Categories: prayer, other-churches
Date: 16 April 2009 01:27:03
A blessed service of Holy Unction at our parish last night; I was privileged to be ask to help with one of the Epistle readings and also to read some of the Canons [I cannot chant, without invoking wailing of cats and other sensitive creatures] so I said them. It was a blessing and privilege to be asked. As was, at the end of increasing long services, being anointed with oil for the health and salvation of spirit and body.
It is a strange feeling, these longer services. They are tiring, and my poor weak body grumbles a bit. But as the end draws near, I want more, I desire more, and am sad to have them end. Strange, contradictory feelings.
Today is Holy Thursday, with the commemoration of four events: Jesus washing the disciples' feet; the institution at the Last Supper of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist; the agony in the garden of Gethsemane; and the betrayal of Christ by Judas. I will most likely not be able to attend these services tonight, but I am reading about them and reading some of the prayers as I look to continue my journey through Holy Week.
A good friend, Shamasha (Deacon) Anthony of the Church of the East in San José, California, sent me a link to the Passover Preparation Prayers as used by the Church of the East. I am finding them a very worthwhile meditation on this Holy Thursday.
The entirety of Salvation History is recorded in them, invoking people and events from the Old Testament, to arise and join in the remembrance of Christ's Passion; from Adam and Abel:
Awake O First Adam, and see the Only-Begotten Son who suffered like a sinner at the hands of sinful people!
Awake and arise O cheated Abel, killed by the unjust brother, and see the Savior of the world, who dies for the life of the world!
through to Moses:
Awake O Moses, head of the prophets, and see the Lord of the prophets, who suffers at the hands of the sons of the prophets, as was foretold by the prophets!
and David:
Awake O David, O Psalmist, come out of the grave today; take up your harp and lyre, and preach, speaking in a Psalm: "They divided his clothes between them, placed their bets on his robes, and were like dogs around the Lion who did not speak to them."
to the Major and Minor Prophets, and ending with a glorious prayer to Christ, looking forward to his Triumph with the title "Conqueror" and the mention of the Resurrection:
O Conqueror whose friends abandoned him and whose servants judged him, by his choice: give victory to those whose sins have conquered them, in your mercies which brought them into existence! Blessed is your death, glorious your resurrection! Have pity and forgive, by your grace, your servants who confess your Divinity. In your power, be an aid for us, and make your mercies flow at every time upon the assemblies of the Church who confess that you have risen in truth. To you, with your Father be glory and adoration, and to the Holy Spirit, at all times.
A blessed Holy Thursday to all!