Orthodox Christians fast on Wednesdays and Fridays (unless it's one of the oh-so-rare fast-free weeks, like right after Pascha or just before a long fast).
One Wednesdays, we are remembering Judas' betrayal of Christ and Christ's willingness to go to the cross, and on Friday, of course, is the actual crucifixion and death of Christ. These are sobering themes if we really pause to contemplate their reality.
How many times and in how many ways have I betrayed Christ? Sinned against my Christ?
And yet, He goes willingly to the Cross for my sake. For the sake of His Church.
Troparion: Save, O Lord, They people, and bless Thine inheritance; grant Thou unot Orthodox Christians victory over enemies; and by the power of Thy Cross do Thou preserve Thy commonwealth.
A different translation sounds like this: O Lord, save Thy people, and bless Thine inheritance. Grant victories to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries; and by virtue of Thy Cross preserve Thy habitation.
Kontakion: O Thou Who wast lifted up willingly on the Cross, bestow Thy mercis upon the new community named after Thee, O Christ God; gladden with They power the Orthodox Christians, granting them victory over enemies; my they have as Thy help the weapon of peace, the invincible trophy.
Comments