We are nearing the end of Lent, brothers and sisters.

[xenia]

And I, for one, am hungry and cranky and continually on the verge of tears.

On another message board where I am an administrator, an Orthodox staff member is talking about leaving the church. I was so ticked about it that I nearly resigned from staff over there. (I didn't. I think after he has a good meal he'll settle down.) And here in TAW we seem a little testy. I know I am reading most posts the wrong way. I am thinking "Hey! What did s/he mean by THAT!"

We only have a little more than a week to go. Let's try to remember St. Ephraim's prayer and to cherish each other. I would like to apologize to those of you here that I have offended in my Lenten grouchiness. Please forgive me.

In peace,
Xenia

[Konstantinos]

I agree:D :D Finally No more bean soup and fish! J/K :D All for Christ Konstantinos :prayer:

[Greg the byzantine]

It's so close I can smell the lamb on the souvla.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Xenia,
You have not offended me, but I forgive you for anything you might have done which may have caused any ill will among any of us here on TAW. I ask everyone whom I have offended this Lenten Spring to forgive me for my wrong doings and that you may pray for my soul that God will have mercy on me. This Lent has been a very strong challenge to me and I feel that God has forced me to grow in areas that needed some growth. I just hope he looks with mercy upon my weak and sinful soul.
In Christ,
Michael

PS. I am going to miss the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts! Over the past 8 years it has become one of my absolute favorite liturgies!

[Rilian]

[Homer Simpson voice]

Llllll-aaaa-mmmm-bbbb

[/Homer Simpson voice]

[Konstantinos]

(Imagines Pascha feast and drowns from drool) :D

[Matrona]

And I, for one, am hungry and cranky and continually on the verge of tears.

On another message board where I am an administrator, an Orthodox staff member is talking about leaving the church. I was so ticked about it that I nearly resigned from staff over there. (I didn't. I think after he has a good meal he'll settle down.) And here in TAW we seem a little testy. I know I am reading most posts the wrong way. I am thinking "Hey! What did s/he mean by THAT!"

We only have a little more than a week to go. Let's try to remember St. Ephraim's prayer and to cherish each other. I would like to apologize to those of you here that I have offended in my Lenten grouchiness. Please forgive me.

In peace,
Xenia
I've had a tough time this Lent too. In fact, several members of my parish are having knee problems all of a sudden, it's crazy! Last night we joked about getting out the horse trough they used for my baptism, filling it with unction oil, and immersing everybody, heh heh.

Putting my icon of St. Paul by my computer is turning out to be one of the best things I ever did. I find myself looking at it for inspiration when words fail me.

[Alexis OCA]

And I, for one, am hungry and cranky and continually on the verge of tears.

We only have a little more than a week to go. Let's try to remember St. Ephraim's prayer and to cherish each other. I would like to apologize to those of you here that I have offended in my Lenten grouchiness. Please forgive me.

In peace,
Xenia

I think I like you grouchy!:hug:

Hang in there dear sister!

[Alexis OCA]

Ya know I'm gonna miss Lent....

(Alexis ducks from all the thrown objects at his head!)

This was a memorable one for me.

[Michael the Iconographer]

Ya know I'm gonna miss Lent....

(Alexis ducks from all the thrown objects at his head!)

This was a memorable one for me.

I have made it very well known that I will miss the Pre-Sanctified Liturgy! I just love it! This Lent has been a struggle for me, but that is what my priest wished for me before Lent even began, that it be a struggle and force me to grow spiritually!

[moses916]

:hug:

[ufonium2]

I woke up thinking about Philly Steak sandwiches last week. I'm pathetic.

[countrymouse33ad]

:hug:

I second that!

Please, if I have offended anyone, whether during this Lent or even before, forgive me.

Y'all are the greatest! (Well, except for my parish and my family. :) )

[Lotar]

I woke up thinking about Philly Steak sandwiches last week. I'm pathetic.

I had a dream about eating pizza the other night. :D

[moses916]

I had a dream about going on another lenten fast after this one AHHHHHHHH! (just kidding) :)

[Xpycoctomos]

an Orthodox staff member is talking about leaving the church... I think after he has a good meal he'll settle down.

If that's interrelated, that may be a sign that it is time for him to reduce the fast a bit ;)

[moses916]

If that's interrelated, that may be a sign that it is time for him to reduce the fast a bit ;)

hahaha

[White Rabbit]

This is going to be my first Pascha (yay!). I just wanted to tell you guys that I love you all and that you have helped me grow spiritually since I have been here.

P.S. If I have offended anyone, forgive me :bow:

[Kolya]

And I, for one, am hungry and cranky and continually on the verge of tears.

On another message board where I am an administrator, an Orthodox staff member is talking about leaving the church. I was so ticked about it that I nearly resigned from staff over there. (I didn't. I think after he has a good meal he'll settle down.) And here in TAW we seem a little testy. I know I am reading most posts the wrong way. I am thinking "Hey! What did s/he mean by THAT!"

We only have a little more than a week to go. Let's try to remember St. Ephraim's prayer and to cherish each other. I would like to apologize to those of you here that I have offended in my Lenten grouchiness. Please forgive me.

In peace,
Xenia



Dear Xenia,
You have in no way offended me personally, and I can not recall where there was any real aggresion on your part in any post during this Lenten period. But I second your wish to remember the Prayer of St. Ephraim, and keep thr Spirit of Christ in our hearts from this Lenten period for the remainder of the year.



had a dream about eating pizza the other night.


The meanest thing my son did this lent was to order a pizza and come and eat it in front of me in our room!:yum: ( He's not orthodox)

To tell the truth, I felt very blessed this Lent, and did not have a particularly hard time fasting. But perhaps that's just me. I am looking forward to Holy Week, and I will not be joining you on the board during that time.
I would like to take this opportunity to wish all of my friends on TAW a Blessed Pasha - and don't overdo the the feasting !!!:D

In peace,

Kolya

[Lotar]

I had that dream after one of my co-workers decided to eat a couple slices in from of me. I don't think I've ever been so tempted in my life. :D

[Kolya]

I had that dream after one of my co-workers decided to eat a couple slices in from of me. I don't think I've ever been so tempted in my life. :D

Just don't tell me!! And HOW.lol

[Matrona]

It's good to know I'm not the only one who's had a tough time with Lent this year.

There's quite a bit of snarking going on at my parish. I'm sick of being criticized and insulted just because I can't read sheet music. :(

[Lotar]

If you didn't live on the wrong side of the country, I'd show ya how.

[Matrona]

If you didn't live on the wrong side of the country, I'd show ya how.

I can read the notes themselves, because I used to play violin, but I can't make a sound from a note.

Some mornings I feel like I'd rather walk to the Greek church than deal with her, but then I remember their organ. :P If she is my Lenten struggle, I am failing miserably.

[Kolya]

It's good to know I'm not the only one who's had a tough time with Lent this year.

There's quite a bit of snarking going on at my parish. I'm sick of being criticized and insulted just because I can't read sheet music. :(

I know how you feel Matrona. I can also read the notes and go up and down, but I cant start off on the note if I didn't hear it. And I hadn't sung in a choir for years.

Our next English Liturgy is May 14, and an all-day choir prctice on the 7th. It's going to be a loooong day.:sigh:

[Vasya Davidovich]

Xenia, I hear you. This Lent has been a tough one. I know that I have been a lot more cranky and snarky than is my wont.

To you: God forgives. I forgive.
To TAW in general: Forgive me for my wrongs against you.

In Christ,
Vasya.

[countrymouse33ad]

It has been tough. I said some things to and about a family member that I thoroughly regret. And some of my thoughts... (we don't want to go there).

***********


On the lighter side, here's a thought. When, during Lent, someone pops in here with one of these questions...

"What do you think of (insert church)?"

"What do you think of the chances of reunion with (insert church)?"

"What do you think of (insert person)?"

Maybe we ought to answer, "We'll tell you after Lent!" :D

[ufonium2]

There's quite a bit of snarking going on at my parish. I'm sick of being criticized and insulted just because I can't read sheet music. :(

Neither can Pavoratti, with any kind of accuracy. Lots of famous singers can barely read music. Tell her that.

Choir drama is stupid. For example, there was this lady at The Parish Which Shall Not Be Named who would take it upon herself to turn MY pages in MY choir book on MY stand. See, I am of the opinion that since they only used two litanies, and my part in those litanies consisted of one note, that litanies were a good time for me to sing my one note while looking ahead at the moveable and/or tricky stuff later in the book. She would invariably turn my pages back to whatever litany we were on and say "no, we're here." Thanks, lady. My mere Master's degree in music left me totally unprepared to comprehend this one note repeated for five minutes, and left me so confused that I can't tell the difference between the words "Lord have mercy" and "Let us who mystically represent the cherubim..." Yeesh! She would also correct my pronunciation, invariably to something wrong.

Anyway, Matrona, you can be in my choir any time. Reading music is really overrated in choral singing. It's much more important to understand harmonization, which has very little to do with being able to read music.

[Julio]

Thanks, lady. My mere Master's degree in music left me totally unprepared to comprehend this one note repeated for five minutes, and left me so confused that I can't tell the difference between the words "Lord have mercy" and "Let us who mystically represent the cherubim..." Yeesh!

*snort*
I understand the frustration!

Anyway, Matrona, you can be in my choir any time. Reading music is really overrated in choral singing. It's much more important to understand harmonization, which has very little to do with being able to read music.

Amen! In my parish we do not have a choir ("What is this, choir?! Was it choir in XIII century Nebeska Srbija? No, it was not!"), but we have a handful of people who will sing the harmony while I chant. They have no sheet music in front of them, but they have become so familiar with the melody that the harmony often suggests itself to them ("Is benefit of Heavenly Serbian music!"). If they don't nail the harmony on their own, I sit with them for a minute to teach them, and try to sing the harmony myself the next time (they will invariably do the melody well when I do this, which is quite remarkable). So, there you go: no sheet music, only a good musical ear, attention, and faithful attendance to the Divine Services!

[Alexis OCA]

Just a thought I found interesting. Many were so hesitant to discuss their prayer life in that particular thread (some even objected to the thread itself), but there seems to be no hesitency to discuss our Lenten Fasting suffering and difficulties. Just an observation and no offense intended as I personally think BOTH are valuable things to share and discuss as we journey together.

With affection,

[Toddbert]

Ya know I'm gonna miss Lent....

(Alexis ducks from all the thrown objects at his head!)

This was a memorable one for me.

Me too. My first Lent. I was just telling someone how I'll miss it the other day. She said "be quiet about it until you have had your first Pascha."

:crossrc:

[Monica, child of God]

Just a thought I found interesting. Many were so hesitant to discuss their prayer life in that particular thread (some even objected to the thread itself), but there seems to be no hesitency to discuss our Lenten Fasting suffering and difficulties. Just an observation and no offense intended as I personally think BOTH are valuable things to share and discuss as we journey together.

FWIW I am hesitant to discuss fasting beyond recipes and such. But I don't have any problem with other people talking about it. Tawk amongst ya'selves, as Linda Richmond would say :)

Monica

[Matrona]

Neither can Pavoratti, with any kind of accuracy. Lots of famous singers can barely read music. Tell her that.

She's in denial that I don't know what an A or a G is without the keyboard we use for pitch. Also, she likes to cue notes while I am still singing the last word of the previous song so that she can jump right into the next song, without allowing me to catch my breath, because she's always complaining that the service is too long. Ugh.

Choir drama is stupid.

Oh, goodness yes!

One time, I thought to get a liturgy book and put it on my stand before Matins started, so that I wouldn't have to totter over there in my high heels while trying to sing the Great Doxology from memory. It doesn't matter which one who takes because they are all the same. 'Christine' (the woman I mentioned a few weeks ago) comes in while I'm singing the praises, just before the GD, walks right past the pile of liturgy books and steals MY liturgy book off my stand! How childish is that??

[Alexis OCA]

....she's always complaining that the service is too long. Ugh.


Don't these people realize that so-called "LONG" services are one of the things that brought some of us into the Church to begin with:mad:. That we found the truth through reverent, patiently celebrated Divine Liturgy and services.

Mamma Mia!:doh:

About 21 hours to go! Yeah I'm getting antsy, a tad nervous, you name it. Just saying the Jesus Prayer all day.........even now while I type..........this is like waiting for my first-born;)

[Vasya Davidovich]

God be with you, Alexis, as you prepare yourself for this great sacrament.

[Rilian]

I think if you're rushing to get through the liturgy and you think it's too long, you need to ask yourself why you're there.

[Vasya Davidovich]

Agreed.

[Matrona]

Don't these people realize that so-called "LONG" services are one of the things that brought some of us into the Church to begin with:mad:. That we found the truth through reverent, patiently celebrated Divine Liturgy and services.

That's what I'm saying. :) I love spending lots of time at church. But she acts like it's some chore she has to do.

About 21 hours to go! Yeah I'm getting antsy, a tad nervous, you name it. Just saying the Jesus Prayer all day.........even now while I type..........this is like waiting for my first-born;)

Be careful these last few hours... keep praying, I will keep praying for you.

[Alexis OCA]

I think if you're rushing to get through the liturgy and you think it's too long, you need to ask yourself why you're there.

:amen:

[Stephanida]

You will be in my prayers Alexis. I understand, my family is getting more cranky as the fast continues, and I feel so guilty because my fast isn't as strict. I am glad to see it isn't just me! I am getting very excited though at the idea of getting to go to church for Pascha soon! ( Sorry I am just getting hyper)

[Alexis OCA]

Be careful these last few hours... keep praying, I will keep praying for you.

Thank you dear sister! Yes I am on the lookout for satan and his minions, sheep stealers, and other unsavory religious types that hang out at the airport!

Being prayerfully vigilant:crosseo:

[Rilian]

You must be going to La Guardia then.

[MariaRegina]

Dear Alexis:

I was received by Chrismation 9 years ago on Lazarus Saturday.

Many years to you on this special day.

Yours in Christ,
Elizabeth

[Alexis OCA]

You must be going to La Guardia then.

Avoiding it like hell itself!!!! ^_^

[Rilian]

I am thankful Lent will be over soon. Otherwise I think TAW is likely to explode in a ball of flames.

[Alexis OCA]

I am thankful Lent will be over soon. Otherwise I think TAW is likely to explode in a ball of flames.

Wonder if we could get a picture of that?:P

http://re2.mm-c.yimg.com/image/325248764 (http://rds.yahoo.com/S=96062857/K=ball+of+flames/v=2/SID=e/TID=I035_84/l=II/R=62/SS=p/OID=8ba2116ab7ce339c/SIG=1o1r7u7p5/EXP=1114288387/*-http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/search/images/view?back=http%3A%2F%2Fimages.search.yahoo.com%2Fsearch%2Fimages%3Fp%3Dball%2Bof%2Bflames%26toggle%3D1%26ei%3DUTF-8%26qp_p%3Dball%2Bflames%26imgsz%3Dall%26fr%3DFP-tab-img-t%26b%3D61&h=157&w=179&imgcurl=www.vanderbilt.edu%2Fcso%2FSSI2002%2Flessons%2FEnergy%2520Cycles%2FEnergy%2520Cycles_files%2Fimage003.jpg&imgurl=www.vanderbilt.edu%2Fcso%2FSSI2002%2Flessons%2FEnergy%2520Cycles%2FEnergy%2520Cycles_files%2Fimage003.jpg&size=4.6kB&name=image003.jpg&rcurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanderbilt.edu%2Fcso%2FSSI2002%2Flessons%2FEnergy%2520Cycles%2FEnergy%2520Cycles.htm&rurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.vanderbilt.edu%2Fcso%2FSSI2002%2Flessons%2FEnergy%2520Cycles%2FEnergy%2520Cycles.htm&p=ball+of+flames&type=jpeg&no=62&tt=356)

[Rilian]

That would be cool. Maybe we could interpose Evel Knievel jumping over a burning TAW.

[Monica, child of God]

I am thankful Lent will be over soon. Otherwise I think TAW is likely to explode in a ball of flames.

Its fish, wine and oil on Palm Sunday. Maybe we'll feel less touchy after some seared salmon, a nice salad dressed in olive oil and some wine :)

Monica

[Matrona]

I am thankful Lent will be over soon. Otherwise I think TAW is likely to explode in a ball of flames.
I feel like I need a bath in Holy Water to put out all these flames that have been hitting me.

[Rilian]

Just picture yourself doing this in circles at church tonight.

[Vasya Davidovich]

I am thankful Lent will be over soon. Otherwise I think TAW is likely to explode in a ball of flames.
No kidding.

And it is bothering me. This is not the TAW I first met.

[Theophorus]

Almost over! Almost over????

There is over a week, a week mind you. I feel that I am trapped in some kind of time warp, like I have been eating the same peanut butter sandwich since I can remember.

I wan't a cheeseburger... with extra meat.

[Theophorus]

and my knee is hurting me also. :scratch:

[White Rabbit]

Almost over! Almost over????

There is over a week, a week mind you. I feel that I am trapped in some kind of time warp, like I have been eating the same peanut butter sandwich since I can remember.

I wan't a cheeseburger... with extra meat.

It's not wise to put that kind of stress on your fast. If I were you I wouldn't think about that until the fast is over.

[MariaRegina]

It's not wise to put that kind of stress on your fast. If I were you I wouldn't think about that until the fast is over.

You are wise and mature beyond your young years, White Rabbit.

I'm glad that you have joined us in TAW.

[Matrona]

It's not wise to put that kind of stress on your fast. If I were you I wouldn't think about that until the fast is over.
Sometimes we can't control the temptations that confront us, though. :( We must resist them, though. You might be interested in reading what Father Maximos says about logismoi in the book The Mountain of Silence, by Kyriacos Markides.

[Rilian]

No kidding.

And it is bothering me. This is not the TAW I first met.

I'm really glad tomorrow is Lazarus Saturday and we're at Holy Week.

[Matrona]

I'm really glad tomorrow is Lazarus Saturday and we're at Holy Week.
Things will intensify over Holy Week, though.

Hopefully, Pascha will bring relief for all of us.

Oh, and stock up on Imodium now, before it's too late. Don't want to see the present state of TAW-wide crankiness last into the Paschal season...

[White Rabbit]

Sometimes we can't control the temptations that confront us, though. :( We must resist them, though. You might be interested in reading what Father Maximos says about logismoi in the book The Mountain of Silence, by Kyriacos Markides.

I loved that book!

A few parts were a little confusing, but over-all it was great!

[White Rabbit]

You are wise and mature beyond your young years, White Rabbit.

Not really :blush:

I'm glad that you have joined us in TAW.

Thanks! Me too!

[Fotina]

Having completed the forty days that bring profit to our soul, we beseech Thee in Thy love for man: Grant us also to behold the Holy Week of Thy Passion, that in it we may glorify Thy mighty acts and Thine ineffable dispensation for our sakes, singing with one mind: O Lord, glory to Thee.



Glory...at Aposticha of Matins for Friday of 6th Week (today).


We worship Thy passion O Christ.
We worship Thy passion O Christ.
We worship Thy passion O Christ.

Show us also Thy glorious Resurrection!

A blessed Great and Holy Week.

[Michael the Iconographer]

You can tell Great Lent ends today because the Devil is really trying to get at me right now. There is a very loud and violent fight happening in the apartment downstairs to the degree that I just called the police on their drunk butts!

[MariaRegina]

Dear Michael,

Has the problem resolved? Or will the drunks be aware that you called the police and cause problems later on?

My prayers for you.
Elizabeth

[Michael the Iconographer]

Dear Michael,

Has the problem resolved? Or will the drunks be aware that you called the police and cause problems later on?

My prayers for you.
Elizabeth

I told them if they did not shut up immediately that I was calling the police, and they did not. If they cause problems later on there will be some major legal problems for them, because I will not be affraid to call again and have them arrested. As for me, my blood pressure is so high right now that I can't sleep even though I need to be up for work at 6. Please pray for me!

[Matrona]

Good night, everybody, and may God bless all of our catechumens--those being received tomorrow, and those who will be received on Great and Holy Saturday next week!

[Xpycoctomos]

I feel for you so much MIchael. Definitely take legal action (if you can do so safely) and do it in all our names. I honestly don't know anything that frustrates me more than inconsiderate people not allowing me to sleep, especially when they are drunk. My blood is boilign for you. If you can, use this as an EXCELLENT time to pray for your enemies. It sounds odd (and probably is) but in circumstances like yours, I find it harder to pray for them than people like Bin Laden. It's wierd (and probaly comes from selfishness, that I am only truly hurt when it directly affects me) but it is a true test of my faith.

John

[Michael the Iconographer]

I feel for you so much MIchael. Definitely take legal action (if you can do so safely) and do it in all our names. I honestly don't know anything that frustrates me more than inconsiderate people not allowing me to sleep, especially when they are drunk. My blood is boilign for you. If you can, use this as an EXCELLENT time to pray for your enemies. It sounds odd (and probably is) but in circumstances like yours, I find it harder to pray for them than people like Bin Laden. It's wierd (and probaly comes from selfishness, that I am only truly hurt when it directly affects me) but it is a true test of my faith.

John

I just said a short prayer for them, and you are right, it was incredibly difficult for me to do. It was hard for me to wish God's mercy on those who do evil.

[Xpycoctomos]

They proabably grw up in cr*ppy homes.... I think this sometimes (whether it's true or not) to squeeze any ounce of mercy out of myself for them (like trying to squeeze blood forma turnip at times like these).

John

[Michael the Iconographer]

They proabably grw up in cr*ppy homes.... I think this sometimes (whether it's true or not) to squeeze any ounce of mercy out of myself for them (like trying to squeeze blood forma turnip at times like these).

John

They are just very bad seeds, but I still managed to eek out a small prayer for God to have mercy on their souls.

[Vasya Davidovich]

This is probably the best place to leave this post.

My brothers and sisters:

I am asking that everyone who reads this post simply cross themselves and say "Lord have mercy on Vasya." If you want, briefly address a prayer to St. John the Wonderworker: "... through the prayers of St. John," etc.

I am struggling hard against various darts treacherously hurled against me. And there is not much I can do but pray and seek the prayers of others.

In Christ,
The sinner Vasya.

[Monica, child of God]

My brothers and sisters:

I am asking that everyone who reads this post simply cross themselves and say "Lord have mercy on Vasya." If you want, briefly address a prayer to St. John the Wonderworker: "... through the prayers of St. John," etc.

I am struggling hard against various darts treacherously hurled against me. And there is not much I can do but pray and seek the prayers of others.



:crosseo: Of course I prayed for you and I will add your name to my list for the proskomedia (sp?) at Liturgy today. Lord have mercy...

Monica

[Vasya Davidovich]

*Sigh*

I slept in too late. Missed DL this morning. First missed service in months... this time of year is crazy, no?

Thanks for your prayers, Monica.