Upcoming Season of Fasting and Prayer For Our Parish and Property
The Dormition Fast-August 1 – 15
This August all our members and friends are implored to use this season of prayer and fasting to supplicate the Lord for His blessing upon our building project and search for a new property. We need guidance and wisdom from God.
It is suggested that we all pray The Paraklysis, The Little Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos, found on page 228 in the St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Christian Prayers Book, asking for God to reveal His will to us and to provide wisdom as well as financial support for the project. Add out building project to your daily prayers as well.
Also, on August 4 and 6, August 11 and 13, we will join together at the church to pray together the same service which is normally prayed in our churches during this fast season. These services will be at 6 pm.
The traditional fasting discipline (no meat, poultry, eggs, dairy, fish, wine and oil) is observed during the Dormition Fast which lasts from August 1st through 14th (with katalysis for wine and oil on Saturdays and Sundays, and for fish, wine and oil on the Transfiguration [August 6th]).
Matthew 7:7-8 Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you: For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened.
THE PARAKLESIS TO THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS
What is the Paraklesis?
The Paraklesis is a service of supplication for the welfare of the living. It is addressed to the Most Holy Theotokos or a Saint whose intercessions are sought through the chanting of a supplicatory canon and other hymns, especially during the Dormition Fast.
Who authored the Paraklesis to the Most Holy Theotokos? The Small Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos was authored by Theosterictus the Monk (9th century), and the Great Supplicatory Canon to the Most Holy Theotokos was authored by Emperor Theodore I Ducas Lascaris (13th century).
New Petitions-Litany of Supplication
That the Lord God, will grant us wisdom, guidance, and blessing in our planning for a new church property; and that this parish may grow in faith, unity, and community impact, drawing more souls to Thee, let us pray to the Lord.
That we may rightly discern Thy holy will for our future plans and for Thine abundant financial provision, inspiring us all to generosity; and making this lowly church a place for the showing of Thy glory; and for all peoples a house of prayer pleasing in Thy sight, let us pray to the Lord.