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Yesterday was the Third Sunday of the Triodion - The Sunday of the Last Judgement. We note that all the verses are more and more penetential as we approach Great Lent.
The following is from the Vespers of the Sunday of the Last Judgement:
When Thou shalt come, O righteous Judge, to execute just judgement,/
enthroned in glory and escorted by Thine angels,/
every man will stand in fear before Thee,/
trembling at the river of fire flowing past Thy throne,/
as each one awaiteth the sentence he deserveth./
On that fearsome day have mercy on us as well, O Christ;/
vouchsafe us salvation,/
for, worthless though we are, we turn to Thee in faith,//
O compassionate and merciful Lord.
For with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is plenteous redemption: //
And He shall redeem Israel out of all his iniquities.
Beginning today, Monday, we abstain from all meat, but we may have wine, olive oil, dairy foods, eggs and fish every day this week.
Our priest frequently speaks of the Church as our Mother - who eases us into the Great Fast so gently.
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