St. Euphrosynos Taverna and Ouzeri (5)

[Konstantinos]

Thank you michael:) Time for Dinner! yummy string bean soup with Pita.... :sick: see you all later!! And thank God lent is almost over!!

[Alexis OCA]

Fresh fruit is ok for lent right? Every list I see mentions everything else except fruit. Is that just becuase it is common sense? Anyone eat alot of fruit during Lent?

[Khaleas]

Hello my friends! :wave:

Finally back in cold MD. Whatever happened to warm weather??? :mad:
I'm still feeling like a sick and drowned rat (aka horrible cold) but I think I will try to make it to Bridegroom service tonight. I've got six hours to make myself feel somewhat good...so as long as I don't spike a fever I should be good to go. Ugh, really don't have time to be sick.
Well, naptime and then I think I might have to turn on the heat and start working on my papers.

Hope all is well with you all...

[Matrona]

Fresh fruit is ok for lent right? Every list I see mentions everything else except fruit. Is that just becuase it is common sense? Anyone eat alot of fruit during Lent?

Fruit is Lenten! :)

[Momzilla]

:wave: Hello everyone! Welcome, Macarius!

To all who are sick or coming down with something, you have my prayers.

Matrona, how did the exam go?

[Matrona]

Matrona, how did the exam go?

I've not taken it yet, it's at 3. The professor was so nice about rescheduling it that I feel like I owe it to him to study extra-hard. :)

[Khaleas]

:wave: Hello everyone! Welcome, Macarius!

To all who are sick or coming down with something, you have my prayers.

Matrona, how did the exam go?

Thank you Momz! I don't want to miss out on anything this Holy Week so I will need prayers as I prepare for my Chrismation on Great and Holy Saturday. I have a presentation due Wed and a paper due Thurs. but I have a feeling I might stay home tomorrow and get better (no services tomorrow either). I can't lose my voice right now either because of the presentations.

Fortunately medications are lenten... :D I'm well doped up on Advil Cold & Sinus. I'll load up on the monster drugs before Bridegroom service tonight.

[Momzilla]

I don't want to miss out on anything this Holy Week so I will need prayers as I prepare for my Chrismation on Great and Holy Saturday.
You will have them. I am also (along with my sons) being chrimsated on Saturday.

[Khaleas]

You will have them. I am also (along with my sons) being chrimsated on Saturday.

I will pray for you Momz (and for your sons too of course)! :crosseo:
Definitely not getting the calm week I was wishing for but as Father said it is good practice to find balance between Church and Family and Worldly Obligations. But I will have Thursday off (Friday is off for me anyways) so I will have a few days to pray and think.

[Verushka]

Hi to you all! I have been getting ready for my Japanese exam tomorrow.. but now I have to stop reading... it feels like my head is overflowing with kanji marks... :)

[Momzilla]

I will pray for you Momz (and for your sons too of course)! :crosseo:
Definitely not getting the calm week I was wishing for but as Father said it is good practice to find balance between Church and Family and Worldly Obligations. But I will have Thursday off (Friday is off for me anyways) so I will have a few days to pray and think.

I'm taking Thursday afternoon and Friday off, too.

[elizabethevangeline]

Anyone remember a long funny narrative about giving a cat medicine that was shared in TAW a few weeks ago? It may have been from Anonykat?

Anyways, just did that! I have pink worming medicine splattered on the floor, on the blinds, but I think some got into the cat!

And when I let the cat out, I saw that my dog had "unloaded" my new flat of 4" pots of heather and herbs across the porch and into the driveway.

I hollered "You're gonna die, dog!"

Somehow that made it funny, especially since the plants seem to be OK.

:)

[elizabethevangeline]

BTW, my husband and sons went to Palm Sunday with me. The boys enjoyed the palm crosses and leaves. (youngest made 'em into a sword in the car, oldest figured out how to make his own cross) I've never liked public display "meet me at the flagpole" type of church gatherings but I loved the procession around the church. I wish I had a better singing voice!

[Matrona]

I'm taking Thursday afternoon and Friday off, too.

I haven't followed the news today--are things going to work out after all with the case you were worried about? I hope so :pray:

[Momzilla]

I haven't followed the news today--are things going to work out after all with the case you were worried about? I hope so :pray:

Yes, thank goodness. Moussaoui pleaded guilty to all six charges on Friday. At least for now, my week looks clear. Phew!

[Matrona]

Good to hear that, Momz. Off to my exam!

[Momzilla]

:pray: :crosseo:

[Matrona]

Thanks Momz, and to everyone else who prayed for me. I think I did pretty well! :thumbsup:

[Khaleas]

Anyone remember a long funny narrative about giving a cat medicine that was shared in TAW a few weeks ago? It may have been from Anonykat?

Anyways, just did that! I have pink worming medicine splattered on the floor, on the blinds, but I think some got into the cat!

And when I let the cat out, I saw that my dog had "unloaded" my new flat of 4" pots of heather and herbs across the porch and into the driveway.

I hollered "You're gonna die, dog!"

Somehow that made it funny, especially since the plants seem to be OK.

:)

Hehhe, yup, and then a bunch of foam from the cat trying to get the icky stuff off his tounge.
Btw, it's fairly easy to get stuff in cats if you mix it into a little bit of canned food (or Gerbers Baby food - chicken or turkey). Mine will eat anything that is mixed in baby food.

[Macarius Peregrinus]

Hi to you all! I have been getting ready for my Japanese exam tomorrow.. but now I have to stop reading... it feels like my head is overflowing with kanji marks... :)
wow thatas amazing that you speak japanese

do lots ofpeopel speak japanese in finland>?

[Khaleas]

Ok, I'm gonna stay on the bottom of the bed tonight. I feel like I've been beaten with clubs and then dragged after a truck. Yes, I'm whining... :sorry: I'm tired and cranky and sad that I won't make it to church tonight. At the same time I don't want to give this to anyone else so that their Holy Week will be miserable.
I've pretty much decided I'm staying home from school tomorrow so I'll be better for Wed night service and then the increasing amount of services. Maybe I'll actually get some school work done, some rest and then in the afternoon I'll get to pick up my pup from the kennel. I miss the little guy. :cry:

Ok, done whining for a while... :D

[Alexis OCA]

do lots ofpeopel speak japanese in finland>?

Probably, it's easier than mastering Finnish isn't it?^_^

[Khaleas]

Probably, it's easier than mastering Finnish isn't it?^_^

Yea, probably... I don't speak Japanese but I had a heck of a time learning Finnish (I'm part of the 6% Swedish speaking Finns - we have two official languages)... It took a looooong time and a year as an exchange student in the US when I was finally forced to speak Finnish...

Ok off to find some lenten food... they are kind of scarce right now since I was gone since Thursday...

[Michael the Iconographer]

Hi everyone! Bridegroom matins tonight were beautiful! I pray you are all well!

[Khaleas]

Hi everyone! Bridegroom matins tonight were beautiful! I pray you are all well!

:cry: My fever is just going up... I hope this is just going to spike and then go away... I really do not want to miss anymore services...

Do you know if the readings for Bridegroom matins are online anywhere, or what they were?

[Khaleas]

Good night my friends here at TAW!


This is getting even more fun... my voice is going away... :help: I'm supposed to have a presentation on Wed. My prof is going to have a big, fat mule if I can't talk...

OK, taking my whiny and cranky self to bed. :D

[Michael the Iconographer]

:cry: My fever is just going up... I hope this is just going to spike and then go away... I really do not want to miss anymore services...

Do you know if the readings for Bridegroom matins are online anywhere, or what they were?

I dont remember what they were exactly, I could find out tomorrow night at Bridegroom Matins! :)

[ExOrienteLux]

Hello again, folks.

I know that I said that I was fasting from TAW for Holy Week, but this is important. Michael just told me in an IM that he and God had a discussion during Bridegroom Matins tonight, and He told him that He wants an icon of His Entombment done by Friday. Needless to say, that's a lot of work to be done in a very short period of time, so Mike would like all the prayers that we can spare as he does this work.

And, well, since I'm back for a few minutes, I guess I'll fulfill Rick's request and post some of my better works of poetry over on the Fellowship of St. Caedmon thread.

Blessings on all of you during these holiest of days, and especially prayers for Mike as he does the Lord's work.

+IC XC NIKA+
Phillip

[Konstantinos]

Good Morning Evreybody!! :D

[Matrona]

I could use some prayers, myself.

I checked out the Catechism of the Catholic Church out from the library. Thank the Lord it is a big, thick book. Now I can either beat my professor with research, or I can beat him over the head until he thinks that's what happened. :D ;) :sorry: I'll leave it up to y'all to figure out which one I'd rather do. ;)

Also, Father really wants me to sing the Hymn of Kassiani. But I cannot sightsing, so I have to memorize the music. By. Tomorrow. Night. :eek:

[Michael the Iconographer]

Good morning everyone! Off to work, and then to Liturgy and Matins, and then back to my painting table! What a busy Holy Week this is turning out to be! Matrona, you are in my prayers! Thanks Phil for posting the note for me.

[Khaleas]

Hello and good morning everyone!! :wave:


Feeling only half-dead this morning... so I guess it's an improvement. At this rate I should be good for services tomorrow (we don't have any tonight).

Hoping you all have a good day!

[Momzilla]

I'm glad you're feeling better, Khaleas! And Michael, good luck with the painting.

I have my first confession today. I'm less nervous about the content than I am about doing it "wrong."

[Khaleas]

I have my life time confession on Thursday after liturgy. I'm actually looking forward to it. I am too wondering about the 'habits' and 'customs' but I feel like well, I couldn't walk when I was born, how could I know everything now... I'm just an infant when it comes to orthodoxy.
Father wants me to come to confession each time before communion until he starts to 'know' me. I think it's good that he wants that, I'll get into the habit.

[Lotar]

Check out this one: http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=15080952#post15080952

I guess the Trinity is a made up doctrine of the Beast, which the Church Fathers didn't believe in.

[ufonium2]

Check out this one: http://www.christianforums.com/showthread.php?p=15080952#post15080952

I guess the Trinity is a made up doctrine of the Beast, which the Church Fathers didn't believe in.

Best post ever : "Being orthodox doesn't mean a person has the right doctrine."

I'm not the best at Greek, but I know enough to know that "right doctrine" is pretty close to a literal translation of "orthodox."

[nicodemus]

Hello all, I've recently started an "Orthodox Blog" to post stuff I find edifying as well as news and book reviews. Not much there so far, but I wanted y'all to have a look and to let me know what you think:

http://orthodoxstuff.blogspot.com/

[psalm94:17]

Hello all, I've recently started an "Orthodox Blog" to post stuff I find edifying as well as news and book reviews. Not much there so far, but I wanted y'all to have a look and to let me know what you think:

http://orthodoxstuff.blogspot.com/

I think it's very well done! I loved the quotes from the Optina Elders!
:angel:

[Lotar]

Best post ever : "Being orthodox doesn't mean a person has the right doctrine."

I'm not the best at Greek, but I know enough to know that "right doctrine" is pretty close to a literal translation of "orthodox."

Ya, that was a good one. :D

[nicodemus]

I can't believe Christian forums won't let you have links in your signature. :(

[Lotar]

I can't believe that CF won't delete Arian posts, even after I used the report feature.

[Oblio]

I can't believe that CF won't delete Arian posts, even after I used the report feature.

Fear not :)

Staff takes unorthodoxy seriously.

Decorum and staff rules prohibit me from expounding further.

[ufonium2]

I can't believe that CF won't delete Arian posts, even after I used the report feature.

I think it's a reflection of the overall state of Christianity, if I can wax philosophical for a second. It's gotten to the point where you can spout any heresy you could imagine, as long as you are nice about it.

You would probably get banned if you called another CF member a heretic or were somehow mean to them, but you can say heretical things about the Mother of God, or completely misrepresent God Himself, and it's fine.

Personally, I would rather take my chances insulting strangers on a message board than insult God or His Mother, but that's just me.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Hi everyone! I am taking a break from writing the icon of the Entombment of Christ which I am supposed to have done for Friday afternoon! :eek: :crosseo:

[Khaleas]

Hi everyone! I am taking a break from writing the icon of the Entombment of Christ which I am supposed to have done for Friday afternoon! :eek: :crosseo:

You'll be fine as long as the seal dries fast... :D

How are you doing Michael? I'm feeling better, nothing a bit of Tylenol Sinus severe congestion can't cure... I get to carry a pack of those to Finland each time I go since my dad refuses to take anything else after he tried them. I went to the doc to get a note for tomorrow so I don't have to try to make it to school. My prof will probably kill me slowly next week but oh well... And the pup is back too... they must have run him ragged at the kennel because he is soo tired. They wanted to keep him, he's so sweet... but he's like that wherever he goes... everyone wants to keep him and he moves in like he had lived there his whole life.

[nicodemus]

Eventhough there's a lot of of options, the little mood indicator thing in the options is actually fairly limited.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Hi everyone, I am taking a stress break. There comes a point in the writing of almost every icon where I absolutely can't stand my work and need to step away from it for atleast half an hour before I realize I am doing just fine and can get back to work. Needless to say I have hit that point. So, I figured I would come in here and show you all what a 3/4 done icon looks like. Peace,
Michael

[Lotar]

Eventhough there's a lot of of options, the little mood indicator thing in the options is actually fairly limited.

Plus, half the time it doesn't look like the description. :D

[Khaleas]

Eventhough there's a lot of of options, the little mood indicator thing in the options is actually fairly limited.


Yup, we should be able to layer them...

Like: Arrrrghh, Unwell, Tired, Worried, Happy, Mischevious, Spiritfilled, and just plain Bananas... :D

Anyways.... If I feel well enough tomorrow I think I'm going to go see if I can find some wings of gold for my husband's winging ceremony... or at least find out how much they'll set me back... :eek:

[Khaleas]

Hi everyone, I am taking a stress break. There comes a point in the writing of almost every icon where I absolutely can't stand my work and need to step away from it for atleast half an hour before I realize I am doing just fine and can get back to work. Needless to say I have hit that point. So, I figured I would come in here and show you all what a 3/4 done icon looks like. Peace,
Michael

As always Michael... looking good, looking good! :thumbsup: x 10

[Fotina]

Hi everyone, I am taking a stress break. There comes a point in the writing of almost every icon where I absolutely can't stand my work and need to step away from it for atleast half an hour before I realize I am doing just fine and can get back to work. Needless to say I have hit that point. So, I figured I would come in here and show you all what a 3/4 done icon looks like. Peace,
Michael

That's so beautiful... :crosseo:

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

G'evening, all.:wave: Congrats on your first confession, Momzilla!:thumbsup:

[Fotina]

Plus, half the time it doesn't look like the description. :D

I like your new avatar of St John. (How did you come to choose St John for your patron, if you want to share sometime?)

Hope you are liking Holy Week.

Fotina

[Lotar]

I like your new avatar of St John. (How did you come to choose St John for your patron, if you want to share sometime?)

Hope you are liking Holy Week.

Fotina

Thanks, and yes I'm liking Holy Week. :)

I'll share that story soon, when I get some time to complete my story in that other thread. ;)

[Michael the Iconographer]

As always Michael... looking good, looking good! :thumbsup: x 10

Thank you. I really do get to the point where I just need to step away from what I am doing and breathe for a few. It is at this point when I was studying under Peter where he used to have me do things like put in the border and other things which don't require much prayerful thought. At a couple of points tonight while writig this icon I was litteraly in tears telling God I couldn't go any further with it. Right now I am waiting for the gold glue to dry before applying the gold leaf. That is my biggest concern is getting the gold on with enough time to dry before I varnish it. Being it is now weds midnight I can give it till friday to dry and it should be fine, and the varnish only takes about an hour to dry. I just wish next time God asked me to do something like this he would give me a little more notice!

[Lotar]

Wierd random pic of the day:

[Fotina]

Wierd random pic of the day:

^_^

[Matrona]

Wierd random pic of the day:

That'll wake you up in the mornin'... :eek:

[Matrona]

I've had a long day today.

Went to presanctified in the morning (even though the adversary managed to make me sleep through FIVE ALARM CLOCKS so I overslept), got there a tad late, about fainted from having to stand for so long, but I really wanted to be there because April 26 is my two year anniversary of becoming Orthodox. Came home, did schoolwork, then went to Bridegroom service where she skipped all the hymns I wanted to sing (we just read the text instead--which SUCKS!) and when it came time for Hymn of Kassiani, she didn't help me with the melody like she had promised and I butchered it. Naturally, this is my fault. I've been Orthodox for two years so naturally I should have memorized the Liturgikon by now, know how to Byzantine chant despite NO ONE in my parish being able to do it, have perfect pitch, and be able to sight-sing.

Hence my mood icon changed from merely banging my head on a wall, to "AARRGGHH!"

[Michael the Iconographer]

Happy belated anniversary Matrona. 2 hugs to you for your second anniversary of being Orthodox. :hug: :hug: I am sorry you had such a bad day. You were in my prayers throughout the day.

[Lotar]

I've had a long day today.

Went to presanctified in the morning (even though the adversary managed to make me sleep through FIVE ALARM CLOCKS so I overslept), got there a tad late, about fainted from having to stand for so long, but I really wanted to be there because April 26 is my two year anniversary of becoming Orthodox. Came home, did schoolwork, then went to Bridegroom service where she skipped all the hymns I wanted to sing (we just read the text instead--which SUCKS!) and when it came time for Hymn of Kassiani, she didn't help me with the melody like she had promised and I butchered it. Naturally, this is my fault. I've been Orthodox for two years so naturally I should have memorized the Liturgikon by now, know how to Byzantine chant despite NO ONE in my parish being able to do it, have perfect pitch, and be able to sight-sing.

Hence my mood icon changed from merely banging my head on a wall, to "AARRGGHH!"

Sounds like somebody needs a hug :hug:

:P
----------------------

Sounds like a crazy day, I feel for you. After hearing that, I don't think I'll be complaining about my day ever again.

The choir director at my parish uses tuning forks. Don't know if that might help you out or not.

[Khaleas]

I've had a long day today.

Hence my mood icon changed from merely banging my head on a wall, to "AARRGGHH!"

:hug: Get some sleep!

[Vasya Davidovich]

Well, g'night, all.

[nicodemus]

Well, g'night, all.
same here.

[Stephanida]

Night Taw! :wave: Just a quick prayer request, please please pray for me to have the internal strength to go and do well when I speak to the police tomorrow. I have some more information and witnesses I need to share about my case but I am still terrified. Thank you all.

The unworthy,
Steohanida

[Matrona]

Sounds like somebody needs a hug :hug:

You got that right. :(

I'm so furious at her for this and all the other bull she pulls, I'm seriously thinking about walking down to the Greek church from now on. (I couldn't do that to Father, though.) The Greek church's choir is horrible, but at least they practice! This lady refuses to have choir practice unless she's forced to, or if she can wait for the most inconvenient time (like, exam week!), or until it's the last possible minute. Her original excuse was "Practicing don't do any good if you're practicing it wrong"... yes, I'm serious, she actually said that.

And the last time, the other girl sat down and started working on her SCHOOLWORK while we were trying to practice, and instead of ordering her to get off of it, the lady just lay down and took a nap, while I was trying to work on music. Leaving me to do what? I sat down and read for awhile. No point in trying to sing, if the director's just going to complain about how you kept her awake during choir practice, right?!?!?!

[Michael the Iconographer]

I think the dogs and I will join the parade of people hitting the hay. Wait, the dogs are already asleep, lol! Ok, I guess I will have to wake them up and take them into my room so that they can function as my blanket warmers. Or, am I their blanket warmer? LOL! Anyways, night all. I have to be up at 6 to continue working on this icon which must be done by Friday!

[Vasya Davidovich]

God go with you, Stephanida. :crosseo: :crosseo: :crosseo:

[Matrona]

Night Taw! :wave: Just a quick prayer request, please please pray for me to have the internal strength to go and do well when I speak to the police tomorrow. I have some more information and witnesses I need to share about my case but I am still terrified. Thank you all.

The unworthy,
Steohanida
Of course, Stephanida! :crosseo:

[Stephanida]

Thank you!!! I am very scared and nowing there is someone other than me praying for me really helps!

[Vasya Davidovich]

Thank you!!! I am very scared and nowing there is someone other than me praying for me really helps!
You are our little sister. How could we not pray for you??

God protect you and keep you, and grant you Peace.

Vasya.

[Khaleas]

Good night my friends!


Stephanida, I'll be praying for your strength! :crosseo:


I found this when I was looking up Tito Colliander...
http://www.eighthdaybooks.com/index.html
Soon I'm going to have more Orthodox books than books in my major... and be even more poor...

[Lotar]

You got that right. :(

I'm so furious at her for this and all the other bull she pulls, I'm seriously thinking about walking down to the Greek church from now on. (I couldn't do that to Father, though.) The Greek church's choir is horrible, but at least they practice! This lady refuses to have choir practice unless she's forced to, or if she can wait for the most inconvenient time (like, exam week!), or until it's the last possible minute. Her original excuse was "Practicing don't do any good if you're practicing it wrong"... yes, I'm serious, she actually said that.

And the last time, the other girl sat down and started working on her SCHOOLWORK while we were trying to practice, and instead of ordering her to get off of it, the lady just lay down and took a nap, while I was trying to work on music. Leaving me to do what? I sat down and read for awhile. No point in trying to sing, if the director's just going to complain about how you kept her awake during choir practice, right?!?!?!

Wow :eek:

Why is she even allowed to continue in this position? Doesn't anyone else notice this?

[Matrona]

Wow :eek:

Why is she even allowed to continue in this position? Doesn't anyone else notice this?

Yes, but she's the only one who can play piano, and the only one who knows the music filing system, which is, shall we say, rather Byzantine.

Most holy Theotokos, teach me strength. :sigh:

[Lotar]

Yes, but she's the only one who can play piano, and the only one who knows the music filing system, which is, shall we say, rather Byzantine.

Most holy Theotokos, teach me strength. :sigh:

Maybe you should start to learn... ;)

Well, you will be in my prayers.

BTW, why would it matter that she can play piano? Do you use on in the Liturgy?

[Lotar]

Good night all.

[elizabethevangeline]

The choir director at my parish uses tuning forks. Don't know if that might help you out or not.

Our parish has a lovely choir and choir director. Some of the women in the choir have shared great stories about practise...including the directors' notorious tuning fork. He has been known to touch the base to a person's forehead...vibrate that tone into your head!

Matrona, I wish you could sing for him! He is excellent and the choir really seems to enjoy being together.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Our parish has a lovely choir and choir director. Some of the women in the choir have shared great stories about practise...including the directors' notorious tuning fork. He has been known to touch the base to a person's forehead...vibrate that tone into your head!

Matrona, I wish you could sing for him! He is excellent and the choir really seems to enjoy being together.

My parish'smusic director and choir do a most beautiful job with the liturgy. They are in tune, well practiced and there don't seem to be any duelling egos going on. There is another parish in the are where main the choir director is just terrible. She is old, out of tune, and the tempo she sets for the singing is just bad. To me, a badly sung liturgy is just plain depressing, whereas a well sung liturgy is very uplifting.

[Stephanida]

Good morning!
Thank to everyone who prayed for me! Now off to school for a for moments before talking to the police. I am so scared it can't be real. Thank God for giving us prayers so that we may ask for help. Anyway bye!

[Michael the Iconographer]

Good morning everyone! Before I forget, many kudos to my German friend Bonifatius who has obtained for me a copy of the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom in German! Now, I just need to find a willing German speaking priest here in Ohio! Heiliger Boniface Apostle der Deutsche pray for me!

[Matrona]

Maybe you should start to learn... ;)

:D

(already doing that ;) :thumbsup: )

BTW, why would it matter that she can play piano? Do you use on in the Liturgy?

We use a small, quiet one to give people the note, or if it's something we have seriously had no time to practice or is relentlessly complicated (like the Hymn of Kassiani) she uses it to accompany us. Except she dropped out while I was trying to follow her! :mad:

[Michael the Iconographer]

4 days until Holy Pascha!! WOOHOO!!!!

[Matrona]

Good morning!
Thank to everyone who prayed for me! Now off to school for a for moments before talking to the police. I am so scared it can't be real. Thank God for giving us prayers so that we may ask for help. Anyway bye!
Olga and I are praying for you. :hug:

[Momzilla]

:wave: Whew! Such a lot to catch up on!

Michael, the icon looks beautiful so far. I can't wait to see the finished version.

Stephanida, I am probably too late, but I will pray for you.

Matrona, I'm sorry about your choir experience last night. How frustrating!

My confession went fine, and since I was at church early, they let me stand in on choir practice and sing during Matins. It was wonderful--I really want to be in the choir, but I can't commit the time right now when the kids are little.

And then I fainted. Well, almost. I realized I was getting dizzy (fast + no snack + sustained breathing for singing), I sat down (during the Gospel! :eek: ), but it didn't help so I asked someone to help me get to the kitchen for some juice. I almost made it out of the sanctuary, but not quite--I fell to my knees right by the readers. :o Anyway, some juice and some peanut butter crackers fixed me right up.

[Lotar]

:D

(already doing that ;) :thumbsup: )


:cool:

[Khaleas]

My parish'smusic director and choir do a most beautiful job with the liturgy. They are in tune, well practiced and there don't seem to be any duelling egos going on. There is another parish in the are where main the choir director is just terrible. She is old, out of tune, and the tempo she sets for the singing is just bad. To me, a badly sung liturgy is just plain depressing, whereas a well sung liturgy is very uplifting.

When our whole choir is there it is amazing. Our director is a music teacher and really good. However, during the week very few show up (even now during Lent, even in the evening) and it's pretty horrid ;) . They now made the nuns sing too and two of them have wonderful voices while two are just plain off key. They are brave souls for still singing and we love them so much even if they are off key. They even asked me to come and sing at some other point. I used to sing a lot, but my chronic sinus problems have changed my voice so it isn't even close to the same. Then there is a Russian lady who has the worst voice I have ever heard, she's always off key and 5-6 notes behind. One day Matuschka told her to be quiet, it was interferring with everyones service... Yes, it's that bad.

Nothing raises every hair on your body like hearing the choir sing God grant them many years! .....Oh boy! :eek: <-in a positive way

[Alexis OCA]

I can't believe that CF won't delete Arian posts, even after I used the report feature.

Most of the people I talk to in the 'real' world are Arians and don't even know it!

[Suzannah]

4 days until Holy Pascha!! WOOHOO!!!!
This bears repeating..... :clap: :clap: :clap:

[ufonium2]

Matrona, if you want to have a choir mutiny, I'm in. First of all, you should suggest to the priest that Russian tones are easier for English-speakers to sing/hear (which they are, I can back it up with mad research) so, since your parish is practically all native-born Americans anyway (correct?) it only makes sense. Then, you should learn the Russian tones before your "choir director" has a chance to. Once they get a taste of the nice Westerny Russian tones, they'll want all Russian music, and since you'll be the Russian music expert, you're in for choir director. Who cares if you can play piano? Is there a piano involved in services? I think not. If the choir was being properly trained, the piano would be recognized for the crutch that it is and tossed out the window (ok, door) today.

I'm serious. I'm always up for some good anarchy, especially of the musical variety.

[Khaleas]

4 days until Holy Pascha!! WOOHOO!!!!



And since we're Orthodox (well, count me in starting Saturday afternoon-Sunday early morning) we just need to repeat it three times!!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Matrona]

Matrona, if you want to have a choir mutiny, I'm in.

Sounds good to me! ^_^ :clap:

First of all, you should suggest to the priest that Russian tones are easier for English-speakers to sing/hear (which they are, I can back it up with mad research) so, since your parish is practically all native-born Americans anyway (correct?) it only makes sense. Then, you should learn the Russian tones before your "choir director" has a chance to.

That sounds like a plan, but the only person I know who could possibly give me instruction in chanting is GO so it would be difficult for me to learn anything other than Byzantine, which is what he knows. Is there another way to learn Russian chant without knowing someone who can do it?

Once they get a taste of the nice Westerny Russian tones, they'll want all Russian music, and since you'll be the Russian music expert, you're in for choir director. Who cares if you can play piano? Is there a piano involved in services? I think not. If the choir was being properly trained, the piano would be recognized for the crutch that it is and tossed out the window (ok, door) today.

I'm serious. I'm always up for some good anarchy, especially of the musical variety.

Thanks. :)

The piano is just used for tuning most of the time. But I can't even do that. I'd have to mark the keys to know which ones to press.

The good news is, Russian chant would fit right in with our liturgy because the liturgy music ("Lord have mercy," etc.) is Russian.

[Momzilla]

FWIW, Byzantine chant is beautiful, too. We use a mix of Russian and Byzantine, and the latter always sends chills up my spine, esp. when Fr. Marcus chants with our choir director.

[Stephanida]

Than you everyone for praying for me. I have the worst wisit I have had in along time. I came home in teaars. Things aren't going well. Is there anypoint when it is worth it to just give up and drop charges. I plan to go sleep off the 12 advil I just took. Goodnight. and God bless you all. the unworthy Stephanida.

[Khaleas]

Than you everyone for praying for me. I have the worst wisit I have had in along time. I came home in teaars. Things aren't going well. Is there anypoint when it is worth it to just give up and drop charges. I plan to go sleep off the 8 advil I just took. Goodnight.


Stephanida! :hug:
I will pray for your strenght! I don't know what exactly happened to you but I hope you will not give up. I believe that the process will make it possible for you to forgive but giving up will make the process a lot longer. As I said, I don't know any specifics and I might have put my foot in my mouth (if so forgive me), but know I will pray for you.
My brother recently took a man to court due to a traffic accident. The man kept threatening him about the court and that they wouldn't believe such a young person (he was 16 at the time). He had witnesses fortunately and the guy had to pay for my brother's new moped and all the costs (he even got per diem (day pay)for the time he had to take off school to go to court). He was really shook up about the threats (even though he acts like the toughest guy ever) but finally could relax after... and this was mainly material issues.

[Khaleas]

And no more Advil today for you... the safe max dose is 2000 mg a day, but don't take more than 800 mg at once (4 pills)... it might mess with your stomach so make sure you try to eat something... :(

[Orthosdoxa]

Steph, I don't know what situation you're talking about, but God be with you.

And don't you EVER take 12 advils in one sitting again!!! :mad: It can be seriously harmful!!!

Let us know how everything goes and that you're ok!!

edit...er, or 8 advil....or whatever it was...

[Alexis OCA]

FWIW, Byzantine chant is beautiful, too. We use a mix of Russian and Byzantine, and the latter always sends chills up my spine, esp. when Fr. Marcus chants with our choir director.

I don't know if I know the difference!:o

Although I know the difference between singing in Russian/Slavonic and English!:)

[Greg the byzantine]

I just got back from church an hour ago after being anointed with eucheleo, and now it is raining and there is lightning and thunder. I'm glad I went to the afternoon service :crosseo:

[nicodemus]

I just got home from work and have to hop in the shower (manual labor day at work.) I'm going to be late for the service. :(

[Alexis OCA]

I just got back from church an hour ago after being anointed with eucheleo, and now it is raining and there is lightning and thunder. I'm glad I went to the afternoon service :crosseo:

Thats so strange...it's doing the same right over me now too.:eek:

(what exactly is 'eucheleo' and why were you anointed with it?)

[Greg the byzantine]

Thats so strange...it's doing the same right over me now too.:eek:

(what exactly is 'eucheleo' and why were you anointed with it?)
Well your pretty close to queens so no wonder. ;)

Eucheleo is Holy Unction, and at least in all Greek churches on Holy Wednesday we go to church and are anointed in the sign of the cross with it on the forehead cheek palms and hands, For the healing of ailments both physical and spiritual. All of the gospel readings at the service are about healing, and prayer.

[Lotar]

Random thought of the day:

I like listening to David Bowie; Let's Dance is an awesome song.

[psalm94:17]

I just came back from Holy Unction myself at the OCA church here in Waterbury and had only been to one in the Greek Orthodox church before - it was quite different and way cool!

BTW, I agree - Let's Dance is a VERY cool song!:cool:

[Matrona]

I also went to Holy Unction tonight, Greg. :) It was beautiful although I wish I could have seen more of the service, it was so crowded. Father made some pretty pointed remarks about the error of showing up to Holy Unction but never making confession...

Stephanie, in the future, it's not a good idea take so much Advil at once because it can really hurt your stomach, and if you are in a lot of physical pain, you should go to the doctor and get checked out. Also, be sure to ask your priest if he will save some unction oil for you and anoint you with it at Pascha, for your healing. Perhaps he could save enough to anoint all of your family? Then you wouldn't have to be afraid of sticking out.

[Alexis OCA]

My church only had services at 8 am this morning. I had to work.

Tomorrow morning I am there!

[nicodemus]

My new parish didn't hold the Holy Unction service tonight. :( I just got back, it was a matins service instead.

I loved the Holy Unction service at my old parish. In addition to the service, that was also a night they brought all of the relics the parish has to venerate.

[Michael the Iconographer]

This Holy Week is just getting uglier and uglier for me by the minute. Today at work was the most surreal experience I have ever had. One of my employees later reminded me that I had told her that this week would be rough because of Holy Week. God have mercy upon me a sinner!

[Matrona]

My church only had services at 8 am this morning. I had to work.

Tomorrow morning I am there!

I went to Presanctified this morning at the GO church, and the Unction there tonight.

By the way, my priest is going to give unction to my parish tomorrow night since he couldn't be in town tonight. Would I be allowed to receive unction again? It'll be a full liturgical day so I would think it would be okay... wouldn't it? I really love this sacrament, not only because it reminds me of my baptism and chrismation, but because it is so beautiful and I feel so much at peace after receiving it, which I'm gonna need before confession this time. :sorry:

[Alexis OCA]

Come to think of it my priest did do Holy Unction after DL on Palm Sunday. At least I think that's what is was.

[gzt]

Sigh. I have a test tomorrow I'm not well-prepared for. Well, such is life. I wish I could go to the liturgy, but my duties call.

[nicodemus]

Come to think of it my priest did do Holy Unction after DL on Palm Sunday. At least I think that's what is was.
That may have just been a blessing with oil, which is often done of feast days.

The Holy Unction service is an entire service unto itself as it is a sacrament.

[Rick of Wessex]

Folks,

Where's the Blue Lightsaber from CF's "Armor" section? I can't seem to find it anywhere... not that I have enough blessings to buy it, though. :sigh:

Rick

[Alexis OCA]

That may have just been a blessing with oil, which is often done of feast days.

The Holy Unction service is an entire service unto itself as it is a sacrament.

Ahhhh, I see, thank you for that clarification.

[nicodemus]

Ahhhh, I see, thank you for that clarification.
Just to clarify further, those blessing with oil are available to any in attendance, regardless of their faith, whereas Holy Unction is only available to Orthodox.

[Khaleas]

Helloooo TAW'ers!!! :wave:


Finally got to church again... Holy Unction was definitely beautiful! Although I wish all the C&E Christians would not act like it was a darn townhall meeting. And of course I couldn't get anointed since it's a sacrament... I could have used some help in the physical illness sector... I'm getting a nasty cough...

Well, time for bed in a little so I can get up on time for prayer, service and my life time confession tomorrow...

Take care everyone!!! :hug: It's Holy Thursday tomorrow!!! :clap:

[Alexis OCA]

Just to clarify further, those blessing with oil are available to any in attendance, regardless of their faith, whereas Holy Unction is only available to Orthodox.

Which is why he gave it to my daughter too. I see. Thanks!

[Michael the Iconographer]

Is anyone else's week going so crazy that they just feel like crawling into a hidey hole in Alaska until Holy Pascha to avoid all of the craziness?

[nicodemus]

Is anyone else's week going so crazy that they just feel like crawling into a hidey hole in Alaska until Holy Pascha to avoid all of the craziness?
Yes. My temp job shifted dramatically today. Last week I was answering phones, showing the property (I work at an apartment complex), assisting the tenants with various things. Today, they made me clean up the maintenance workers' work area/tool shed/workshop. Totally not fun since it smelled of gasoline and was poorly venilated and was really hot (it's cooking in Florida already!) I was up on my feet on hard concrete all day and my knees feel like they've been hit with bats! :eek: I'm grateful though, I have a baby due in less than a month and I need the money.

[Khaleas]

Is anyone else's week going so crazy that they just feel like crawling into a hidey hole in Alaska until Holy Pascha to avoid all of the craziness?

I'd go to Alaska in a heartbeat... lots of Orthodox there too... :thumbsup:

I'm just basically wonder how the heck I'm going to get all school work done over the weekend... YIKES! I don't feel totally comfortable reading about Darwin in the church hall... next week I'm going to be totally MIA, gotta be done with the thesis when by the end of next Sunday...

Ok, sleep time! Gnight!

[Michael the Iconographer]

I am glad to see that I am not the only one who has experience insanity this week. I had warned one of my emplyees last week about Holy Week and when I reminded her tonight she said "yes, that is right, you warned me about this last week, how did you know this week was going to be crazy?" SO i just informed her that the Devil hates it when we Orthodox celebrate Holy Week.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Good night my friends!

[Matrona]

Ugh... I am exhausted. But I really want to go to St. Basil's liturgy tomorrow so...this will be the third day in a row that I have walked to this church, and I ache something awful. I will drag myself out of bed at 6:30 tomorrow morning and commence to walkin'. If you see me online before 9, that means I was a slugabed and sloth kept me home. :(

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

Howdy.:wave: I went to the unction service tonight fully expecting to just watch (I've heard that only Orthodox can participate in this), but was told to go ahead and go up. So, I was annointed the same way everyone else was. It was a full Unction service. I was surprised I was told I could do this. I'm not quite sure how to feel about it. It was a beautiful service, but I felt pretty unworthy to be participating. What do you guys think?

[nicodemus]

Somebody said there's a CF rule against posting links to blogs? Oops. Did that yesterday....

[Matrona]

Howdy.:wave: I went to the unction service tonight fully expecting to just watch (I've heard that only Orthodox can participate in this), but was told to go ahead and go up. So, I was annointed the same way everyone else was. It was a full Unction service. I was surprised I was told I could do this. I'm not quite sure how to feel about it. It was a beautiful service, but I felt pretty unworthy to be participating. What do you guys think?

Uhhh... they shouldn't have done that with the sacramental oil. Unless the priest had non-sacramental oil for catechumens and visitors? Mine did that last year because he knew in advance there was a visitor, so Father brought some regular olive oil for him. Definitely bring this up with your priest. When I was a catechumen, a parishioner practically tried to force me to go get anointed but I wouldn't because I knew I wasn't supposed to, and I told Father later and he said I had done the right thing.

Tonight at the Greek church, the priest had a little metal club thing and when someone came up who was not yet Orthodox, he'd bonk them on the head with it. :D (Just kidding, it was a holy water sprinkler! ^_^ )

[Matrona]

Somebody said there's a CF rule against posting links to blogs? Oops. Did that yesterday....

They don't allow links to non-CF pages in signatures. I didn't think there was a rule against posting links to blogs? :scratch:

[Michael the Iconographer]

3 Days until Holy Pascha! WOOOOO!HOOOOO!

[Khaleas]

Howdy.:wave: I went to the unction service tonight fully expecting to just watch (I've heard that only Orthodox can participate in this), but was told to go ahead and go up. So, I was annointed the same way everyone else was. It was a full Unction service. I was surprised I was told I could do this. I'm not quite sure how to feel about it. It was a beautiful service, but I felt pretty unworthy to be participating. What do you guys think?

We had the neighboring OCA priest come over last night after he finished his services. He was waiting outside talking to people and I did ask him about who gets to recieve it (apparently the former priest at our parish gave holy unction to everyone). He said it is at the discretion of the priest but he knows my Father doesn't give it to everyone, but that he does. So it seems like this sacrament is very much to the discretion of the Father at that church. Apparently some Greek churches do it around here to everyone and some only to the orthodox.

[Khaleas]

3 Days until Holy Pascha! WOOOOO!HOOOOO!



Michael,
Here the Devil has set up house at Dunkin Donuts... I don't like donuts or much of coffee but lately that place has been looking inviting... the score is still on my side... :D

[nicodemus]

They don't allow links to non-CF pages in signatures. I didn't think there was a rule against posting links to blogs? :scratch:
Maybe that's what they meant. The signature rule is goofy too. It should be just like the other rule for posting links...

[Michael the Iconographer]

Michael,
Here the Devil has set up house at Dunkin Donuts... I don't like donuts or much of coffee but lately that place has been looking inviting... the score is still on my side... :D

The Devil has taken so many cheap shots at me this week it is actually quite scary!

[Khaleas]

The Devil has taken so many cheap shots at me this week it is actually quite scary!

I guess it kind of helped that I spent almost three days at home in bed reading orthodox books... although some might say the Devil was keeping me home from church... I refuse to give him that score, I'd rather say it was some secular person on the airplane giving me a bug...

Ok, time to get ready for church! :crosseo: Hope you all have a wonderful Holy Thursday!

[Momzilla]

The Devil has taken so many cheap shots at me this week it is actually quite scary!

Likewise. Daytime is not so bad, but at night I am having vivid and upsetting dreams.

Ah, well. I am off work as of noon today, for the celebration of Pascha and, of course, my chrismation! :D :amen:

[Matrona]

I'm back from church... I got there at 7:40 (for a 7:00 AM service) but Father was still reading the Gospel so it was okay. :) I waited in the narthex with all the other Gospel-reading arrivals until Father was done and we wouldn't disturb the reading. It was a little uncomfortable (I was a good 40 years younger than the other people in the narthex and they were dressed in their sunday best while I'd thrown on some jeans and a t-shirt because I wanted to keep all of my few church clothes clean for the weekend). But it was a really beautiful service and I'm glad I went--the Holy Week services usually have chanters instead of their choir, which is great because I can't stand their choir. :sorry: Off to take some painkillers because my legs huuuuurt from all this walking.

[Matrona]

Ah, well. I am off work as of noon today, for the celebration of Pascha and, of course, my chrismation! :D :amen:

Congratulations, Momz!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Bring a camera with you and ask someone to take pictures for you (Matushka?), so that you will have pictures to cherish of your special day. I have always been so glad that Khouria took pictures of my baptism.

[Momzilla]

Congratulations, Momz!! :clap: :clap: :clap:

Bring a camera with you and ask someone to take pictures for you (Matushka?), so that you will have pictures to cherish of your special day. I have always been so glad that Khouria took pictures of my baptism.

Oh, there will be pictures. Trust me. The boys both have fresh haircuts (you can read about Andy's here (http://www.thingsgobump.blogspot.com) ), and I will be sure to put the camera into the hands of some trustworthy soul (other than the trustworthy soul(s) who will be helping me control my children. Lord, have mercy!)

Matrona, put your feet up for a while and rest. I hope your legs feel better soon.

[Lotar]

Likewise. Daytime is not so bad, but at night I am having vivid and upsetting dreams.

Ah, well. I am off work as of noon today, for the celebration of Pascha and, of course, my chrismation! :D :amen:

Sweet :)

[Lotar]

Dude, it's pouring outside. What the heck, this is supposed to be Southern California. :mad:

[Momzilla]

Dude, it's pouring outside. What the heck, this is supposed to be Southern California. :mad:

A friend of mine blogged about that this morning. Rain + new Krispy Creme shop 2 miles from her house = serious donut craving.

What is it with Krispy Cremes lately? Andy has been begging me to go to "the donut store."

[Konstantinos]

Hello evreyone! sadly I have to miss passion Gospels tonight I have a sinus Infection and a 102.4 fever!! :cry: :cry: WHY!!!!!

[xenia]

Dude, it's pouring outside. What the heck, this is supposed to be Southern California. :mad:

It's raining up here in Monterey, too. Weird.

[Konstantinos]

nice and sunny here.

[Stephanida]

SO i just informed her that the Devil hates it when we Orthodox celebrate Holy Week.

You are right. I is raining and I am very very sick depressed am faced with the worse decision of my life.

[Matrona]

You are right. I is raining and I am very very sick depressed am faced with the worse decision of my life.

:(

I hope you feel better soon, Stephanie. Take care of yourself. :hug:

[Momzilla]

You are right. I is raining and I am very very sick depressed am faced with the worse decision of my life.

I'm so sorry. :hug:

[Konstantinos]

I hope you feel better soon!

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

We had the neighboring OCA priest come over last night after he finished his services. He was waiting outside talking to people and I did ask him about who gets to recieve it (apparently the former priest at our parish gave holy unction to everyone). He said it is at the discretion of the priest but he knows my Father doesn't give it to everyone, but that he does. So it seems like this sacrament is very much to the discretion of the Father at that church. Apparently some Greek churches do it around here to everyone and some only to the orthodox.
This makes sense. I know I've heard of other priests allowing it. It was definitely sacramental oil.

[Alexis OCA]

Good Morning everyone!

Holy Thursday Divine Liturgy this morning was wonderful! A small crowd but it was very intimate and I found it very moving. I was so lucky to have the day off. I prayed for you all!

[Momzilla]

g'bye, everyone--I'm off to the grocery store, then home, then to vesperal liturgy! :clap:

[Matrona]

g'bye, everyone--I'm off to the grocery store, then home, then to vesperal liturgy! :clap:

Bye Momz! :) Too bad about Andy's hair :eek:

[Stephanida]

Thanks Momzilla and Matrona.

[Greg the byzantine]

:eek: Just one minute ago it was sunny, and now all of a sudden it's cloudy and windy, and pretty frightening. Maybe it has something to do with the nailing of Christ to the cross.

[Greg the byzantine]

Even wierder it has become sunny and bright again just now

[Lotar]

I've been bad today... Stirring the pot down at the GH...

[Momzilla]

tsk tsk, Lotar. ;)

[Michael the Iconographer]

Hi everyone! I just now got home from Vesperal Liturgy, confession and then the 12 Gospels Service! Now it is off to finish an icon and varnish it. I pray you are all well!

[Michael the Iconographer]

Ok, this was just plain funny!



http://www.nfl.com/news/story/8419088

Maybe There Should Be a Puff of White Smoke from the Roof of the Javits Center When the No. 1 Choice Is Made

The College of Cardinals took only slightly longer to choose the new pope as the NFL took to choose first-round draftees. TMQ was struck to read that before each entry of the cardinals into the Sistine Chapel, the papal conclave area was swept for electronic eavesdropping devices. What was the worry, that rival religions wanted to know the Vatican's secret doctrine? That bookies in London would adjust the odds on the new pontiff depending on the tenor of the deliberations? Next time a pope must be chosen, Tuesday Morning Quarterback suggests the conclave be broadcast live on pay-per-view. Imagine the money that could be raised for the needy! Also, there could be play-by-play coverage and color commentary by religious scholars. It would sound like this:

ANNOUNCER: Wow, Cardinal Vermicelli sure didn't see that allusion to Saint Anselm coming!

SCHOLAR: They're giving it 110 percent down there, Clint.

ANNOUNCER: Okay, the next cardinal is approaching the podium. He's reaching for the water glass -- he's adjusting his vestments -- the tension is building!

SCHOLAR: Expect him to run to the right. It's the best move in the current theological environment.

ANNOUNCER: He's tapping his miter. He must have trouble hearing the play call.

SCHOLAR: They'll have to signal the theological point in by hand.

Though everyone knows a black puff of smoke means no decision and a white puff means the new pope has been selected, perhaps you did not know that a puff of orange smoke means the cardinals have ordered pizza. The custom, known in Italian as L'ordinamento del formaggio doppio, dates to the early 18th century and the advent of horse-drawn delivery.

[Matrona]

Good evening everybody... just came back from the Twelve Passion Gospels.

[nicodemus]

Good evening everybody... just came back from the Twelve Passion Gospels.
:( My parish doesn't do that service. :(

[Rilian]

:( My parish doesn't do that service. :(

It's my favorite service in Holy Week. Why don't they do it?

[Khaleas]

Well, I started making stuff for my Pasha basket today. I can't wait to taste everything... :D I also bought kielbasa after service and need to cook it on Saturday.
I also had my first confession today... life time confession... Father was so good, it took a while and half of the time I cried because it was just so intense and humbling and everything... But now that's gone and it was a good thing to do...
Then I drove home with a live candle in my car... we held candles for the whole reading tonight... very moving... but I got home without being pulled over and now I'm going to try to keep this flame alive over Pasha.

Well, bed time big time... otherwise I'm going to fall over tomorrow...

:wave: Less than 48 hrs to Chrismation... :clap:

[Michael the Iconographer]

2 DAYS UNTIL HOLY PASCHA! WOOHOOOO!!!

[Matrona]

:( My parish doesn't do that service. :(

:eek: :eek: :eek:

Why the heck not?!

[Michael the Iconographer]

The Icon is almost fini! I just have to inscribe it now and then varnish it!! WOOHOO!

[xenia]

I just got home from the Twelve Gospels service. It was wonderful, just wonderful.

[Michael the Iconographer]

I just got home from the Twelve Gospels service. It was wonderful, just wonderful.

I was in tears about half way through the service.

[Lotar]

Same here, just got back.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Good night everyone! A joyous Good Friday to you all!

[Stephanida]

Please pray for me as me and my family head off to church. It is a 6hr drive one way and alreaady peeople are getting cranky and snappy. Accusatory and jealous. This is going to be a looooooonnnnnggggggggggggg trip God have mercy on me.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Good morning everyone!

[Khaleas]

Good morning!! Or should we say good evening since the days are on their head anyways... ;)

[Khaleas]

2 DAYS UNTIL HOLY PASCHA! WOOHOOOO!!!



I might have to hire you as my 'personal reminder person'!! You do a great job ;)


:hug:

[Khaleas]

The Icon is almost fini! I just have to inscribe it now and then varnish it!! WOOHOO!

One more for you!!! :D

YAY!!! :clap: :clap: :clap: (not very contemplating, meditating or peaceful... but still)

[Michael the Iconographer]

I might have to hire you as my 'personal reminder person'!! You do a great job ;)


:hug:

[Elvis voice on] Thank you, thank you, thank you very much! [/Elvis voice]

I probably will be out tomb hopping tonight at midnight so I doubt I will get to be the one who reminds everyone tonight of when Pascha is, in case anyone forgets! :)

[Khaleas]

[Elvis voice on] Thank you, thank you, thank you very much! [/Elvis voice]

I probably will be out tomb hopping tonight at midnight so I doubt I will get to be the one who reminds everyone tonight of when Pascha is, in case anyone forgets! :)

With the memory span of a goldfish... ;) I was supposed to buy a chain for my cross but completely forgot... so I had to rob one of my other necklaces and then get a new one at some point. I need to get something in the fashion of a chain linked fence anyways as I'm the master of breaking chains.
The Pan-Orthodox Singles are doing that tomorrow in DC... they have a lot more services but we have Liturgy in the morning and then it's GREAT AND HOLY PASHA!!!

[Michael the Iconographer]

With the memory span of a goldfish... ;) I was supposed to buy a chain for my cross but completely forgot... so I had to rob one of my other necklaces and then get a new one at some point. I need to get something in the fashion of a chain linked fence anyways as I'm the master of breaking chains.
The Pan-Orthodox Singles are doing that tomorrow in DC... they have a lot more services but we have Liturgy in the morning and then it's GREAT AND HOLY PASHA!!!

Funny you mention the chain and your tendency to break them. My chain that my baptismal cross is on is 14k gold and keeps breaking (probably becuae it is not long enough to fit arround my big cranium), I have already had it soldered 2x. I am going to need to buy a longer gold chain for my cross today. It has to be 14k gold though, because I am allergic to nickle and 10k gold has alot of nickle in it.

[psalm94:17]

I myself had this problem of chain breaking, then switched to a box link chain - I've had the same one for 3 years now and NO breaks - a very sturdy chain! YMMV, of course (Your Mileage May Vary)

[Khaleas]

Ok, crew! I'm off to bake my kulich and get some more eggs for the pasha. I'm getting a really bad headache but I hope it's gone by this afternoon.


Be safe on your travels to and from church! :crosseo:

[Momzilla]

:wave: My bread is baking, then I'm off to the showers and to get ready for Holy Friday.

[Matrona]

Please pray for me as me and my family head off to church. It is a 6hr drive one way and alreaady peeople are getting cranky and snappy. Accusatory and jealous. This is going to be a looooooonnnnnggggggggggggg trip God have mercy on me.

Yikes! I will pray for you!

[Matrona]

Lord have mercy. I woke up late this morning but left here in plenty of time to get to church... except, they're doing work on the power lines near my building and had cops blocking the street. I wasn't about to cross against the light in front of a cop, so I had to go a block around and got to church five minutes late. I hate getting there late because this church is downtown and traffic makes a TON of noise blocked by the door, so whenever someone comes in it's always accompanied by "VROOM VROOM HONK HONK SIREN SIREN." Makes you feel like you've won a gameshow or something!

No sooner had I found a nice pew to plunk myself down in, that Father came rushing out from the sanctuary and asked me and two others to help with the reading--there's a lot of reading, and he had only his two kids there, so the three of us who were there went up to help the kids. More walking and standing! But it was okay, I rocked my feet back and forth and concentrating on the prayers helped. Whew! I'll be going back for the afternoon service, too. :eek:

[xenia]

Off to Imperial Hours I go!

[Khaleas]

:wave: My bread is baking, then I'm off to the showers and to get ready for Holy Friday.

Kulich is rising - the cardamom smells so good! Man it's hard to keep my fingers out of there to taste. Fortunately the bread I baked yesterday was lenten so I had some for breakfast... YUM! Had to take some meds for the headache that makes me too dozy to drive so I'm staying home and waiting for Vespers this afternoon instead. Hopefully it will do its duty on my head soon!

Can you all please keep my husband Kevin in your prayers tonight! He's making the drive really late after a very long day so he can make it to liturgy and my chrismation tomorrow... and then driving right back... Please pray that his drive is safe! I almost feel guilty for asking him to come but he really wants to be there too. :crosseo:

[Konstantinos]

How is evreyone today?? :D sadly I still have the flu and canot attend Services today :( :(

[Konstantinos]

I got tired of the Turkish flag and I just dont like having a symbol of Isllam displayed so I put up the Hellenic national flag i wish I could put a byzantine flag though.

[Matrona]

Can you all please keep my husband Kevin in your prayers tonight! He's making the drive really late after a very long day so he can make it to liturgy and my chrismation tomorrow... and then driving right back... Please pray that his drive is safe! I almost feel guilty for asking him to come but he really wants to be there too. :crosseo:

That is so sweet of him. Of course I will pray. :crosseo:

[Kolya]

We are praying for you and Kevin. It's been a long tiring Holy Week. But a blessed week. Seraphima and I will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Welcome Home. And many years!
Kolya

[Khaleas]

We are praying for you and Kevin. It's been a long tiring Holy Week. But a blessed week. Seraphima and I will be thinking of you tomorrow.
Welcome Home. And many years!
Kolya

Dang I missed you!!! I was thinking of you and Seraphima last night and lit candles for you and all my friends here at TAW! Have a blessed rest of the week!!


Well, my two kulich are out of the oven (the egg made them rather dark on top but they smell wonderful). One must have ended up with some trapped air somewhere because it just erupted in the oven :D ! I'll just cut it in half and send it home with Kevin.
Ok, I'd better get ready for Vespers and Matins... I haven't decided if I'm going to go home in between... I doubt it wil be more than two hours and with traffic I would barely make it home to turn. After that, home and make Pasha and wait for my dear one! :)

[Kolya]

Thanks Jennie. We skipped Vespers tonight. Seraphima is just too tired. Tomorrow is Great and Holy Saturday and will be from 10am to 2pm. Then home for a break, then the Vespers and Liturgy starts at 11:30pm till about 3am.
We've been praying for everyone on TAW too.
Well off to bed.
Blessed Pasha to all.

Kolya

[Michael the Iconographer]

I need to clean my car out so that those who want to go tomb hopping with me won't have to sit in a mess. Thus I will miss vespers, but I will make it to lamentations this evening, and I have scheduled a 1 hour reading of the psalms before the tomb at 4 am Saturday morning. Luckily I have Saturday off to prepeare for pascha and get some sleep so that I am not snoring by the time Father is proclaiming "CHRISTOS IST AUFVERSTANDEN!"

[Konstantinos]

Good luck Michael!

[Michael the Iconographer]

Well my friends, it is off to Lamentations and then to go pray before the tombs in the various different Orthodox Churches in the area (tomb hopping, baby!) I pray you all have a blessed evening.

[Konstantinos]

I hope you have a nice time :D

[ufonium2]

How long is a lamentations service? This is the first Holy Friday service I've ever been able to make and I'm trying to figure out when to meet my study partner tonight.

[Greg the byzantine]

Hehehehee
Lamentations is aproximately two-three hours depending on where you go. Now the procession of the epitaphios (If the church you are going to has it we walk a long way with it, aproxiamtely five city blocks all together), will be another hour- hor and a half, plus the hour after that in which prayers are read and flowers are distributed. Then again if you don't do a large procession (all of the C&E christians in our church come out today so there are about 1000 people if not more that will be marching with the epitaphios). So this could take anywhere from four to seven hours all together depending on where you go, and that's not a joke.

[Konstantinos]

Here in Constantinople we cant take the Epitaphios out on the street so we just do it in the chuch sad realley....

[Greg the byzantine]

:( That's upsetting, but at least you don't get the wierd staring glances that we get when people look outside their windows to see what the commotion is all about.

[Konstantinos]

Instead of glances out of windows we would probably get rotten fruit and or bullets!!!! :cry:

[Greg the byzantine]

:cry: Don't tell me that :cry:. I should be getting ready to go now but I still have to wait for my sister to get home....

[Matrona]

Thanks to those who prayed for me with my choir drama. Tonight went extremely well... it got off to a bad start (someone started sniping at me for no reason), but I managed to redeem myself for my Tuesday night catastrophe and everything went really well once everyone chilled out.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Hey everyone! I just got in from going tomb hopping after Lamentations. We managed to venerate the tombs at 7 different churches. The procession during Lamentations tonight was awesome! I will be back at church at 4am for my hour of tomb watch (reading the psalms). I pray all is well with everyone!

[MariaRegina]

:( That's upsetting, but at least you don't get the wierd staring glances that we get when people look outside their windows to see what the commotion is all about.

Our Temple is in a Jewish neighborhood. So, when we began to process outside and on the public sidewalk, some Jewish men quickly jumped into the street and stared at us and quickly walked away from us. Here it is the Sabbath and we are having a huge procession with a huge Cross and acolytes leading the way and everyone is carrying candles and singing, "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal ..."

[Michael the Iconographer]

Post 3900!

[Alexis OCA]

Good Morning All,

Off to Holy Saturday DL.
Remembering you all in my prayers.

Warm regards,

[Greg the byzantine]

Our Temple is in a Jewish neighborhood. So, when we began to process outside and on the public sidewalk, some Jewish men quickly jumped into the street and stared at us and quickly walked away from us. Here it is the Sabbath and we are having a huge procession with a huge Cross and acolytes leading the way and everyone is carrying candles and singing, "Holy God, Holy Mighty, Holy Immortal ..."

Ours went quite well this year, pretty well organized. The epitaphios was decorated with white carnations and purple orchids, and the cross with red and white carnations. The chanters (we don't have a choir) sang "The Myrrh Bearers" and we walked about five blocks in a square. On each corner father stopped and did prayers, and we also stopped in front of the fire house which was on th route and did a prayer for them. There were more people than ever this year, I looked behind me because I was only couple of people behind the epitaphios, and there were bobbing heads all the way down to the end of the block, way more than 1000 people, and they were all fairly silent.

[nicodemus]

I have to go to work in a little while, so no Holy Saturday Liturgy for me. :(

[Konstantinos]

Hello all!!! No fever today!!! so Im off to Liturgy!!!!!!

[Matrona]

That's too bad, Nicodemus. :( Still, I am glad you have a job.

Wonderful news, Konstantinos! I hope you will stay in good health for Pascha.

[Matrona]

"Someone left the cake out in the rain
I don't think that I can take it
'Cause it took so long to bake it
And I'll never have that recipe again.
Oh, no!"

Well, it's stopped raining now... Yes, I walked to Holy Trinity today for Holy Saturday liturgy since it's my anniversary, but when I set out to walk back home, it started drizzling... and then started POURING.

THANK GOD I had the foresight to bring my umbrella!

But I think it was a good thing in disguise, because it made me think of how I had failed to thank God for the favorable weather he had given me the rest of the week, and since the rain made me hurry, I got home much sooner than usual. The rain also cooled the air down so I wasn't sweating like crazy. My skirt is wet up to my knees, but I was planning to wear a different outfit to Pascha anyway, and this one needed washing anyhow. :)

[Michael the Iconographer]

Happy Anniversary Matrona!

It is time for me to get cooking the food for my Pascha basket. I have decided to fill my basket with lots of good things this year. My pascha basket will include: bratwurst, chicken wings, salt, butter, german bier, german wine, chocalate, coconut cream pie, brownies, blueberry muffins, and anything else that looks tasty while I am cooking!

I pray you all have a blessed evening! We have made it through the fast, now it is time for the most joyous of all liturgies! Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and to those in the tombs he granted life!

[Alexis OCA]

Good Morning All,

Off to Holy Saturday DL.
Remembering you all in my prayers.

Warm regards,

I'm back....that was just beautiful. Father served special breads and real wine after the liturgy. It was a really nice moment of fellowship for all present.

Rainy and dark here in NYC..just the kind of day I like.

[Matrona]

I'm so glad I went to HS liturgy. I overslept AGAIN, and got there ten minutes late AGAIN, and it poured down rain the whole way home as I noted before, but it was so beautiful.

It was a concelebration with three priests and a deacon, and there was something I had never seen before in an HS liturgy: while "Arise O God" was being sung, the faithful began ringing bells, as did the priests, and one of them came out with a basket of leaves and scattered them AAAAAAAAAALL over the church, much to the delight of the many children present. That was really cool.

[Alexis OCA]

I'm so glad I went to HS liturgy. I overslept AGAIN, and got there ten minutes late AGAIN, and it poured down rain the whole way home as I noted before, but it was so beautiful.

It was a concelebration with three priests and a deacon, and there was something I had never seen before in an HS liturgy: while "Arise O God" was being sung, the faithful began ringing bells, as did the priests, and one of them came out with a basket of leaves and scattered them AAAAAAAAAALL over the church, much to the delight of the many children present. That was really cool.

Sounds like it was a wonderful day!:)

[Alexis OCA]

You know I almost get tears in my eyes when I realize how long it took me to get to Orthodoxy and how much my soul missed all these years.

[Matrona]

Sounds like it was a wonderful day!:)

Yes, it was very nice! I'd never seen that before with the leaves and didn't know to expect it.

[Khaleas]

More pictures...

I need a wide angle lens to get the width of the church but I will take particular pictures one day with lots of light... we didn't use flash for the chrismation, so it wouldn't distract anyone...

[Alexis OCA]

More pictures...

I need a wide angle lens to get the width of the church but I will take particular pictures one day with lots of light... we didn't use flash for the chrismation, so it wouldn't distract anyone...

Lovely, absolutely lovely!

[Khaleas]

Well, it seems like everyone else is out for their 'pre-Pascha nap' so I will do the same...



:hug: It feels good to be home!

[Michael the Iconographer]

Well, it seems like everyone else is out for their 'pre-Pascha nap' so I will do the same...



:hug: It feels good to be home!


Not napping yet! Still waiting for the wings to get done cooking! Poor little Ollie is drooling over the smell of chicken!

[Khaleas]

Not napping yet! Still waiting for the wings to get done cooking! Poor little Ollie is drooling over the smell of chicken!

Aww, my dear little doggie left with my husband today... we joke about our shared custody... Well, I'll be so busy and then going to Finland for a quick quick long weekend so he had to go with him already... SAD!! Miss my little guy, fortunately I have the cats...

[Lotar]

http://www.shipbrook.com/karen/blog/images/homer82.gif
Piiiiiiizzzzzzaaaaa

[Michael the Iconographer]

...fortunately I have the cats...

AHEM! Cats are not a sobstitute for dogs! Is outrage! :D

[Khaleas]

AHEM! Cats are not a sobstitute for dogs! Is outrage! :D

Well, it's three restless bodies puttering around the apartment... :D which is a lot better than none... *and they don't have to be walked*

[Michael the Iconographer]

*and they don't have to be walked*

My dogs thoroughly believe my day revolves arround taking them for walks! ;)

[Khaleas]

My friends, have a blessed Pasha - Feast of Feasts!

Drive safely (especially on your way home)!!! (not to repeat the comment of my dear husband - "you drive, you've got God on your side today' after we left church after the chrismation ;) )

[nicodemus]

One hour until the Feast of Feasts!

[Emmanuel-A]

Christ is risen !

Christ est ressuscité (sorry for the french, but today is a special day)

Christ ist auferstanden (did you hear that Michael ?)

[Alexis OCA]

http://www.shipbrook.com/karen/blog/images/homer82.gif

Piiiiiiizzzzzzaaaaa


Pizza is just not the same without cheese, is it homey?

[ExOrienteLux]

CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH, AND UPON THOSE IN THE TOMBS BESTOWING LIFE!

HRISTOS VOSKRESE IZ MERTVIH, SMERTIJO SMERT POPRAV, VO GROBEH ZHEVOT DAROKA!

CHRISTOS ANESTI EK NEKRON, THANATO THANATON PATISAS, KAI TEIS IN TEIS MNIMASI ZOEN CHARISOMENOS!

CHRISTUS RESURREXIT DE MORTUIS, MORTE MORTEM CALCAVIT, ET ENTIBUS IN SEPULCHRIS VITAM DONAVIT!

The Angel cried to the Maiden full of grace, "Rejoice, O Pure Virgin! And again I say: Rejoice! for Thy Son hath risen from His three days in the tomb!" Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem, the glory of the Lord hath shown on thee! Exult and be glad, O Zion; be radiant, thou pure Theotokos, in the Resurrection of Thy Son!

"'O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory?' For Christ is risen, and you are overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is risen, and life reigneth! Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the tomb! For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the Firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and might unto ages of ages. Amen."

CHRIST IS RISEN!
-Phillip

[Michael the Iconographer]

Christ is risen! Indeed he is risen!

[Khaleas]

Well, we wrapped things up around 5 (service was 4 hours... :sleep: , even Father was getting tired)...
So I'm totally accepted among the Russians now (pretty good for a first timer, eh)... well, reason is... Matuschka came over to taste my pasha cheese and my kulich... and then all chaos broke lose! She kept telling everyone it taste just like the Russian ones so all Russians came over to try it. Father thought it was hilarious... And even if soo many came over I still had some left overs.
So I know that Father will be having the same kind of Pasha as I am next year :thumbsup: ! But hey, now I can trade her the recipe for her poppy seed roll for my pasha recipe.

My friend was joking that we need to start singing "I'm in with the in crowd, I go where the in crowd goes..."

Christ is Risen, truly He is Risen!!!

...and I'm going to bed... then to rise and start practicing my readings for tomorrow (in Finnish and Swedish)... YIKES!!

[Khaleas]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/04/30/fire.ceremony.ap/index.html

[Sergius_Lucius]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/04/30/fire.ceremony.ap/index.html
I have seen it live on the TV! The fire descended just in a few minutes after the entrance of the Patriarch into the Chapel of Sepulchre. And, as for the attitude to the Patriarch, many people shouted 'Axios' (He is worthy) when Irineos made procession around the Chapel.

[Lotar]

Well, it's 4:40 here, and I have to wake up by 11, but it sure was worth it. :)

[Lotar]

One funny thing, I kept accidently saying, "He is risen indeed." Why does East and West have to do everything different? :D

[Greg the byzantine]

Christ is risen
so let's eat Souvla

[nicodemus]

Christ is Risen!


My wife is due in 2-3 weeks. About two and a half to three hours into the service she began feeling very bad and extremely tired, so we unfortunately had to leave before communing. She said she was in severe pain so there was no other choice, unfortunately. Despite that, we are still experiencing the joy of the resurrected Christ!

I wish all of you, my brothers and sisters, a most Joyous Pascha!

CHRIST IS RISEN!

[Momzilla]

My wife is due in 2-3 weeks. About two and a half to three hours into the service she began feeling very bad and extremely tired, so we unfortunately had to leave before communing. She said she was in severe pain so there was no other choice, unfortunately. Despite that, we are still experiencing the joy of the resurrected Christ!


I don't think any of the noticeably pregnant women in our parish attended last night--such a long service is very rough on every one, and especially so for those who are pregnant.

[Grand_Duchess-Elizaveta]

http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/meast/04/30/fire.ceremony.ap/index.html
This part is just really sad though:
About a dozen Greek and Armenian clergymen briefly scuffled over who would be first to emerge with the flames, but they were quickly pulled apart by Israeli police stationed inside the church.

[nicodemus]

I don't think any of the noticeably pregnant women in our parish attended last night--such a long service is very rough on every one, and especially so for those who are pregnant.
We only saw one other pregnant woman there and she's just getting started. :P

It was crazy. Every Russian in the area came out of the woodwork last night. I'd never seen our church so packed! They had to have the county sheriff's there to assist in traffic and parking (which I'm sure the neighbors love as it is smack in the middle of a residential area). The CHRISTOS VOSKRESEs were MUCH MUCH louder than the CHRIST IS RISENs (because of quantity of people not enthusiasm.) Ours is an English language parish with a handful of Russian attendees, but it felt the other way around last night. Granted one of our priests has a Russian language mission where they do Slavonic liturgy on Saturdays, so maybe all of those people come to that and not to the English services. Anyway, I was SHOCKED (but happy) at how many people were there!

[Michael the Iconographer]

Well, we wrapped things up around 5 (service was 4 hours... :sleep: , even Father was getting tired)...
So I'm totally accepted among the Russians now (pretty good for a first timer, eh)... well, reason is... Matuschka came over to taste my pasha cheese and my kulich... and then all chaos broke lose! She kept telling everyone it taste just like the Russian ones so all Russians came over to try it. Father thought it was hilarious... And even if soo many came over I still had some left overs.
So I know that Father will be having the same kind of Pasha as I am next year :thumbsup: ! But hey, now I can trade her the recipe for her poppy seed roll for my pasha recipe.

My friend was joking that we need to start singing "I'm in with the in crowd, I go where the in crowd goes..."

Christ is Risen, truly He is Risen!!!

...and I'm going to bed... then to rise and start practicing my readings for tomorrow (in Finnish and Swedish)... YIKES!!

The choir must have been in speed mode because the entire service (Resurrections Matins and Divine Liturgy) only lasted 3 hours! The best part of the whole service was after Liturgy when we were all in line to exchange a Paschal Kiss of Peace with the whole Church (kind of like Forgiveness Vespers but without the prostrations and the whole "fogive me brother" thing) and an inquirer friend who was behind me in line says to me "This is great! In what other church can you actually say you have kissed every other member of the Church?!" ;) :D The other funny comment made was one of the guys said to one of the other guys in the parish that he had the softest beard that he had ever kissed! :D ;) :wave: :clap: OH, the joys of being Orthodox!

[Khaleas]

We only saw one other pregnant woman there and she's just getting started. :P

It was crazy. Every Russian in the area came out of the woodwork last night. I'd never seen our church so packed! They had to have the county sheriff's there to assist in traffic and parking (which I'm sure the neighbors love as it is smack in the middle of a residential area). The CHRISTOS VOSKRESEs were MUCH MUCH louder than the CHRIST IS RISENs (because of quantity of people not enthusiasm.) Ours is an English language parish with a handful of Russian attendees, but it felt the other way around last night. Granted one of our priests has a Russian language mission where they do Slavonic liturgy on Saturdays, so maybe all of those people come to that and not to the English services. Anyway, I was SHOCKED (but happy) at how many people were there!

Yup, all the Russians came out of the woodwork (I have to say some do not know the virtue of western hygiene products)! But we did have both languages equally loud except for me being all alone for Finnish ;) !
We had a cop (two during procession) on duty all night to guard cars and keep everyone safe. Poor guy looked really tired when I left at 5:15...

[Rilian]

Last year we had a bunch of people who I had never seen before or again. This year it was pretty much just people from the parish. I did meet one nice Serbian lady who was visiting for the first time, I hope she does come back.

We're going over to a friends for more Lamb in about an hour and then Vespers.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Shall we temporarily rename TAW the Food Chanel for the day being that we are all so busy discussing what foods we used to break the fast?

[Khaleas]

Shall we temporarily rename TAW the Food Chanel for the day being that we are all so busy discussing what foods we used to break the fast?

As long as Emeril doesn't start hosting a Orthodox Cooking show :D !!!

I want to go to NYC next weekend for the service at St Nicholas Cathedral but I doubt I will be able to... maybe next year...

Time to find some breakfast.