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Lent Ancient and Modern

We are are coming to the end first week of Lent. For Eastern Christians such as myself it began on Monday, "Clean Monday".

In the West it began on Wednesday, "Ash Wednesday".

Here is a 21st century approach to Ash Wednesday for those to busy to acknowledge the rhythm of the Liturgical year.

Now I can see the merit in this reaching out to the unchurched, it certainly doesn't do any harm. But it does seem a little superficial. Small steps perhaps.

On the other hand setting aside time to go to Church and working through the services is surely more desirable, By way of contrast here is part of the Canon Of Saint Andrew of Crete, used in Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic Churches for more than 1000 years during the first week of Lent.

This was recorded last Monday at the Three Saints Russian Orthodox Church Garfield New Jersey USA. Update: Just to be clear, these a short excerpts from a Service of Repentance that lasts between two and three hours.

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