Categories: orthodox-life, feast-days
Date: 04 April 2007 13:32:47
A blessed day indeed: thanks be to God.
The day started with a Pre-sanctified Liturgy at 7am: what a wonderful way to start a day -- praising God and partaking of the Body and Blood of our Lord before heading off to work.
Tonight we had the Sacrament of Holy Unction. As can be seen from the outline of the service on that page, it is a rather lengthy service (as most Orthodox services tend to be: especially during Lent!): many Psalms, prayers, seven sets of Epistle and Gospel readings, with prayers... I found myself, this poor, earthly body of mine, becoming weary -- the spirit is willing, but the flesh is indeed weak. However, it is at the same time a great joy to worship. And the anointing at the end of the service, on the face, neck and hands, together with the giving of a bottle of oil for home use, is a great blessing in aiding the body and the soul. Father also gave us a short talk on the need for us to avail ourselves of this sacrament: especially when sick. "Do not be afraid of calling a priest...they're not bad luck!", was his refrain: trying to put paid to the notion one only calls a priest when they're dying. "Call me anytime.", "Use your bottle of oil.", "Make use of the sacrament for healing of body and spirit." We have been blessed with a wonderful new priest: thanks be to God.
A busy day tomorrow: a Liturgy in the morning (with another chance to go forth in the day strengthened with the Body and Blood of Christ); and in the evening the Rite of Foot Washing and the Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels, which Unordered has been raving about: and I can but agree.
[For those who may be interested in attending an Orthodox service in Sydney, please feel free to come along to Ss Michael and Gabriel: service times here, and check this document for locations [note that if you are an early riser and want to come to the 7am service tomorrow, it is at the Parish Office (37 Station Street, West Ryde), not the hall as listed] -- we should be in the same place (West Ryde Community Hall) for all services from tomorrow night.]