I would say I’m sorry not to be posting much this week, but that would be a lie. I do regret it somewhat, but there are more important things in this world than jumping up and down in regards the events and idiocies of this world.
Longtime readers know that last year I joined a new Church. It has been a blessing on so many levels. Besides trying to help out in general as much as I can, I also volunteered as a Chanter. In our Church, Chanters sing (choir) but also do a bit more. Our group of Chanters is a bit different, and in fact our Director refers to it as “a flash choir” since we never know who is going to show up for various services. It’s entirely possible to find oneself the sole chanter for a smaller special service. So, when we do get to practice, we have to learn to sing melody as well as our normal part.
However, we do more than sing. Part of what we do involves reading and knowing what to read and from which source (psaltery, etc.) takes some doing. I, rather foolishly, decided I wanted to know more about this. So, I have found myself buying almost a dozen resource books (not as bad as college text books in price, but…) and starting to learn how to work out the readings and other issues. While not a huge part of this week, I’ve been getting a grounding in some of what lies behind it and being shown how to do some things.
I will admit it is a great way to learn more about the liturgy and scripture. There are different levels of liturgy, as the liturgy for Pascha (Easter) is just a bit more involved than a weekday afternoon liturgy for a particular saint. There are also differences between types of Vespers, Matins, and other special services.
However, what has been my main focus this week are the many special services and liturgies for this the first week of Lent. We are doing at least one service a day, and yesterday we did three different types of service. Tomorrow and Saturday are going to be quite busy as I hope to be able to attend/participate in all of the services. It has been moving, humbling, illuminating, and more so far.
We are also doing something rather fun. It’s not a service, but members signed up to read/chant Psalms every day. Traditionally, Psalms (Psalter) are divided into 20 Karthismata (Kathisma). At the start of Lent, twenty volunteers signed up to read a particular group of Psalms. The next day, you read the next group in rotation. The purpose is for our Church to read/pray the entire Psalms every day. It is also a great way to learn more about the Psalms and appreciate them.
We may be a small Church, but we manage to do a good bit. I’m honored to be a small part of that, and to be able to learn and grow by participating. There is so much to learn, on so many levels.
So, regular posting may not resume until next week. The service(s) are demanding; the body and I have been arguing a bit during this time; and I am not in my late teens/early twenties no matter what my inner self thinks. To be honest, I’m so tired by the time I get home I pretty much just go to bed.
The affairs of the world will have to wait, for Lent is a time for affairs of the soul. It is a time for reflection, repentance, and joy. It is a time to remember that we are all called to be Saints in training, though few of us live up to that. It is a time to work on that.
Getting hit by lightning is not fun! If you would like to help me in my recovery efforts, feel free to hit the fundraiser at A New Life on GiveSendGo, use the options in the Tip Jar in the upper right, or drop me a line to discuss other methods. There is also the Amazon Wish List in the Bard’s Jar. It is thanks to your gifts and prayers that I am still going. Thank you.