Saturday 1st March 2025
Good Shepherd’s Chapel
Abbotsford
After a pleasant sunny day, we gathered together in Abbotsford to observe forgiveness Sunday. As the clergy entered, we sang “The Lord is My Shepherd”, accompanied by Fr Mark on the organ. The clergy’s voices were amplified for the first time this evening, with thanks to the sound system of Patrick from the congregation. It was lovely to hear their voices blended and balanced with the organ.
Metropolitan Raffaele conveyed the importance of Forgiveness, and explained that Lent should be a time of taking things on, rather than a time of denial. He talked about tending the inner garden of our souls - working and taking things on, taking out the weeds, pruning the branches and preparing our inner garden for the celebration of Easter.
Next, the Kyrie was sung with the organ as the incense was prepared by Fr Matthew and Svr Luke. Fr Mark read a passage about tending the roots and pruning the branches, and the prokiminon was sung.
Then the gospel was brought amongst the people and Fr Matthew read. The passage was from St Matthew and sooke of forgiveness - forgive others and fast privately. It reminded us to store our treasures in heaven, as this is also where you will store your heart.
Metropolitan Raffaele began his homily with a lesson from the monastery. He explained how monks will ask each other for forgiveness before they go to bed, as living conditions and life’s pressures can be intense when living together in close quarters.
He continued with a lesson about fasting - each person should fasts in their own way. He reminded us: don’t worry what you put in your mouth - it’s what come out that counts. He suggested that we should, therefore, Fast with the five senses. He told a story that reminded us God wants us to learn from our sins and continue to live life. He said “don’t wallow in your sin, pick yourself up and get on with it. Let the Lord refresh you and learn better for next time.”
Then he told a beautiful story of the poor man who was shunned by the congregation. He tried to sit in the pews but was told “this is my spot”. He tried to join the choir but was told “your clothes are too shabby”. When the offering plate was passed around, he took a coin and was reprimanded. Then the administrator announced that the new priest would be arriving soon - the poor man walked to the front, took off his shabby jumper and revealed that he was the priest! He scolded the congregation for their behaviour and sent them all home.
His homily continued with a message from Gandhi. Metropolitan Raffaele reported that Gandhi had said “the gospels of Jesus Christ are unique. I would love to be a Christian - but the way Christian’s treat one another is holding me back.” The Metropolitan reminded us that we have a responsibility to be the light in the world and be Christ to others. He prayed for us all and then the liturgy continued with the Kyrie sung by the clergy.
As the gifts were brought from the prothesis, the organ accompanied us as we sang “Abide With Me”. The creed was recited and then everyone sang the hosanna before the Gifts consecrated.
Next we prayed and sang to the Theotokos. The congregation joined Metropolitan Raffaele in singing “Mira Tuo Popolo” to honor the Mother of God, and then the Our Father prayer was prayed and sung.
The Clergy shared communion before sharing communion with the congregation. The Metropolitan sang “The Glory of These Forty Days” n thanksgiving before the gifts were returned to the prothesis.
Metropolitan Raffaele told us a story about Saint Martin the Soldier who became a bishop. As a young man, he felt empty. He heard about Jesus in the town square from the local presbyter and was made a catechumen. On cold winter’s evening he saw an old man who was hunched over and freezing cold. Martin cut his cloak with his own sword and gave half of it to the old man, as well as some biscuits. Later in life, after he was ordained and voted in as bishop, he retired to the coast of Italy. Everyone came to see him there to hear him speak. One day, he fell ill and was looked after by the local monks. One night he was heard talking to someone - when asked who he had been talking to, Martin explained that he had thought it was the man whom he’d given half his cloak to. Only, he realised after a while that it was actually Jesus who he had been talking to after He revealed himself by holding up his hands and showing the imprints of the crucifixion nails. Jesus had reminded him that “Whatever you do to each other, you also do to me”. The Metropolitan reminded us that the Lord doesn’t need people, he wants disciples.
The final hymn was sung and the Metropolitan gave us his blessings. We were all anointed with oil of the unction. Then we proceeded out the back for some delicious agape.
Comments