From ethiopianorthodoxchurch.info, kidusmarkos.org, ethiopiantewahedo.org, ninesaintsethiopianorthodoxmonastery.org:
Daily Readings:
Week Two Day One
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: St. Yohannis Welde Negedquad
The Second Sunday within The Holy Lenten Fast
"Abye Tsome"
Megabit 04 - March 13
"Whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple,"
THE INSTITUTE OF LENT - A REFLECTION
There are institutes and symbols adopted by Nations, Churches or groups of people which represent certain ideals accumulated in the past. These institutes, that is precepts recognized as authoritative, and symbols represent the thoughts and feelings of those who created or adopted them and put in them all the experience of the past, often through struggle and sacrifice.
A few feet of ribbon for instance, red, blue and white in color, have little value as is. But if one puts them in a certain pattern of stripes and stars, they become the flag of the United States of America and represent the ideals and unity of the people of our nation. The flag reminds us of the past struggle for liberty; it represents the national unity which attained for them their rights as a people. The same could be said for the institutes of a Nation, Army or any group of people. These institutes are created by the people and are used by them in certain ways for certain aims. Some of these institutes are the means for achieving certain values and ideals. In the life of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church of Christ there are many institutes created and maintained to meet the needs of the people - the Ecclesia. Among these is the Great Holy Lent which falls within the year-cycle of the life of the Church before the Feast of the Resurrection - Easter. Lent is the period of time for self-examination by the believer; of putting on the spiritual armor of the Militant Church; of applying the riches of prayers and almsgiving; of adopting deeply the meaning of repentance; of atonement and reconciliation with God Almighty.
This great period of Lent before Easter is called by the Orthodox Church, Tessaracoste in Greek or Quadragesimal in Latin and Abbiy Tsom in Ge'ez, which comes from the word forty (the 40 days of "fasting"). This Institute of the 40 days of Lent precedes the bodily Resurrection of Christ. The celebration of the Resurrection of Christ does not fall on the same date each year, but according to the determination of the position of the moon and spring equinox, which is based on the original setting during the last Events of the life of the Lord Jesus on earth.
This 40-day period of Lent is a period of "abstinence" from foods, but primarily from personal iniquities. Abstinence from foods (fasting) alone is a means of attaining virtue; it is not an end in itself. During the period of fasting one makes a special attempt to evaluate his calling as a Christian; to listen to the voice of the Gospel and heed its commandments; to accept the constant invitation to enter Christ's Kingdom. It is an open invitation to everyone willing to enter; who believes in Christ and repents his iniquities; who makes an "about face" directly to Christ.
To accomplish this, (which is a year-round concern,) the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church, dating back many years, out of experience and according to the nature of mankind instituted certain days of prayer and fasting as steps in a ladder to help those who need guidance to reach this spiritual plateau. All of these steps must have genuine personal meaning to avoid becoming merely a habit and routine. Fasting encompasses the entire pious life of the Christian, as Christ proclaimed, that symbolizes a deep acceptance of His admonition to "repent". This can be achieved not so much in terms of time, but in deeds in love of God and one's fellow man.
During the period of the Holy Lent the awakening of the spirit of men and women comes about through inspiration from the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. It is a time of self-examination and preparation, and of taking an inventory of one's inner life. Each and Christ know their exact condition. At this time one sees them selves in the mirror of the Holy Gospels - how he/she looks. One finds the means and ways to correct and improve them selves. Lent is a period of time when one delves into them selves with the light of the Holy Spirit in order to rid himself/herself of the impediments which hold him/her back. It is a period when one strengthens their faith by more prayer and devotional life.
Let us then examine the meaning of fasting, which became an Institute of the Holy Church. Fasting means the total abstinence from foods, as the original Greek word in the Bible, "nesteia," literally means. The word fasting today is used for selection of foods and a limiting of their quantity. Fasting also can mean eating once a day bread, salt and water, after sunset. Although the period of Lent appeals to the function of humanity as a whole in repentance, self-examination, almsgiving, relationship with people with whom one is at odds, attitudes toward life, the abstinence from foods plays a vital role in the life of the Christian. The quantity and kinds of foods selected for this period of Lent help control carnal desires and develop discipline and a pious life. Fasting from foods is not a virtuous activity in itself, but a means for its achievement. But it has a distinct place in the life of the Christian, especially during the Holy Lent.
Daily Prayers (Hymn to Mariam):
(Hymn of Praise of the Virgin Mariam)
(A) First Day of The Week - Sunday
1. Thou was named “Beloved Woman”, O Blessed among
woman. You are the chamber, in that you were called
“Holiest of Holies” and in it were the Ten Words which were
written by the fingers of God. He (i.e. the Father) made
known this to us first of all by “Yawta” (i.e. Iota), which is the
first letter of the Name of our Redeemer Eeyesus Kristos,
who became incarnate of thee without change, and became
the Mediator of the New Covenant and by the Shedding of
His Holy Blood, He purified the believers and the people who
were pure. And because of this we all magnify thee,
O Our Lady Thou ever pure God-bearer.
We beseech thee and lift our eyes to thee, so that we may
find mercy and compassion with the lover of men.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
2. You are the Tabot (i.e. Tabernacle, or Ark) which was
covered on all sides with gold, and was made of the wood
that never perisheth, and came man without separation and
change, the pure and undefiled Deity, the equal of the Father To thee, as the pure woman, (Gabriel) announces Him
without seed. And He became like unto us through the
might of His wisdom; He who was incarnate of thee and
He who was spotless mingled His Divinity (without nature).
And because of this . . .
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
3. Your sanctuary which the Cherubim who are fashioned in
the likeness of God surround - the Word, Who was incarnate
of thee, O pure woman, without change has become the
forgiver of our sins and the destroyer of our transgressions.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
4.You are the Holy golden pot wherein the manna is hidden,
the bread which came down from heaven, the giver of life
unto all the world. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
5. You are the golden candlestick and does hold the brilliant
Light at all times, the Light which is the Light of the world,
the Light of Lights which had no beginning, verily God of
God, who became incarnate of thee without change. And by
His coming He shed light upon us, upon those of us who
were sitting in the shadow of darkness of death, and He set
our feet upon the path of peace through the Mystery of His
Holy Wisdom.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
6. You are the censer of gold because you did carry the
coals of the blessed fire which He took from the sanctuary -
He who forgiveth sin and destroyeth wickedness. He Who
is the Word of God. Who became incarnate of thee, and
Who offered up to His Father incense and precious offerings. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
7. You are the garden of delight, the garden of Joy, which
is planted with the trees of Lebanon, and was prepared for
the saints before the world was created. On a great
chariot, which was granted by Cherubim and Seraphim
visited her from heaven, and said unto her in the sanctuary,
“Blessed are thou amongst women. The Holy Spirit shall
come upon thee, for He who dwelleth above the Cherubim
shall become the Light for all the world”. You are the
sweet-scented flower which had sprung from the root of
Jesse. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
8. You are unto the rod of Aaron, which, without being
planted in the ground and without watering, burst into
blossom. In like manner thou, O Bearer of Christ, did bring
forth Christ our God in truth, without seed. He came and
delivered us. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
9. It is meat for thee, O thou who are full of grace, more
than all for all the saints to pray on our behalf. Thou are
greater than the high priests, and thou are more honorable
than the Prophets; in thee there is majesty of appearance
which is greater than the majesty of the Seraphim and
Cherubim. Verily you are the glory of our race, and you are
she who must beg for life for our souls. Pray thou then on
our behalf to our Lord and Redeemer Eeyesus Kristos that
He may confirm us in the Right Faith, that is to say, faith in
Him, and that He may graciously bestow upon us His
mercy and compassion, and may in His abundant mercy
forgive us our sins forever and forever. Amen.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
Daily and Scriptural Readings:
Week Two, Day One
The Eighth Day
The Eighth Day
Morning Prayer
In the name of the Father and….
Opening Prayer
O Lord our God and our creator who made all through your Word and formed man by your wisdom and made him to become prince over all your creatures to rule them in righteousness and truth: Grant us your grace to use your gift wisely and with thankfulness. Amen. Our father... etc.
Psalm 38: 1-end
38:1 O lord, rebuke me not in your wrath: neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. 38:2 For your arrows stick fast in me, and your hand presses me sore. 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. 38:4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. 38:5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. 38:6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. 38:7 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. 38:8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. 38:9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. 38:10 My heart pants, my strength fails me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. 38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. 38:13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth. 38:14 Thus I was as a man that hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. 38:15 For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 38:16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me. 38:17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. 38:18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. 38:19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. 38:21 Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Psalm 39: 1-13
39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. 39:2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spoke I with my tongue, 39:4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. 39:5 Behold, you have made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 39:6 Surely every man walks in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knows not who shall gather them. 39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. 39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. 39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. 39:10 Remove your stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of your hand. 39:11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, you make his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. 39:12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. Glory be to the Father and to the Son…
Psalm 40: 1-17
40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. 40:4 Blessed is that man that makes the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 40:5 Many, O Lord my God, are your wonderful works which you have done, and your thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order to thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears have you opened: burnt offering and sin offering have you not required. 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 40:8 I delight to do your will, O my God: yea, your law is within my heart. 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. 40:10 I have not hid your righteousness within my heart; I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation: I have not concealed your loving-kindness and your truth from the great congregation. 40:11 Withhold not thou your tender mercies from me, O Lord: let your loving-kindness and your truth continually preserve me. 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart fails me. 40:13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. 40:14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. 40:15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say to me, Aha, aha. 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love your salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: you are my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Isaiah 45:22-23
45:22 Look to me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet shall receive the prophet reward. Amen
2nd Reading
Jude 1: 17-23
1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle shall receive the Apostle s reward. Amen
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 50: 14-15
50:14 Offer to God thanksgiving; and pay your vows to the most High: 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify me. Halleluiah! Stand and harken to the Holy Gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
4th Reading
The Gospel of St. John 14:18-24
14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith to him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not to the world? Jesus answered and said to him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him. He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life…
Concluding Prayer
O Lord our heavenly Father, who have created us in your image and likeness, we ask you to send us your Holy Spirit, to guide us in the way of peace and righteousness and life. Amen. Our Father….
Day 8
Evening Prayer
Make the sign of the cross……..
In the name of the Father………
Opening Prayer
Look with your great favour on us, your family, Lord, and help us to take your word to our hearts in faith and obedience and may: your word yield a harvest in us through our perseverance. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father…,
Psalm 41: 1-13
41:1 Blessed is he that considers the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 41:2 The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him to the will of his enemies. 41:3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. 41:4 I said, Lord, be merciful to me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. 41:5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? 41:6 And if he come to see me, he speaks vanity: his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it. 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. 41:8 An evil disease, say they, cleaves fast to him: and now that he lies he shall rise up no more. 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. 41:10 But thou, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 41:11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. 41:12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before your face forever. 41:13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning….
Psalm 42: 1-11
42:1 As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God. 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say to me, Where is your God? 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 42:5 Why cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 42:7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterspouts: all your waves and your billows are gone over me. 42:8 Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer to the God of my life. 42:9 I will say to God my rock, Why have you forgotten me? why go In mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily to me, Where is your God? 42:11 Why cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Psalm 43:1-5
43:1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 43:2 For you are the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 43:3 O send out your light and your truth: let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill, and to your tabernacles. 43:4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. 43:5 Why cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Sirach 18: 1-5
18:1 He who lives forever created the whole universe; the Lord alone will be declared righteous. To none has he given power to proclaim his works; and who can search out his mighty deeds? Who can measure his majestic power? And who can fully recount his mercies? He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet shall receive the prophet’s reward. Amen
2nd Reading
Jude 1: 17-23
1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle shall receive the Apostle s reward. Amen
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 34: 1-2
34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Halleluiah! Stand and harken to the Holy Gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
4th Reading
The Gospel of St. John 15: 1-7
15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done to you. He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life…
Concluding prayer
O our Almighty Father and God, to whom the whole world with all its goodness and beauty belongs, grant us your divine grace to give thanks and praise for your support throughout this day: in your great mercy forgive the faults we have committed through human frailty. Amen. Our Father…,.
The Synaxarium:
THE SEVENTH MONTH
MEGABIT 04
(March 13)
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
ONE GOD. AMEN.
On this day the General Council assembled in Daset, of the children of ‘Omar, because of certain wicked men who were called “Friends of the Jews,” and who used to keep the glorious Paschal feast with the Jews, on the fourteenth day of the month of Nesan, that is to say the month of Miyazya, when it fell on the second, or third, or fourth, or fifth, or the Eve of the Sabbath, or on the first, the Sabbath, each one of whom the bishop of Daset had banned, but they would not return [to the true use]. And he sent letters to Democratius, Archbishop of Rome, and to Serapion, Archbishop of the city of Antioch, and Demetrius, Archbishop of the city of Alexandria, and to Symmachus, Archbishop of Jerusalem, and told them of the error of these men. And the four archbishops sent to each of them a letter, saying, “Do not keep the glorious Paschal feast on any day except the First Day of the week, and only after the festival of the Jews.” And they excommunicated everyone who transgressed this command, expelling him or cutting him off from communion. And eighteen bishops assembled at this Council, and they brought the evildoers before them, and read to them the letters of the archbishops. Some of them turned from their evil counsel, and some of them remained in their error; these last were anathematized, and excommunicated, and expelled. And it was ordered that the glorious Paschal feast should be kept according to the instructions of the holy Apostles who said, “This day of the Paschal feast shall be the First Day of the week, the day of the Resurrection of our Lord.” He who will be a partaker with the Jews in their festival let him separate himself from the Christians. And may God keep them from the error of Satan, and deliver them from his snares, and from his wiles, through the prayers of those who have pleased God by their works, our King John, and our Queen Sabla Wangel, forever.
And on this day also Hanulyos (Hanulius), the governor, became a martyr in the city of Bergya, which is on the borders of Pamphylia. This holy man, because of his love for our lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory, held his authority, whilst Bernyakos ruled for Diocletian. And when Hanulyos (Hanulius) stood before Diocletian, he proclaimed boldly the Faith of God in a loud, clear voice, and he sent (i.e. ascribed) to God, our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise, many praises, and he cursed and anathematized the polluted idols. And the governor ordered his men to crucify him upon a tree, and they did so, and the holy man praised our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory, who had deemed him worthy to become a martyr for His holy Name’s sake. Then he delivered up his soul into the hand of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory!
Glory be to God Who is glorified in His Saints. Amen.
Daily Readings:
Week Two Day One
Saints/Martyrs/Feasts/Fasts to be observed/commemmorated/celebrated: St. Yohannis Welde Negedquad
The Second Sunday within The Holy Lenten Fast
"Abye Tsome"
Megabit 04 - March 13
"Whoever gives to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple,"
THE INSTITUTE OF LENT - A REFLECTION
There are institutes and symbols adopted by Nations, Churches or groups of people which represent certain ideals accumulated in the past. These institutes, that is precepts recognized as authoritative, and symbols represent the thoughts and feelings of those who created or adopted them and put in them all the experience of the past, often through struggle and sacrifice.
A few feet of ribbon for instance, red, blue and white in color, have little value as is. But if one puts them in a certain pattern of stripes and stars, they become the flag of the United States of America and represent the ideals and unity of the people of our nation. The flag reminds us of the past struggle for liberty; it represents the national unity which attained for them their rights as a people. The same could be said for the institutes of a Nation, Army or any group of people. These institutes are created by the people and are used by them in certain ways for certain aims. Some of these institutes are the means for achieving certain values and ideals. In the life of the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church of Christ there are many institutes created and maintained to meet the needs of the people - the Ecclesia. Among these is the Great Holy Lent which falls within the year-cycle of the life of the Church before the Feast of the Resurrection - Easter. Lent is the period of time for self-examination by the believer; of putting on the spiritual armor of the Militant Church; of applying the riches of prayers and almsgiving; of adopting deeply the meaning of repentance; of atonement and reconciliation with God Almighty.
This great period of Lent before Easter is called by the Orthodox Church, Tessaracoste in Greek or Quadragesimal in Latin and Abbiy Tsom in Ge'ez, which comes from the word forty (the 40 days of "fasting"). This Institute of the 40 days of Lent precedes the bodily Resurrection of Christ. The celebration of the Resurrection of Christ does not fall on the same date each year, but according to the determination of the position of the moon and spring equinox, which is based on the original setting during the last Events of the life of the Lord Jesus on earth.
This 40-day period of Lent is a period of "abstinence" from foods, but primarily from personal iniquities. Abstinence from foods (fasting) alone is a means of attaining virtue; it is not an end in itself. During the period of fasting one makes a special attempt to evaluate his calling as a Christian; to listen to the voice of the Gospel and heed its commandments; to accept the constant invitation to enter Christ's Kingdom. It is an open invitation to everyone willing to enter; who believes in Christ and repents his iniquities; who makes an "about face" directly to Christ.
To accomplish this, (which is a year-round concern,) the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Orthodox Church, dating back many years, out of experience and according to the nature of mankind instituted certain days of prayer and fasting as steps in a ladder to help those who need guidance to reach this spiritual plateau. All of these steps must have genuine personal meaning to avoid becoming merely a habit and routine. Fasting encompasses the entire pious life of the Christian, as Christ proclaimed, that symbolizes a deep acceptance of His admonition to "repent". This can be achieved not so much in terms of time, but in deeds in love of God and one's fellow man.
During the period of the Holy Lent the awakening of the spirit of men and women comes about through inspiration from the Head of the Church, Jesus Christ. It is a time of self-examination and preparation, and of taking an inventory of one's inner life. Each and Christ know their exact condition. At this time one sees them selves in the mirror of the Holy Gospels - how he/she looks. One finds the means and ways to correct and improve them selves. Lent is a period of time when one delves into them selves with the light of the Holy Spirit in order to rid himself/herself of the impediments which hold him/her back. It is a period when one strengthens their faith by more prayer and devotional life.
Let us then examine the meaning of fasting, which became an Institute of the Holy Church. Fasting means the total abstinence from foods, as the original Greek word in the Bible, "nesteia," literally means. The word fasting today is used for selection of foods and a limiting of their quantity. Fasting also can mean eating once a day bread, salt and water, after sunset. Although the period of Lent appeals to the function of humanity as a whole in repentance, self-examination, almsgiving, relationship with people with whom one is at odds, attitudes toward life, the abstinence from foods plays a vital role in the life of the Christian. The quantity and kinds of foods selected for this period of Lent help control carnal desires and develop discipline and a pious life. Fasting from foods is not a virtuous activity in itself, but a means for its achievement. But it has a distinct place in the life of the Christian, especially during the Holy Lent.
Daily Prayers (Hymn to Mariam):
(Hymn of Praise of the Virgin Mariam)
(A) First Day of The Week - Sunday
1. Thou was named “Beloved Woman”, O Blessed among
woman. You are the chamber, in that you were called
“Holiest of Holies” and in it were the Ten Words which were
written by the fingers of God. He (i.e. the Father) made
known this to us first of all by “Yawta” (i.e. Iota), which is the
first letter of the Name of our Redeemer Eeyesus Kristos,
who became incarnate of thee without change, and became
the Mediator of the New Covenant and by the Shedding of
His Holy Blood, He purified the believers and the people who
were pure. And because of this we all magnify thee,
O Our Lady Thou ever pure God-bearer.
We beseech thee and lift our eyes to thee, so that we may
find mercy and compassion with the lover of men.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
2. You are the Tabot (i.e. Tabernacle, or Ark) which was
covered on all sides with gold, and was made of the wood
that never perisheth, and came man without separation and
change, the pure and undefiled Deity, the equal of the Father To thee, as the pure woman, (Gabriel) announces Him
without seed. And He became like unto us through the
might of His wisdom; He who was incarnate of thee and
He who was spotless mingled His Divinity (without nature).
And because of this . . .
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
3. Your sanctuary which the Cherubim who are fashioned in
the likeness of God surround - the Word, Who was incarnate
of thee, O pure woman, without change has become the
forgiver of our sins and the destroyer of our transgressions.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
4.You are the Holy golden pot wherein the manna is hidden,
the bread which came down from heaven, the giver of life
unto all the world. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
5. You are the golden candlestick and does hold the brilliant
Light at all times, the Light which is the Light of the world,
the Light of Lights which had no beginning, verily God of
God, who became incarnate of thee without change. And by
His coming He shed light upon us, upon those of us who
were sitting in the shadow of darkness of death, and He set
our feet upon the path of peace through the Mystery of His
Holy Wisdom.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
6. You are the censer of gold because you did carry the
coals of the blessed fire which He took from the sanctuary -
He who forgiveth sin and destroyeth wickedness. He Who
is the Word of God. Who became incarnate of thee, and
Who offered up to His Father incense and precious offerings. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
7. You are the garden of delight, the garden of Joy, which
is planted with the trees of Lebanon, and was prepared for
the saints before the world was created. On a great
chariot, which was granted by Cherubim and Seraphim
visited her from heaven, and said unto her in the sanctuary,
“Blessed are thou amongst women. The Holy Spirit shall
come upon thee, for He who dwelleth above the Cherubim
shall become the Light for all the world”. You are the
sweet-scented flower which had sprung from the root of
Jesse. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
8. You are unto the rod of Aaron, which, without being
planted in the ground and without watering, burst into
blossom. In like manner thou, O Bearer of Christ, did bring
forth Christ our God in truth, without seed. He came and
delivered us. O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
9. It is meat for thee, O thou who are full of grace, more
than all for all the saints to pray on our behalf. Thou are
greater than the high priests, and thou are more honorable
than the Prophets; in thee there is majesty of appearance
which is greater than the majesty of the Seraphim and
Cherubim. Verily you are the glory of our race, and you are
she who must beg for life for our souls. Pray thou then on
our behalf to our Lord and Redeemer Eeyesus Kristos that
He may confirm us in the Right Faith, that is to say, faith in
Him, and that He may graciously bestow upon us His
mercy and compassion, and may in His abundant mercy
forgive us our sins forever and forever. Amen.
O HOLY VIRGIN MARIAM PRAY FOR US.
Daily and Scriptural Readings:
Week Two, Day One
The Eighth Day
The Eighth Day
Morning Prayer
In the name of the Father and….
Opening Prayer
O Lord our God and our creator who made all through your Word and formed man by your wisdom and made him to become prince over all your creatures to rule them in righteousness and truth: Grant us your grace to use your gift wisely and with thankfulness. Amen. Our father... etc.
Psalm 38: 1-end
38:1 O lord, rebuke me not in your wrath: neither chasten me in your hot displeasure. 38:2 For your arrows stick fast in me, and your hand presses me sore. 38:3 There is no soundness in my flesh because of your anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. 38:4 For mine iniquities are gone over mine head: as an heavy burden they are too heavy for me. 38:5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. 38:6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all the day long. 38:7 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease: and there is no soundness in my flesh. 38:8 I am feeble and sore broken: I have roared by reason of the disquietness of my heart. 38:9 Lord, all my desire is before thee; and my groaning is not hid from thee. 38:10 My heart pants, my strength fails me: as for the light of mine eyes, it also is gone from me. 38:11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off. 38:12 They also that seek after my life lay snares for me: and they that seek my hurt speak mischievous things, and imagine deceits all the day long. 38:13 But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth. 38:14 Thus I was as a man that hears not, and in whose mouth are no reproofs. 38:15 For in thee, O Lord, do I hope: thou wilt hear, O Lord my God. 38:16 For I said, Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me: when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me. 38:17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me. 38:18 For I will declare mine iniquity; I will be sorry for my sin. 38:19 But mine enemies are lively, and they are strong: and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. 38:20 They also that render evil for good are mine adversaries; because I follow the thing that good is. 38:21 Forsake me not, O Lord: O my God, be not far from me. 38:22 Make haste to help me, O Lord my salvation. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Psalm 39: 1-13
39:1 I said, I will take heed to my ways, that I sin not with my tongue: I will keep my mouth with a bridle, while the wicked is before me. 39:2 I was dumb with silence, I held my peace, even from good; and my sorrow was stirred. 39:3 My heart was hot within me, while I was musing the fire burned: then spoke I with my tongue, 39:4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is: that I may know how frail I am. 39:5 Behold, you have made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah. 39:6 Surely every man walks in a vain shew: surely they are disquieted in vain: he heapeth up riches, and knows not who shall gather them. 39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. 39:8 Deliver me from all my transgressions: make me not the reproach of the foolish. 39:9 I was dumb, I opened not my mouth; because thou didst it. 39:10 Remove your stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of your hand. 39:11 When thou with rebukes dost correct man for iniquity, you make his beauty to consume away like a moth: surely every man is vanity. Selah. 39:12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry; hold not your peace at my tears: for I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 39:13 O spare me, that I may recover strength, before I go hence, and be no more. Glory be to the Father and to the Son…
Psalm 40: 1-17
40:1 I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined to me, and heard my cry. 40:2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. 40:3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the Lord. 40:4 Blessed is that man that makes the Lord his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies. 40:5 Many, O Lord my God, are your wonderful works which you have done, and your thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order to thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. 40:6 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears have you opened: burnt offering and sin offering have you not required. 40:7 Then said I, Lo, I come: in the volume of the book it is written of me, 40:8 I delight to do your will, O my God: yea, your law is within my heart. 40:9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. 40:10 I have not hid your righteousness within my heart; I have declared your faithfulness and your salvation: I have not concealed your loving-kindness and your truth from the great congregation. 40:11 Withhold not thou your tender mercies from me, O Lord: let your loving-kindness and your truth continually preserve me. 40:12 For innumerable evils have compassed me about: mine iniquities have taken hold upon me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of mine head: therefore my heart fails me. 40:13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me: O Lord, make haste to help me. 40:14 Let them be ashamed and confounded together that seek after my soul to destroy it; let them be driven backward and put to shame that wish me evil. 40:15 Let them be desolate for a reward of their shame that say to me, Aha, aha. 40:16 Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: let such as love your salvation say continually, The Lord be magnified. 40:17 But I am poor and needy; yet the Lord thinketh upon me: you are my help and my deliverer; make no tarrying, O my God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Isaiah 45:22-23
45:22 Look to me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else. I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet shall receive the prophet reward. Amen
2nd Reading
Jude 1: 17-23
1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle shall receive the Apostle s reward. Amen
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 50: 14-15
50:14 Offer to God thanksgiving; and pay your vows to the most High: 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shall glorify me. Halleluiah! Stand and harken to the Holy Gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
4th Reading
The Gospel of St. John 14:18-24
14:18 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. Yet a little while, and the world sees me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. He that hath my commandments, and keeps them, he it is that loves me: and he that loves me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him. Judas saith to him, not Iscariot, Lord, how is it that thou wilt manifest thyself to us, and not to the world? Jesus answered and said to him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come to him, and make our abode with him. He that loves me not keeps not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me. He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life…
Concluding Prayer
O Lord our heavenly Father, who have created us in your image and likeness, we ask you to send us your Holy Spirit, to guide us in the way of peace and righteousness and life. Amen. Our Father….
Day 8
Evening Prayer
Make the sign of the cross……..
In the name of the Father………
Opening Prayer
Look with your great favour on us, your family, Lord, and help us to take your word to our hearts in faith and obedience and may: your word yield a harvest in us through our perseverance. We ask this through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. Our Father…,
Psalm 41: 1-13
41:1 Blessed is he that considers the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 41:2 The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him to the will of his enemies. 41:3 The Lord will strengthen him upon the bed of languishing: thou wilt make all his bed in his sickness. 41:4 I said, Lord, be merciful to me: heal my soul; for I have sinned against thee. 41:5 Mine enemies speak evil of me, When shall he die, and his name perish? 41:6 And if he come to see me, he speaks vanity: his heart gathers iniquity to itself; when he goes abroad, he tells it. 41:7 All that hate me whisper together against me: against me do they devise my hurt. 41:8 An evil disease, say they, cleaves fast to him: and now that he lies he shall rise up no more. 41:9 Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me. 41:10 But thou, O Lord, be merciful to me, and raise me up, that I may requite them. 41:11 By this I know that thou favourest me, because mine enemy doth not triumph over me. 41:12 And as for me, thou upholdest me in mine integrity, and settest me before your face forever. 41:13 Blessed be the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen, and Amen. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning….
Psalm 42: 1-11
42:1 As the hart pants after the water brooks, so pants my soul after thee, O God. 42:2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God? 42:3 My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say to me, Where is your God? 42:4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday. 42:5 Why cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance. 42:6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me: therefore will I remember thee from the land of Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 42:7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterspouts: all your waves and your billows are gone over me. 42:8 Yet the Lord will command his loving-kindness in the day time, and in the night his song shall be with me, and my prayer to the God of my life. 42:9 I will say to God my rock, Why have you forgotten me? why go In mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 42:10 As with a sword in my bones, mine enemies reproach me; while they say daily to me, Where is your God? 42:11 Why cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Psalm 43:1-5
43:1 Judge me, O God, and plead my cause against an ungodly nation: O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 43:2 For you are the God of my strength: why dost thou cast me off? why go I mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 43:3 O send out your light and your truth: let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill, and to your tabernacles. 43:4 Then will I go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy: yea, upon the harp will I praise thee, O God my God. 43:5 Why cast down, O my soul? and why are you disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, As it was in the beginning…
Scripture Readings
1st Reading
Sirach 18: 1-5
18:1 He who lives forever created the whole universe; the Lord alone will be declared righteous. To none has he given power to proclaim his works; and who can search out his mighty deeds? Who can measure his majestic power? And who can fully recount his mercies? He who receives the prophet by the name of the prophet shall receive the prophet’s reward. Amen
2nd Reading
Jude 1: 17-23
1:17 But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. He who receives the Apostle by the name of the Apostle shall receive the Apostle s reward. Amen
3rd Reading (Chant)
Psalm 34: 1-2
34:1 I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. 34:2 My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. Halleluiah! Stand and harken to the Holy Gospel, the message of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
4th Reading
The Gospel of St. John 15: 1-7
15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the vine grower. Every branch in me that bears not fruit he takes away: and every branch that bears fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit. Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me. I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abides in me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abides not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done to you. He that believeth in the Son hath everlasting life…
Concluding prayer
O our Almighty Father and God, to whom the whole world with all its goodness and beauty belongs, grant us your divine grace to give thanks and praise for your support throughout this day: in your great mercy forgive the faults we have committed through human frailty. Amen. Our Father…,.
The Synaxarium:
THE SEVENTH MONTH
MEGABIT 04
(March 13)
IN THE NAME OF THE FATHER AND THE SON AND THE HOLY SPIRIT,
ONE GOD. AMEN.
On this day the General Council assembled in Daset, of the children of ‘Omar, because of certain wicked men who were called “Friends of the Jews,” and who used to keep the glorious Paschal feast with the Jews, on the fourteenth day of the month of Nesan, that is to say the month of Miyazya, when it fell on the second, or third, or fourth, or fifth, or the Eve of the Sabbath, or on the first, the Sabbath, each one of whom the bishop of Daset had banned, but they would not return [to the true use]. And he sent letters to Democratius, Archbishop of Rome, and to Serapion, Archbishop of the city of Antioch, and Demetrius, Archbishop of the city of Alexandria, and to Symmachus, Archbishop of Jerusalem, and told them of the error of these men. And the four archbishops sent to each of them a letter, saying, “Do not keep the glorious Paschal feast on any day except the First Day of the week, and only after the festival of the Jews.” And they excommunicated everyone who transgressed this command, expelling him or cutting him off from communion. And eighteen bishops assembled at this Council, and they brought the evildoers before them, and read to them the letters of the archbishops. Some of them turned from their evil counsel, and some of them remained in their error; these last were anathematized, and excommunicated, and expelled. And it was ordered that the glorious Paschal feast should be kept according to the instructions of the holy Apostles who said, “This day of the Paschal feast shall be the First Day of the week, the day of the Resurrection of our Lord.” He who will be a partaker with the Jews in their festival let him separate himself from the Christians. And may God keep them from the error of Satan, and deliver them from his snares, and from his wiles, through the prayers of those who have pleased God by their works, our King John, and our Queen Sabla Wangel, forever.
And on this day also Hanulyos (Hanulius), the governor, became a martyr in the city of Bergya, which is on the borders of Pamphylia. This holy man, because of his love for our lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory, held his authority, whilst Bernyakos ruled for Diocletian. And when Hanulyos (Hanulius) stood before Diocletian, he proclaimed boldly the Faith of God in a loud, clear voice, and he sent (i.e. ascribed) to God, our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be praise, many praises, and he cursed and anathematized the polluted idols. And the governor ordered his men to crucify him upon a tree, and they did so, and the holy man praised our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory, who had deemed him worthy to become a martyr for His holy Name’s sake. Then he delivered up his soul into the hand of our Lord Jesus Christ, to Whom be glory!
Glory be to God Who is glorified in His Saints. Amen.
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