Daily Meditations Archives - Page 272 of 355

The Third Friday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part IX)

05/01/2015

ANOINTING OF THE CHURCH The Bishop then anoints the four walls of the Church and the Holy Icons making the sign of the Cross on them with Holy Chrism. This act symbolizes the sanctification of all creation with the Grace of Christ. THE BISHOP: Glory to the Holy and Almighty and life-giving Trinity, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. CHOIR: Amen. DEACON: Again and again in peace, let us pray to the

The Third Thursday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part VIII)

04/30/2015

THE VESTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE The Altar Table is now covered with the “Katasarkion”. This white linen cloth represents the Lord’s burial shroud. The Katasarkion is tied with a cord which represents the cord with which our Lord’s hands were tied as He stood before the High Priests. The Katasarkion will never be removed and will remain on the Altar for as long as the Church remains standing. As the Katasarkion is being placed

The Third Wednesday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part VII)

04/29/2015

ANOINTING OF THE ALTAR TABLE The Bishop sprinkles Rosewater on the Altar Table as he recites: THE BISHOP: Thou shalt sprinkle me with hyssop and I shall be clean: Thou shalt wash me and I shall be whiter than snow. Thou shalt make me hear of joy and gladness, that the bones which Thou hast broken may rejoice. Rosewater is a sweet smelling fragrance which was used to anoint the Body of Christ for burial.

The Third Tuesday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part VI)

04/28/2015

THE WASHING OF THE ALTAR TABLE Since the Altar Table represents the Tomb of Christ and His body lies therein. The Altar must undergo its own “Baptism” (washing) and “Chrismation” (anointing). Before washing and anointing the Altar Table the Bishop puts on a white linen garment called the Savanon. While the faithful kneel, the Bishop reads the prayer of Consecration. THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of

The Third Monday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part V)

04/27/2015

THE DIALOGUE FROM PSALM 24 – ENTRY INTO CHURCH The Bishop standing in front of the Doors of the Church, begins a short dialogue. The words of this conversation are taken from Psalm 24. This act represents Christ the King entering and taking over the Church building by defeating the power of the devil. The Bishop taps on the door with his staff and says: THE BISHOP: Open, Open the gates and let them remain

The Second Friday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part IV)

04/24/2015

When the procession reaches the front doors of the Church, the Relics are again placed on the table, and readings from the Bible follow. SCRIPTURAL READINGS DEACON: Let us attend. READER: She shall be brought unto the King; the virgins that follow her shall be brought unto Thee. DEACON: Wisdom. READER: The Reading is from the Epistle of St. Paul to the Hebrews (9:1-7). DEACON: Let us attend. READER: Now even the first covenant had

Second Thursday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! The Feast Day of Saint George the Holy Great Martyr and Trophy-Bearer

04/23/2015

LIFE OF THE SAINT This great and wonderful athlete of Christ’s was the son of a wealthy and high-ranking Cappadocian family. George having lost his father at the age of ten, his mother Polychronia, who had become a Christian without her husband’s knowledge, returned to Palestine, her homeland, and brought up her son in the evangelical virtues. Handsome, intelligent and refined in manner, George embarked on a military career at the age of eighteen. He pleased

The Second Wednesday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part III)

04/22/2015

PROCESSIONS AROUND THE CHURCH Following this prayer, the Bishop and Clergy together with all the Faithful prepare for the Three Processions around the Church. The Three Processions represent the setting aside of an area which will be separate and sacred from all other areas. The Bishop raises the covered Paten on which the Holy Relics were placed, and prepares to leave the Church. The procession is led by the Altar Boys, followed by the Choir and

The Second Tuesday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part II)

04/21/2015

THE SERVICE OF CONSECRATION THE BISHOP: Blessed is our God always, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. CHOIR: Amen READER: Psalm 143 Hear, O Lord, my prayer give ear to my supplication; in Thy faithfulness answer me and in Thy righteousness. And enter not into judgment with Thy servant; for in Thy sight shall no man living be justified. For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath smitten my life down

The Second Monday of Pascha, Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Service of the Consecration of a Church (Part I)

04/20/2015

What is salvation for an Orthodox Christian? For an Orthodox Christian salvation is union with Christ. This union with Christ is called the “Life in Christ”. The center of this “Life in Christ” is the Holy Altar, as well as the services which are related to it, i.e. the Seven Sacraments. Because the Holy Altar is so important in the life of an Orthodox Christian, the service of Consecration centers around the Holy Altar Table.