Catechumenate

We have seen the True Light; we have received the heavenly Spirit; we have found the True Faith, worshipping the undivided Trinity, for the Trinity has saved us.

Blessed be God!

I am to be made a catechumen on the 18th of September, Deo volente, and, if all goes well, baptised and chrismated between Theophany and Pascha next year.

I ask your prayers.

Communion - Orthodoxy and Rome: Part the Second

The Eastern Churches that are not in full communion with the Catholic Church celebrate the Eucharist with great love. 'These Churches, although separated from us, yet possess true sacraments, above all - by apostolic succession - the priesthood and the Eucharist, whereby they are still joined to us in closest intimacy.' A certain communion "in sacris", and so in the Eucharist, 'given suitable circumstances and the approval by Church authority, is not merely possible but is encouraged.' - the Catechism of the Catholic Church

Has anybody actually come across any incidences of this. I know that Rome makes exceptions to "closed" communion in certain circumstances. The Anglican wife of a RC deacon of my acquaintance was permitted to receive at his ordination, and I know that, at funerals or other times of 'sorrow and joy', this can be waived with the necessary permission.

I also know that Rome and Orthodoxy have different concepts of what the Church is and where its boundaries lie, and so while the RC bishop may permit his priests to communicate Orthodox faithful, the latter are very unlikely to receive permission from their bishop to receive at a RC mass, (especially in ROCOR, with the anathema against ecumenism, which Metropolitan Vitaly describes as ' the most pernicious of heresies, for it has gathered all the heresies that exist or have existed, and has called this union a church - a deed that savours of antichrist.')

Still, does anybody know of any cases where an Orthodox bishop has permitted this? I would be interested to know. Many thanks.

Hagia Sophia

O God, who hast said "My house shall be called a house of prayer", vouchsafe to cleanse and hallow this house, which hath been polluted and defiled by the abominations of the heathen; so that thou mayest mercifully hear and graciously perform the prayers and vows of them that call upon thee in this place; Through Jesus Christ thy only Son our Lord, Who with thee and the Holy Ghost liveth and reigneth, ever one God, now and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

The Holy New Martyr, Grand Duchess Elisabeth

Come, all ye that love Christ,
and let us offer up a hymn of praise
unto the martyred nun Elisabeth,
who was chosen by the Lord of hosts
to serve as an example of Christian piety and love
for those who desire to follow in his steps.
For, spurning the vanity of worldly possessions, ranks and cares,
she dedicated her whole life to the aid of those in need.
Wherefore, it hath pleased Christ our God
to crown her ascetic labours
with the diadem of martyrdom;
and, dwelling now in his heavenly kingdom,
she maketh supplication to God,
that He deliver from misfortune and peril
all who chant unto her with joy:
"Rejoice, O venerable martyr Elisabeth,
true model of Christian Sacrifice!"

Impressions

Metropolitan Anthony

A friend bought me this book a few weeks back, and I have started to read it this week. I haven't done much reading in recent years, but I have got into the practice of taking a book to work with me to read on the bus.

This is a window into the life and heart of a wonderful man, of whom, to my shame, I had never heard of until it was bought for me. It's one of those books that makes me sad that he died before I heard of him. I am only as far as the fifth chapter, but I have gained such insight into the personal effects that the atrocities of the 20th century had on individual families.

I look forward to reading and posting more. Does anybody have any experiences of him that they would like to share? I'd love to learn more about him.

The dullest blog in the world

I just had to share this. Enjoy.

Answers

Do you ever find yourself staring aimlessly into your fridge? If so, remember this:

You may find butter in your fridge.
You may find cheese in your fridge.
You may find vegetables in your fridge.

But you will not find answers in your fridge.

Instead, thank your fridge for the gift of coolness.

O confess unto the Lord, for He is gracious: and his mercy endureth for ever!

I've been thinking about this a fair bit, and have been very Anglican in my approach to individual Sacramental Confession: all may, some should, none must.

However, I'm not so sure now. All that aside, it won't be an issue when I eventually make the jump, as corporate absolution is not practised.

The reason for this post is just really to get an idea of different people's methods of preparing themselves for Confession. Are there any psalms, prayers or portions of Scripture that you find useful? If you feel you can share, I would like that very much.

Thank you.

Ave! Panis Angelorum

Hail, for evermore! Thou most holy Flesh of Christ!
Unto me, before all things and above all things, the highest sweetness.
The Body of our Lord Jesus Christ be unto me, a sinner, the Way and the Life;
in the name of the + Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

Hail, for evermore! Thou heavenly Drink!
Unto me before all things and above all things the highest sweetness.
The Body and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be profitable unto me, a sinner,
and an eternal remedy unto everlasting life;
in the name of the + Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. Amen.

These are my Communion devotions, said before receving the Blessed Sacrament. They are from the priest's prayers before Communion in the Sarum Missal, but I find them extremely helpful, as the language instills a sense of reverence and awe. Most Sundays see me trying to keep the servers and clergy in tow, as well as singing, and so it is good to have a few moments to be able to focus before receiving. I have used these prayers for about a year now, and have been nourished by them. I thought that I would share them here.

Lo! from the north we come - from east and west and south.

I've been thinking about the internet and use of it. Through my own musings and some contact with others recently, I have begun to think that being so open about things (although there are many things that I do not post that I could, as they are within the realm of this blog, but I would prefer not to), may well be a little more detrimental to relationships an my wellbeing than is ideal.

I know that this post in itself is a little ironic, but I felt it worth seeking people's thoughts about this. You see, I don't really have people nearby with whom I can speak about the things that I share here and on discussion forums. It could be considered rather sad, but the interaction that I have here is the most support I regularly get, and will be until I am able to go to and from my new church with more regularity. I can share my thoughts and feelings here, and can discuss doctrinal issues here and elsewhere. I don't think that I have come to rely on the contact here as a substitute for real life conversation, but it serves as a very useful and helpful source of information and support. That said, I'm not sure it's entirely a good idea to keep on.

Too many people saw a recent post of mine as a personal attack on them, which was unfortunate, but this is the sort of thing that I don't want to happen again.