The following services are held regularly in Wellington Church. Updates and changes will be posted below and on our facebook page. If you are travelling a distance, please email Fr Augustine to confirm first. Our newsletter is sent out monthly, so please sign up if you wish to receive notices, sermons and other information.
All are warmly welcome to come and pray with us, non-Orthodox Christians may receive the blessed bread at the end of the Liturgy.
| Monday | |||
| Tuesday | 10:00 am Divine Liturgy | ||
| Wednesday | |||
| Thursday | 10:00 am Divine Liturgy | ||
| Friday | |||
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Saturday |
10:00 am Divine Liturgy | ||
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Sunday |
8.00 am Divine Liturgy |
Dear all! Due to meetings there will not be Liturgy or morning prayer in the church tomorrow, Thursday 13th.
We will see you all at the Christmas Fair on Saturday 15th 😀
Dear all! There will be morning prayer with Br Basil tomorrow, Tuesday 11th at 10.00 am.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Unfortunately Fr Augustine has to attend some meetings this weekend, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th. He also has to attend meetings next weekend, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th. This means that the Liturgies scheduled for those days are cancelled.
Instead, on the aforementioned Saturdays, Brother Basil and Joanna will be praying 3rd and 6th Hour with the Kathisma of the day added to it.
The prayer will take place at 10.00 am as usual.
Please come and join us. It is good for us to pray together.
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
Divine Liturgy on Sundays will be celebrated in St Luke's Cathedral at approximately 10.00 am and in the Romanian church at 10.00 am.
Please share this with your friends. It would be really great if people came 🙂
Dear all! On Thursday 6th, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy for the feast of a much loved saint; Nicholas, the Wonderworker and Archbishop of Myra and Lycia.
"In truth you were revealed to your flock as a rule of faith, an image of humility and a teacher of abstinence; your humility exalted you; your poverty enriched you. Hierarch Father Nicholas, entreat Christ our God that our souls may be saved."
www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7bdR13RGkc&t=97s (Beautiful Akathist for St Nicholas)
There will be refreshment and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 4th at 10.00 am to commemorate the Greatmartyr, St Barbara of Heliopolis.
"Singing the praises of the Trinity, you followed God by enduring suffering; you renounced the multitude of idols, O holy martyr Barbara. In your struggles, you were not frightened by the threats of your torturers, but cried out in a loud voice: “I worship the Trinity in one God-head.”
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Happy St Andrew's Day everyone! Today we celebrate St Andrew, the first called, who is the Patron of Scotland, Russia, Romania and Greece.
We will celebrate his feast in the church with Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday 1st December at 10.00 am followed by a traditional Scottish meal of vegetarian haggis, neeps and tatties.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Hi everyone! On Saturday, the 15th of December we will have our Christmas fair after Liturgy. The fair will take place from 11.15-3.00 pm in Wellington Church. We will sell Christmas cards, Christmas decorations, handmade jewellery, International food and various gift items.
All are welcome! Please feel free to bring your friends and let us all embrace the beautiful atmosphere of advent together!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0ceZW54ve4 (Traditional Christmas Carol)
Dear all! Just a reminder that there will be Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 29th at 10.00 am followed by tea and coffee.
Please come if you are able. It is good to pray together especially in these challenging times.
We look forward to seeing you.
Dear all
Here is the service schedule for this week:
Tuesday 27th: Divine Liturgy at 10.00 am for the feast of Greatmartyr James the Persian.
"You astounded all, long-suffering James, by enduring horrible tortures with great patience. As the evil assembly performed the slaughter, you uttered prayers of thanksgiving to the Lord. Through your sufferings you received your crown, and came to the throne of the heavenly King, Christ God. Entreat Him to save our souls!"
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
Thursday 29th: Divine Liturgy at 10.00 am for to commemorate Martyr Paramon and the 370 martyrs that suffered with him.
"Your holy martyrs Paramon and Philoumenus and those with them, O Lord, through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through their intercessions, save our souls!"
There will be refreshments afterwards.
Saturday 1st December: We will celebrate the feast of St Andrew, the First called at 10.00 am.
"Andrew, first-called of the Apostles and brother of the foremost disciple, entreat the Master of all to grant peace to the world and to our souls great mercy."
There will be a celebratory meal afterwards that will include vegetarian haggis.
Sunday: Divine Liturgy at 8.00 am for the feast of the Prophet Habakkuk.
"Divinely eloquent Habakkuk, you announced to the world the coming forth of God from the south, from the Virgin. Standing on the divine watch, you received a report from the radiant angel: “You proclaimed the Resurrection of Christ to the world!” Therefore in gladness we cry out to you: “Rejoice, splendid adornment of the prophets!”
As always, we look forward to seeing you.
Hi everyone! Here is a pastoral message written by his Emminence, our Archbishop Jean of Charioupolis, concerning the current situation between the Ecumenical Patriarchate and the Moscow Patriarchate. We hope you find it useful.
"The Archdiocese of the Russian Orthodox Churches in Western Europe, Exarchate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, like all the ecclesial entities of the West, follows with concern the evolution of the tense relations between the Orthodox Churches, but also lives them in a very special way.
Indeed, being rooted in the spiritual and cultural heritage of Russian emigration, the parishes and communities of the Archdiocese face many questions from the faithful, in connection with the tensions that have emerged recently between the Patriarchate of Moscow and the Ecumenical Patriarchate on which we depend. The first of the questions to which our priests and our laity are confronted, that of the Eucharistic communion is certainly the most serious.
The Moscow Patriarchate took the unilateral decision to interrupt the Eucharistic communion with the Ecumenical Patriarchate, imposing this decision on all the faithful, clergy or laity. For the Archdiocese, accustomed to concelebrate with the Moscow Patriarchate, this interruption of communion is a great suffering. In fact, at almost no point in history, the Archdiocese has been in complete disruption of communion with the Moscow Patriarchate, even in the darkest times of the 20th century, because both the Archbishopric and the whole the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the entire Moscow Patriarchate have always continued to profess the same symbol of faith. It is this profession of faith that is the criterion of their orthodoxy, and to this day none of our churches has changed its symbol of faith.
Because of its unilateral (and in our opinion disproportionate) character, the decision of the Holy Synod of Moscow is obviously not applicable in the churches of the Archdiocese. In the present situation, our priests and deacons are not invited to concelebrate by the churches belonging to the Moscow Patriarchate; this does not prevent them from going there, personally, to discreetly join the prayer of the whole Church. On the other hand, for the laity, that is to say for the baptised Orthodox faithful who are not ordained deacons, priests or bishops, this prohibition, according to orthodox ecclesiology, can not take place. In fact, a layman from Western Europe, at the sacramental level, belongs to the unique Catholic Body of Christ, therefore to all jurisdictions simultaneously and not to a hierarchical structure, whether it be that of Constantinople, Moscow or another .
The baptised are not the property of their bishops, they are members of the body which is the Church which celebrates in the place where they are at a given moment. For example, if a believer living in St. Petersburg moves to the island of Crete, he ceases to be a member of the Church of Russia and becomes a full member of the Crete Church (which depends on the Ecumenical Patriarchate); unlike a member of the clergy, the lay person does not have to ask his bishop for canonical leave to move.
The fact that, in Western countries, several orthodox episcopal jurisdictions coexist on the same territory has the corollary that, sacramentally, our faithful are, potentially, simultaneously members of all ecclesial entities that profess the same symbol of faith. Administratively, of course, the faithful can assume specific responsibilities in one or the other particular parish, but that does not preclude their belonging to the whole ecclesial body. The coexistence of multiple jurisdictions on the same territory, which is also often criticised, appears, in the present circumstances, as a factor of sacramental unity.
We must not insult the grace of God, present and active in all our churches, even when they live in conflict, as long as these do not alter the orthodoxy of the faith. On the contrary, we must let the Holy Spirit act, especially through this Eucharistic sharing to which we are invited.
We assure the members of the clergy of the Moscow Patriarchate of our fraternal love and hope to be able to concelebrate with them as soon as possible; with regard to the laity, we repeat to them our communion of faith and love and respect, around the Body and Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ, every lay Orthodox person who wishes to respond to this invitation of the Lord: "Take eat, this is my body, broken for you in remission of sins. Drink all of them, this is my blood, that of the new covenant, shed for you and for the multitude in remission of sins. "
† Archbishop JEAN de Charioupolis, Patriarchal Exarch of Orthodox parishes of Russian tradition in Western Europe
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy, Saturday 24th at 10.00 am to commemorate the Great Martyr, Catherine of Alexandria.
"By your virtues as by rays of the sun you enlightened the unbelieving philosophers, and like the most bright moon you drove away the darkness of disbelief from those walking in the night; you convinced the queen, and also chastised the tyrant, God-summoned bride, blessed Catherine. You hastened with desire to the heavenly bridal chamber of the fairest Bride-groom Christ, and you were crowned by Him with a royal crown; standing before Him with the angels, pray for us who keep your most sacred memory."
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
On Sunday 25th, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 8.00 am to commemorate Hieromartyr Clement, the Pope of Rome.
"O God of our Fathers, always act with kindness towards us; take not Your mercy from us, but guide our lives in peace through the prayers of the Hierarchs Clement and Peter."
There will be tea, coffee and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Hi everyone! It's almost December which means we can once again enjoy some lovely music performed by Russkaya Cappella. Please read below for more information. 😀
Russkaya Cappella,
Scotland's Russian Choir, directed by Svetlana Zvereva
Lunchtime concert
1 - 2pm, Saturday 8 December 2018
Renfield St Stephen's Church, 260 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4JP
(Tickets not required, donations gratefully received on retiral)
Scotland’s Russian Choir present a concert of festive music,
including works for use by the Russian Orthodox church,
settings of seasonal poems, and Christmas Carols.
Russkaya Cappella is an amateur chamber choir based in Glasgow under the musical direction of Svetlana Zvereva. In existence since 2009, its repertoire includes Russian church and folk music as well as compositions by classical composers. Russkaya Cappella performs at concerts and at some festival Russian Orthodox services in Scotland and Northern England.
We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Thursday 22 November at 10.00 am, for the feast of Martyr Michael, the Prince of Tver.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 20th at 10.00 am for the forefeast of the Entry of the Mother of God into the Temple.
"Today Anna bequeaths joy to all instead of sorrow by bringing forth her fruit, the only ever-Virgin. In fulfilment of her vow, today with joy she brings to the temple of the Lord the true temple and pure Mother of God the Word."
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
On Wednesday 21st, the Church celebrates the Great Feast of the Entry of the of the Mother of God into the Temple. Sadly, due to various activities taking place in Wellington Church that day, we are unable to celebrate Liturgy for the feast. Therefore, we would like to encourage people to go to Liturgy at St Luke's that day. The Liturgy will begin at approximately 10.00 am.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday 17th at 10.00 am and there will be a light meal afterwards.
We will also celebrate Divine Liturgy on Sunday 18th at 8.00 am, followed by refreshments and nibbles.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Good morning everyone! We have now entered into the period of the Nativity Fast.
Why fast before the Nativity?
Question
I was wondering why we fast before Nativity. The Lenten fast seems more obvious. Also, from what foods do we normally fast from during the Nativity fast?
Answer
We fast before the Great Feast of the Nativity in order to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Our Lord’s birth. As in the case of Great Lent, the Nativity Fast is one of preparation, during which we focus on the coming of the Savior by fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.
By fasting, we “shift our focus” from ourselves to others, spending less time worrying about what to eat, when to eat, how much to eat, and so on in order to use our time in increased prayer and caring for the poor. We learn through fasting that we can gain control over things which we sometimes allow to control us—and for many people, food is a controlling factor.
[We live in the only society in which an entire TV network is devoted to food!] While fasting from food, however, we are also challenged to fast from sin, from gossip, from jealousy, from anger, and from those other things which, while well within our control, we all too often allow to control us.
Just as we would refrain from eating a lot before going to an expensive restaurant for dinner—if we “ruin our appetite” we will enjoy the restaurant less—so too we fast before the Nativity in order to more fully feast and celebrate on the Nativity itself.
During the Nativity Fast, we are called upon to refrain from meat, dairy, fish, wine, and olive oil. At the same time, we are challenged, within this framework, to fast to the best of our ability, and to do so consistently.
If we must modify the extent to which we fast within this framework, it is of course possible, but in every instance our fasting should be consistent and regular, for Christ does not see fasting as an option, but as a “must.”
In Matthew Christ says, “WHEN you fast, do not be like the hypocrites,” not “IF you fast” or “IF YOU CHOOSE to fast.”
Finally, it seems quite odd that in our society—a society in which people gladly and freely spend huge sums of money for diets, most of which recommend that one refrain from red meats and dairy products—fasting is not more widely embraced. How odd that a Jenny Craig consultant or diet guru or physician will tell us to refrain from eating meat or cheese or butter and we will gladly embrace—and pay large sums of money for—his or her advice, while when the Church offers the same advice [at “no cost”] we tend to balk, as if we were being asked to do the impossible.
Dear all! Just a reminder that we will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 15th November at 10.00 am, for the feast of St Paisius Velichkovsky.
"Having become a stranger on earth, you reached the heavenly homeland, venerable Father Paisius. You taught the faithful to lift up their minds to God, crying out to Him with all their hearts: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me a sinner!”
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Unfortunately due to some last minute meetings Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 13th, will have to be cancelled. Very sorry about the late notice. There will be Liturgy on Thursday 15th and Saturday 17th at 10.00 am and on Sunday 18th at 8.00 am.
We look forward to seeing you all then!
Hi everyone! Here's a reflection on today's Gospel written by our parishioner and Theology graduate, Joanna.
THE GOOD SAMARITAN
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit!
The story of the Good Samaritan is one of the most well known stories of the Bible and it is as thought provoking now as it was more than 2000 years ago.
In the Gospel, we encounter a young man, a lawyer. He asked Jesus: What shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He knew that the most important commandment God gave us is “to love the Lord God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind, and your neighbour as yourself”. Jesus confirmed the young man’s understanding and told him to “ do this and live”.
The lawyer, wanting to justify himself asked: “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus responds by telling a story. In the story, a Jewish man has been brutally robbed, beaten up and left to die on the street.
First, a priest passes by. A priest was close to where God dwelled, said his prayers and was only focused on higher things. Still, his response was to just walk by and ignore the man. Being in the dwelling place of God all the time and offering prayers had not changed his heart.
Then a Levite, a man from a well respected order of priests from the line of Moses and Aaron, well versed in Scriptures stood above the man and just like the priest before him did nothing. He walked by.
At last, a Samaritan sees the man. Now, Samaritans and Jews were enemies. Samaritans were a racially mixed group of people with both Jewish and Pagan ancestry. Their religion was not mainstream Judaism even though they believed in the One God. Samaritans were treated with contempt and as a result they avoided Jews.
Despite all that, the Samaritan stopped and showed compassion. The Samaritan did not see a man, a Jew, an enemy, one with different religious beliefs or political standpoint. He saw a human being in desperate need for help, so he took him to an inn on his own animal, made sure he got food drink and treatment. He paid for everything and made sure that the wounded man had everything he needed.
So let us return to the lawyer’s question. “ Who is my neighbour?”
This question is something all of us have at one point asked, some of us perhaps still do. Who is my neighbor can be paraphrased as follows: Who is he or she for whose sake I must willingly leave my comfort zone and worldly concerns and wholeheartedly aid with all I’ve got?
Jesus answers that question clearly. Everyone! Everyone is our neighbour, but, just like He elevated all the commandments, He does so here as well. Jesus asked the lawyer “ Which of these three do you think was a neighbour to him who fell among thieves?” “The one who showed compassion” answered the lawyer. Then Jesus commanded: “ Go and do likewise!”
So from identifying a person in need as our neighbour He asks us in addition to become neighbours.
For the Good Samaritan, a neighbour was not a person that was a neighbour in spirit or blood but simply a man he encountered on his journey. How many people do we encounter every day in the church, at school, at work or on the street? How often do we really look at them and offer a helping hand to them without counting the cost?
We must be like the Good Samaritan who acted with love just like God is loving and compassionate towards us. In addition, we should identify with the wounded man as well. All of us have suffered and perhaps still suffer. We often make wrong choices and end up in bad and difficult situations, we all fall into sin and act in ways we shouldn’t. So let us never forget that we too are as broken and wounded as the people we are called to help and with that realisation we must not judge or withhold our compassion because we know that pain, suffering and a hunger for love is the one thing we have in common with all humanity.
God loves us with a love that we cannot comprehend. God is love and we are made in his image and likeness, so we must try in all that we do to imitate that love, not as a one off, but constantly.
Amen!
Dear all! Our parishioner and native speaker of Russian, Nina Don, is offering a 6-week Russian course in the church starting tomorrow, Friday 9th November from 11.00 am- 12.30 pm. During these 6 weeks you will learn some easy conversational Russian in a friendly environment so please come along. No previous knowledge is required and the course is suitable for all ages.
We recommend that you bring with you a jotter and pen. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Recommended donation is 3 pounds per lesson but all donations are welcome.
For more information please contact Nina:
ninuha@inbox.ru
(+44) 7950 787376
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Today, is the feast of the Synaxis of the Archangels and also one of our Parish feasts. Below is some information about today's feast and the role of angels.
The Synaxis of the Chief of the Heavenly Hosts, Archangel Michael and the Other Heavenly Bodiless Powers: Archangels Gabriel, Raphael, Uriel, Selaphiel, Jehudiel, Barachiel, and Jeremiel was established at the beginning of the fourth century at the Council of Laodicea, which met several years before the First Ecumenical Council. The 35th Canon of the Council of Laodicea condemned and denounced as heretical the worship of angels as gods and rulers of the world, but affirmed their proper veneration.
A Feastday was established in November, the ninth month after March (with which the year began in ancient times) since there are Nine Ranks of Angels. The eighth day of the month was chosen for the Synaxis of all the Bodiless Powers of Heaven since the Day of the Dread Last Judgment is called the Eighth Day by the holy Fathers. After the end of this age (characterized by its seven days of Creation) will come the Eighth Day, and then “the Son of Man shall come in His Glory and all the holy Angels with Him” (Mt. 25:31).
The Angelic Ranks are divided into three Hierarchies: highest, middle, and lowest.
The Highest Hierarchy includes: the Seraphim, Cherubim and Thrones.
The six-winged SERAPHIM (Flaming, Fiery) (Is 6:12) stand closest of all to the Most Holy Trinity. They blaze with love for God and kindle such love in others.
The many-eyed CHERUBIM (outpouring of wisdom, enlightenment) (Gen 3:24) stand before the Lord after the Seraphim. They are radiant with the light of knowledge of God, and knowledge of the mysteries of God. Through them wisdom is poured forth, and people’s minds are enlightened so they may know God and behold His glory.
The THRONES (Col 1:16) stand after the Cherubim, mysteriously and incomprehensibly bearing God through the grace given them for their service. They are ministers of God’s justice, giving to tribunals, kings, etc. the capacity for righteous judgment.
The Middle Angelic Hierarchy consists of three Ranks: Dominions, Powers, and Authorities:
DOMINIONS (Col 1:16) hold dominion over the angels subject to them. They instruct the earthly authorities, established by God, to rule wisely, and to govern their lands well. The Dominions teach us to subdue sinful impulses, to subject the flesh to the spirit, to master our will, and to conquer temptation.
POWERS (1 Pet 3:22) fulfill the will of God without hesitation. They work great miracles and give the grace of wonderworking and clairvoyance to saints pleasing to God. The Powers assist people in fulfilling obediences. They also encourage them to be patient, and give them spiritual strength and fortitude.
AUTHORITIES (1 Pet 3:22, Col 1:16) have authority over the devil. They protect people from demonic temptations, and prevent demons from harming people as they would wish. They also uphold ascetics and guard them, helping people in the struggle with evil thoughts.
The Lowest Hierarchy includes the three Ranks: Principalities, Archangels, and Angels:
PRINCIPALITIES (Col 1:16) have command over the lower angels, instructing them in the fulfilling of God’s commands. They watch over the world and protect lands, nations and peoples. Principalities instruct people to render proper honor to those in authority, as befits their station. They teach those in authority to use their position, not for personal glory and gain, but to honor God, and to spread word of Him, for the benefit of those under them.
ARCHANGELS (1 Thess 4:16) are messengers of great and wondrous tidings. They reveal prophecies and the mysteries of the faith. They enlighten people to know and understand the will of God, they spread faith in God among the people, illuminating their minds with the light of the Holy Gospel.
ANGELS (1 Pet 3:22) are in the lowest rank of the heavenly hierarchy, and closest to people. They reveal the lesser mysteries of God and His intentions, guiding people to virtuous and holy life. They support those who remain steadfast, and they raise up the fallen. They never abandon us and they are always prepared to help us, if we desire it.
All the Ranks of the Heavenly Powers are called angels, although each has its own name and position by virtue of their service. The Lord reveals His will to the highest ranks of the angels, and they in turn inform the others.
Over all the Nine Ranks, the Lord appointed the Holy Archangel Michael (his name in Hebrew means “who is like unto God”), the faithful servitor of God, as Chief Commander. He cast down from Heaven the arrogantly proud Lucifer and the other fallen spirits when they rebelled against God. Michael summoned the ranks of angels and cried out, “Let us attend! Let us stand aright before our Creator and do not consider doing what is displeasing unto God!”
According to Church Tradition, and in the church services to the Archangel Michael, he participated in many other Old Testament events.
During the Exodus of the Israelites from Egypt he went before them in the form of a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Through him the power of the Lord was made manifest, annihilating the Egyptians and Pharaoh who were in pursuit of the Israelites. The Archangel Michael defended Israel in all its misfortunes.
He appeared to Joshua Son of Navi and revealed the will of the Lord at the taking of Jericho (Josh 5:13-16). The power of the great Chief Commander of God was manifest in the annihilation of the 185,000 soldiers of the Assyrian emperor Sennacherib (4/2 Kings 19:35); also in the smiting of the impious leader Heliodorus (2 Macc. 3: 24-26); and in the protection of the Three Holy Youths: Ananias, Azarias and Misail, thrown into the fiery furnace for their refusal to worship an idol (Dan 3:22-25).
Through the will of God, the Chief Commander Michael transported the Prophet Habbakuk (December 2) from Judea to Babylon, to give food to Daniel in the lions’ den (Dan. 14:33-37).
The Archangel Michael disputed with the devil over the body of the holy Prophet Moses (Jude 1:9).
The holy Archangel Michael showed his power when he miraculously saved a young man, cast into the sea by robbers with a stone about his neck on the shores of Mt Athos. This story is found in the Athonite Paterikon, and in the Life of Saint Neophytus of Docheiariou (November 9).
From ancient times the Archangel Michael was famed for his miracles in Rus. In the Volokolamsk Paterikon is a narrative of Saint Paphnutius of Borov with an account of Tatar tax-gatherers concerning the miraculous saving of Novgorod the Great: “Therefore Great Novgorod was never taken by the Hagarenes... when... for our sins the godless Hagarene emperor Batu devoured and set the Russian land aflame and came to Novgorod, and God and the Most Holy Theotokos shielded it with an appearance of Michael the Archangel, who forbade him to enter into it. He [Batu] was come to the Lithuanian city and came toward Kiev and saw the stone church, over the doors of which the great Archangel Michael had written and spoken to the prince his allotted fate, ‘By this we have forbidden you entry into Great Novgorod’.”
Intercession for Russian cities by the Most Holy Queen of Heaven always involved Her appearances with the Heavenly Hosts, under the leadership of the Archangel Michael. Grateful Rus acclaimed the Most Pure Mother of God and the Archangel Michael in church hymns. Many monasteries, cathedrals, court and merchant churches are dedicated to the Chief Commander Michael.
In old Kiev at the time of the accepting of Christianity, a cathedral of the Archangel was built, and a monastery also was named for him. Archangel cathedrals are found at Smolensk, Nizhni Novgorod, Staritsa, at Great Ustiug (beginning of the thirteenth century), and a cathedral at Sviyazhsk. In Rus there was not a city where there was not a church or chapel dedicated to the Archangel Michael.
One of the chief temples of the city of Moscow, the burial church in the Kremlin, is dedicated to him. Numerous and beautiful icons of the Chief Commander of the Heavenly Hosts are also in his Cathedral. One of these, the Icon “Blessed Soldiery,” was painted in the Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin. The saintly soldiers, Russian princes, are depicted under the leadership of the Archangel Michael.
We invoke Saint Michael for protection from invasion by enemies and from civil war, and for the defeat of adversaries on the field of battle. He conquers all spiritual enemies.
Holy Scripture and Tradition give us the names of the Archangels:
Gabriel: strength (power) of God, herald and servitor of Divine omnipotence (Dan 8:16, Luke 1:26). He announces the mysteries of God.
Raphael: the healing of God, the curer of human infirmities (Tobit 3:16, 12:15)
Uriel: the fire or light of God, enlightener (3 Ezdras 5:20). We pray for him to enlighten those with darkened minds.
Selaphiel: the prayer of God, impelling to prayer (3 Ezdras 5:16). He prays to God for mankind.
Jehudiel: the glorifying of God, encouraging exertion for the glory of the Lord and interceding for the reward of efforts.
Barachiel: distributor of the blessings of God for good deeds, entreats the mercy of God for people.
Jeremiel: the raising up to God (3 Ezdras 4:36)
On icons the Archangels are depicted in according to the character of their service:
Michael tramples the devil underfoot, and in his left hand holds a green date-tree branch, and in his right hand a spear with a white banner on which is outlined a scarlet cross, or sometimes a fiery sword.
Gabriel with a branch from Paradise, presented by him to the Most Holy Virgin, or with a shining lantern in his right hand and with a mirror made of jasper in his left.
Raphael holds a vessel with healing medications in his left hand, and with his right hand leads Tobias, carrying a fish for healing (Tobit 5-8).
Uriel in his raised right hand holds a naked sword at the level of his chest, and in his lowered left hand “a fiery flame.”
Selaphiel in a prayerful posture, gazing downwards, hands folded on the chest.
Jehudiel holds a golden crown in his right hand, in his left, a whip of three red (or black) thongs.
Barachiel is shown with a white rose on his breast.
Jeremiel holds balance-scales in his hand.
Each person has a guardian angel, and every nation also receives its own guardian angel from God (Dan. 10:13). When a church is consecrated, it also receives a guardian angel (Palladius, Dial. Ch. 10).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyFkPd6fEuI (Beautiful Cherubic Hymn)
Dear all! Fr Augustine and Br Basil have to attend clergy meetings this week. This means that we will only be able to celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 6th at 10.00 am and Sunday 11th at 8.00 am.
The Liturgies that would normally take place on a Thursday and Saturday are cancelled.
We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Dear all! Just a reminder that there will be Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday at 10.00 am followed by a light meal.
On Sunday 4th November we will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 8.00 am followed by tea and coffee and afterwards we will go to the Parish of St Kentigern in Govan. The Parish is celebrating 15 years and we look forward to celebrating with them. This is a special day so we would like to encourage as many of you as possible to come. The service in Govan will start at approximately 10.45 and will be followed by a celebratory meal.
We look forward to seeing you!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSZNi7tdIA4Mnogaya Leta (D. Bortnyanskiy) in Tebe Poem performed by Dr. Emiliyan Stankov.
Prayers aren’t just for Church. The tradition of saying an Akathist in thanksgiving as well as intercession is not restricted to the season of Great Lent.Feeling overwhelmed? Despairing? Anxious? Terrified about what will happen to the world whether that is due to political strife, hatred of others or the pollution of our air and oceans? I’m proposing a wave of prayer; join me daily in saying this Akathist to our most holy Theotokos: She was there for the soldiers of Greece & countless others - she will pray for us too. web.archive.org/web/20070214010841/http:/oholy.net/VeilAkathist.html
Dear all! Here is the service schedule for this week.
Tuesday 30th: We will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 10.00 am for St Mark of the Seventy.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
Thursday 1st November: We will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 10.00 am for the Holy Unmercenaries, Cosmas and Damian and their mother Theodota.
"Having received the grace of healing, you grant healing to those in need. Glorious wonder workers and healers, Cosmas and Damian, visit us and put down the insolence of our enemies, and bring healing to the world through your miracles."
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
Saturday 3rd November: We will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 10.00 am.
As always, we will have a light meal afterwards so feel free to bring any dish or snack you would like to share.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Happy feast of St Demetrius everyone! We are pleased that so many of you attended the service today.
It looks like we have started a new lovely tradition in our community. Thank you all for your effort. Those red vegan horse shaped biscuits look great!
Hi everyone! On this day, 5 years ago, our Bishop Gabriel of Comana (in the world Guido de Vylder) passed away. He was a very inspiring figure who helped make Orthodoxy known in Western Europe. He was and still remains a very loved figure in our Archdiocese.
Below are some of his final words:
"The moment has come for me to leave you. … Through tribulations of all kinds, always have confidence and hope in the Word of God, which is the measure of our salvation and the affirmation of our Church. The liberty of the Church and the universality of the Orthodox faith are the two treasures that I have sought to preserve, following the example of my predecessors at the head of this Archdiocese, in order that we should be able to concentrate on what, in the eyes of Christ’s disciples, must be the ‘one thing necessary”: “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His justice”, as the Lord himself commands us (Mt. 6:33). My last word will be to ask you to maintain your love and your unity. That is the most precious treasure of our Church. May the Lord “give you a spirit of wisdom” and “enlighten the eyes of your heart so that you are able to see the hope to which he has called you” (Eph. 1:17-18) [pastoral letter from Archbishop Gabriel, dated 8 January 2013]."
www.exarchate.org.uk/node/202 (this link contains his biography and his inspiring work for the Church).
Memory Eternal!😇
Dear all! Below is a list with our services this week:
Tuesday 23rd at 10.00 am: Divine Liturgy for the feast of the brother of Jesus, James.
"As the Lord’s disciple you received the Gospel, O righteous James; as a martyr you have unfailing courage; as God’s brother, you have boldness; as a hierarch, you have the power to intercede. Pray to Christ God that our souls may be saved."
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
Thursday 25th at 10.00 am: Divine liturgy for st Tabitha who was raised from the dead by st Peter.
"With the flow of the many-streamed river of almsgiving You watered the dry earth of the needy. Showering alms on the widows and the poor, you shone with the light of your works and were radiant with grace, O Tabitha. Glory to Christ who loves you! Glory to Christ who has blessed you! Glory to Christ whom you followed as a true disciple and a spotless lamb!"
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
Friday 26th at 11.00 am. Paraklisis for St Demetrius of Thessalonika, the Myrrh-Streamer.
"The world has found you to be a great defense against tribulation / and a vanquisher of heathens, O Passion-bearer. As you bolstered the courage of Nestor, who then humbled the arrogance of Lyaios in battle, Holy Demetrius, entreat Christ God to grant us great mercy."
Saturday 27th at 10.00 am: We will celebrate Divine Liturgy for the Martyr Nestor, who suffered with St Demetrius.
"Your holy martyr Nestor, O Lord, through his sufferings has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, And shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through his intercessions, save our souls!"
There will be a light meal afterwards. Please feel free to bring any dish you would like to share.
Sunday 28th at 8.00 am: We will celebrate Divine Liturgy for St Adomnan, a very important saint in the Celtic lands.
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
More information about St Adomnan will be posted nearer the time.
As always, we look forward to seeing you all! 😊
Dear all! We are all very sad about the current situation in the Orthodox Church. We pray for the healing of the whole Church and that our love for God and all our brothers and sisters will always take priority in all decisions.
Below is a statement by his Emminence, our Archbishop Jean of Charioupolis. We hope that it will give everyone hope and encouragement.
Here is an article about this Saturday, known as Demetrius Saturday.
In the spiritual experience of the Russian Church, veneration of the holy Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica is closely linked with the memory of the defense of the nation and Church by the Great Prince of Moscow, Demetrius of the Don (May 19).
Saint Demetrius of the Don smashed the military might of the Golden Horde at the Battle of Kulikovo Field on September 8, 1380 (the Feast of the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos), set between the Rivers Don and Nepryadva. The Battle of Kulikovo, for which the nation calls him Demetrius of the Don, became the first Russian national deed, rallying the spiritual power of the Russian nation around Moscow. The “Zadonschina,” an inspiring historic poem written by the priest Sophronius of Ryazem (1381), is devoted to this event.
Prince Demetrius of the Don was greatly devoted to the holy Great Martyr Demetrius. In 1380, on the eve of the Battle of Kulikovo, he solemnly transferred from Vladimir to Moscow the most holy object in the Dimitriev cathedral of Vladimir: the icon of the Great Martyr Demetrius of Thessalonica, painted on a piece of wood from the saint’s grave. A chapel in honor of the Great Martyr Demetrius was built at Moscow’s Dormition Cathedral.
The Saint Demetrius Memorial Saturday was established for the churchwide remembrance of the soldiers who fell in the Battle of Kulikovo. This memorial service was held for the first time at the Trinity-Saint Sergius monastery on October 20, 1380 by Saint Sergius of Radonezh, in the presence of Great Prince Demetrius of the Don. It is an annual remembrance of the heroes of the Battle of Kulikovo, among whom are the schemamonks Alexander (Peresvet) and Andrew (Oslyab).
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Saturday 20th at 10.00 am to commemorate St Demetrius. This Saturday is known as Demetrius Saturday.
There will be refreshments and a light meal afterwards.
We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Sunday at 8.00 am for the Venerable Hilarion the Great.
"By a flood of tears you made the desert fertile, and your longing for God brought forth fruits in abundance. By the radiance of miracles you illumined the whole universe! Our Father Hilarion pray to Christ God to save our souls!"
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Thursday 18th October at 10.00 am for the feast of St Luke the Evangelist.
"Let us praise with sacred songs the holy Apostle Luke, the recorder of the joyous Gospel of Christ and the scribe of the Acts of the Apostles, for his writings are a testimony of the Church of Christ: He is the physician of human weaknesses and infirmities. He heals the wounds of our souls, and constantly intercedes for our salvation!"
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards!
We look forward to seeing you all!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 16th October at 10.00 am.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards!
We look forward to seeing you!
Hi everyone! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Sunday 14th at 8.00 am, to commemorate the fathers of the seventh Ecumenical Council.
"The Son who shone forth from the Father, was ineffably born, two-fold in nature, of a woman. Having beheld Him, we do not deny the image of His form, but depict it piously and revere it faithfully. Thus, keeping the True Faith, the Church venerates the icon of Christ Incarnate."
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
On the Old Calendar, it is the feast of the Protection the Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, so there will be Liturgy in the church of St Kentigern in Govan at 10.30 am if people would like to go.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Saturday 13th October at 10.00 am for Martyr Carpus of Pergamum.
"Your holy martyr Carpus and his companions, O Lord, through their sufferings have received incorruptible crowns from You, our God. For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through their intercessions, save our souls"
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards!
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 11th October at 10.00 am.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 9th October at 10.00 am for the feast of st James, the Son of Alpheus.
"Holy Apostle James, entreat the merciful God to grant our souls forgiveness of transgressions."
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday 6th October at 10.00 am for the feast of Thomas the Apostle.
"You were a disciple of Christ, and a member of the divine college of Apostles. Having been weak in faith you doubted the Resurrection of Christ, but by feeling the wounds you believed in His all-pure Passion: pray now to Him, O all-praised Thomas, to grant us peace and great mercy."
There will be refreshments and Japanese food afterwards in the Crypt cafe from 12 o'clock. Please join us!
We will also celebrate Divine Liturgy on Sunday 7th at 8.00 am. There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 4th October at 10.00 am.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd October at 10.00 am.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Hi everyone! Sadly, we have to cancel tomorrow's Liturgy. This is due to a big event taking place in Wellington church.
Unfortunately, we have to cancel the Liturgy on Sunday 30th as well due to a road race taking place in the city centre. Access to the church will be restricted as many roads will be closed for the event.
Our next Liturgy will take place on Tuesday 2nd October and we really look forward to seeing you all then.
As always, Liturgy will be celebrated at St Luke's on Sunday so please attend if you're able. The service will start at approximately 10.30 am.
Have a lovely weekend!
Dear all! We will not celebrate Liturgy tomorrow. Our next Liturgy will be on Thursday 27th at 10.00 am, followed by tea and coffee.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 18th September at 10.00 am.
The Liturgy will be followed by refreshments and nibbles.
Unfortunately, this will be the only Liturgy celebrated in our chapel this week as Fr Augustine has to attend meetings for the last time this year.
On Friday 21st September, there will be Liturgy in the church of St Kentigern in Govan, for the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God (Old Calendar). The Liturgy will start at 7.00 am.
On Sunday 23rd September, there will be Divine Liturgy in the Romanian Orthodox church in Shettleston at 10.00 am and 10.30 am at St Luke's Cathedral in the West End.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! On Sunday 16th September, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 8.00 am for St Ninian of Whithorn, an important figure in Scotland.
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
Saint Ninian probably lived from about 360 to 432. Little is known for sure about his background, origins and early life. It is said, however, that he was British in origin, and that he studied Christianity in Rome, being given the mission of converting the Picts by Pope of the day, Pope Siricius or St Siricius.
St Ninian came to Scotland in the 390s, establishing his mission at Whithorn. It became known as Candida Casa or "White House" because of the appearance of its stone construction.
Work among the Britons in modern day Galloway was followed by St Ninian's mission to the "southern Picts". Early maps were tipped on their side, so St Ninian's mission seems to have worked his way up the east coast of Scotland, possibly reaching as far as Shetland.
After his death St Ninian was buried in Whithorn. He is commemorated in the names of many churches, including St Ninian's Chapel at Isle of Whithorn. And St Ninian's Cave, on the shore south west of Whithorn, has become a place of pilgrimage.
"‘You went forth from Britain to preach the Gospel
into the lands of the southern Picts.
the Shining House that you built was a symbol
of the Light that you brought to this land.
So great was your zeal that your disciples
carried it to the far extreme of the Shetlands.
Holy Ninian how great is your glory in heaven."
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday 15th September at 10.00 am for St Hernan of Brittany.
"Devoting thy life to prayer and fasting, O Father Hernan, thou hast bequeathed to us a legacy of Orthodox asceticism. Pray to Christ our God that we may be granted grace to emulate thy labours, O Saint, and
receive the reward of the blessed."
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
In the evening, at 6.30 pm. our friends in the Russian church of St Kentigern in Govan will have a vigil. A group of us will be going so please join us if you're able.
We look forward to seeing you!
The Feast of the Elevation of the Holy Cross- 14. September
Early in the fourth century, Saint Helena, mother of the Roman Emperor Constantine, went to Jerusalem in search of the holy places of Christ’s life. She razed the second-century Temple of Aphrodite, which tradition held was built over the Savior’s tomb, and her son built the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher on that spot. During the excavation, workers found three crosses. Legend has it that the one on which Jesus died was identified when its touch healed a dying woman.
The cross immediately became an object of veneration. At a Good Friday celebration in Jerusalem toward the end of the fourth century, according to an eyewitness, the wood was taken out of its silver container and placed on a table together with the inscription Pilate ordered placed above Jesus’ head: Then “all the people pass through one by one; all of them bow down, touching the cross and the inscription, first with their foreheads, then with their eyes; and, after kissing the cross, they move on.”
To this day, the Eastern Churches, Orthodox and Catholic
alike, celebrate the Exaltation of the Holy Cross on the September anniversary of the basilica’s dedication. The feast entered the Western calendar in the seventh century after Emperor Heraclius recovered the cross from the Persians, who had carried it off in 614, 15 years earlier. According to the story, the emperor intended to carry the cross back into Jerusalem himself, but was unable to move forward until he took off his imperial garb and became a barefoot pilgrim.
The holy day of the Elevation of the Cross, although it has an obviously “political” origin, has a place of great significance in the Church today. It remains with us as a day of fasting and prayer, a day when we recall that the Cross is the only sign worthy of our total allegiance, and that our salvation comes not by “victories” of any earthly sort but by the only true and lasting victory of the crucifixion of Christ and our crucifixion with him.
When we elevate the Cross and bow down before it in veneration and worship to God, we proclaim that we belong to the Kingdom “not of this world,” and that our only true and enduring citizenship is with the saints in the “city of God” (Eph 2:19; Heb 11:10; Rev 21-22).
Dear all! This Friday, 14th September, the Church celebrates the Universal Exaltation of the Cross. This is a very important feast, so our usual Thursday Liturgy will NOT take place tomorrow. Instead, we will celebrate the feast of the Cross on Friday at 10.00 am followed by tea and coffee.
"As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake, grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name, O Christ God; make all devout Christians glad by Your power, granting them victories over their adversaries, by bestowing on them the Invincible trophy, Your weapon of Peace."
We look forward to seeing you then!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 11th September at 10.00 am, for the feast of the Venerable Theodora of Alexandria.
"You offered your life as a holy gift, O righteous Theodora, for resplendent with the light of repentance, you illumined mankind. Now pray to Christ who has magnified you to grant us his great mercy!"
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Just a reminder that Divine Liturgy will not be celebrated in our chapel tomorrow, Sunday 9th, because Fr Augustine is away.
Some of us will go to St Luke's Cathedral or St Kentigern's in Govan.
The Liturgy at St Luke's will start at approximately 10.30 am and in Govan at 11.00 am.
We hope you will join us tomorrow!
Hi everyone! Fr Augustine has many meetings to attend this week so we will not be able to celebrate Liturgy on Thursday 6th, Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th September.
Our next Liturgy will take place on Tuesday 11th at 10.00 am.
This Sunday, many of us will go to St Luke's Cathedral for Liturgy. Please join is if you can.
We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Dear all!We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 4th September at 10.00 am.
There will be tea and coffee afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Sunday 2nd September at 8.00 am. The service will be followed by cake, nibbles and refreshments.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Apologies for such late notice. There will not be a service in our chapel tomorrow, Saturday 1st September, due to a deep clean taking place at Wellington church as they prepare for the new academic year.
Instead we will celebrate Divine Liturgy for the Indiction in St Luke's Cathedral.
Matins start at 10.00 am and Liturgy at 11.00 am. There will be a special festal meal afterwards.
Please come along and enjoy this special day!
St Luke' address is : 27 Dundonald Rd, Glasgow G12 9LL
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Saturday 1st September at 10.00 am, and there will be a lovely meal afterwards. Please feel free to bring with you any dish you would like to share.
This Saturday is a special day as it marks the beginning of the New Church Year. It is often referred to as the Feast of Indiction.
Our Ecumenical Patriarch, Bartholomew, has made this feast a day dedicated to the protection of the environment, in order to raise awareness about the care and compassion that the Creation of God requires.
Below, is an encyclical written by our Ecumenical Patriarch, that we hope you find informative and encouraging.
+ B a r t h o l o m e w
By God’s Mercy Archbishop of Constantinople-New Rome
and Ecumenical Patriarch
To the Plenitude of the Church: Grace, peace and mercy
From the Creator of All, our Lord God and Savior Jesus Christ
***
Beloved brothers and sisters in the Lord,
Twenty-nine years have now passed since the Mother Church established the Feast of Indiction as the “Day of Protection of the Environment.” Throughout this time, the Ecumenical Patriarchate has inspired and pioneered various activities, which have borne much fruit and highlighted the spiritual and ecological resources of our Orthodox tradition.
The Ecumenical Patriarchate’s ecological initiatives provided a stimulus for theology to showcase the environmentally-friendly principles of Christian anthropology and cosmology as well as to promote the truth that no vision for humanity’s journey through history has any value if it does not also include the expectation of a world that functions as a real “home” (oikos) for humanity, particularly at a time when the ongoing and increasing threat against the natural environment is fraught with the possibility of worldwide ecological destruction. This evolution is a consequence of a specific choice of economic, technological and social development that respects neither the value of the human being nor the sanctity of nature. It is impossible to truly care for human beings while at the same time destroying the natural environment as the very foundation of life, essentially undermining the future of humanity.
Although we do not consider it appropriate to judge modern civilization on the grounds of criteria related to sin, we wish to underscore that the destruction of the natural environment in our age is associated with human arrogance against nature and our domineering relationship toward the environment, as well as with the model of eudemonism or disposition of greed as a general attitude in life. As incorrect as it is to believe that things were better in the past, it is equally unfitting to shut eyes to what is happening today. The future does not belong to humanity, when it persistently pursues artificial pleasure and novel satisfaction – living in selfish and provocative wastefulness while ignoring others, or unjustly exploiting the vulnerable. The future belongs to righteous justice and compassionate love, to a culture of solidarity and respect for the integrity of creation.
This ethos and culture are preserved in Orthodoxy’s divine and human ecclesial tradition. The sacramental and devotional life of the Church experiences and expresses a Eucharistic vision, approach and use of creation. Such a relationship with the world is incompatible with every form of introversion and indifference to creation – with every form of dualism that separates matter from spirit and undermines material creation. On the contrary, the Eucharistic experience sensitizes and mobilizes the believer toward environmentally-friendly action in the world. In this spirit, the Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church emphasized that “in the sacraments of the Church, creation is affirmed and human beings are encouraged to act as stewards, protectors and ‘priests’ of creation, offering it in doxology to the Creator” (Encyclical, par. 14). Every form of abuse and destruction of creation, along with its transformation into an object of exploitation, constitutes a distortion of the spirit of the Christian gospel. It is hardly coincidental that the Orthodox Church has been characterized as the ecological expression of Christianity inasmuch as it is the Church that has preserved the Holy Eucharist at the core of its being.
Consequently, the Ecumenical Patriarchate’s ecological initiatives were not simply developed in response or in reaction to the modern unprecedented ecological crisis, but as an expression of the Church’s life, an extension of the Eucharistic ethos in the believer’s relationship to nature. This innate ecological conscience of the Church was boldly and successfully declared in the face of the contemporary threat to the natural environment. The life of the Orthodox Church is applied ecology, a tangible and inviolable respect for the natural environment. The Church is an event of communion, a victory over sin and death, as well as over self-righteousness and self-centeredness – all of which constitute the very cause of ecological devastation. The Orthodox believer cannot remain indifferent to the ecological crisis. Creation care and environmental protection are the ramification and articulation of our Orthodox faith and Eucharistic ethos.
It is clear, then, that in order to contribute and respond effectively to the ecological challenge that we face, the Church recognize and research the relevant issues. We all know that the greatest threat to our world today is climate change and its destructive consequences even for our survival on the planet. This topic was paramount in the 9th Ecological Symposium, entitled “Toward a Greener Attica: Preserving the planet and protecting its people,” organized by the Ecumenical Patriarchate last June on the Saronic Islands of Spetses and Hydra. Unfortunately, the recent devastating fires in Attica and the impending consequences of this immense environmental destruction constitute tragic proof of the views shared by the symposium participants on the severity of the ecological threat.
Venerable hierarchs and beloved children in the Lord,
The ecological culture of the Orthodox faith is the realization of its Eucharistic vision of creation, summarized and expressed in its church life and practice. This is the Orthodox Church’s eternal message on the issue of ecology. The Church preaches and proclaims “the same things” “at all times” in accordance with the unassailable words of its Founder and Leader, that “heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away” (Lk. 21:33). Adhering to this tradition, the Mother Church calls upon its Archdioceses and Metropolises, as well as its parishes and monasteries throughout the world, to develop initiatives, coordinate projects, organize conferences and activities that foster environmental awareness and sensitivity, so that our faithful may realize that the protection of the natural environment is the spiritual responsibility of each and every one of us. The burning issue of climate change, along with its causes and consequences for our planet and everyday life, offer an opportunity to engage in dialogue based on principles of theological ecology, but also an occasion for specific practical endeavors. It is vitally important that you emphasize action at the local level. The parish constitutes the cell of church life as the place of personal presence and witness, communication and collaboration—a living community of worship and service.
Special attention must also be directed to the organization of Christ-centered educational programs for our youth in order to cultivate an ecological ethos. Ecclesiastical instruction must instill in their souls a respect for creation as “very good” (Gen. 1:26), encouraging them to advocate and advance creation care and protection, the liberating truth of simplicity and frugality, as well as the Eucharistic and ascetic ethos of sharing and sacrifice. It is imperative that young men and women recognize their responsibility for the practical implementation of the ecological consequences of our faith, while at the same time becoming acquainted with and promulgating the definitive contribution of the Ecumenical Throne in the preservation of the natural environment.
In conclusion, we wish you all a blessed ecclesiastical year and abundant benefit in your spiritual struggles, invoking upon you the life-giving grace and boundless mercy of the Giver of all good things, our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ, the Pioneer and Perfecter of our faith, through the intercessions of Panaghia!
Hi everyone! One of our parishioners, George Lapshynov, is looking for somebody to help him with his move from the city centre to Milngavie, tomorrow, Thursday 30th August.
"Dear friends, I am looking for someone with a big car or van, to help me move tomorrow from the city centre to Milngavie. I had a little setback and have no one with a car to help me move and can't rent a car either due to my age (min. is 23y). If anyone with a car is available tomorrow afternoon, could you please PM me or leave a comment? I will pay for fuel and can compensate you with a meal for your effort! Thank you very much for helping your brother in need!"
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Thursday 30th August at 10.00 am for the feast of Sts Alexander, John and Paul, Patriarchs of Constantinople.
"O God of our Fathers, always act with kindness towards us; take not Your mercy from us, but guide our lives in peace through the prayers of the Patriarchs Alexander, John, and Paul."
There will be tea, coffee and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 28th August at 10.00 am for the feast of Righteous Anna the Prophetess and Daughter of Phanuel, who met the Lord at the Temple in Jerusalem.
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Sunday 26th August at 8.00 am.
There will be a meal afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you all!
Dear all! Tomorrow, Saturday 25th August, we will baptize the newest member of our congregation, Ambrose (Mel) Chen and we will pray for his salvation and sanctification. We will charge both his sponsor and ourselves to do everything in our power to raise him up to follow Jesus as a disciple.
This is an act of the community of faith. Therefore I want to formally invite you to join us for this very special occasion.
The Baptism will take place on Saturday at 10.00 am in Schoenstatt Scotland, a Religious Retreat Centre situated in scenic Campsie Glen. Please look below for details. The Baptism will replace our normal Saturday Liturgy, so there will be no service in our chapel.
I want to encourage you all to do everything you can to be with us on this particular Saturday, that we may all show our support for Mel together.
.
Full address:
Schoenstatt Scotland
Kentenich Way, Campsie Glen
Glasgow, G66 7AT
goo.gl/maps/gRonn6QYzE42
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 23rd August at 10.00 am for the Leavetaking of the Dormition of the Mother of God.
"In giving birth you preserved your virginity. In falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You were translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death!"
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards!
We look forward to seeing you all!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 21st August at 10.00 am to commemorate the Martyr Bassa of Edessa, and her sons.
There will be refreshments and nibbles after the service.
Holy Martyr Bassa, prayer for us!
Dear all! Fr Mark Mitchell, from St Luke's Cathedral, has invited Fr Augustine to concelebrate with him this Sunday, 19th August. Therefore, we will all celebrate Liturgy together at St Luke's, not at St Gabriel's as usual.
Matins start at 9.30 am, followed by Liturgy at approximately 11.00 am.
We hope to see you all there! It is good for all of us to pray together!
Dear all! Happy feast of the Dormition! We had a lovely Liturgy today for this Great Feast of the Church, so thank you all for celebrating with us.
We will not have Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 16th, as Fr Augustine has to attend meetings.
Our next Liturgy will take place on Saturday 18th August at 10.00 am, followed by a nice meal afterwards.
Look forward to seeing you all then!
Dear all! Tomorrow, Wednesday 15th August, we will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 10.00 am to commemorate the Dormition of the Mother of God.
There will be a meal afterwards.
"In giving birth you preserved your virginity. In falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos. You were translated to life, O Mother of Life, and by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death."
We look forward to seeing you all!
Dear all! Just a reminder that we will not celebrate Liturgy this weekend as our fathers are on retreat in the Monastery in Essex.
Our next Liturgy will be on Wednesday 15th August at 10.00 am when we will commemorate the Dormition of our Lady.
We look forward to seeing you then!
Dear all! Fr Augustine has to attend a funeral tomorrow, Tuesday 7th August, and we will therefore not celebrate Liturgy.
On Thursday 9th August, Fr Augustine, Br Basil and Abbot Symeon are going on a retreat to the monastery of St John the Baptist in Essex, so our next Liturgy will take place on the 15th August when we will commemorate the Dormition of our Lady, one of the Great Feasts of the Church.
Please keep the fathers in your prayers.
We look forward to seeing you all soon!
Dear all! There will be no Liturgy tomorrow, Sunday 5th August, due to a cycling race taking place in Glasgow. Access to the church will be restricted as many roads are going to be closed for the race.
Our next Liturgy will be on Monday 6th August at 10.00 am for the Great Feast of the Transfiguration. There will be a light fasting meal afterwards.
"You were transfigured on the mountain, O Christ God, revealing Your glory to Your disciples as far as they could bear it. Let Your everlasting Light also shine upon us sinners, through the prayers of the Theotokos. O Giver of Light, glory to You!"
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Just a reminder that there will be Divine Liturgy today, Thursday 2nd August at 10.00 am as usual.
We hope to see you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy, Saturday 4th August at 10.00 am for the Seven Youths of Ephesus.
"Your holy martyrs, O Lord, through their sufferings have received their incorruptible crowns from You, our God. For having Your strength, they laid low their adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through their intercessions, save our souls!"
There will be refreshments and food afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 31st July at 10.00 am for the feast of Righteous Joseph of Arimathea.
"The noble Joseph, taking down thy most pure Body from the Tree,wrapped it in clean linen and sweet spices and laid it in a new tomb.But on the third day thou didst rise, O Lord, granting the world great mercy."
There will be refrshments and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Sunday 29th July at 8.00 am, for the feast of the Nativity of St Nicholas, the Wonderworker.
"The truth of things hath revealed thee to thy flock as a rule of faith, an icon of meekness, and a teacher of temperance; for this cause, thou hast achieved the heights by humility, riches by poverty. O Father and Hierarch Nicholas, intercede with Christ God that our souls be saved."
The Liturgy will be followed by refreshments and nibbles.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday 28th July at 10.00 am for the feast of St. Irene Chrysovolantou.
"Not a temporal kingdom on earth didst thou obtain, but Christ, thy most comely Bridegroom, vouchsafed thee heavenly crowns, and thou reignest as a queen with Him eternally; for thou didst dedicate thyself unto Him with all thy soul, O Irene, our righteous Mother, thou boast of Chrysovalantou, and mighty help of all the Orthodox."
There will be a meal after the service so please feel free to bring with you any dish you would like to share.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 24th July at 10.00 am for the Martyr Christina of Tyre.
"Your lamb Christina calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice: I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering. In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You, and I died so that I might live with You. Accept me as a pure sacrifice, for I have offered myself in love. Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful."
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy, tomorrow, Sunday 22nd July at 8.00 am for the feast of the Holy Myrrh-Bearer Equal to the Apostles, Mary Magdalene.
"By keeping His commandments and laws, holy Mary Magdalene, you followed Christ, who for our sake was born of the Virgin, and in celebrating your most holy memory today, we receive forgiveness of sins by your prayers."
The service will be followed by refreshments and nibbles.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We are incredibly sad to inform you that our parishioner and dear friend, Aslan, passed away last night after suffering a heart attack. We would like to ask you all to pray for Aslan and his family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them, Eugenia, and with all who have been affected by this.
"O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the souls of Thy departed servants in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which they have committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth.
For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen."
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy on Saturday 21st July at 10.00 am for the feast of the Prophet Ezekiel.
"The memory of Your prophet Ezekiel, we celebrate today, O Lord. By his prayers, we beseech You, O Christ God, save our souls!"
There will be a meal afterwards so please bring with you any dish you would like to share.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 19th July is cancelled but there will be Liturgy on Friday morning at 11.00 am at St Luke's Cathedral. Fr Augustine, Fr Symeon and Br Basil will join Fr Mark to celebrate the feast of the Glorious Prophet Elijah.
Please come and join us if you're able!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 17th July at 10.00 am to commemorate the Passion-bearer Tsar- Nicholas and his family.
"Most noble and sublime was your life and death, O Sovereigns; wise Nicholas and blessed Alexandra, we praise you, acclaiming your piety, meekness, faith, and humility. Whereby you attained to crowns of glory in Christ our God, with your five renowned and godly children of blessed fame. O passion-bearers decked in purple, intercede for us."
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils
By Fr. Thomas Hopko
As the Church progressed through history it was faced with many difficult decisions. The Church always settled difficulties and made decisions by reaching a consensus of opinion among all the believers inspired by God who were led by their appointed leaders, first the apostles and then the bishops.
The first church council in history was held in the apostolic church to decide the conditions under which the gentiles, that is, the non-Jews, could enter the Christian Church, (see Acts 15) From that time on, all through history councils were held on every level of church life to make important decisions. Bishops met regularly with their priests, also called presbyters or elders, and people. It became the practice, and even the law, very early in church history that bishops in given regions should meet in councils held on a regular basis.
At times in church history councils of all of the bishops in the church were called. All the bishops were not able to attend these councils, of course, and not all such councils were automatically approved and accepted by the Church in its Holy Tradition. In the Orthodox Church only seven such councils, some of which were actually quite small in terms of the number of bishops attending, have received the universal approval of the entire Church in all times and places. These councils have been termed the Seven Ecumenical Councils. The dogmatic definitions (dogma means official teaching) and the canon laws of the ecumenical councils are understood to be inspired by God and to be expressive of His will for men. Thus, they are essential sources of Orthodox Christian doctrine.
Besides the seven ecumenical councils, there are other local church councils whose decisions have also received the approval of all Orthodox Churches in the world, and so are considered to be genuine express-ions of the Orthodox faith and life. The decisions of
these councils are mostly of a moral or structural character. Nevertheless, they too reveal the teaching of the Orthodox Church.
= = = = = == = = = = = = =
Sunday of the Holy Fathers of the First Six Ecumenical Councils
· What is an Ecumenical Council?
· The First Ecumenical Council - Nicea, Asia Minor, A.D. 325
· Summary: Divinity of Christ Upheld (Arius Condemned) / Produced First Part of Creed
· Text: abbey.apana.org.au/Councils/ecum01.htm council text
· The Second Ecumenical Council - Constantinople, A.D. 381
· Summary: Defined Doctrine of the Holy Trinity (Condemned Macedoniusism) / Completed Creed
· Text: abbey.apana.org.au/Councils/ecum02.htm council text
· The Third Ecumenical Council - Ephesus, A.D. 431
· Summary: Christ is the Incarnate Word; Mary is Theotokos (God-Bearer) - (Condemned Nestorianism)
· Text: abbey.apana.org.au/Councils/ecum03.htm council text
· The Fourth Ecumenical Council - Chalcedon, A.D. 451
· Summary: Proclaimed Two Natures of Christ - Perfect God and Perfect Man (Condemned Monophysitism)
· Text: abbey.apana.org.au/Councils/ecum04.htm council text
· The Fifth Ecumenical Council - Constantinople II, A.D. 553
· Summary: Confirmed Two Natures of Christ (Condemned Nestorianism and Monophysitism)
· Text: abbey.apana.org.au/Councils/ecum05.htm council text
· The Sixth Ecumenical Council - Constantinople III, A.D. 680
· Summary: Further definition of the Two Natures
· Text: abbey.apana.org.au/Councils/ecum06.htm council text
Dear all! Our next Liturgy will be on Sunday, 15th July at 8.00 am, and we will commemorate the fathers of the first six councils.
"You are most glorious, O Christ our God! You have established the Holy Fathers as lights on the earth! Through them you have guided us to the true faith! O greatly Compassionate One, glory to You!"
There will be tea, coffee and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear All,
Fr Augustine, Brother Basil and members of the community are leaving tomorrow for a short holiday/pilgrimage to the Isle of Arran.
Therefore, sadly, there will be no Liturgy in the Chapel tomorrow (Sat 7th) on Sunday 8th or midweek.
We will return next weekend and Liturgies will resume on *Sunday 15th July at 8am.*
Please pray for them and for a safe trip.
Divine Liturgy will be celebrated in the Orthodox Cathedral of St Luke by Father Mark on both Saturday and Sunday so please celebrate with our brothers and sisters there.
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 3rd July at 10.00 am for Martyr Hyacinth of Caesarea, in Cappadocia.
"Your holy martyr Hyacinth, O Lord, through his suffering has received an incorruptible crown from You, our God. For having Your strength, he laid low his adversaries, and shattered the powerless boldness of demons. Through his intercessions, save our souls!"
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Sunday 1st July at 8.00 am.
The service will be followed by refreshments and nibbles.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday 30th June at 10.00 am for the Synaxis of the 12 Apostles.
There will be a community meal afterwards so please feel free to bring with you any dish you would like to share.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Tomorrow, Friday 29th June, is the feast of Sts Peter and Paul, so we will celebrate Divine Liturgy at 10.00 am, followed by a light meal and refreshments.
"First-enthroned of the apostles, teachers of the universe: Entreat the Master of all to grant peace to the world, and to our souls great mercy"H
We wish you all a happy feast and we look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 28th June at 10.00am for
Venerable Herman, the Wonderworker of Valaam.
"Fulfilling the Gospel of Christ and loving him alone, despising earthly cares you settled on an island. There you fought against the invisible, subjecting your bodies to the Spirit by fasting, vigil and prayer. Crowned with glory and now standing before the Trinity, pray, o fathers Sergius and Herman, that our souls may be saved!"
The liturgy will be followed by refreshments and nibbles.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! Due to events taking place in Wellington this Tuesday 26th June, we will not be able to celebrate Divine Liturgy. We apologise for this.
Our Thursday Liturgy will go ahead as usual!
See you all then!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy for the Nativity of John the Baptist, tomorrow, Sunday 24th June at 8.00 am.
"Prophet and Forerunner of the coming of Christ, although we cannot praise you worthily, we honour you in love at your nativity, for by it you ended your father’s silence and your mother’s barrenness, proclaiming to the world the incarnation of the Son of God!"
The Liturgy will be followed by refreshments and nibbles.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Saturday 23rd June at 10.00 am for the Martyr Agrippina of Rome.
"Your lamb Agrippina calls out to You, O Jesus, in a loud voice: "I love You, my Bridegroom, and in seeking You I endure suffering. In baptism I was crucified so that I might reign in You, and I died so that I might live with You. Accept me as a pure sacrifice, for I have offered myself in love." Through her prayers save our souls, since You are merciful"
There will be a community meal afterwards as usual.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Thursday 21st June at 10.00 am.
The Liturgy will be followed by refreshments and nibbles.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Tuesday 19th June at 10.00 am, for the feast of St Jude, the brother of Jesus.
"Divinely we praise you, O Jude, as a faithful witness; knowing you to be the brother of Christ, you trampled on delusion, and so preserved the faith. Today as we celebrate your holy memory, by your intercessions we receive remission of sins".
There will be refreshments and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! We will celebrate Divine Liturgy tomorrow, Sunday 17th June at 8.00 am for the synaxis of all Saints from Britain and Ireland.
There will be tea, coffee and nibbles afterwards.
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! There will not be Liturgy in the chapel tomorrow, Thursday 14th June, because Fr Augustine has to attend a meeting.
Our next Liturgy will be celebrated on Saturday 16th June at 10.00 am for St Tikhon, the Bishop of Amathus in Cyprus. There will be refreshments and some food afterwards.
"God called you to the sacred priesthood as a worthy servant of the Holy Trinity. You shone forth with the grace of godliness strengthening the Church by many miracles. Righteous Tikhon, entreat Christ our God to grant us His great mercy."
We look forward to seeing you!
Dear all! This Tuesday 12th June, we will have Morning Prayer in the chapel at 10.00 am, followed by a light breakfast.
Please come if you're able.
Look forward to seeing you!
My Fear of the Sound of an Axe
Celtic monks left the forest standing at the sites of their monasteries rather than cut them. Adomnan, Columba’s biographer, tells the story of how the Irish King Aedh gave a plot of land in Doire to Columba: And he [Columba] had so great a love for Doire, and the cutting of the oak trees went so greatly against him, that he could not find a place for his church the time he was building it that would let the front of it be to the east…. And he left it upon those that came after
him not to cut a tree that fell of itself or was blown down by the wind in that place to the end of nine days, and then to share it between the people of the townland, bad and good, a third of it to the great house, and tenth to be given to the poor. And he put a verse in a hymn after he was gone away to Scotland that shows there was nothing worse to him than the cutting of that oakwood: “Though there is fear in me of death and of hell, I will not hide it that I have more fear of the sound of an axe over in Doire.”
~ Commentary by Adomnan, as quoted in Lady Isabella Gregory, A Book of Saints and Wonders put down here by Lady Gregory according to the Old Writings and Memory of the People of Ireland, Irish University Press, Shannon, 1971, p. 17-18
Why I Love the Oakwood of Doire
It is the reason I love Doire, for its quietness for its purity; it is quite full of white angels from the one end to the other.
It is the reason I love Doire, for its quietness for its purity; quite full of white angels is every leaf of the oaks of Doire.
My Doire, my little oakwood, my dwellings and my white cell;
O living God in heaven, it is a pity for him who harms it.
~ Commentary by Adomnan, as quoted in Lady Isabella Gregory, A Book of Saints and Wonders put down here by Lady Gregory according to the Old Writings and Memory of the People of Ireland, Irish University Press, Shannon, 1971, p. 20.
A Feathered Stranger Guest, Tired and Weary
St. Columba showed great kindness for the birds. On one occasion, it befell, while the saint was living on Iona, that he called to a brother to go and sit by the shore and watch “for a stranger guest, a crane, wind tossed and driven far from her course in the high air: tired out and weary…. The crane will fall to the beach at thy feet and lie there, her strength nigh gone.”
Columba told the brother, “tenderly lift the bird and carry it to the steading near by; make her welcome there and cherish her with all care for three days and nights…,” and then release her.
Three days later as the saint had said, the brother, stood as he was bidden, and when he saw the crane, he did as Columba had instructed him. And on his return that evening to the monastery, the Saint spoke to him, not as one questioning, but as one speaks of a thing past,
“May God bless thee, my son, for the kind tending of this pilgrim guest: that shall make no long stay in her exile, but when three suns have set, [she] shall turn back to her own land.” And the thing fell out even as the Saint had foretold. “For when her three day housing was ended, and as her host stood by, she rose from earth into high heaven, and after a while at gaze to spy out her aerial way, took her straight flight above the quiet sea, and so to Ireland through the tranquil weather.”
~Helen Waddell, ed. and trans., Beasts and Saints, Constable and Co., London, 1949, p. 44-45.
Bio
A poet, prophet and monk of royal Irish lineage, Columba went to Scotland to evangelise the pagan Picts. He was a student of Finnian of Clonard. His name means “dove of the Church.” Columba was born into a royal clan in Donegal, Ireland. He called Christ “his druid,” or teacher. Columcille, his Irish name, or Columba, as he is known in Latin Britain, founded numerous monasteries across the Irish land. All of these had oak groves, the favorite trees of the druids. He was a scholar and writer who found great joy in solitude.
A sixth century poem describes him as a gentle sage “with faith in Christ,” and states that “being a priest was
but one of his callings.” Adomnan, an early biographer, writes, “Angelic in appearance, elegant in address, holy in work, he would never spend the space of even one hour without study or prayer or writing.” He radiated a divine and celestial light, and is known for the booming power of his voice, and for his amazing authority over the winds and seas and all the natural world. He had such a deep love for the woods and for all of God’s creation that he made sure
that his monastery was built without a tree being cut down.
In one of his poems, he wrote that he was more afraid of the sound of an axe in Derrywood, a nearby forest, than he was of the voice of hell itself. He founded what is reputed to be the largest monastery in Christendom on the coastal island of Iona which became a great centre of learning and from which monasticism spread throughout Northern Europe. The character of the monasticism which he built was marked by a commitment to community and keen appreciation for the natural world as the vesture of the Holy Spirit.
True Adoration in the World
I adore not the voice of the birds, nor sneezing, nor lots in this world: My druid is Christ, the son of God, Christ, the son of Mary, the Great Abbot, the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.
~ Song of Trust. Quoted in The National Churches: Volume 3, Church of
Ireland, Thomas Olden, W. Gardner Darton, 1985, p. 51.
The Delights of the World
Delightful would it be to me
to be in Uchd Ailiun (an Irish headland over the sea)
On the pinnacle of a rock,
That I might often see the face of the ocean;
That I might see its heaving waves over the wide ocean,
When they chant music to their Father upon the world’s course; That I might see its level of sparkling strand,
it would be no cause of sorrow;
That I might see the sea-monsters, the greatest of all wonders….
That contrition might come upon my heart upon looking at her;
That I might bewail my evils all,
though it were difficult to compute them;
That I might bless the Lord Who conserves all,
Heaven with its countless bright orders,
land, strand and flood;
That I might search the books all, that would be good for my soul;
At times kneeling to beloved Heaven;
At times psalm singing;
At times contemplating the King of Heaven, Holy the Chief;
At times at work without compulsion,
That would be delightful.
"More than 40 people enjoyed a Greek Food night at the Club on Saturday 2 June 2018. There was no tradition of smashing plates on the floor of Wellington Crypt Cafe. But we possibly smashed a record of some sort with the number of people in the kitchen helping with the preparation! Head Chef was Basil Kafes - who is one of the religious leaders in the Orthodox chapel next to the Cafe. He was very ably assisted by his colleague Joanna and a team of parishioners and some helpers from the International Club.
Quite apart from the delicious food (ask for the list of websites to obtain the recipes) there was a lovely atmosphere and a great buzz of conversation as people got to know one another. Another successful event where Club Members HAD FUN WITH FRIENDS.
The pictures tell the story. They also highlight the fact that the Chinese Food night and the Russian Food night chefs were there to discover what they could do when their turn comes - Chinese night - Friday 15 June. Russian night is scheduled as Friday 3 August but watch this space as that date may change."
Dear all! The Liturgy scheduled for this Sunday, 10th June, has been cancelled due to the race taking place in the city. Many roads will be closed and access to our church will be limited. There are however other churches that will have Liturgy, so please attend those if you're able.
St Luke's will serve Liturgy as usual at 11.00 am.
The Romanian Orthodox Church in Shettleston will serve Liturgy at 10.00 am
and the church of St Nicholas and st Blane in Dunblane at 11.00 am.
Sorry for any inconvenience caused. We look forward to seeing you all again during the week.
Tuesday 26 th June 2018
Due to events taking place in Wellington this Tuesday 26th June, we will not be able to celebrate Divine Liturgy. We apologise for this.
Our Thursday Liturgy will go ahead as usual!
See you all then!
November 2017: No Liturgy 9th November – 1 December
As a monastic and sole clergyman in our community, it is important that Fr Augustine maintains his spiritual connection with his ‘home’ on Mt Athos. To that end, he will be on retreat there until late November. Further updates will be added upon his return. Please keep him in your prayers as he travels.
No Liturgy Tuesday 18th July
Dear all! Due to works being carried out at Wellington church, there will be no access to the building on Monday 17th- Tuesday 18th July. We will therefore not be able to celebrate Liturgy on Tuesday, but we look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
June/July 2017: extensive works at Wellington Church
While there are ongoing works at Wellington Church, we will take the opportunity to reliant the floor and put up more icons. Please follow our Facebook page or email through the website to receive notice when they recommence.
Father Augustine will be around to do the work and for confession or prayers, on many days. Please contact him if you wish to see him on a particular day or time.
EASTER 2017: all services will be in Dunblane. After this we will not be having Liturgies in St Gabriel’s for at least two weeks – we will be updating the calendar and notify through Newsletter, Facebook and this site, once further times are confirmed. Please check the calendar page before making a journey to attend.
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