The Holy and Great Fast

March 2, 2014

Expulsion of Adam and Even from Paradise O Lord and Master of my life, keep from me the spirit of sloth, despondency, lust of power, and idle chatter.

Instead, give to me, Your servant, a spirit of wholeness of being, humble-mindedness, patience and love.

Yes, O Lord and King, grant that I be aware of my sins, and not judge my brother; for You are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.

The above is the Prayer of Saint Ephraim, which is prayed daily during the Fast. The Holy Forty Days Fast (Great Lent) begins after Forgiveness Vespers on Sunday evening. May each of us seek out those we have offended and ask forgiveness, and forgive each and every man who has offended us (even if he does not seek our forgiveness). In that way we may approach the coming Fast worthily.

The icon is a detail of the Explusion of Adam and Eve from Paradise.

Jesus Christ the Lifegiver

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Joachim and Anna Rejoice

Today the bonds of childlessness are loosed, * for God has heard Joachim and Anna * and He promises manifestly that they, against all hope, would give birth to the Maiden of God * from whom the Uncircumscribed One Himself would be born, becoming man, * and he commanded the Angels to cry out to her: * “Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!” (Troparion - Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

Today the whole world celebrates * the conception of Anne which was brought about by God, * for she gave birth to the one who, beyond understanding, * gave birth to the Word. (Kontakion - Tone 4)

Saint Nicholas of Myra

The truth of your deeds has revealed you to your flock, * as a rule of faith, an image of meekness, and a teacher of abstinence. * Therefore, you attained the heights through humility, * and riches through poverty. * O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, * pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved. (Troparion, Tone 4)

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen.

In Myra, You were shown to be a servant of the sacred things, O Holy Nicholas, * for, fulfilling the Gospel of Christ, you, O Venerable, laid down your life for your people, * and saved the innocent from death. * Therefore, you were sanctified as a great initiate of the grace of God. (Kontakion, Tone 3)

Feasts & Fasts

December
6 St Nicholas the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra in Lycia
9 (8) The Conception of the Most Holy Mother of God by the Righteous Anna
11 Second Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Forefathers)
12 Our Lady of Guadalupe (Ruthenians, USA)
18 Sunday Before Christmas (Holy Fathers)
24 Christmas Eve
25 The Nativity of our Lord God and Savior, Jesus Christ
26 Synaxis of the Most Holy Mother of God, Boxing Day (Canada)
27 First-Martyr and Archdeacon Stephen
28 20,000 Martyrs of Nicomedia
29 14,000 Infants (the Holy Innocents) Slain by Herod at Bethlehem

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