2nd Sunday of Great Lent


Gospel
Mk2:1-12
2:1 When he entered again into Capernaum after some days, it was heard that he was in the house. 2:2 Immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no more room, not even around the door; and he spoke the word to them. 2:3 Four people came, carrying a paralytic to him. 2:4 When they could not come near to him for the crowd, they removed the roof where he was. When they had broken it up, they let down the mat that the paralytic was lying on. 2:5 Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven you.”
2:6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, 2:7 “Why does this man speak blasphemies like that? Who can forgive sins but God alone?”
2:8 Immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts? 2:9 Which is easier, to tell the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven;’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk?’ 2:10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic—2:11 “I tell you, arise, take up your mat, and go to your house.”
2:12 He arose, and immediately took up the mat, and went out in front of them all; so that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!”



Sermon
There are several characters here. The central character is of course Jesus Christ Himself. Then there is the paralytic and his friends. Then there are the critics, who sit around and find fault. The group of mutually supportive people who come to Jesus for help make a discovery. They find that Jesus can and does forgive us our sins. However, we have to ask for His forgiveness, and we must have faith. Jesus invites us to salvation. All we have to do is to ask Him to help us lead a sinless life, and have faith in Him. We see the constant critics seem to stay in the same unhappy spot, whereas the positive people who look for a solution to their issues seem to grow.
Nobody is stopping us from growing in holiness, except ourselves.

Rt. Rev. Olexander Kenez

first Sunday of Great lent

Sunday of Great Lent

Having suffered the Passion for us, Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on us!

Претерпівий за нас страсти, Ісусе Христе, Сину Божий, помилий нас!

The Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodox, with the celebration of the Holy Ikons.

John 1:13-51

12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.

15 John bare witness of him, and cried, saying, This was he of whom I spake, He that cometh after me is preferred before me: for he was before me.

16 And of his fulness have all we received, and grace for grace.

17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ.

18 No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, Who art thou?

20 And he confessed, and denied not; but confessed, I am not the Christ.

21 And they asked him, What then? Art thou Elias? And he saith, I am not. Art thou that prophet? And he answered, No.

22 Then said they unto him, Who art thou? that we may give an answer to them that sent us. What sayest thou of thyself?

23 He said, I am the voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make straight the way of the Lord, as said the prophet Esaias.
Isa 40:3

24 And they which were sent were of the Pharisees.

25 And they asked him, and said unto him, Why baptizest thou then, if thou be not that Christ, nor Elias, neither that prophet?

26 John answered them, saying, I baptize with water: but there standeth one among you, whom ye know not;

27 He it is, who coming after me is preferred before me, whose shoe's latchet I am not worthy to unloose.

28
These things were done in Bethabara beyond Jordan, where John was baptizing.

29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.

30 This is he of whom I said, After me cometh a man which is preferred before me: for he was before me.

31 And I knew him not: but that he should be made manifest to Israel, therefore am I come baptizing with water.

32 And John bare record, saying, I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it abode upon him.

33 And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost.

34 And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.

35 Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples;

36 And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God!

37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.

38 Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou?

39 He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour.

40 One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter's brother.

41 He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.

42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus beheld him, he said, Thou art Simon the son of Jona: thou shalt be called Cephas, which is by interpretation, A stone.

43
The day following Jesus would go forth into Galilee, and findeth Philip, and saith unto him, Follow me.

44 Now Philip was of Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter.

45 Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.

46 And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.

47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and saith of him, Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guile!

48 Nathanael saith unto him, Whence knowest thou me? Jesus answered and said unto him, Before that Philip called thee, when thou wast under the fig tree, I saw thee.

49 Nathanael answered and saith unto him, Rabbi, thou art the Son of God; thou art the King of Israel.

50 Jesus answered and said unto him, Because I said unto thee, I saw thee under the fig tree, believest thou? thou shalt see greater things than these.

51 And he saith unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Hereafter ye shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending upon the Son of man.



Sermon




First Sunday of Great Lent



Today is the first Sunday of Great lent. Today we celebrate the true faith. This is essentially what leads us to salvation. A few days ago, I was travelling in a car with a GPS satellite direction finder. This is a road map and a person sitting next to you telling you where to go. This is what the sundays before lent and lenten Sundays are about. They are a road map leading us to the resurrection of Christ. Today the resurrection is still a long way off. There is a long and maybe challenging journey still ahead of us. This though is what life is all about, picking up our cross and following Jesus.

Right Rev. Olexander Kenez

Prayers for Great Lent

Prayers appropriate for Great Lent

The prayer of St Ephrem
The Akathist to the Passion of Christ
The Canon of Repentence to our Lord Jesus Christ

Please read these prayers during Great Lent. They will provide a useful guide for the soul. The Psalms are an appropriate series of prayers and meditations to be said during Great Lent as well.

Right Rev. Olexander Kenez



St Ephrem

During Lent this prayer is recommended upon arising and before retiring for the night.


Prayer of St Ephrem


O Lord, Master of my life, grant that I may not be infected with the spirit of slothfulness and acquisitiveness, with the spirit of ambition and vain talking.
(Great Prostration (Metania), which is kneeling and touching the forehead to the floor, then standing and making the Sign of the Cross.)

Grant instead to me your servant the spirit of purity and humility, the spirit of patience and neighborly love.
(Great Prostration (Metania), which is kneeling and touching the forehead to the floor, then standing and making the Sign of the Cross.)
O Lord and King, bestow upon me the grace of being aware of my own sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brothers and sisters.
(Great Prostration (Metania), which is kneeling and touching the forehead to the floor, then standing and making the Sign of the Cross.)
For You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
O God, be gracious to me a sinner, and have mercy on me.
(12 times, with each time making a Small Prostration (Metania), bowing very low, touching the floor with the fingertips of the right hand, then standing and making the Sign of the Cross.)
Yes, O Lord and King, bestow upon me the grace of being aware of my own sins and of not thinking evil of those of my brothers and sisters.
(Great Prostration (Metania), which is kneeling and touching the forehead to the floor, then standing and making the Sign of the Cross.)
For You are blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.
To emphasize the theme of this prayer--changing our lives--we accompany it with
Great Prostration (Metany), kneeling and touching the forehead to the floor, then standing and making the Sign of the Cross.
When we pray "O God, be gracious to me a sinner, and have mercy on me" 12 times, we make Small Prostration (Metania), bowing very low, touching the floor with the fingertips of the right hand, then standing and making the Sign of the Cross.







Akathist Hymn to the Divine Passion of Christ

Kontakion 1
Supreme Ruler and Lord of Heaven and earth, seeing Thee, the Immortal King, hanging on the Cross, all creation was changed, Heaven was horrified, and the foundations of the earth were shaken. But we, unworthy as we are, offer Thee thankful adoration for Thy Passion in our behalf, and with the robber we cry to Thee:
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou
comest in Thy Kingdom!
Eikos 1
In completing the choirs of angels, Thou dist not take on the angelic nature, but being the Eternal God, for my sake Thou becamest man, and Thou didst restore to life men who were dead through sin with Thy Life-giving Body and Blood. Therefore, in gratitude for Thine amazing love, we humbly cry to Three:
Jesus, God, Eternal Love, Who was pleased to save us who are born of earth!
Jesus, Infinite Mercy, Who didst come down here to us fallen creatures!
Jesus, Who was clothed in our flesh and didst destroy the dominion of death by Thy death!
Jesus, Who dost deify us with Thy Divine Mysteries!
Jesus, Who hast redeemed the whole world by Thy Cross and Passion!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 2
Seeing Thee in the Garden of Gethsemane struggling in prayer till Thou didst sweat blood, an angel appeared and strengthened Thee when our sins weighed upon Thee like a heavy burden. For, having taken lost Adam on Thy shoulders, Thou didst bring him to the Father by bending Thy knees and praying. For this I sing to Thee with faith and love: Alleluia!
Eikos 2
The Jews did not know the incredible truth of Thy voluntary Passion. Therefore, when Thou didst say to those who were seeking Thee at night with lanterns: I AM HE, even though they fell to the ground, yet afterwards they bound Thee and led Thee to the judgment hall. But we fall down before Thee on the Way of the Cross and cry with love:
Jesus, Light of the world, hated by evil and worldly people!
Jesus, Who dwellest in unapproachable Light, seized by the realms of darkness!
Jesus, Immortal Son of God, condemned to death by a son of perdition!
Jesus, in Whom there is nothing false, falsely kissed by the traitor!
Jesus, Who givest Thyself freely to all, sold for a sum of silver!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 3
By the power of Thy divinity Thou didst foretell to Thy disciple his threefold denial. But even though after this he denied Thee with an oath, yet when he saw Thee, His Lord and Master, in the high priest's court his heart was touched, and he went out and wept bitterly. Look, then, also upon me, O Lord, and strike my hard heart, that with my tears I may wash away my sins and sing to Thee: Alleluia!
Eikos 3
Having true power as High Priest for ever, after the order of Melchizedek, Thou didst stand before the criminal high priest Caiaphas. O Lord and Master of all, Who didst accept torture from Thy slaves, accept from us these prayers and praises:
Jesus, Priceless One Who was bought for a price, adopt me into Thine eternal inheritance!
Jesus, desire of all nations, denied from fear by Peter, reject me not a sinner!
Jesus, Innocent Lamb, torn by cruel scourges, rescue me from mine enemies!
Jesus, High Priest, Who hast entered the Holy of Holies with Thy Blood, cleanse me from fleshly impurity!
Jesus bound, Who hast power to bind and to loose, absolve my grievous sins!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 4
Breathing a storm of murderous thoughts, the Jews having listened to the voice of the father of lies and manslayer from time immemorial, the devil, rejected Thee, the right Way, the Truth, and the Life. But we confess Thee to be Christ, the power of God, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and we cry: Alleluia!
Eikos 4
Having heard Thy meek and gentle words, Pilate delivered Thee up to be crucified as deserving death, even though he himself bore witness that he had found not a single fault in Thee. Then he washed his hands, but defiled his heart. And wondering at the mystery of Thy voluntary Passion, with compunction we cry to Thee:
Jesus, Son of God and Son of the Virgin, tortured by the sons of iniquity!
Jesus, mocked and stripped, Who givest the flowers of the field their beauty and deckest the sky with clouds!
Jesus, covered with wounds, Who satisfied the hunger of five thousand men with five loaves of bread!
Jesus, King of all, who instead of a tribute of love and gratitude receivest cruel tortures!
Jesus, Who art wounded all the day long for our sake, heal the wounds of our souls!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 5
Thou wast all arrayed in Thy divine blood, O Thou Who coverest Thyself with light as with a garment. I know, indeed I know with the Prophet why Thy garments are purple. I, Lord, it is I who wounded Thee with my sins. So to thee Who was wounded for my sake I thankfully cry: Alleluia!
Eikos 5
Foreseeing Thee in spirit covered with shame and wounds, the divinely inspired Isaiah cried in horror: We have seen Him, and He had no form or beauty. And we, seeing thee on the Cross, with faith and amazement cry:
Jesus, enduring dishonour, Who hast crowned man with glory and honour!
Jesus, on Whom angels cannot gaze, slapped in the face!
Jesus, Who was struck on the head with a reed, bow my head in humility!
Jesus, Whose bright eyes were darkened with blood, turn away my eyes from beholding vanity!
Jesus, Who from head to feet hadst not part whole, make me perfectly whole and healthy!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 6
Pilate proved a preacher of Thine innocence, when he told the people that he found nothing in Thee deserving death. But the Jews, like wild beasts that have seen blood, gnashed their teeth at Thee and cried: Crucify, crucify Him! We, however, kiss Thy most pure wounds and cry: Alleluia!
Eikos 6
Thou wast a spectacle and marvel to men and angels, and to Pilate who said of Thee: Behold the Man! Come, then, let us worship Jesus Who suffered abuse for our sake, as we cry:
Jesus, Creator and Judge of all, judged and tortured by Thy creatures!
Jesus, Giver of Wisdom, Who gavest no answer to foolish questions!
Jesus, Healer of those wounded by sin, grant me the healing of repentance!
Jesus, Shepherd Who was struck, strike the demons that cause me temptation!
Jesus, crushed in body, crush my heart with Thy fear!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 7
Wishing to deliver mankind from slavery to the enemy, Thou didst humble Thyself before Thine enemies, O Jesus, and like a lamb that is dumb Thou wast led to the slaughter, and didst endure wounds all over, that having healed the whole man, he might cry: Alleluia!
Eikos 7
Wonderful patience didst Thou show when, after the sentence of the unjust judge, the soldiers reviled Thee and inflicted cruel wounds on Thy Most-pure Body, so that it was purple with blood from head to foot. Therefore with tears we cry to Thee:
Jesus, Lover of mankind, crowned with thorns by mankind!
Jesus, impassible in Thy Divinity, enduring thy Passion to free us from our passions!
Jesus, my Saviour, save me who deserve all sufferings!
Jesus, forsaken by all, my Strength, strengthen me!
Jesus, my Joy, from all insults gladden me!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 8
Strange and wonderful it was when Moses and Elijah appeared to Thee on Tabor and spoke of Thy death which Thou wast about to accomplish in Jerusalem, that having beheld Thy glory there and seen our salvation here, they might cry: Alleluia!
Eikos 8
Everywhere persecuted by the Jews on account of the great multitude of my sins, Thou didst endure my shame and torment. For some say that Thou art opposed to Caesar, others accuse Thee of being a criminal while some cry: Take Him, take Him, and crucify Him. So to Thee, our Lord, condemned by all and led to crucifixion, from the depth of our souls we say:
Jesus, unjustly condemned, our Judge, condemn us not according to our deeds!
Jesus, Who was exhausted on the way under Thy Cross, my Power, forsake me not in the hour of my sorrow and suffering!
Jesus, Who didst cry for help to the Father, mine Exemplar, strengthen me in my weakness!
Jesus, Who didst accept dishonour, my Glory, deprive me not of Thy glory!
Jesus, radiant image of the Father's Being, transfigure my dark and impure life!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 9
All nature was confounded at the sight of Thee hanging on the Cross: in the heavens the sun hid his rays, the earth quaked, the veil of the Temple was torn, the rocks split, and hell gave up her dead. But we worship on the place where Thy most pure feet stood, crying: Alleluia!
Eikos 9
Eloquent orators, even if they speak much, cannot render sufficient gratitude for Thy Divine Passion, O Lover of mankind. But our souls and bodies, our hearts and all our members with compunction cry to Thee:
Jesus, Who was nailed to the Cross, nail down and annul the handwriting of our sins!
Jesus, Who stretchest out Thy hands from the Cross to all, draw me to Thyself, for I too have gone astray!
Jesus, Door of the sheep, pierced in Thy side, lead me through Thy wounds into Thy bridal chamber!
Jesus, crucified in the flesh, crucify my flesh with its passions and desires!
Jesus, Who didst end Thy life in agony, grant that my heart may know nothing but Thee crucified!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 10
Desiring to save the world, Thou didst heal the blind, the lame, the lepers, the deaf and the dumb, and didst drive out evil spirits. But the foolish Jews, breathing envy and malice, nailed Thee to the Cross, not knowing how to sing: Alleluia!
Eikos 10
Jesus Eternal King, Thou sufferest in every limb for my intemperance and incontinence, that Thou mightest make the whole of me pure, giving us a pattern in everything that we might follow in Thy steps and cry:
Jesus, unfathomable Love, Who didst not charge with sin those who crucified Thee!
Jesus, Who didst pray earnestly with crying and tears in the garden, teach us also to pray!
Jesus, Who hast fulfilled all prophecy in Thyself, fulfill our heart's desire for goodness!
Jesus, Who didst surrender Thy spirit into thy Father's hands, in the hour of my death receive my spirit!
Jesus, Who didst not prevent the division of Thy garments, separate my soul from my body gently!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 11
Tenderest songs did Thine immaculate Mother offer to Thee, saying: Even though Thou sufferest on the Cross, yet I know Thee from the womb to be begotten of the Father before the morning star, for I see that all creation is suffering with Thee. Thou surrenderest Thy spirit to the Father. Receive also my spirit and forsake me not as I cry: Alleluia!
Eikos 11
Like a light-receiving lamp the immaculate Virgin stood at Thy Cross burning with love and torn with a mother's sorrow for Thee, the true Sun of Righteousness that was setting in the grave, and with Her accept these prayers of our heart:
Jesus, Who was lifted up on the Tree that with Thyself Thou mightest lift us fallen creatures to Thy Father!
Jesus, Who didst give the Ever-Virgin as a mother to the virgin Apostle that Thou mightest teach us purity and virginity!
Jesus, Who didst entrust Thy Mother to Thy disciple, the Theologian, commit us all to Her maternal protection!
Jesus, Conqueror of the world and hell, conquer the unbelief, the pride of life, and the lust of the eyes that lurks within us!
Jesus, Destroyer of the power of death, deliver me from eternal death!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 12
Grant me Thy Grace, O Jesus my God. Receive me as Thou didst receive Joseph and Nicodemus, that I may offer to Thee my soul like a clean shroud, may anoint Thy most pure body with the fragrant spices of virtue, and may have Thee in my heart as in a tomb, as I cry: Alleluia!
Eikos 12
Praising Thy voluntary Crucifixion, we worship Thy Passion, O Christ. We believe with the centurion that Thou art truly the Son of God Who art coming on the clouds with power and great glory. Put us not then to shame, who are redeemed by Thy blood, and thus cry aloud:
Jesus, long-suffering, by the lamentation of Thy Virgin Mother rescue us from eternal weeping!
Jesus, forsaken by all, forsake me not in the hour of my death!
Jesus, with Mary Magdalene who touched Thy feet, receive me!
Jesus, condemn me not with the traitor and those who crucified Thee!
Jesus, bring me with the good thief into Paradise!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 13 (thrice)
O Jesus Christ, Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the world, accept this small act of thanksgiving offered to Thee with all our soul, and heal us by Thy saving Passion from all sickness of soul and body. Protect us by Thy Cross from enemies visible and invisible, and forsake us not at the end of our life, that saved by Thy death from eternal death, we may unceasingly cry to Thee: Alleluia!
Eikos 1 Repeated
In completing the choirs of angels, Thou dist not take on the angelic nature, but being the Eternal God, for my sake Thou becamest man, and Thou didst restore to life men who were dead through sin with Thy Life-giving Body and Blood. Therefore, in gratitude for Thine amazing love, we humbly cry to Three:
Jesus, God, Eternal Love, Who was pleased to save us who are born of earth!
Jesus, Infinite Mercy, Who didst come down here to us fallen creatures!
Jesus, Who was clothed in our flesh and didst destroy the dominion of death by Thy death!
Jesus, Who dost deify us with Thy Divine Mysteries!
Jesus, Who hast redeemed the whole world by Thy Cross and Passion!
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou comest in Thy Kingdom!
Kontakion 1 Repeated
Supreme Ruler and Lord of Heaven and earth, seeing Thee, the Immortal King, hanging on the Cross, all creation was changed, Heaven was horrified, and the foundations of the earth were shaken. But we, unworthy as we are, offer Thee thankful adoration for Thy Passion in our behalf, and with the robber we cry to Thee:
Jesus, Son of God, remember us when Thou
comest in Thy Kingdom!
Prayer to the Lord Jesus Crucified
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the Living God,
Creator of Heaven and earth, Saviour of the world,
Behold I who am unworthy and of all men most sinful,
humbly bow the knee of my heart before
the glory of Thy majesty and praise Thy Cross and Passion,
and offer thanksgiving to Thee, the King and God of all,
that Thou wast pleased to bear as man all labours and hardships,
all temptations and tortures,
that Thou mightest be our Fellow-sufferer and Helper,
and a Saviour to all of us in all our sorrows, needs, and sufferings.
I know, O all-powerful Lord, that all these things
were not necessary for Thee,
but for us men and for our salvation Thou dist endure Thy Cross and Passion
that Thou mightest redeem us from all cruel bondage to the enemy.
What, then, shall I give in return to Thee, O Lover of mankind,
for all that Thou hast suffered for me, a sinner?
I cannot say, for soul and body and all blessings come from Thee,
and all that I have is Thine, and I am Thine.
Yet I know that love is repaid only by love.
Teach me, then, to love and praise Thee.
Trusting solely in Thine infinite compassion and mercy, O Lord,
I praise Thine unspeakable patience,
I magnify Thine unutterable exhaustion,
I glorify Thy boundless mercy,
I adore Thy purest Passion,
and most lovingly kissing Thy wounds, I cry:
Have mercy on me a sinner,
and cause that Thy holy Cross may not be fruitless in me,
that I may participate here with faith in Thy sufferings
and be vouchsafed to behold also the glory of Thy Kingdom in Heaven.
Amen.



CANON OF REPENTANCE
To our Lord Jesus Christ
Song 1. Tone 6.
Eirmos: When Israel walked on foot in the sea as on dry land, on seeing their pursuer Pharaoh drowned, they cried: Let us sing to God a song of victory. Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
Now I, a burdened sinner, approach Thee, my Lord and God. But I dare not raise my eyes to Heaven. I only pray, saying: Give me, O Lord, the sense to weep bitterly over my deeds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
O woe is me, a sinner! Wretched am I above all men. There is no penitence in me. Give me, O Lord, tears to weep bitterly over my deeds.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Foolish, wretched man, you are wasting your time in idleness! Think of your life and turn to the Lord God, and weep bitterly over your deeds.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Most pure Mother of God, look upon me, a sinner, and deliver me from the snares of the devil, and guide me to the way of repentance, that I may weep bitterly over my deeds.
Song 3.
Eirmos: There is none holy as Thou, O Lord my God, "Who hast exalted the power of Thy faithful, O Good One, and strengthened us on the rock of Thy confession.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
When the thrones are set at the dread judgment, then the deeds of all men will be exposed. Then alas for the sinners sent to torment! And knowing that, my soul, repent of your evil deeds.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
The righteous will rejoice, but the sinners will weep. Then no one will be able to help us, but our deeds will condemn us. Therefore, before the end dawns, repent of your evil deeds.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Woe is me, a great sinner, who have defiled myself by my deeds and thoughts. Not a tear-drop do I have, because of my hard-heartedness. Now raise yourself from the earth, my soul, and repent of your evil deeds.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theolokion: Lo, thy Son calls, O Lady, and teaches us what is good. But, sinful as I am, I always flee from the good. But do thou, O merciful one, have mercy on me, that I may repent of my evil deeds.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).
Sedalion, tone 6:I think of the awful day and weep over my evil deeds. How shall I answer the Immortal King? How shall I, a prodigal, dare to look at the Judge? O gracious Father, Only-Begotten Son, and Holy Spirit, have mercy on me.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Bound now with many chains of sins, and inhibited by cruel passions, I have recourse to thee, my salvation, and cry: Help me, O Virgin, Mother of God.
Song 4.
Eirmos: Christ is my power, my God and my Lord, the holy Church divinely sings, crying with a pure mind, keeping festival in the Lord.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
Broad is the way here and conducive to indulging in pleasures, but how bitter it will be on the last day when the soul is separated from the body! Beware of pleasures, man, for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Why do you wrong the poor? Why do you withhold the wage of the hired servant? Why do you not love your brother? Why do you run after pride and lust? And so, stop these things, my soul, and repent for the sake of the Kingdom of God.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
O thoughtless man! How long will you busy yourself like a bee, accumulating your fortune? For it will perish like dust and ashes soon. But seek rather the Kingdom of God.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theolokion: O Lady, Mother of God, have mercy on me, a sinner. Strengthen me in the virtues and keep me safe, lest sudden death take me by surprise. And bring me, O Virgin, to the Kingdom of God.
Song 5.
Eirmos: Illumine with Thy divine light, I pray, O Good One, the souls of those who with love rise early to pray to Thee, that they may know Thee, O Word of God, as the true God, Who recalls us from the darkness of sin.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
Remember, wretched man, how you are enslaved to lies, calumnies, theft, infirmities, wild beasts and fears, on account of your sins. O my sinful soul, is that what you have desired?
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
My members tremble, for with all of them I have sinned: with my eyes in looking, with my ears in hearing, with my tongue in speaking evil, and by surrendering the whole of myself to hell. O my sinful soul, is that what you have desired?
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Thou didst receive the prodigal and the robber who repented, O Saviour, and I alone have succumbed to sinful sloth and have become enslaved to evil deeds. O my sinful soul, is this what you have desired?
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Wonderful and speedy helper of all men, help me. Mother of God, unworthy as I am, for my sinful soul desires that.
Song 6.
Eirmos: Beholding the sea of life surging the flood of temptations, I run to calm haven, and cry to Thee: Raise up my life from corruption, O Most Merciful One.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
I have lived my life wantonly on earth and have delivered my soul to darkness. But now I implore Thee, O merciful Lord, free me from this work of the enemy and give me the knowledge to do Thy will.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy m me.
Who does such things as I do? For just like a swine lying in the mud, so I serve sin. But do Thou, O Lord, pull me out of this vileness and give me the heart to do Thy commandments.
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Rise, wretched man, to God and, remembering your sins, fall down before your Creator, weeping and groaning, for He is merciful and will grant you to know His will.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Virgin Mother of God, protect me from evil visible and invisible, O immaculate one, and accept my prayers and convey them to thy Son, that He may grant me the sense to do His will.
Lord, have mercy. (Thrice).
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Kontakion: O my soul, why do you become rich in sins? Why do you do the will of the devil? On what do you set your hope? Stop these things and turn to God with tears, and cry: O Merciful Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Oekos: Think, my soul, of the bitter hour of death and the awful judgment of your God and Creator. For terrible Angels will seize you, my soul, and will lead you into the eternal fire. And so, before your death, repent and cry: O Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.
Song 7.
Eirmos: An Angel made the furnace throw de-w on the holy Children. But the command of God consumed the Chaldeans and prevailed upon the tyrant to cry: Blessed art Thou, O God of our fathers.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
Do not hope, my soul, for corruptible wealth, and for what is unjustly collected. For you do riot know to whom you will leave it all. But cry: O Christ our God, have mercy on me, who am unworthy.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Do not trust, my soul, in your physical health, and in your quickly-passing beauty. For you see that the strong and the young die. But say: O Christ our God, have mercy on me, who am unworthy.
Glory to the Father, and to the Sore, and to the Holy Spirit:
Remember, my soul, eternal life and the Heavenly Kingdom prepared for the saints, and the outer darkness and the wrath of God for the evil, and cry: O Christ our God, have mercy on me, who am unworthy.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Fall down, my soul, before the Mother of God, and pray to her; for she is quick to help those who repent. She prays to Christ, her Son and our God, and has mercy on me who am unworthy.
Song 8.
Eirmos: Thou didst make flame sprinkle the Saints with dew, and didst burn the sacrifice of a righteous man with water. For Thou alone, O Christ, dost do all as Thou wiliest. Thee we exalt throughout all ages.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
How can I not weep when I think of death? For I have seen my brother lying in his coffin, inglorious and hideous. What, then, do I expect? And what do I hope for? Only grant me, O Lord, repentance before my end. (2)
Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
I believe that Thou wilt come to judge the living and the dead, and all will stand in order, old and young, lords and princes, priests and virgins. Where shall I find myself? Therefore I cry: grant me, O Lord, repentance before my end.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: Most pure Mother of God, accept my unworthy prayer and preserve me from sudden death; and grant me repentance before my end.
Song 9.
Eirmos: It is impossible for men to see God, upon Whom the orders of Angels dare not gaze. But through thee, O all-pure one, did the Word incarnate appear to men, and with the Heavenly Hosts we magnify Him, and thee we call blessed.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Troparia:
I now have recourse to you, holy Angels, Archangels, and all the Heavenly Hosts who stand at the throne of God: pray to your Creator that He may save my soul from eternal torment.
Have mercy on me, O God, have mercy on me.
Now I turn to you with tears, holy patriarchs, kings and prophets, apostles and holy prelates, and all Christ's elect: help me at the judgment, that He may save my soul from the power of the enemy.
Glory to the Father, awl to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit:
Now I lift my hands to you, holy martyrs, hermits, virgins, righteous and all the saints, who pray to the Lord for the whole world, that He may have mercy on me at the hour of my death.
Now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.
Theotokion: O Mother of God, help me who have strong hope in thee; implore thy Son that He may place me on His right hand, unworthy as I am, when He sits to judge the living and the dead. Amen.
Prayer after the Canon
Lord Christ our God, Who hast healed my passions through Thy Passion, and hast cured my wounds through Thy wounds, grant me who have sinned greatly against Thee tears of compunction. Transform my body with the fragrance of Thy life-giving Body, and sweeten my soul with Thy Holy Blood from the bitterness with which the foe has fed me. Lift up my downward looking mind to Thee, and take it out of the pit of perdition, for I have no repentance, I have no compunction, I have no consoling tears, which uplift children to their heritage. My mind has been darkened through earthly passions, I cannot look up to Thee in pain. I cannot warm myself with tears of love for Thee. But, O Lord Jesus Christ, Treasury of good gifts, give me thorough repentance and a diligent heart to seek Thee; grant me Thy grace, and renew in me the lineaments of Thy image. I have forsaken Thee - do not forsake me! Come out to seek me; lead me up to Thy pasturage and number me among the lambs of Thy chosen flock. Nourish me with them on the grass of Thy Holy Mysteries. by the prayers of Thy Most Pure Mother and all Thy saints. Amen.

Cheesefare Sunday

Cheesefare Sunday

Matthew: 6:14-21





14For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:

15But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

16Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.

17But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;

18That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.

19Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:

20But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:

21For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Sermon

Today, we are led to try to look at something a little higher than everyday life. We are asked to look at the reality of heaven and us. God asks us to look at the reality of the state of our soul.
We are asked to lay up our treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consume, and where thieves don’t break through and steal. This makes sense. However, the Gospel writer makes the observation, “for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
. The most obvious meaning is, do we really want to put our treasure in heaven. Obviously near death maybe, but do we want to do so today, this is a difficult question.
This is not easy to answer and requires much of us. We are asked to change. The change is not just a superficial change, but something rather fundamental. The epistle tells us not to put off what needs to be done today, rather, begin to lead a God filled life today.
Tonight, we traditionally celebrate forgiveness vespers. This is a liturgical service in which every member of the community goes up to every other member of the community and asks for forgiveness for anything we may have done. This is the beginning of Great Lent. It is important we understand that we must be Christian in all of our human reelationships.
May God bless us all as we begin our Lenten journey which will lead us to salvation.

Right Rev Olexander Kenez

Meatfare Sunday

Meatfare Sunday

Matthew 25:31-46
The Lord said, "When the Son of man comes in his glory and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate them one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, and he will place the sheep at his right hand, but the goats at the left. Then the king will say to those at his right hand, 'Come, O blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.' Then he will say to those at his left hand, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels; for I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it not to one of the least of these, you did it not to me.' And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."


Sermon

This Sunday follows on from the ones that went before. This prepares us to be able to take advantage of Lent. We focused on the virtue of humility in the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, then we heard about the unconditional love of God in the Sunday of the Prodigal Son. Today we look at the last judgment, the justice of God. God is good, God is loving, but God is also just.
This means that ultimately we have to take responsibility for our actions. This is important for us to understand. We cannot always blame circumstances or other people. We are who we want to be. God will judge us, for who we are, not who we might have been. We cannot say, “I didn’t really mean it, it wasn’t my fault”. The reality is, one day we will have be responsible. Perhaps none of us really understands that he or she ultimately cannot fool God.
Let us spend a little time praying about this as we come to the beginning of Lent. In one week we will be beginning the road which will take us to the passion of Christ. Let us pray this week that we have sufficient humility and awareness that God truly loves us to be able to put our live into God’s hands, and be really truthful with ourselves and Him when we walk the path to holiness.

Rt. Rev. Olexander Kenez

The Sunday of the Prodigal Son

34th Sunday after Pentecost - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32



34th Sunday after Pentecost - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

Luke 15:11-32



11-16. And He said, A certain man had two sons: and the younger of them said to his father, Father, give me the portion of the property that falleth to me. And he divided unto them his living. And not many days after the younger son gathered all together, and took his journey into a far country, and there squandered his property with prodigal living. And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land; and he began to be in want. And he went and joined himself to a citizen of that country; and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. And he longed to fill his belly with the pods that the swine did eat: and no man gave unto him.
And when he came to himself, he said, How many hired servants of my fathers have bread enough and to spare, and I perish with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee, and am no longer worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants. And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and in thy sight, and am no longer worthy to be called thy son.
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the first robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet: and bring hither the grain-fed bullock, and kill it; and let us eat, and be merry: for this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found. And they began to be merry.
25-32. Now his elder son was in the field: and as he came and drew nigh to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants, and asked what these things meant. And he said unto him, Thy brother is come; and thy father hath killed the grain-fed bullock, because he hath received him safe and sound. And he was angry, and would not go in: therefore came his father out, and entreated him. And he answering said to his father, Lo, these many years do I serve thee, neither transgressed I at any time thy commandment: and yet thou never gavest me a kid, that I might make merry with my friends: but as soon as this thy son was come, who hath devoured thy living with harlots, thou hast killed for him the grain-fed bullock. And he said unto him, Son, thou art ever with me, and all that I have is thine. It was meet that we should make merry, and be glad: for this thy brother was dead, and is alive again; and was lost, and is found.

Sermon
Today we are presented with the classical sin and repentance story. Most people only notice the bad son repenting and being forgiven. This is important, very important. Many of us at one point time or another have been in the situation of asking for forgiveness. The difficult issue is the older son.He was a good and faithful hard worker. There seems to be no sin to forgive. This though is not correct. He cannot forgive his brother and welcome him back to the family. The father tries to explain to the older son how things stand. He though will have non of this at all. He rejects the younger brother and the father's forgiveness of the prodigal son. Here he is doing something which is fundamentally wrong. He is being a judge, he is committing the sin of pride, and he is rejecting the father's right to love. Most of all, her himself has no love for his brother. This is a very sad situation to be in.Where do we fit into the picture? Are we the prodigal son, or are we the older brother. Most probably, we are somewhere in the middle. Let us give some time this week to meditating on this Gospel, and see how do we fit into this picture. Then let us spend some time in prayer to meditate on what I have to do to change in order to continue on my journey to perfection. Right Rev. Olexander Kenez

The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

33rd Sunday after Pentecost - The Publican and the Pharisee

Luke 18:10-14

9-14. And He spake this parable unto certain who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus within himself, God, I thank Thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house counted righteous rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be humbled; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.


Sermon

Today we deal with the concept of whom am I. Both men went into the church to pray. This in itself was a Godly act on the part of both. Here though, is where the similarity ends. One spent his time telling God how good he was. The other said God be merciful to me a sinner. This is so typical of life. Some people carry themselves around with a very impressive opinion of themselves. They are not necessarily bad people, but they do not have a firm grounding in reality. The sin of pride also is quite significant in their lives. The person who stands in the back of the church and humbly says, "God be merciful to me a sinner", is the person who is one with reality. The Pharisee really does not need God. His prayer was really a hymn of self glorification.The prayer of the Pharisee was a prayer of the heart which was pleasing to God. Let us then spend a little time this week meditating on where we are on the journey of life. Can we say, "God be merciful a sinner" or do we still continue denying any wrong doing and keep on justifying our sins. To acknowledge our sin is the first step to repentance.

Rt. Rev Olexander Kenez

Sunday of Zaccheus

32nd Sunday after Pentecost - Sunday of Zacchaeus

Luke 19:1-10

1-10. And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. And, behold, there was a man named Zacchaeus, who was a chief publican, and he was rich. And he sought to see Jesus Who He was, and could not for the crowd, because he was of little stature. And he ran before, and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him: for He was to pass that way. And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up, and saw him, and said unto him, Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down: for today I must abide at thy house. And he made haste, and came down, and received Him joyfully. And when they saw it, they all murmured, saying, He has gone to be guest with a man that is a sinner. And Zacchaeus stood, and said unto the Lord; Behold, Lord, the half of my goods I give to the poor; and if I have taken any thing from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold. And Jesus said unto him, This day is salvation come to this house, forsomuch as he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.

Sermon

This is the first of the Sundays that prepare us for Great Lent. Today the Church is inviting us to do the same as Zacchaeus. We are being invited to come and see. We are invited to invite Jesus into our lives so that He can ask us to come and see where He lives.This is fundamental to becoming a person who models himself or herself on Christ. We have to invite Christ to be a part of our life so that He can become close to us. Only in this way can we become like Jesus. Ultimately, this is the whole point of Great Lent. The process of becoming like Jesus is a step by step process that is presented to us by the Sunday Gospels. When we follow these gospels, up to Easter, and take the message from them and make them a part of our life, we will become more Christ like. It is simple as that. The whole process of seeking perfection in our life is a process that we will carry on till we die. Let us then take up Christ's challenge and come and see.

Rt. Rev Olexander Kenez

31st Sunday after Pentecost

Sun 29th Jan Sermon - 31st Sunday after Pentecost

This is an interesting and probably challenging pair of readings. The epistle tells us a lot about the personality of St Paul. He tells us that God has a sense of humour. Paul says that Jesus wanted to spread the Good News of salvation throughout the world. Not a problem so far. So, what does God go and do? He does something that seems incredibly foolish. He goes and chooses the one person who made it his life mission to destroy the church that Christ founded. That is to say St Paul. Why does God go and do this? He did it for the simple shock value. Jesus chose the most unlikely person He could find to be a messenger of spreading the Good News of Salvation to the poor. Let us all pause now and ask ourselves, is God telling me anything here. He probably is, but the real question is, are we listening. The Gospel is a carry on from the epistle. Jesus says to the blind man, "your faith has saved you." Here again, can Jesus say the same to us? This is what is necessary. Paul converts people and tells them that their faith is saving them. He says this because it is Jesus himself that says
so.

Rt. Rev Olexander Kenez