The Lord bless!
Dearest Faithful Christians,
We gathered at Saint Nicholas this Friday night and chanted to our most holy Mother of God the Akathist Hymn. And while we gathered and prayed, I also remembered each of you in our Parish that were unable to attend due to distance, or because you’re staying home after traveling, or aren’t feeling well. I absolutely appreciate those that were able to attend and those that decided to stay home because you aren’t feeling well, or maybe have a simple cold, or need some rest, or are just staying close to your family.
The Akathist Hymn is an ancient service in the Church which celebrates the many great victories and miracles enacted by the Mother of God many centuries ago, and which continue up to this present day.
Tonight we chanted, ‘Let us estrange ourselves from the world by transporting our minds to Heaven.’ And so I would ask you dear brothers and sisters to gather with your loved ones at home some time on Saturday, and pause from the things of this world, and transport your minds to Heaven. Gather together at home around your Icon of the Mother of God, and chant ‘To Thee the Champion Leader“, together. You can find the hymn on page 216 of our Prayer Book, where you will also find the entire Akathist Hymn to read. As encouragement for everyone you will find attached two chanting files of our choir: “To Thee the Champion Leader”, as well as a short segment of the Akathist we chanted tonight.
Father Protodeacon George reminded me after Service how the Apostles Peter and Paul, though they were ‘far apart in body, yet in spirit were bound as one.’ And so it is with us, brothers and sisters, we are all one in Christ, whether we are able to be in Church these days, or at home, we are all in spirit bound as one. And so be comforted that our Services continue and for those at home, please know we are praying for you, and I ask, that you also pray for us, for our dear Metropolitan Andrew, and for all those who are in need.
Most holy Mother of God, save us. Amen.
Father Anthony