Deb on the run

Apr. 6, 2007

Passion Gospels

Last night we had Matins for Holy Friday and the reading of the 12 Passion Gospels. Comfortable shoes are becoming a must at this point. My feet and legs were hurting on the way to church. We began again at the Last Supper and read to His burial. A cross has been placed in the church with an icon of Christ nailed to it along with an icon of the Epitaphios Thrinos. You can almost hear the wailing of Mary Magdalene. In some parishes this is brought out in the middle of the service and processed around the church before being placed in the center.

Its hard to stay focused for the entire time, and the Church, in its wisdom, knows this. Because we read the passion from all four Gospels, some incidents are repeated so if you zoned out during Jesus before Caiaphas in John 18, it is repeated again in Matt. 26. Interspersed with the readings are hymns of the Church interpreting or restating what has happened.

It was a slow methodical read. And shouldn't it really be so? This should not be rushed. No in and out of church in 60 minutes or less. There is time for reflection and tears. Letting the realization of what has happened sink in and the power of the Scriptures work on all of us.

Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the tree (3x)
The King of the angels decked with a crown of thorns.
He who wrapped the heavens with clouds is wrapped in purple of mockery.
He who freed Adam in the Jordan is slapped in the face.
The Bridegroom of the Church is affixed to the cross with nails.
The Son of the virgin is pierced with a spear.
We worship Thy passion, O Christ. (3x)
Show us also Thy glorious resurrection!

15th Antiphon for Passion Gospels

Listen to the 15th Antiphon. This is from the Greek tradition and is slightly different. Click on the first "Quicktime" link (15th Antiphon) under Great and Holy Friday.

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Comments

Apr. 6, 2007 - some of the jewish, orthodox christian, similiarities

Posted by luvmy2mks

some of the jewish & orthodox christian religious displays' similarities you refer to are simpler more of an "eastern" world preference/cultural world view. we see lots of similar pious displays among muslims! here the koran is decorated in gold, kissed, prominently displayed, never allowed to touch the floor, never touched by unwashed hands, etc. (people who don't read it or follow it show similar reverence to those that do!) mohommad's name is never spoken without reverence and religious phrases added on. muslims here almost never say the word "Lord" (referring to God) without quickly standing to their feet from sitting and pressing their hand on their heart.

the eastern part of the world really knows how to do religion right!! if you read the book Anna of Byzantium, the author brings out how the eastern roman emperors were influenced by the far east emperor-worship concepts than the western roman empire was (though both sides had the pagan emperor worship cult-thing going on). just heard a similar statement from anglican theologian N.T. Wright comparing, pre-Christian roman empire practices.

imho, if a ritual is culturally different than what you are used to, or if you have been away from it a long time, it can "wake you up" to worship in a fresh way. (praise the Lord!) the incense-type of stuff doesn't do a lot for me, but i was raised as a practicing roman catholic. i much enjoy hearing albanian christian brothers preach over anybody american--a new language and new cultural perspective is so fresh. so, i guess my point is, enjoy the Lord how you enjoy the Lord. displays of piety, if they help you worship, great! they aren't necessarily more "spiritual", though. sorry to go on and on. blessings and Happy Resurrection Day! mary

Edited by luvmy2mks on Apr. 6, 2007 at 8:49 AM

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Apr. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Andrea

Last night's service was amazing! It made much more of an impact this year. Last year was just a struggle to get through it.

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Apr. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Dixie

I don't think I have been to a more powerful service than the Matins for Great and Holy Friday--short of Pascha, of course (and I have not yet been able to attend the Apokathelosis or the Lamenations as last year I had family obligation). While it is a long service in one way I didn't want it to end. In our parish the cross is brought out in the middle of the service and processess around the church (while the faithful prostrate / kneel) until it is brought to rest at the center before the doors. A wreath of roses is placed on it and the faithful come to venerate the cross and kiss the feet of Christ throughout the remainder of the service.

I was concerned in becoming Orthodox that I would long for my former traditions, that the traditions of the East would not be as meaningful to me...especially as Holy Week begins to wind to a close but in actuality what I have experienced is a heretofore unexperienced depth of worship that quiets any potential yearnings for the traditions of my past.

This morning the first thing I did was play the Antiphon 15--a few times. What a hauntingly beautiful hymn for this day. It was sung again at the praying of the Royal Hours.

I look forward to 3:00 today for the Apokathelosis.

We worship your passion, O Christ!

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Apr. 6, 2007 - congrats: nominated

Posted by luvmy2mks

did you notice that you were nominated for the homeschool blogger awards? category: "living what you believe"!! ;- D mary http://www.homeschoolblogawards.com/

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Apr. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by prezeliz

My back hurt before church too, and it only just stopped hurting (well, almost) this morning when I took a nice long whirlpool bath.

The Holy Thursday evening service is, if there is one, *the service* that made us become Orthodox. Breathtaking.

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Apr. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

My feet and legs were hurting on the way to church.

Bwahahahahahha. That made me laugh. I am stunned at the beauty of the 12 Gospel readings, and agree with you that the repetition is part of the reasonings behind it.

- Mimi

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Apr. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by debdillon

Luv - Akk! I had not known that I was nominated, but I don't see it either :) I did notice, however, that *someone* has 2 nominations - way to go!! Thanks for your thoughts on on piety. I have Anna of Byzantium on my bookshelf to be read this year with the kids.

Dixie - I don't miss much from my former traditions, but then again, its still rather early in my Orthodox life.

Thanks Pres. Elizabeth (I took a long soak last night) and Mimi.

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Apr. 6, 2007 - Untitled Comment

Posted by AcceptanceWithJoy

We have a collection of classical music that starts with Gregorian chants. I listened to the 15th Antiphon and it sounded a lot like the chants on my CD ~ only I could understand the words.

Marissa dislikes the chants. I like them. I find them relaxing in an almost intoxicating way. I am not sure I would like them at church... I generally fade out and become present in body only. My mind ~ completely somewhere else.

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Random thoughts about homeschooling and life with 6 kids.

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