowledge of liturgical music
Diagnose and solve problems in your ensemble
For the choir
Convey sacred text with clarity and depth
Unify and develop your ensemble sound
Sing longer and stronger with less fatigue
Enhance ensemble “community” and connection
Download registration information and schedule here.
St. Athanasius the Great (373) and St. Cyril (444), archbishops of Alexandria. Venerable Cyril, schemamonk, and Venerable Maria, schemanun (1337) (parents of St. Sergius of Radonezh).
Klirosfb, a mixed chorus dedicated to the presentation of quality Eastern Orthodox music in liturgical services presents Vespers of Viktor Kalinnikov for Sunday of the Prodigal Son at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church Portland, Oregon. (FB)
KLIROS, Portland area’s liturgical vocal ensemble, will sing Vespers service on Saturday, February 15, at 6pm. All are welcome!
Vespers of Viktor Kalinnikov for Sunday of the Prodigal Son
Propers sung by the parish choir
Freewill collection for KLIROS
ST. NICHOLAS ORTHODOX CHURCH
2210 SW Dolph Court
Portland, Oregon 97219
Venerable Anthony the Great (356). Venerable Anthony, abbot of Dymsk (Novgorod) (1224). New Hieromartyr Victor priest (1931). New Hieromartyr Paul priest (1938).
Thou didst follow the ways of zealous Elijah, and the straight path of the Baptist, O Father Anthony. Thou didst become a desert dweller and support the world by thy prayers. Intercede with Christ our God that our souls may be saved. Troparion Tone 4
Wishing all the Monastics in our beautiful Northwest a Joyous Feast and asking your prayers for all of us.
All Merciful Saviour Monastery Vashon, Island Washington.
Kontakion of St. Anthony, Tone 2
Thou didst abandon the world’s tumult and live in silence, and emulate the Baptist, O Anthony. Wherefore we acclaim thee with him, thou summit of the Fathers.
All Saints of North America Monastery, Dewdney, BC
Hermitage of the Meeting of the Lord Stanwood, Washington
Holy Lady of Kazan Russian Orthodox Church/ Skete in Spokane Washington which is moving to Rathdrum, Idaho. No photo avail of new Skete
St. John the Forerunner Greek Orthodox Monastery Goldendale, Washington.
Veneration of the Precious Chains of the Holy and All-glorious Apostle Peter. Blessed Maximus of Totma (Vologda), fool-for-Christ (1650). New Martyr Nicholas of Mitylene (1777).
The Orthodox hymns of Lent call the Church to repentance in preparation for the Passion of the Lord which transpires in Holy and Great Week. Dynamis Byzantine Ensemble will perform the hymns of Lent and Holy Week in English and in the traditional Byzantine musical style, bringing out the depth of beauty and poetry found in the texts and moving the Christian to reflect upon the mercy and love Jesus has for the whole world.
Dynamis Byzantine Ensemble at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, Scottsdale, AZ on July 22nd, 2018. The members of the choir from left to right: Stephen Seidel, Peter George, Dr. Constantine Kokenes, Joshua Pardhe, Gregory Abdalah, Michael Haddad, Fr. Christopher Salamy, Noah Sweilem, Samuel Herron – Director, Peter Elgohary, Gabriel Cremeens – Assistant Director, Phillip Carl Phares, Robert Seidel, Philip Noplos, Alexander Eliades, Zachari Darian. Image from Dynamis Website.
Abbot Tryphon has a both a Blog The Morning Offering (Daily Inspiration from All-Merciful Saviour Monastery) and a daily Podcast also called The Morning Offering Podcast. His site features daily scripture verses, a reflection, and often some lovely pictures of the Monastery or other local NW Orthodox Churches to inspire our pilgrim journey. He has a book “The Morning Offering” which can be purchased here. On a side note I know the Monastery could use financial support. They receive a number of pilgrims and visitors and need to build guest quarters.
“Annunciation” (16th c.) Icon of the Mother of God.
rworker of Latomos (9th c.).
The Conception by 
Forefeast of the Meeting of Our Lord
Venerable 
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