| For Great Lent: the Timeless Instructions of Abba Dorotheos Abba Dorotheus of Gaza. What is one of the first books given to anyone embarking upon the path of Orthodox Christianity? What is one of the books read almost cyclically in the refectories of Orthodox monasteries, so that monks and nuns might assimilate the “ABC’s” of spiritual life with every bite of their daily bread? What is one of the most quoted books of basic wisdom on how to live in peace and harmony with our neighbor? Answer: the book of instructions on spiritual life by Abba Dorotheos of Gaza. There are English translations of this timeless, priceless book available. The most popular was published by Cistercian Publications (July 1, 1978), under the title, Dorotheos of Gaza: Discourses and Sayings. Some of Abba Dorotheos’s instructions also appear in the English translation of the Philokalia. Another translation from the original Greek by an Orthodox publisher in 2000, Athens is entitled, Abba Dorotheos: Practical Teaching on the Christian Life. This version by Constantine Scouteris has an advantage for Orthodox readers over the Cistercian one because of its conceptual closeness to the accepted Greek text; for example the Cistercian translation translates geronda as “old man”, while the Orthodox understanding renders a bit more respect to an “elder”. Nevertheless, the older standby will probably remain in use by English language readers if only because of its lively language and readability. Back before the Athens publication was released, an American monk, concerned about potential confusion in the Catholic rendering of Abba Dorotheos for Orthodox readers, dictated his own translation of this indispensible patristic work from the pre-revolutionary Russian translation. He chose that version for the simple reason that he did not know Greek. Although this translation never saw print, a transcript of it came into our hands, and after a little editing we have decided to make it available online for the spiritual benefit of our readers who may not have access to the above named, more polished texts. And what better time for this could there be than Great Lent, when we are trying extra hard to work on ourselves, on our interaction with others, our attitude, and dedication to living the Gospel commandments. Thus, over the course of this holy Forty-Days Fast, we will be posting this book in daily portions. |
| With the blessing of His Eminence Metropolitan HILARION, Archbishop of Eastern America and New York, First Hierarch of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia, on April 12, 2015, the ROCOR faithful in Pakistan joyfully participated in the Paschal Divine Liturgy. The congregation was given the chance to prepare themselves during the Holy week. The parishioners participated in the services starting from Palm Sunday; it is the most joyous feasts of the year, as we commemorate the Entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem and with full passion and true spirit the Orthodox faithful were taught well by Fr.Joseph Farooq how to follow the holy traditions of the Orthodox Church during the Passion Week. All the main services were well attended, with many parishioners receiving the sacrament of Confession and Holy Communion. This year a seminar was held on “Great Lent and Holy Traditions of the Russian Orthodox Church.” In this seminar Fr. Joseph Farooq described to the faithful that fasting is very important for Orthodox Christians, and according to the holy traditions, the Orthodox faithful observe the fast on Wednesday and Friday throughout the year. Further he mentioned that we Orthodox Christians fast before Christmas, “The Nativity fast.” The faithful were also taught that Holy Saturday is a day of strict fasting for Russian Orthodox Christians. The motive of the seminar was the spiritual preparation of the Orthodox community for Holy Pascha. Metropolitan Hilarion " s 2015 Paschal Epistle: His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion in his Paschal Epistle greeted all the faithful of the Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia in Pakistan on the Great Feast of the Resurrection of Christ. This Paschal Epistle strengthens the Orthodox clergy and faithful with the unique teaching of the undivided apostolic Church, and His Eminence Metropolitan Hilarion encourages the believers on the great feast of the splendid Resurrection of Christ by saying, “In the midst of our sorrows and temptations, renew us all with the joy of His Life-bearing Resurrection, support faith and piety with within us, illumine us with trust in the coming, eternal celebration on the never-waning day of His Kingdom. Amen.” |
| Often a canopy is suspended over the Holy Table, representing the heavens over the earth, from which is suspended a dove with outstretched wings (the Fix), representing the Holy Spirit. (In many places, the pre-sanctified Lamb was placed in the Pix during Great Lent.) Behind the Holy Table a seven-branched Candlestick is usually placed (seven being the sacred number), and sometimes a large Processional Cross. Behind this, at the extreme East end of the Altar is a raised place, called the High Place (or Bema), upon which is placed the Cathedra (Bishop’s Throne), with seats for the Priests on either side. During the Liturgy, the Priests (representing the Holy Apostles) sit at either side of the Bishop (representing the King of Glory). [In modern times, the Cathedra is usually found only in Cathedrals and large Monasteries.] On either side of the Bishop’s Throne arc placed ceremonial Fans, with which, in ancient times, the Holy Gifts were fanned to keep away insects. Now they are carried in solemn processions, signifying the six-winged Seraphim who minister at the Divine services, and who are represented iconographically upon them. Above the High Place is an Icon of the Savior and on both sides Icons of the Holy Apostles or (more often) Holy Bishops. Before the Icon of the Savior is suspended a lampada, called the High Light. The Bells A striking component of Orthodox worship is the ringing of bells. Every daily cycle of public divine services starts with the ringing of bells and no one who has witnessed the procession around the church at Holy Pascha can forget the almost continuous ringing of all the church bells. In Pre-Revolutionary Moscow, for example, travelers invariably commented on the stirring clamor of the more than 1600 bells of the city ringing simultaneously at the Pascha of Our Lord. Usually a separate structure, the Bell Tower, was constructed to contain the bells, but more often in modern times a belfry is erected over the entrance to the church building, within which the bells are placed. |
| The Holy Fire is brought to Russia from Israel every year since 2003. This year it will be taken for the first time to Crimea, a former Ukrainian region that became a part of Russia last month. Every Orthodox church in Russia holds Paschal liturgies on the night of Holy Saturday that last well into Easter morning. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow and All Russia, who heads the Russian Orthodox Church, will lead the divine service in downtown Moscow’s Christ the Savior Cathedral, traditionally attended by top Russian officials. Preparation for Easter celebrations begins in the Russian Orthodox Church on Holy Saturday – the last day of Holy Week, also known in Russia as Passion Week. On that day, people come to churches in great numbers to have paschal cakes and eggs blessed by priests. In Eastern Christianity, the Holy Saturday is the mournful day on which Christians bewail the Jesus Christ, who died on the cross on Good Friday. The Easter divine service starts shortly before midnight. At midnight, the solemn festive procession with crosses and icons starts, with priests and believers going around the church and glorifying the Resurrection. The procession is often attended by nonbelievers attracted by its splendor. The service lasts into the early hours of Sunday. The Resurrection of the Savior symbolizes his victory over sin and death and the birth of a new world redeemed by his Passion. This year, it is marked by the Eastern Orthodox and Catholic churches on the same day, which sometimes happens although the churches use different calendars. Easter is preceded by a long period of fasting. The fasting period before Easter in Eastern Christianity lasts 48 days. The first 40 days of the period are called Great Lent, symbolizing Jesus spending 40 days in the wilderness before being tempted by Satan. In the Orthodox tradition, all days are included into the day count. The 40 days are followed by Lazarus Saturday, commemorating Jesus raising Lazarus of Bethany from the dead, and Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and then by Holy Week, the last week of the fasting period. |
| Photo: missionrocor.ru During these holy days of Great Lent and Passion Week throughout the world, churches have been closed. By Divine allowance, government officials of many nations have, from fear of the spread of COVID-19, announced general quarantines, including in the Holy Land. Christians have limited access to holy sites, deprived of spiritual support, common prayer and the partaking of the Holy Gifts of Christ in their churches. Still, daily divine services are being celebrated in the churches of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem of the Russian Church Abroad. The clergy, brethren and sisters of the mission pray that the Lord replace His righteous wrath with mercy and would root out this illness and the fear it causes for our true repentance, and that He grant state officials wisdom and discernment. Lazarus Saturday is always a joyous event in the Bethany Community of the Resurrection of Christ (what is known now as the town of Azaria), where Righteous Lazarus and his sisters Martha and Maria lived. From Holy Scripture, we know that Christ often visited His friends, who loved and always happily welcomed Him. On this day, which precedes His salvific sufferings, Crucifixion and Resurrection, the Holy Church praises His raising of Lazarus, who had been dead for four days. This year’s celebration was modest but solemn. Archimandrite Roman (Krassovsky), Chief of the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission in Jerusalem, arrived for evening services. Though entry into Bethany is blocked, Fr Roman and Monk Avenir, after a brief questioning, were kindly allowed through. The Bethany Community operates a girls’ boarding school, which following the quarantine, still has 13 students living there. Archimandrite Innokenty (Sereda) lives there as well, among the nuns and students. Great compline and matins were performed at the upper Church of Righteous Lazarus, Martha and Maria. According to the custom, after evening services, everyone visits the grave of St Lazarus where he was resurrected by the Lord. This year, it is closed to pilgrims, but in response to a request sent to the municipality, the small community was granted permission to visit. It was the only visit allowed on this holy day. The pilgrims entered with lit candles, and after hearing the reading of the Gospel of the day, they prayed for all Orthodox Christians who were unable to participate in the pilgrimage, and who were unable in general to attend church. Venerating the place of Lazarus’ resurrection, the pilgrims departed at the crack of dawn. |
| Преподобный Димитрий родился в начале XIV века в купеческой семье в Переславле-Залесском. Приняв постриг, он основал Никольский монастырь на берегу переславльского Плещеева озера... В 1354 году игумен Димитрий впервые встретился с Сергием Радонежским и духовно сблизился с ним, став восприемником детей великого князя Димитрия Донского. Марина Алексеевская Что мы чувствуем, когда видим объявление о том, что требуется помощь волонтеров? Посидеть с малышами-отказниками в больнице, помочь по хозяйству пожилой женщине, устроить праздник для маленьких пациентов гематологии… Сострадание — нормальная реакция, только оно быстро улетучивается, когда вспоминаешь, сколько у тебя дел по работе и дома. Но есть люди, которые, увидев такое объявление, откладывают личные дела и идут туда, где они очень нужны. English Edition [Saints. Asceties of Piety. Church Holy Days ] [News] On February 22 the second anniversary of uncovering relics of the blessed elder Gabriel (Urgebadze: 1929-1995), “a Fool-for-Christ”, was celebrated in Georgia. A festal service was celebrated at the Samtavro Convent of St. Nino in the Georgian town of Mtskheta by Archimandrite Lazar (Gagnidze), the nunnery’s confessor. [Saints. Asceties of Piety. Church Holy Days ] Metropolitan Nektarios of Hong Kong and South East Asia, Protopresbyter George Dragas, Deacon Charles Joiner TRIODION – (Greek: three odes or modes). A Liturgical book containing the hymns, prayers and services of the movable feast before Easter, beginning ten weeks before Easter with the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, until Easter Sunday. This includes the four weeks proceeding Great Lent, Great Lent, and Holy (Passion) Week. [News] Following the session of the Holy Synod of the Georgian Apostolic Orthodox Church held on February 16, 2016, His Holiness Ilia II, Patriarch and Catholicos of Tbilisi and All Georgia announced that the Synod has rejected the document " The relation of the Orthodox Church towards the rest of the Christian world " which was prepared for the upcoming Pan-Orthodox Council to be held in Crete in June 2016. |
| Patriarchal Catechetical Homily on the occasion of the beginning of Great Lent Mar 11, 2013 ECUMENICAL PATRIARCHATE Prot. No. 240 CATECHETICAL HOMILY ON THE OCCASION OF THE BEGINNING OF GREAT LENT † B A R T H O L O M E W By the Mercy of God Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome and Ecumenical Patriarch To the Plenitude of the Church Grace and Peace be with you from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ together with our Prayer, Blessing and Forgiveness Beloved brothers and sisters, children in the Lord, The holy fathers, who arranged everything in an orderly manner, instituted a period of ascetic discipline and spiritual purification for forty days prior to the great feast of the Lord’s resurrection. This ascetic rule assumes the form of a limitation on foods through fasting, but especially an abstinence from evil. The saintly hymnographer characteristically emphasizes that a genuine and favorable form of fasting for God is the estrangement from wrongdoing, control of the tongue, alienation from anger, separation from evil desires, including gossip, deceit and swearing, restoration of justice, disengagement from passionate thoughts, fervent confession, cleansing of the conscience, “which there can be nothing more difficult,” refraining from “harmful passions, from envy and hatred, indeed from every wickedness,” shunning of “the mind’s perversion,” admission of transgressions. For “the Judge is close, at the door,” and he tries hearts and minds, since “He is everywhere present and fills all things.” (Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete) The aim of bodily ascesis is the purification of the mind and its concentration on the love of our Lord and God, Jesus Christ, as well as on the love of our fellow human beings, which constitutes the evidence that we are disciples of the One who loves them. This love must be tangible, resulting in some sacrifice for them on our part. For love without offering the necessary material and spiritual goods to those whom we love is but an empty word. This is particularly true in our age of great moral and financial crisis, when those of us who can are obliged to offer assistance to our fellow human beings with gladness, love and respect. Only then will our joy in the Lord’s resurrection be complete, when our support for the least of His brothers, our own brothers and sisters, is complete. According to the honorable words of St. Basil the Great, “the man who loves his neighbor as himself possesses no more than his neighbor…thus, as much as your wealth increases, so much does your love decrease” ( Homily to the Rich , PG 31.281B). |
| Translated from the Russian by Archpriest Peter Olsen Translator’s notes: For further study, see : 1.“ A Study of Gregory Palamas” by John Meyendorff, SVS Press, Crestwood, NY, 1998 2.“ The Ascetical and Theological Teaching of Gregory Palamas,” by Hieromonk (later Archbishop) Basil Krivoshein, an essay in Eastern Churches Quarterly, vol III, 1938, originally published in Russian in Prague in 1936. You can f ollow Pravmir.com on Twitter , Facebook , Instagram , Telegram , or Parler Tweet Donate Share Code for blog Why Do We Remember St. Gregory Palamas on the Second Sunday of Lent? Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) On the second Sunday of Great Lent the Church commemorates St. Gregory Palamas, archbishop of Thessalonica. This celebration is connected with the burning disputes of the XIV century about whether or not it was possible for man to have direct communion with God. There were theologians who said that ... Since you are here… …we do have a small request. More and more people visit Orthodoxy and the World website. However, resources for editorial are scarce. In comparison to some mass media, we do not make paid subscription. It is our deepest belief that preaching Christ for money is wrong. Having said that, Pravmir provides daily articles from an autonomous news service, weekly wall newspaper for churches, lectorium, photos, videos, hosting and servers. Editors and translators work together towards one goal: to make our four websites possible - Pravmir.ru, Neinvalid.ru, Matrony.ru and Pravmir.com. Therefore our request for help is understandable. For example, 5 euros a month is it a lot or little? A cup of coffee? It is not that much for a family budget, but it is a significant amount for Pravmir. If everyone reading Pravmir could donate 5 euros a month, they would contribute greatly to our ability to spread the word of Christ, Orthodoxy, life " s purpose, family and society. Donate Also by this author " We Are Called Upon to Proclaim the Good News of the Truth Metropolitan Hilarion (Alfeyev) On the Sunday after the Ascension we remember the Holy Fathers of the First Ecumenical Council. In honoring… |
| NEW YORK – The Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America announces with great joy and gratitude to His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew and the Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, the elevation of the Holy Archdiocese of America to the rank of Gerontiki Eparchy (meaning an eparchy headed by a Geron/Elder hierarch) of the Ecumenical Throne in the person of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, who from now on will be called His Eminence Geron Archbishop Demetrios of America. His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew in his letter to the Archbishop notes that the unanimous decision of the Synod was taken in recognition of the invaluable services to the Mother Church, the entire Orthodoxy and the Theological Literature. A translation of the announcement of the Ecumenical Patriarchate follows: The Holy and Sacred Synod of the Ecumenical Patriarchate met today, Thursday, November 26, 2015, under the presidency of His All-Holiness for its regularly scheduled meeting and examination of the agenda. During the meeting, the Holy and Sacred Synod, following the proposal of His All-Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, elevated the Holy Archdiocese of America to the rank of Gerontiki (high-ranking) Eparchy of the Throne, in the person of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America, who is to be called from now on His Eminence Geron Archbishop of America. Code for blog Since you are here… …we do have a small request. More and more people visit Orthodoxy and the World website. However, resources for editorial are scarce. In comparison to some mass media, we do not make paid subscription. It is our deepest belief that preaching Christ for money is wrong. Having said that, Pravmir provides daily articles from an autonomous news service, weekly wall newspaper for churches, lectorium, photos, videos, hosting and servers. Editors and translators work together towards one goal: to make our four websites possible - Pravmir.ru, Neinvalid.ru, Matrony.ru and Pravmir.com. Therefore our request for help is understandable. For example, 5 euros a month is it a lot or little? A cup of coffee? It is not that much for a family budget, but it is a significant amount for Pravmir. If everyone reading Pravmir could donate 5 euros a month, they would contribute greatly to our ability to spread the word of Christ, Orthodoxy, life " s purpose, family and society. Related articles Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios for Holy and Great Lent 2016 Statement of His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios of America at the international conference titled Religious and Cultural… The life and Dormition of the Most Holy Theotokos offer a genuine and faithful testimony of… Also by this author Today " s Articles Most viewed articles Functionality is temporarily unavailable. Most popular authors Functionality is temporarily unavailable. © 2008-2024 Pravmir.com |
| Accept The site uses cookies to help show you the most up-to-date information. By continuing to use the site, you consent to the use of your Metadata and cookies. Cookie policy On the Feast of the Holy Trinity Italian Ambassador prayed at the Liturgy in the Church of the ‘Joy to All the Afflicted’ Icon of the Mother of God in Bolshaya Ordynka street On 23 June 2013, the Feast of the Holy Trinity, Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, DECR chairman, celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Church of the ‘Joy to All the Afflicted’ Icon of the Mother of God in Bolshaya Ordynka street in Moscow. Concelebrating with Metropolitan Hilarion were clerics of the Church. Attending the festive Divine service was H.E. Mr. Antonio Zanardi Landi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Italian Republic to the Russian Federation. After the Liturgy, Metropolitan Hilarion addressed all those present with a homily, saying in particular: ‘In the prayer which we have just heard Pentecost is called a concluding feast. It concludes a long period of the liturgical year which began with the Feast of the Nativity of Christ; Great Lent, the Holy Week and the Feast of the Resurrection followed. And finally we, together with the whole Holy Church, have come to the Feast of Pentecost. It is called concluding because on the Day of Pentecost Jesus Christ completed his mission on earth. ‘During the Last Supper He promised His disciples to give them another Comforter and on the Day of Pentecost He sent Him down upon His holy disciples and apostles. An amazing miracle happened which cannot be described in any language: all the people who heard the apostles’ preaching, understood every single word, no matter what country they had come from. And on that very day the apostles themselves understood completely what the Lord had been telling them but for what their ears had remained closed: they are called to fulfill their apostolic mission. So, “their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:4). Having begun their preaching in Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost, the apostles preached Christ to the whole world. |
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