Eastern Orthodox Knowledge Thread

[SummaScriptura]

There was only one sacrifice. That was Christs. It can never and will never be done again.

It was once and for all.

It is eternal.

We "involve" ourselves in it as an eternal sacrifice by participating in the one eternal event through anamnesis (re-calling) the event into the present and ever bringing it forward in time. Eternally. Every time we gather for the Liturgy, the eternal sacrifice of Christ, his body and his blood are at the very center.

Emphasis is on the "do". The Praxis, not the gnosis.

Does that help?

Forgive me...

That is very helpful. Thank you.

 

[Tonks]

On the iconostasis, Christ is in the middle where the royal doors are situated. He is both on the left side as "Lord Almighty" (pantocrator) and on the right side as the Christ child in the arms of His mother Mary the Theotokos. Thus the royal doors are symbolic of Christ being the door. To the left of the royal doors is an icon of Mary holding the Christ child as mentioned above. To the right of the icon of Christ is usually, though not always, an icon of St John the Forerunner. Some smaller churches do not have enough space for a full iconostasis and so will usually have an icon of the saint or event to which this particular church is dedicated in that position. The standard however, is with Christ in the centre and Mary the Theotokos and John the Baptist on His right and left hand. In this we see reflected the understanding of the Church with regards to who Christ was speaking of when He told the brothers James and John, "but to sit on my right hand or on my left is not mine to give, but for those for whom it is prepared."

John

Indeed. Here are a few pictures of the church I'll be going back to once I am finished with my fun in the sandbox.

To answer the above question about Christ in the dome...yup:

To shed some more light on the Iconostasis here is some further info:

On the Royal Doors, center bottom, of the first picture are place icons of (among other things) the four evangelists who announced to the world the Good News.

The large icon in the center is Christ flanked by His Mother and John the Forerunner. Immediately following are the archangels Michael and Gabriel, then the Apostles Peter and Paul and a variety of bishop saints and martyrs (all of whom escape me at the moment.) I do believe that third from the left on the bottom row of the picture above is St. John Chrysostom. This tier of icons is called the "Deisis" (meaning prayer) as all in this tier are turned toward Christ in supplication.

Immediately above that tier is a row which depicts the icons of the principal Feasts of the Church. The very top tier contains Icons of Old Testament Prophets in the middle of the row is an Icon of The Birthgiver of Christ and the Divine Infant.

At the very top of the Iconostasis (which can't be seen in these photos) is placed the Holy Cross.

In terms of the Festal Icons...here, for example, is the Resurrection (also called the Descent into Hades):

The Lord, having descended into Hades is seen standing on the Gates of Hades (in the shape of an X or cross)...through the power of the Cross Christ was raised from the dead. Death is bound by chains while Christ raises Adam (who symbolizes the human race) out of Hades by his hand (Christ, the New Adam accomplishes for humanity what Adam failed to do). Likewise, the "locks of death" - depicted variously by bars, keys, chains and broken locks, are all shattered in the cave of Hades.

To Christ's right (our left) is St. John the Forerunner (John the Baptist) who is indicating Christ - and who proceeded Christ into Hades to preach the Good News. To Christ's left (our right) is the righteous Abel.

King David, who foretold the coming of Christ is depicted as well as King Solomon who followed David and also believed in his father's message. Moses and Elijah are also depicted representing the Law and the Prophets.

Surrounding Christ is a mandalora (which can also be seen on Icons of the Transfiguration) representing the radiance of His uncreated glory.

Thx to Orthodox Info which refreshed some of my memory...lol...and also included the pascal homily of St. John Chrysostom which is read each year at Pascha (Easter):

Is there anyone who is a devout lover of God? Let them enjoy this beautiful bright festival! Is there anyone who is a grateful servant? Let them rejoice and enter into the joy of their Lord!

Are there any weary with fasting? Let them now receive their wages! If any have toiled from the first hour, let them receive their due reward; If any have come after the third hour, let him with gratitude join in the Feast! And he that arrived after the sixth hour, let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss. And if any delayed until the ninth hour, let him not hesitate; but let him come too. And he who arrived only at the eleventh hour, let him not be afraid by reason of his delay.

For the Lord is gracious and receives the last even as the first. He gives rest to him that comes at the eleventh hour, as well as to him that toiled from the first. To this one He gives, and upon another He bestows. He accepts the works as He greets the endeavor. The deed He honors and the intention He commends.

Let us all enter into the joy of the Lord! First and last alike receive your reward; rich and poor, rejoice together! Sober and slothful, celebrate the day!

You that have kept the fast, and you that have not, rejoice today for the Table is richly laden! Feast royally on it, the calf is a fatted one. Let no one go away hungry. Partake, all, of the cup of faith. Enjoy all the riches of His goodness!

Let no one grieve at his poverty, for the universal kingdom has been revealed. Let no one mourn that he has fallen again and again; for forgiveness has risen from the grave. Let no one fear death, for the Death of our Savior has set us free.

He has destroyed it by enduring it.

He destroyed Hades when He descended into it. He put it into an uproar even as it tasted of His flesh. Isaiah foretold this when he said, "You, O Hell, have been troubled by encountering Him below."

Hell was in an uproar because it was done away with. It was in an uproar because it is mocked. It was in an uproar, for it is destroyed. It is in an uproar, for it is annihilated. It is in an uproar, for it is now made captive. Hell took a body, and discovered God. It took earth, and encountered Heaven. It took what it saw, and was overcome by what it did not see.

O death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory?

Christ is Risen, and you, O death, are annihilated! Christ is Risen, and the evil ones are cast down! Christ is Risen, and the angels rejoice! Christ is Risen, and life is liberated! Christ is Risen, and the tomb is emptied of its dead; for Christ having risen from the dead, is become the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep.

To Him be Glory and Power forever and ever. Amen!