On Sunday, July 28^th, please join us for a lecture on the life and influence of
Venerable Columba of Iona
at St. Elizabeth the New-Martyr Church

On Sunday, July 28^th, at coffee hour after Divine Liturgy, Protodeacon Columba Wilson will deliver a lecture on the life and influence of Venerable Columba of Iona. Q&A to follow.

Divine Liturgy begins at 10:00 AM;
coffee hour at 12:00 PM.

SAINT ELIZABETH THE NEW-MARTYR CHURCH
1615 Shull Street · West Columbia, SC 29169
www.stelizabeth.net · (803) 600-0001

O Venerable Father Columba, pray unto God for us!

Въ воскресенье, 28 іюля, приглашаемъ васъ на бесѣду, посвященную житію и наслѣдію
ПРЕПОДОБНАГО КОЛУМБЫ ІOНСКАГО
въ Свято-Елисаветинскомъ храмѣ.

Въ воскресенье, 28 іюля, за трапезой послѣ Божественной литургіи протодіаконъ Колумба Вильсонъ выступитъ съ бесѣдой о житіи и наслѣдіи преподобнаго Колумбы, Іонскаго чудотворца. Послѣ бесѣды будетъ время задавать вопросы.

Божественная литургія начинается въ 10:00 ч.; трапеза въ 12:00 ч.

Преподобне отче Колумбо, моли Бога о насъ!

Sunday, June 23: Presentation: “The Life of Hieromartyr St Joachim of Lower Novgorod”

On Sunday, June 23rd at 1:00pm in the parish hall, our parishioner Subdeacon Gregory Levitsky will deliver a lecture (with photographs) on the life of his great-great grandfather, the Holy Hieromartyr Joachim (Levitsky), Archbishop of Lower of Novgorod who was martyred by the Bolsheviks after the Russian Revolution. Question & Answer session to follow.

Sunday, June 23rd – Sunday of ALL SAINTS
9:40am: Hours & Liturgy
12:00pm: Coffee Hour Meal
1:00pm: Presentation

O Holy New Martyrs and Confessors of Russia, pray unto God for us!

Въ воскресенье, 23 іюня, состоится бесѣда: “Житіе священномученика Iоакима Нижегородскаго”.

Въ воскресенье, 23 іюня, въ 13:00 ч. въ приходскомъ залѣ, нашъ прихожанинъ ѵподіаконъ Григорій Левитскій выступитъ съ бесѣдой (съ фотографiями) о житіи своего пра-прадѣда, священномученика Іоакима (Левитскаго), архіепископа Нижегородскаго, измученнаго большевиками послѣ революцiи. Послѣ бесѣды будетъ время задавать вопросы.

Dear Brethren & Friends of St Elizabeth’s,

At the bottom of this post are some of the stichera (verses) from the services of Matins and Vespers for the week of the Blind Man and the Ascension. They are taken from the Pentecostarion, which is the special liturgical book used during these season of the year – Pascha through the Sunday of All Saints – for our worship and edification. The verses chosen focus on the glorious resurrection of Our Lord and how His resurrection changers our humanity and the very fabric of Creation.

With much love in Christ,

Fr Mark

Monday of the Blind Man:  

“With his whole soul and mind and his tongue, the man who in times not long past had been blind confessed the One Who had fashioned eyes for him out of spittle and clay and enabled him to see as all men do. He preached that He is the Lord and Creator of all that is, Who through compassion for the creature which He had made became mortal man, though He is God omnipotent, Since they could not endure to hear his words and to see his zeal, the wretched scribes in their malice had him expelled from the synagogue, for the fearful blindness which possessed their souls surpassed that which once possessed his eyes.”

“O Christ God, Thou spiritual Sun of Righteousness, Who by Thine own immaculate touch didst bestow a twofold enlightenment upon him that from his mother’s womb was deprived of sight, illumine Thou the eyes of our souls also, and prove us to be sons of the day, that we may cry to Thee with faith: Great and ineffable is Thy compassion toward us, O Friend of man; glory to Thee.”

Tuesday of the Blind Man:

“O Christ God, Who by Thy bowels of mercy was incarnate, with Thy fingers which fashioned all things Thou didst touch clay to the eyes of him who from the womb was bereft of sight and didst thereby deem him worthy of divine brilliance by Thine ineffable bowels of compassions. And now do Thou Thyself, O Bestower of light, illumine also the senses of our souls, since Thou alone art the bountiful Bestower of gifts.”

“Who can tell of Thy mighty acts, O Christ, or who can number the multitudes of Thy wonders? For even as Thou, in Thy goodness, didst appear on earth twofold of nature, so didst Thou grant twofold healings to the sick: for Thou didst open not only the bodily eyes of the man who was blind from the womb, but those of his soul also. Wherefore, he confessed Thee, the hidden God, Who grantest great mercy unto all.”

Friday of Ascension:

“Today the hosts on high, beholding our nature in the Heavens, marvel at the strange manner of its ascent, and, being perplexed, they said to another: Who is this that cometh? And when they saw it was their own Master, they were commanded to lift up the heavenly gates. With them we ceaselessly praise Thee, Who again shalt come from thence in the flesh, since Thou art the Judge of all and Almighty God.”

“O new and wondrous deed! Lo, mortal human nature ascendeth to the Heavens; for it is now made one with the Word, Who is Almighty God.”

Monday of the Samaritan Woman:

“Christ, the Bestower of wisdom, the Giver of good things, Who poureth forth divine streams from a spring that doth not cease, crieth out: Come unto Me, all ye that thirst; draw the water of Life, and drink. And thus shall rivers of graces and godly gifts issue freely from within yourselves.”

Tuesday of the Samaritan Woman:

“Thou, O Savior, dost pour out for all the world living waters of wisdom and endless life, inviting all to partake and to drink of these saving streams; for the man who receiveth

and keepeth Thy holy law thereby quencheth the coals of dark error and fallacy. Wherefore, he shall not thirst to the ages, O Master, nor fail to be filled with Thee, King of Heaven, Thou sovereign Lord. For this cause do we glorify Thy power and Thy might, O Christ God, asking that forgiveness of our many sins be granted in all abundance unto us.”

Wednesday of the Samaritan Woman:

“At the well, Christ met the woman of Samaria. He asked her for water the He might partake thereof. He thirsted for her amendment and for her salvation, which was fulfilled and made known in very deed. To this end He drew unto Himself this woman who drew up water that He might drink. And thus He filled with the draught of life her that told those in the town; Lo, the One spoken in Moses’ Law, the Messiah and Christ, hath appeared as man, and hath made known the secrets of my hidden and unspoken thoughts.”

Thursday of the Samaritan Woman:

“By Jacob’s Well, Jesus found the Samaritan woman. He that covers the earth with clouds asked water of her, O wonder! He that rideth on the Cheribum speaketh with a harlot woman. He asked for water, Who suspended the earth upon the waters. He seeketh water, Who causeth springs and pools of waters to flow forth, for He wished to draw to Himself her that was truly ensnared by the contending enemy, and to impart the water of life unto her that was sorely inflamed with unseemly deeds, for He alone is compassionate and the Friend of man.”

Friday of the Samaritan Woman:

“At the sixth hour the Well-spring of miracles came to the well to capture the fruit of Eve, for Eve at this same hour departed from Paradise through the deceit of the serpent. The Samaritan woman, therefore, drew nigh to draw water, and the Savior, upon seeing her, said to her: Give Me water to drink, and I shall fill thee with living water. And running to the city, that prudent woman at once announces to the multitudes: Come, behold Christ The Lord, the Savior of our souls.”

Saturday of the Samaritan Woman:

“The Well-spring of the principle of life, Jesus the Savior, came to the well of the Patriarch Jacob, and sought water from a Samaritan woman that He might drink. And when she addressed Him and said that the Jews had no dealings with the Samaritans, the wise Creator diverted her by the sweetness of His words rather to seek of Him the everlasting water, which, when she received it, she proclaimed to all, saying: Come and see the Knower of the things hidden, God Who is come in the fresh to save man.”

Dear Brethren and Friends of St Elizabeth’s,

Christ is risen!

At the bottom of this post are some of the stichera (verses) from the services of Matins and Vespers for the week of the Paralytic. They are taken from The Pentecostarion, which is the special liturgical book used during this season of the year – Pascha through All Saints –  for our worship and edification. The verses chosen focus on the glorious resurrection of Our Lord and how His resurrection changes our humanity and the very fabric of Creation.

With much love in Christ,
Fr Mark

Monday of the Paralytic:

“Those bound fast by the strength of envy’s wickedness and its paralysis grew faint with jealousy as on the Sabbath they saw Jesus strengthen the paralytic. And they said, Thou dost transgress by effecting these cures on this day. Thou dost break the Sabbath rest which our fathers have handed down. They knew not that Thou art the Law’s Master, the Healer of both souls and bodies.”

Tuesday of the Paralytic:

“At the Sheep’s Pool a man lay in illness; and on seeing Thee, O Lord, he cried: I have no man, that, when the water is troubled, he might put me therein. But when I go another precedes me and receiveth the healing, and I lie in illness. And straightway, taking compassion on him, the Savior saith unto him: For thee I became man, for thee I am clothed in the flesh, and sayest thou: I have no man? Take up thy bed and walk. All things are possible to Thee, all things are obedient to Thee, all things are subject to Thee. Remember us all and have mercy on us, O Holy One, since Thou art the Friend of man.”

Wednesday of the Paralytic (Mid-Pentecost):

“There is come now the middle of those days which commence with Christ God’s saving  Rising and which are sealed by Pentecost, that divine day. Illumined by both the feasts and joining both, it is radiant and also is now rendered majestic, manifesting and showing the presence of the great glory of the Ascension of our Master, Christ.”

“The mid-point of the days of Pentecost is come. Herein Christ disclosed his diving might in part, in that He strengthened the paralytic and by a word raised him up from his bed. In a God-befitting manner He wrought miracles in a body of clay, and hath granted unto men everlasting life and great mercy.”

Thursday of the Paralytic / Mid-Pentecost:

“Though He is the uncircumscribed God, and though He is by nature God and the Lord of all, for our sake He as a mortal was circumscribed in the flesh. And thus, while He stood within the temple’s court, He poured forth for all mankind divine sayings which course with life as He addressed all: Be ye purified in your souls; quench the burning heat of the passions’ consuming fire. Let no one be deprived of this draught, for on him that doth drink do I bestow the divine grace of an immortal and better life. And he shall share with Me, the Creator, in the Kingdom, and thus be glorified.”

Friday of the Paralytic / Mid-Pentecost:

“At the Mid-feast of Pascha Thou didst go up into the sacred temple, O our Savior. And standing in the midst of the crowd, Thou didst teach them with boldness and say: I am the Light of the world; he that followeth Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have immortal life.”

“As the Law’s Master Thou went into the temple’s court. There Thou didst teach as Mid-feast, as is written, O Christ God; speaking with authority, Thou didst rebuke and didst censure the senseless scribes. All were amazed by the wisdom found in Thy words and by all the marvels wrought by Thee.”

“When Thou at the Judiac Mid-feast, O Christ, camest unto the temple to teach the crowds, rebuking the mindlessness of the Jews who did not believe, as true God didst didst Thou speak to them, saying, O Friend of man: He that suffereth thirst, let him come unto Me and drink. Wherefore, Thou didst promise to bestow on the faithful the waters of wisdom, which issue from Thine untainted spring. For this cause, we cry unto Thee: O Christ our God, send down unto us Thine All-holy Spirit, yea, the Comforter. And since Thou art rich in mercy, save our souls, O holy Lord.”

Saturday of the Paralytic / Mid-Pentecost:

“O Lord, at Mid-feast before Thine immaculate Cross, Thou wentest up into the temple, boldly teaching the Jews concerning the things that were set down by Thee in the books of Moses and in the Law. And being astonished at the ineffable mystery of Thy wisdom, with malice they meditated within themselves their plot against Thee: How knoweth this man letters having never learned? For they were ignorant that Thou art the Savior of our souls.”

“Having been enlightened by the Resurrection of Christ the Savior, O ye brethren, and having reached he midst of the feast of the Master, let us truly keep the commandments of God, that we may be counted worthy to celebrate the Ascension and be vouchsafed the coming of the Holy Spirit.”

Dear Brethren and Friends of St Elizabeth’s,

Christ is risen!

At the bottom of this post are some of the stichera (verses) from the services of Matins and Vespers for Bright Week. They are taken from The Pentecostarion, which is the special liturgical book used during this season of the year – Pascha through All Saints –  for our worship and edification. The verses chosen focus on the glorious resurrection of Our Lord and how His resurrection changes our humanity and the very fabric of Creation.

With much love in Christ,
Fr Mark

Monday of the Myrrh-bearers:

“Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to the tomb, seeking The Lord. And they beheld an Angel as though he were lightening, sitting upon the stone, and saying unto them: why do ye seek the Living among the dead? He is risen as He said; ye shall find Him in Galilee. And let us cry out to Him: O Thou Who didst arise from the dead, Lord, glory to Thee.”

“Noble Joseph, we know thee to be a cherubic chariot, since thou didst bear Christ the King in thine arms when thou didst remove Him from the hallowed tree of the Cross. For this cause we do bless thy hands; thine eyes do we honor; thy worshipful palms do we now venerate with awe. For thou wast deemed worthy to carry to His tomb the Word, even Christ God. Therefore, we acclaim thy godly memory.”

Tuesday of the Myrrh-bearers:

“The myrrh-bearers, having risen early and beheld the sepulcher empty, said unto the Apostles: The Mighty One hath put down corruption, and he hath carried off them that were held bound in Hades; proclaim ye with boldness that Christ the Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy.”

“There doth shine upon the world today the threefold Resplendence which taketh away the the passions’ dark gloom. Christ’s arising shineth, guarding all them that believe. The Apostles’ ranks dance for joy, and Joseph exulteth, for the myrrh-bearers’ radiant memory doth crown those who faithfully hymn them and who render glory and praise to the divine arising of the Word of God.”

Wednesday of the Myrrh-bearers:

“Grieving, the myrrh-bearing women who followed Christ cried out: Is the Savior still to be found with the dead? Is the great noetic Sun beneath the earth till now? Hath He risen as he foretold? But while they were weeping, from the tomb an Angel spake to them of godly joy, saying: Christ the Lord hath arisen; hasten now, proclaim unto all men His divine arising from the sepulcher.”

“Thou most blessed Joseph, dost now bear on thy shoulders as on a chariot God the Word, even Christ, Who doth rest upon the shoulders of the Cherubim. He that formerly took on flesh accepteth to die now, even He that giveth life to us who once were dead. Therefore, with the honored myrrh-bearers, thou rejoicest at His arising, though not long past thou with them didst mourn His death.” 

Thursday of the Myrrh-bearers:

“Before Thy conception, O Lord, an Angel brought the greeting, Rejoice, to her that is full of grace; and, at Thy Resurrection, an Angel rolled away the stone of Thy glorious tomb. The one, instead of sorrow, announced the tokens of gladness. The other, instead of death, proclaimed the life-giving Master unto us. Wherefore, we cry unto Thee: O Benefactor of all, Lord, glory to Thee.”

“Why do ye mingle tears with the myrrh-oils, O ye women disciples? The stone hath been rolled away , the sepulcher is empty. Behold corruption trodden under by Life, the seals bearing clear witness, the guards of the disobedient fast asleep. Mortal nature is saved by the flesh of God, Hades is lamenting. Hasten ye with joy, and say unit the Apostles: Christ, the First-born from the dead, Who caused death to die, goeth before you into Galilee.”

Friday of the Myrrh-bearers:

“In fulfillment of that clear command spoken by the most godly Angel, the women bearing myrrh-oils told the sacred and divine disciples of Christ our God that the King Who had died for us had utterly vanquished, through His Resurrection, darkest Hades and His realm. Thus they who had formerly marveled at the Angel’s brilliant, white raiment granted the Apostles endless joy divine.”

Saturday of the Myrrh-bearers:

“When he took Thee dead from off of the Tree, the Arimethaean prepared Thee with the finest linen and myrrh that might give burial to Thee, the Life of all. Then, compelled by his fervent love, he longed to embrace Thee and press Thy spotless Body to his heart and lips. But his fear and reverence restrained him, whilst with joy he cried to Thee: Glory to Thy condescension, O Thou Friend of man.”

“Not having hindered the stone of the tomb from bearing sealed, Thou, on Thine arising, hast granted the rock of faith unto all. O Lord, glory to Thee.”

Dear Brethren and Friends of St Elizabeth’s,

Christ is risen!

At the bottom of this post are some of the stichera (verses) from the services of Matins and Vespers for Thomas Week. They are taken from The Pentecostarion, which is the special liturgical book used during this season of the year – Pascha through All Saints –  for our worship and edification. The verses chosen focus on the glorious resurrection of Our Lord and how His resurrection changes our humanity and the very fabric of Creation.

With much love in Christ,
Fr Mark

Monday of Thomas Week:

“On beholding Thee, Thomas was struck with awe and astonishment; and, on recognizing Thee, O Almighty One, he cried: My God and my Lord art Thou. O Friend of man, I believe that Thou art He Who endured that dread Passion and Who doth heal our impassioned souls. Thus, I worship Thy power and proclaim unto Thy Resurrection, Thine awesome Rising, omnipotent.”

“As the disciples were in doubt, the Savior came on the eight day to where they were gathered and granted them peace, and cried unto Thomas: Come, O Apostle, and feel the palms in which they fastened the nails. O good unbelief of Thomas, which hath lead the hearts of the faithful to knowledge! Hence he cried out with fear: O my Lord and my God, glory to Thee.”

Tuesday of Thomas Week:

“The women rose up early and came to the Lord’s tomb, and when they beheld there the Angel, they trembled in amazement. The tomb became radiant with life; the marvel filled the women with great awe. Thus they went to the disciples and they declared the rising of the Mighty One: Christ alone despoiled Hades with his strength; all those in corruption hath he raised, freeing them from fear of blame and reproach through the Cross’ might.”

“With harmonious praises let us acclaim in song on this, his holy memorial, the Apostle of Christ. In a God-befitting manner he confirmed our minds and the true Faith throughout the world when he handled the nail wounds, for he sought to have a sure faith. And he beseecheth the Savior the He have mercy on our ailing souls.”

Wednesday of Thomas Week:

“Leaving not the Father’s bosom, Thou didst appear on earth bearing flesh in Thy great compassion, O Christ. And freely accepting both to suffer and to die, on the third day Thou didst arise. And then Thou didst enter while the doors were shut, since Thou art God omnipotent. Wherefore, when he touched Thy divine side, Thomas stood rejoicing in wonder, glorifying Thee as Lord and Fashioner.”

“Pascha is this present holy Feast; mystic and divine, sacred Pascha: the saving Pascha of God; Pascha which conveyeth us unto immortal life. Lo, this Pascha doth take away all sadness and sorrow. Pascha, which doth grant to the disciples joyous grace! Wherefore, Thomas cried with rejoicing: Thou art my God and Lord, O Savior, Who hast carried off the spoils from Hades’ realms.”

Thursday of Thomas Week:

“When with his probing right hand Thomas felt the Word’s wounded limbs, his unbelief established the world-saving Arising for the world’s assurance; for the God-man, in His great love for all mankind, arose from Hades’ abysses and thus destroyed all its strength as the Almighty One.”

“Jesus came unto the disciples while the doors were shut, and granted them peace and fearlessness. Then He saith unto Thomas: Why believest thou not that I have arisen from the dead? Bring hither thy hand and place it in My side, and see; because thou hast disbelieved, all have learned of My Passion and Resurrection, and they shall all cry out with thee: O my Lord and my God, glory to Thee.”

Friday of Thomas Week:

“This illustrious festive day is the day which The Lord hath made; let us all be glad and rejoice herein with joy. For lo, the Giver of Life is risen; Hades hath been despoiled. And the apostolic choir hear the tidings of joy today, while the doubting one, even Thomas, hath touched the Master’s side and by this touching hath proclaimed Christ to be of two natures, God and man.”

Saturday of Thomas Week:

“When they has come together, assembling upon Sion, the disciples hid themselves, fearing the malice of the Hebrews. And though the doors had been fastened shut, O Good One, Thou didst enter bringing joy. Thou didst show to them the wounds in Thy most pure side and in Thy most holy hands. Thou didst say unto Thomas in doubt: Stretch thy hand forth and examine Me. See thou that I Myself am He that suffered on thine account.”

“The soldiers standing guard at Thy tomb, O my Savior, became as dead when they saw the lightening-like Angel who preached to the women of Thine arising, O holy Lord. Thee we glorify, Who hast abolished corruption; Thee do we adore, Who from the grave hast arisen, and Who alone art our God.”

Friday, April 19
6:30pm: Matins for Lazarus Saturday

Lazarus Saturday, April 20
8:30am: Baptism
9:40am: Hours & Liturgy
6:00pm: Vigil & Blessing of Palms

Palm Sunday, April 21
9:40am: Hours & Liturgy
12:00pm: Potluck Fish Meal
4:00pm: Bridegroom Matins

Holy Monday, April 22
6:30pm: Bridegroom Matins

Holy Tuesday, April 23
6:30pm: Bridegroom Matins

Holy Wednesday, April 24
6:30pm: Matins for Holy Thursday

Holy Thursday, April 25
10:00am: Vesperal Liturgy (Mystical Supper)
6:30pm: Matins w/ Passion Gospels

Holy Friday, April 26
9:00am: Royal Hours & Typika
3:00pm: Vespers w/ Taking Down from the Cross
6:30pm: Matins w/ Lamentations

Holy Saturday/Annunciation, April 27
10:00am: Vesperal Liturgy
1:00pm: Holy Saturday Lenten Meal

**HOLY PASCHA**
Saturday, April 27: 11:30pm – Midnight Office; Procession; Matins; Liturgy; Blessing of Baskets; Paschal Meal (Pascha service extends into the early morning hours of Sunday, April 28)

Pascha Sunday, April 28
2:00pm: Agape Vespers
3:00pm: Pascha Cookout & Egg Hunt

On Tuesday, April 16, the greeting of the myrrh-streaming
icon of the Mother of God “Softener of Evil Hearts”
will take place at 6:30 PM, followed by a moleben
and akathist to the Most Holy Theotokos.

On Wednesday, April 17, 9^th Hour, Typica & the
Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be served
at 9:30 AM before the myrrh-streaming icon.

We invite all of the faithful to come and lift up their fervent prayers to the Mother of God!

Dear Brethren and Friends of St Elizabeth’s,

Attached to this post are some of the stichera (verses) from the services of Matins and Vespers for the third week of Great Lent. They are taken from The Lenten Triodion, which is the special liturgical book used during this season of the year for our worship and edification. The verses chosen focus on how fasting, prayer, and practicing the Christian virtues are essential for our spiritual lives, which is being “refocused” during Great Lent.

With much love in Christ,
Fr Mark

Monday of the Fourth Week of Great Lent:

“Cleansed by the grace of the Fast, let us in thanksgiving cry aloud with a pure mind unto Him who alone is pure: Thou hast given Thy blood for all of us, O Word, and Thou dost sanctify us by Thy Cross.”

“Reaching the middle of the forty days’ Fast, with eager hearts let us go forward with Christ to the divine Passion; that, crucified with Him, we may be sharers of His Resurrection.”

“O brethren, having come to the middle of the Fast, in good courage and with willing hearts let us complete with God’s help the part which still remains, that in great joy we may behold the Passover of the risen Christ.”

“Cleansed in soul and mind by the water of fasting, O ye faithful, let us embrace the lifegiving and divine Wood that is exalted before us all: for it is a fountain of forgiveness and heavenly light, a source of life and rejoicing.”

Tuesday of the Fourth Week of Great Lent:

“Illumined in our souls through abstinence, let us venerate the saving Cross upon which Christ was nailed, and let us cry aloud to it: Hail the delight and sure help of those that fast; hail destroyer of the passions, adversary of devils; hail blessed Wood!”

“The inhabited earth venerates Thy Cross, O Lord, as the life of the creation, and it cries to Thee: By the operation of Thy Cross and through abstinence, keep in profound peace those who praise and bless Thee, O most merciful.”

“Beholding the Wood of the Cross shining brighter than the sun’s rays, let us now draw near, radiant with the lightning of the Fast. Let us kiss it, drawing from it the grace full of light that drives away the darkness, and let us exalt Christ above all for ever.”

Wednesday of the Fourth Week of Great Lent:

“The divine and precious Cross lies before us for our veneration, and it sanctifies the time of abstinence. Let us approach with a pure conscience: let us draw from it hallowing and enlightenment, and let us cry aloud with fear: Glory be to Thy compassion, O our Savior who lovest mankind.”

“Clothed in glory by the virtues and cleansed by abstinence, let us draw near and venerate the precious Cross, crying aloud: Sanctify our souls and bodies, O only God of all, and count us worthy to celebrate Thy most pure Passion, granting us Thy mercy.”

“The Fast that brings us blessings has now reached its midmost point: it has helped us to receive God’s grace in the days that are past, and it will bring us further benefit in the days still to come. For by continuing in what is right we attain yet greater gifts. We therefore cry to Christ, the Giver of all good: O Thou who for our sakes hast fasted and endured the Cross, make us worthy to share uncondemned in Thy divine Passover. May we spend our live in peace and rightly glorify Thee with the Father and the Spirit.”

Thursday of the Fourth Week of Great Lent:

“O Holy Cross, strength and glory of the apostles, today thou art exalted for the veneration of the whole of the inhabited earth; and thou givest to us the grace of sanctification, making the season of the Fast easy for us.”

“Moses foreshadowed the Cross when he stretched out his arms and defeated Amalek. Like him let us form a figure of the Cross, stretching out our arms in fasting and prayer, that so we may defeat the host of demons that in malicious envy continually make war against us.”

“Outstretched upon the Cross, Thou hast endured death, slaying death and raising up the dead by Thy lifegiving word. Therefore I entreat Thee: Bring back to life, O Lord, my soul that is dead through sin; grant me compunction and deliverance from evil during these Thy holy days of abstinence, for Thou lovest mankind.”

Friday of the Fourth Week of Great Lent:

“Sanctifying the season of abstinence, the precious Cross stands here before us. As we venerate it today, let us cry aloud: O Master who lovest mankind, with its aid grant us in compunction to pass through the remainder of the Fast, and so to behold Thy lifegiving Passion through which we are redeemed.”

“Let us wash our faces in the water of fasting and embrace the Wood on which Christ was lifted up. Taking our mortal flesh, He alone suffered for the sake of all, that He might put to death him who had made us die.”

“He who is outside time has taken flesh within time, and in His love He heals our long-continuing passions through the season of fasting, during which the divine Cross is set before us for our sanctification.”