St. Anna Orthodox Christian Church
Bringing Historic Christianity to Historic Columbia
From the weekly “Inquirer’s Classes” given by Fr. Stephen Rogers on Wednesday, September 9, 2020.
“Church History: Covering 2,000 years in a Fast 55 Minutes!” by The Very Reverend Father Stephen Rogers. Presented by St. Anna Orthodox Christian Church, Columbia, Tennessee (Wednesday, September 9, 2020)
Please join us in person for the next session being presented on Wednesday, September 16, 2020 at 7pm.
The weekly “Inquirer’s Classes” being given by Fr. Stephen Rogers kicked-off on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.
“The Church: One, Holy, Catholic, and Apostolic”
by The Very Reverend Father Stephen Rogers
Presented by St. Anna Orthodox Christian Church, Columbia, Tennessee
(Wednesday, September 2, 2020)
Please join us in person for the next session being presented on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at 7pm.
Please read this article as today marks the beginning of one of the 4 great fasts of the church year – the Dormition Fast. “It would be a gross understatement to say that much has been written about the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos. Yet very little has been written about the fast that precedes it. Every Orthodox Christian is aware and generally knows the reason behind the fasts for Pascha and Christmas. But while they may know of the Dormition Fast, few follow it, and more than a few question why it is there, neither knowing its purpose.” The remainder of this insightful article can be found here.
May God help us all realize “the one thing needful” during these next two weeks.
May God bless you, Father Stephen
On the occasion of our very first Episcopal visit at St Anna Orthodox Christian Church, His Grace Bishop NICHOLAS prayed Great Vespers with us on Sunday, August 18, 2019. Truly an historic event for the first known Orthodox Christian Bishop to ever visit and pray in Columbia, TN! We were encouraged to remain faithful to God, pray for those in our community and invite them to join us.
Just a reminder that we will celebrate the Divine Liturgy for the Dormition of the Theotokos on Wednesday, August 14 at 6:30pm. Please join us if you are able.
“Verily, the God-mantled Apostles were caught up on all sides, ascending the clouds by a divine sign. And they came up to thy most pure, life-originating resting-place to kiss it reverently. As for the most sublime heavenly powers, they came with their own chief. To escort, enwrapped in awe, thine all-honored, God-receiving body, they went before in a super-earthly manner, shouting invisibly to the heavenly ranks: Behold the Queen of all, the divine Maiden, has come. Lift up the gates and receive super-earthly-wise the Mother of everlasting Light. For through her hath salvation come to the whole human race. And she is the one on whom it is impossible to gaze, and whom we never can honor sufficiently. For the honor through which she became sublime transcendeth all understanding. Wherefore, O undefiled Theotokos, everlasting with thy life-bearing Son, intercede with Him unceasingly that He may preserve and save thy new people from every hostile assault; for we have taken thee unto us as our helper. Therefore, do we magnify thee with voices of joy unto all ages.”
– DOXASTICON FOR THE DORMITION, from Great Vespers for the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos
Photos from our very first St Anna Feast Liturgy last night! Blessed Feast of St. Anna!
APOLYTIKION OF ST. ANNA – Righteous Ancestor of God, Mother of the Theotokos:
“O godly minded Anna, thou didst give birth unto God’s pure mother who conceived Him Who is our Life. Wherefore, thou hast now passed with joy to thy heavenly rest, wherein is the abode of them that rejoice in glory; and thou askest forgiveness of sins for them that honor thee with love, O ever blessed one.“
Great Vespers begins THIS Saturday – July 20, 5:00pm. We will begin praying Great Vespers each Saturday beginning THIS WEEK. This is a very special service marking the beginning of the liturgical week and is a brief and solemn service of prayer and preparation for the Sunday Liturgy. Please join us on Saturday evening.
Chanters Class begins NEXT Wednesday, May 29 at 6pm. Please join us for Liturgical Jazz, a 10-week introductory class on chanting. All you need to bring with you is an open mind, a willingness to make mistakes, and a desire to learn Byzantine Chant.
No previous musical knowledge is required to learn Byzantine Chant (in fact, you may have to unlearn certain aspects of Western music to practice Byzantine chant well). At the end of this 10-week introductory class, you should have a working knowledge of the purpose & terminology of Byzantine Chant, how to pick up any piece of text and melodically pray (or intone), and be ready to chant in your own prayer practice or with your fellow chanters during Liturgical services. Please email hey@johnmeese.com to sign up for this class (which is free, other than the requirement of your time).
Your servant in the risen Christ, John Meese
