Two western rite Orthodox priests showed up tonight for the Easter Vigil. Their congregation will use our chapel for their worship starting in May, I believe. Incense rose and chanting was intoned and responded to.
An Easter vigil uses scripture from throughout the story of God's interaction with his people to teach and summarize God's place in our life. The scripture is interspersed with Collects and songs. Currently, there is a great contrast in some of our music program to the formality of the occasion. We have a very amplified soprano soloist in Fr. Stace's wife Sarah, singing contemporary songs very beautifully. But the contrast can be a little jarring, as it was occasionally tonight. The solos dominate the congregational singing, and though beautifully rendered, insulate the congregation from the singing somewhat.
Father John, the most imposing of the Orthodox priests looks and sounds like he had a prior career in the WWF. His booming voice and impressive girth were another contrast tonight. Epiphany's vigil included two baptisms: One adult and one infant. The adult, a large black man has been attending church for many months. His baptism was also his ticket to take the Eucharist, and he and his family (wife, son and daughter) relished the experience together. The infant, accompanied by her older brother (aged 3), mother and father and two sponsors was a treat. She has also been coming to worship for some time, though her father and "sponsors" were first timers. None of them took communion, though they promised to raise her in the faith. The Methodist baptism puts a lot of responsiblity on the congregation who promises to raise the child, too. I hope they stand firm in the faith and live up to their vows. It would be good that they remember the stolid presence of Father John.
All holy week our services have been wonderful. Glenda Gay attended again for the third time this week, talking to people afterwards. I feel so blessed to have my salvation in Christ and to have found a wonderful church filled with fervent worshippers.
Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
An Easter vigil uses scripture from throughout the story of God's interaction with his people to teach and summarize God's place in our life. The scripture is interspersed with Collects and songs. Currently, there is a great contrast in some of our music program to the formality of the occasion. We have a very amplified soprano soloist in Fr. Stace's wife Sarah, singing contemporary songs very beautifully. But the contrast can be a little jarring, as it was occasionally tonight. The solos dominate the congregational singing, and though beautifully rendered, insulate the congregation from the singing somewhat.
Father John, the most imposing of the Orthodox priests looks and sounds like he had a prior career in the WWF. His booming voice and impressive girth were another contrast tonight. Epiphany's vigil included two baptisms: One adult and one infant. The adult, a large black man has been attending church for many months. His baptism was also his ticket to take the Eucharist, and he and his family (wife, son and daughter) relished the experience together. The infant, accompanied by her older brother (aged 3), mother and father and two sponsors was a treat. She has also been coming to worship for some time, though her father and "sponsors" were first timers. None of them took communion, though they promised to raise her in the faith. The Methodist baptism puts a lot of responsiblity on the congregation who promises to raise the child, too. I hope they stand firm in the faith and live up to their vows. It would be good that they remember the stolid presence of Father John.
All holy week our services have been wonderful. Glenda Gay attended again for the third time this week, talking to people afterwards. I feel so blessed to have my salvation in Christ and to have found a wonderful church filled with fervent worshippers.
Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia!
posted by Unknown @ 10:17 PM
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