Saturday 25th February 2023 A.D.
Good Shepherd Chapel, Abbotsford
The light summer rains welcomed us as we arrived for the evening's celebrations, cooling the congregation after a warm week.
The joyous chruch bells announced the beginning of the evening. The clergy arrived and Archbishop Raffaele spoke of kissing the altar to greet the Lord.
Father Mark read about not judging those who eat vegetables and not judging the servants of others. This was followed by Deacon Epiphanious reading from the Gospel of St Matthew. It spoke of the purpose of prayer and fasting, in preparation of Great Lent.
Deacon Epiphanious reflected on these words in his homily. He spoke of his recent trip to Egypt and meeting a young woman who taught him the importance of forgiveness and compassion for those close to us. He reflected that fasting is not about “giving up” things, rather it is a time where we are encouraged to consider and manage our earthly desires. He spoke of a return to simplicity and appreciation of the simple joys that live gives us. He reminded us to ask for guidance from our heavenly saints and to remember to forgive others during this time of revelation and reflection.
The liturgy continued with some lovely singing by the clergy before the gifts were brought to the altar and blessed. Archbishop Raffaele remembered those wha have recently passed as he blessed the bread and wine. He then reminded us that the Creed is spoken to remind us of the true nature of God, before we recited the Creed together as a community. We then welcomed each other and offered a message of peace to one another.
Communion was shared by the clergy and then with the congregation, before Archbishop Raffaele contemplated the meaning of Great Lent in his own homily.
The community was anointed with unction oil and then agape was shared in the room out the back.
Comentários