Great Lent

This revised edition of Father Alexander Schmemann's Lenten classic examines the meaning of Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, the Prayer of St Ephraim the Syrian, the Canon of St Andrew of Crete and other neglected or misunderstood treasures of Lenten worship.

Contemplation, prayer, spirituality — these words have become popular in our day among those despairing at the banality and emptiness of the contemporary scene. But popular as well are a myriad of pseudo-spiritualities, each offering its own shortcut to spiritual satisfaction. His Life is Mine is a refreshing contrast. The book deals with prayers, and especially with the "Jesus Prayer" of Orthodox monasticism.

Bishop Kallistos Ware shows the meaning of Orthodox doctrine for the life of the individual Christian. Doctrinal issues are seen not as abstract propositions for theological debate but as affected the whole of life.

Professor Kesich expertly addresses questions of anti-Semitism and the family quarrels between Jews and Christians in the historical context as well as explaining the trial of Jesus and the purpose of His suffering.

Way of the Ascetics is a rich, compact introduction for modern readers to the Eastern Christian spiritual tradition that has been an inspiration to millions for centuries. These compassionate and insightful reflections on self-control and inner peace are meant to lead the readers to fuller union with God. 

The Orthros Service of Holy Pascha (Easter). The most widely attended service of the year, it is filled with hymns of exhortation and joyful praise, announcing the good news of Christs Resurrection.

The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts and other Lenten hymns as sung by the St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary Choir, directed by David Drillock.

The complete hymns of Pascha, sung by the St Vladimir's Orthodox Theological Seminary Male Choir and conducted by David Drillock.

Selections from the All-Night Vigil of the Orthodox Church
liturgical music on compact disc

Kevin Smith, director
Mark Bailey, associate director
Sung by the choirs of St Vladimir's Seminary

Jubilant antiphonal singing and responsorial psalmody, chants, and anthems include, among others:

• Gladsome Light, Igor Dvoretsky
• The Great Doxology, Boris Ledkovsky
• St Symeon's Prayer, Mark Bailey
• Psalm 103, Fr Sergei Glagolev
• The Polyeleon (Psalms 134, 135), Mount Athos melody
• The Evlogitaria of the Resurrection, Boris Ledkovsky
• Saturday Evening Prokeimenon, Carpatho-Rusyn chant arranged by Fr Paul Jannakos.