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Mar 25th, 2025
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I know this post is a bit random, but I just want to say that the Forgiveness Vespers I attended today was one of the most amazing worship expriences in my life. The prostrations, the ritual in which you ask forgiveness of each person in the church...incredible. Incidentally, does anyone know the name of the slow, somber hymn that's sung to Mary while kneeling in front of her icon? It was hauntingly beatiful, and I'd love to download it if possible.
Again, sorry about the random thread. Just wanted to share my experience of yet another treasure in the eastern Catholic tradition.
God bless,
Chris
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Chris,
No need to apologize. The services of the Great Fast are meant to bring one in touch of the essence of what we are called to be as Christians. Forgiveness is a key one that sets the tone. It is one of the hardest things for us as mortals to do, but is essential if we are to progress in our Christian walk towards Theosis.
I am glad that you were able to take part and pray that it helps you in your spiritual journey.
In IC XC,
Father Anthony+
Everyone baptized into Christ should pass progressively through all the stages of Christ's own life, for in baptism he receives the power so to progress, and through the commandments he can discover and learn how to accomplish such progression. - Saint Gregory of Sinai
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Originally posted by Father Anthony:
Forgiveness is a key one that sets the tone. It is one of the hardest things for us as mortals to do, but is essential if we are to progress in our Christian walk towards Theosis.
Father Anthony, Your wise words echo those of our holy father Saint John Chrysostom: "Nothing makes us so like God as being ready to forgive the wicked and wrong-doers." May we all be so willing. God bless, Chris
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Almost forgot to ask: do you know the title of the Marian hymn that I mentioned earlier? Though the hymn was definitely Byzantine, it had a Latin title, so I don't know whether it's peculiar to the Catholic liturgy, or whether it's part of the Orthodox Vespers as well. Thanks again.
God bless,
Chris
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We attended our very first Forgiveness Vespers yesterday! I was beautiful and really sets the tone for beginning Lent. I am quite proud of my 10 year-old daughter who sought out the Cantor to ask how prostrations are done and then proceeded to do them. I, sadly, did not, as I am still recovering from abdominal surgery and I didn't think that I could get up in anything resembling a reasonable time. My husband, who is a brand new altar server (read that as seriousy inexperienced) volunteered his assistance to the priest before Vespers began. The priest gladly accepted. So my darling husband, who upon reading about prostrations said, "I'll let everyone else do that. But I'm not getting down on the floor." ended up getting down on the floor!  It was an awesome experience and yet another spiritual practice and aspect to love about the Eastern Rites!
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Thanks to catholicsacristan, I found the name of the hymn I've been looking for: "Sub tuum praesidium." Apparently, it's one of the Church's oldest Marian anthems, originating in Alexandria in the third century.
Carole: your daughter sounds brave! I loved the prosrations; talk about a humbling posture. Like you said, the whole liturgy really sets the tone for the Great Fast.
God bless,
Chris
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Our forgiveness vespers is on March 5 and I'm looking foward to it.
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