A journal of byzantine digressionS
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Saturday Night, T2
We earnestly cry out to you, О Lady Theotokos, you are the fervent supplication, unassailable rampart, wellspring of mercy and refuge for the world: Go before us, and deliver us from perils, who alone dost speedily intercede.
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Friday Night, T1
О most pure Maiden, the prophets foretold you as the cloud of the eternal light of God, the ark, the candlestand and jar, and the unquarried mountain; for in the latter times Christ our God came forth from you without seed, as was the Father’s good pleasure.
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Thursday Night, T1
Upon seeing the Lamb and Shepherd hanging dead upon the Tree, the unblemished ewe-lamb, cried aloud, weeping and exclaiming maternally: “How is it that You willingly endure abasement and sufferings which surpass all telling, O my Son, and supremely good God?”
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Wednesday Night, T1
О Virgin who gave nourishment to One of the Trinity, О beauteous garden of paradise, salvation of mortals: by your protection save those who piously hymn you, for you gave birth to Him Who spake in the prophets, and bore Him Who upholds all things, in that you are the Mother of Christ God.
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Tuesday Night, T1
Possessing your intercession, O most pure one, and delivered from evils by your supplications, protected wholly by the Cross of your Son, we all reverently magnify you as is right.
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Monday Night, T1
Guide my wretched life, О pure one, and take pity on my soul, which has stumbled into the abyss of perdition through many transgressions, О all-immaculate one; and at the hour of my death free me from the accusing demons and from the terrible sentence.
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Sunday Night, T1
О pure one, we have all acquired you as our supplicant before the Lord, and we hasten to your holy church, asking help of you, О Ever-virgin. Wherefore, deliver us who bless you from the malice of the demons, from torment and dread condemnation.
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Who Else Sows?
Today’s Gospel is the Parable of the Sower. Who else has sown seeds and how are the growing?
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Spiritual Friendship
A vlog on Friendship for the Feast of Sts Sergius and Bacchus. Here’s some of the resources I mentioned in the video: Their Life from the Prologue Spiritual Friendship by Aelred of Rievaulx An extended discussion of the book Larry Chapp and Marco Casanova Desert Stream ministries The Five Goals of Courage (which discuss friendship)
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Widow of Nain
Luke 7:11-16 (Gospel) for today (Byzantine Rite Churches using the Eastern Paschalion). Now it happened, the day after, that He went into a city called Nain; and many of His disciples went with Him, and a large crowd. And when He came near the gate of the city, behold, a dead man was being carried
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Sunday Gospel Vlog
Taking a look at the Gospel (for those Churches using the Eastern LEctionary) Luke 6:31-36, but focusing especially on the 31st verse. Jesus is participating in an existing rabbinic debate, but – having taken a side – he draws it futher to very surprising conclusions. This is the Living Torah, the Word of God, teaching
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Saturday Night, T4
Canon Project, Compline of Saturday in the 4th Tone. “Having acquired you as a mighty weapon and a rampart, О Theotokos who knew not wedlock, I vanquish the hordes of the adversary and hymn you mighty works.”
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A New Thing
The author shares his journey of joining a gym after significant weight loss and health improvements, marking a shift from past negative experiences. They outline workout routines, diet adjustments, and the positive mental effects of exercising. The writer also reflects on lifestyle changes, learning opportunities, and future goals while expressing gratitude.
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A New Beginning
When should we start over? As often as possible. Really.
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Tuesday Night, T3
Canon Project, Compline of Tuesday in the 3rd Tone. “The time of my life has vanished like smoke, and I have arrived at the gateway of death. I fear the assault of the demons, for I have ever done their works. О all-immaculate one, have pity and save me!”
Orthoparadoxy 