www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life Faith & Theology Holy Thursday, the most beautiful thing I've ever seen!

Slava Isusu Christu!
Slava Na Viki!
Peace be with you all!

As you all may know, I am very new to the Byzantine tradition, and I have not seen lenten services... until now. It was the greatest 2 and a half hours of my life as far back as I can remember! Though I could barely understand a word and hardly pronounce the hymns, I followed what was being done closely, listening to the two celebrating priests chant beautifully in Ukrainian. The service of washing the feet was spectacular. They were short a couple of men, so they chose me (I am only 15) while the chosen ones sat in their chairs. I felt so honoured and yet humbled to be chosen as a symbol of an apostle, to have the purifying Holy water go down my foot and the priest, most humble of all, wiping my foot in the person of Christ. All this being done as the priest in the background was chanting in Ukrainian the words and actions of Christ. Then the dialogue with Peter, another beautiful act. I could not help but feel in awe and look on in wonder of the presence of the kingdom. I cannot wait for what tomorrow will bring, then I may write another post like this again!
Slava Isusu Christu!
Slava Na Viki

You are from Canada, but Canada is a large country. If you are in the Toronto area, come to Saint Elias. At least half of the service will be in English, so not only will you be in rapture at the beauty, but you will also understand!

Daniil

Dear Justin,

I'm glad that you're enjoying the liturgies, which have a lot in common with our Syrian traditions, so it seems. We didn't have the washing of feet, though, since usually that's done by the bishop...I wish priests could/would do it, that way we could have it each year.