In preparing the hymnography for the next couple days’ services to celebrate the Church New Year on September 1st, the prayers for God’s blessing on the beginning of this next year immediately took my mind to the accursed events this past weekend here in Bend. It is perfect timing to be asking for God’s blessing right now:
Here are two of the main hymns of this celebration:
O fashioner of all creation, who in thine authority hast appointed the times and seasons: bless thou the crown of the year with thy goodness, O Lord, preserving in peace thy rulers and cities, and save us through the prayers of the Mother of God.
And:
O Christ our king, who livest in the highest, maker and creator of all things visible and invisible, who hast fashioned days and nights, the seasons and years: bless thou the crown of the year; keep in peace our rulers, this city, and all thy people, O Savior, great and merciful.
Please join us in prayer. The service times are listed on our calendar.