The Fathers Reaffirmed

The Fathers Reaffirmed

WHAT DO FASTS, METANIES, PROSTRATIONS, and standing through long church services have to do with prayer? Isn’t prayer the conversation with God we have in our hearts? Why is Eastern Christian spirituality so physical? On the First Sunday of the Fast we proclaimed the...
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

In the early Church, it was thought that the solemnity with which the Church celebrated the Holy Forty Days Fast did not mesh so well with the incredibly joyful and triumphant nature of the Eucharistic Anaphora of the Divine Liturgy. So at the Council of Laodicea...
Children and the Great Fast

Children and the Great Fast

By Panyi Matka Irene Galadza Feb 2004, St. Elias UGCC in Brampton, Ontario This year, Great Lent approaches on the heels of the Nativity Season. Kolyada in church has just ended, but the soft and somber sound of The Rivers of Babylon hint at the approaching season of...

PRAYER OF ST. EPHREM THE SYRIAN

PRAYER OF SAINT EPHREM THE SYRIAN O Lord and Master of my life, drive from me the spirit of indifference, despair, lust of power and idle chatter. (Prostration). Instead, bestow on me, your servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. (Prostration)....
Lenten Prayer (ENG/UKR)

Lenten Prayer (ENG/UKR)

PRAYER OF SAINT EPHREM THE SYRIAN O Lord and Master of my life, drive from me the spirit of indifference, despair, lust of power and idle chatter. (Prostration). Instead, bestow on me, your servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love. (Prostration)....