Last night was the second Wednesday in the Great Fast, and I went to sing the Presanctified Liturgy again. It’s just like falling off a bike – once you do it, you can do it again – tee-hee. Walking to the church is a very calming experience, even when I’m walking as fast as I can, which I had to do this time because I left the house 7 minutes after I would have done. Those seven minutes meant that I got to the church with only four minutes to spare before we were to start, just long enough for me to put on my riassa and have a few breaths.
The service is highly penitential and reflective, and includes several interested pieces, including the Prayer of St. Ephraim of Syria:
(Prostration)
But grant unto me, Thy servant, a spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love.
(Prostration)
Yea, O Lord and King, grant me to see mine own faults and not to judge my brothers and sisters. For blessed art Thou unto ages of ages. Amen.
(Prostration)
In these trying times, we could all use a little more chastity, humility, patience and love, eh?
Fr. Anastasy gave me a ride home at the end of the service, and I came upstairs and chilled out, and went to be without supper. I decided to do the fast this year because I was growing increasingly angry and frustrated with my situation and the people around me, and I decided that I needed a new perspective. So far, it seems to be working, as I feel much less frustrated, angry, more patient, calm, and forgiving. Of course, I’m craving cheese like you wouldn’t believe, but that’s a small price to pay for some inner peace.
Comments on this entry are closed.