That we need a great zeal for prayer, and that the Spirit who dwells in our spirits brings it about, is clearly shown by the words of the Apostle, who exhorts us: “Pray all the time, asking for what you need, praying in the Spirit on every possible occasion”(Eph 6:18).
Whoever of the brothers dedicates himself to this, namely, unceasing prayer, possesses a beautiful treasure, which becomes the greatest possession of one who loves God with a firm and right conscience.” He never willingly strays away into distractions, nor does he have an unwonted debt that needs paying; but rather he fulfillsthe love and desires of his spirit, displaying to all the brothers the good fruits that come from perseverance.
It is necessary, however, that the others in the community also make time for such unceasing prayer and rejoice in persevering in prayer so that they become sharers of such a life. The Lord himself will surely give to those who ask how they must pray, according to what is said: “He gives to him what he has asked for” (Ps 106:15). Therefore, we ought to ask and to know that the better one makes an effort in the work of prayer, the more he must sustain the battle with great care and all virtue.
The Punishment of Nadab and Abihu (Leviticus 10:1).
I recently had a discussion with my brother Deacons about reverence for the sacred. More precisely, the Church; especially the Holy of Holies (Bete Mekdes). Being that we are ordained servants of the Altar responsible for guarding its reverence, we agreed that immense care should implemented. Especially given that this is the most sacred part of the Church by which our Lord truly becomes present in the Holy Eucharist.
We then discussed what we have observed in many churches, even beyond the Ethiopian and Eritrean Orthodox Tewahedo tradition, within our Oriental Orthodox communion; that some servants of the altar, be they clerics or lay acolytes, do not revere the sacred, but rather tragically treat it casually. This is either due to poor formation, lack of understanding, or perhaps even negligence; though I am in no position to judge.
In all fairness, there is also a crisis of premature ordinations, which includes young boys, who are not catechized or properly informed on the responsibilities of their office. In many instances, the service is either forced by parents and the church community, with the expectations being that if their son is ordained to some clerical office in the Church; they will not leave it. There’s also expectations that this will also “keep them busy” since it gives them tasks to do during the long liturgy hours, but this is a very heterodox approach to clerical offices; especially to those of the major orders.
This mindset is also a departure from Apostolic Tradition and Patristic Discipline. It is also spiritually dangerous, especially when discretion is not exercised prior to formal appointments and ordinations: be they acolytes, readers, sub deacons, or deacons. But this is not the discussion of this post, nor am I frowning upon liturgical participation from young males as long as they’re reverent (for even I started out as a simple altar boy prior to my conversion to Oriental Orthodox in Traditional Roman Catholic and Eastern Catholic circles).
As you may be aware, I am currently enrolled in a Masters of Theology Program for the Oriental Orthodox Church. Strangely enough, just after this discussion with my brother deacons, I was given an assignment the following week regarding the historic preparatory stages that clerics were bound to follow prior to not only serving the Divine Liturgy, but entering the altar itself. To many, what was enforced would be considered to be either a disconnect from modern conformity, a culture shock, or perhaps even outdated.
Nevertheless, I believe that it is worth to revisit what the fathers taught on this matter: as their instructions were not executed arbitrarily, but with discernment and biblical reference. At any rate , below is a modified version of my essay for school addressing the basic principals of reverence, which will take more than one post to cover God willing. I pray that it is beneficial to those that serve the altar; and that it ignites a burning love and zeal within them for Christ in the Holy Eucharist and the sanctuary. I must also add that this post is not intended to sow fear, but rather, holy reverence.
“Let us then guard our hearts, let us guard our mouths. Both have been written about. In this place we are bidden to take heed to our mouth; in another place you are told: “Keep your heart with all diligence” (Proverbs 4:23).
If David took heed, will you not take heed? If Isaiah had unclean lips — who said: “Woe is me, for I am undone, for I am a man, and have unclean lips” (Isaiah 6:5) — if a prophet of the Lord had unclean lips, how shall we have them clean?
But for whom was it written, unless it was for each one of us: “Hedge your possession about with thorns, and bind up your silver and gold, and make a door and a bar for your mouth, and a yoke and a balance for words” (Sirach 28:24-25)?
Faith Unto Ages 