Celebrating September 1: Orthodox Ecclesiastical New Year

"The Orthodox Church now celebrates the Christian indiction rather than that of the ancient heathen, 'having put off the old man with his deeds, and having put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of Him that created him' (Col. 3). Thus let us celebrate the New Year as the Apostle counsels us, saying: 'We should walk in newness of life, that we should serve God in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter' (Rom. 6). Let us celebrate the Indiction, submitting to the ordinance of the Lord our God that was delivered through Moses, which is now read from the Book of Leviticus: 'If ye walk in My statutes, and keep My commandments, and do them, then I will give peace in the land, and ye shall pursue your enemies and I will look upon you, and bless you, and My soul shall not abhor you. And I will walk among you, and will be your God, and ye shall be My people' (Lev. 26), says the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel."(1)

Today, Orthodox Christians celebrate the Ecclesiastical New Year.

"Christ our God, Your kingdom is an everlasting one and Your lordship is over all.

You have made all things with wisdom and have established proper times and seasons for our lives. We give thanks to You in all circumstances and for all things.

Lord, bless the beginning of our Church year with Your goodness.

Grant that this liturgical year be for all of us a year of grace.

Make us worthy with purity of heart always to praise you. Lord, glory to You! "

Matin Hymn, September 1st (2)

September 1, 2013, is the YEAR OF OUR LORD!

"O faithful, having learned true prayer from the very words

and divine teachings of Christ,

let us cry out to the Creator each day:

Our Father, who dwells in heaven,

give us always daily bread,

and forgive us our transgressions".

  

Vesper Hymn, September 1st (2)

Today is not just a celebration, but a new beginning in our lives.

Prayerful daily dependence on God sanctifies every moment of the day, whether we are at work, at play, at rest or in difficulty; it fills it with the presence of God and makes it God's moment. 

"Christ our Lord, You who provide the rains

and fruitful seasons, and hear the prayers of those who humbly seek You, accept also our requests about our needs and concerns and deliver us from worry, danger and sin.

Your mercies are as abundant as Your works. Bless all our activities, direct our steps by YourHoly Spirit, and forgive' our shortcomings.

Lord, bless the year with Your goodness

and make it a year of grace

for all of us. Amen." 

Matin Hymn, September 1st 

"O Lord, Creator of all things,

who by Your authority

have established times and seasons,

O Lord, Creator of all things,
who by Your authority
have established times and seasons,
bless the beginning of our Church year with
Your goodness; preserve Your people in peace,
and through the intercessions
of the Theotokos, save us. Amen."

Dismissal Hymn, September 1st (3)

Lots of FIRSTS dedicated to the Lord.

The Scripture (Liturgical) readings are LUKE ch 4:16-22, 1 Timothy ch 2: 1-7  

Notes:

1. http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/08/september-1-ecclesiastical-new-year.html

2, 3 http://www.orthodoxchristian.info/pages/indiction.htm

Photo isn't mine...