Happy New Year!
Today, the first Sunday of advent, marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. This is an ideal time to consider perfoming Saint Philip's Fast, a tradition among Eastern Christians. Here's a brief description, from Philipovka or Philip's Fast:
This is my favorite time of the year. I especially enjoy the music. Here are two of my favorite hymns, with lyrics and audio: LO, HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING (auf Deutsch: ES IST EIN ROS’) and O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL (in Latinum: VENI EMMANUEL).
ADVENT BEGINS
Advent begins Sunday, Nov. 28. It is a
joyful period during which Christians
prepare for the commemoration of Christ's
birth. The Advent wreath is a main symbol
of the season with a new candle lit each
Sunday prior to Christmas.
(from Catholic News Service)
Today, the first Sunday of advent, marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. This is an ideal time to consider perfoming Saint Philip's Fast, a tradition among Eastern Christians. Here's a brief description, from Philipovka or Philip's Fast:
- "During this fast no particular penitential acts are required by law, but the faithful are encouraged to keep this season holy. By tradition Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays are especially observed by abstinence from certain foods.
"Even if we find it very difficult to keep such an abstinence, the spirit of the fast is recommended, that we abstain from foods that are extremely pleasing to the taste and from excessive eating. A period of penance, of course, means more than just abstaining from food. More time should be allowed for prayer, attending pre-Christmas services, and for acts of charity to others."
This is my favorite time of the year. I especially enjoy the music. Here are two of my favorite hymns, with lyrics and audio: LO, HOW A ROSE E’ER BLOOMING (auf Deutsch: ES IST EIN ROS’) and O COME, O COME, EMMANUEL (in Latinum: VENI EMMANUEL).
Redeemed by Our Savior, I work out my salvation with fear and trembling in Pohang, South Korea, where I live with my wife, daughter, and son and teach English at a science and technology university. Baptized a Methodist and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran in Buffalo, NY, I spent six years as a guest of the Anglican Communion before being received by the Grace of God into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on the Feast of Saint Andrew, my patron, anno domini 2002.
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