Promontory at Dusk

A promontory a short walk from the chapel of Saint Panteleimon gives an unobstructed view across the valley to the peak of Mount Saint Catherine at dusk.

Golden Light

The granite stones at the northwest corner of the Chapel of Saint Panteleimon turn golden at sunset.

Evening at Saint Panteleimon’s

The summit of Mount Saint Catherine is visible in the distance. In the foreground, rock formations to the west of the Chapel of Saint Panteleimon catch the last rays of the setting sun.

Two Weeks in Early Spring

The almond trees are in bloom for about two weeks in early spring. The beautiful flowers with their subtle fragrance are in stark contrast to the surrounding granite mountains.

Small Almond Tree

A young almond tree in bloom next to the chapel of Saint Panteleimon. The peak of Mount Saint Catherine is visible in the distance.

Feast Day Ripidion

Beautiful ripidia are brought out for special feast days and placed across the back of the Holy Table.

Προηγοῦνται δὲ τούτου οἱ Χοροὶ τῶν Ἀγγέλων, μετὰ πάσης Ἀρχῆς καὶ ἐξουσίας, τὰ πολυόμματα Χερουβείμ, καὶ τὰ ἑξαπτέρυγα Σεραφείμ, τὰς ὄψεις καλύπτοντα, καὶ βοῶντα τὸν ὕμνον· Ἀλληλούϊα, Ἀλληλούϊα, Ἀλληλούϊα.

And there do precede him the choirs of Angels, with every Principality and Authority, the many-eyed Cherubim, and the six-winged Seraphim, covering their faces, and crying out the hymn: Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Streams of Light

During the week after Pascha, streams of sunlight shine on the Holy Table during the celebration of the Divine Liturgy. The cross behind the Holy Table is now empty, and adorned with a wreath of flowers.

Holy Pascha 2023

Νῦν πάντα πεπλήρωται φωτός, οὐρανός τε καὶ γῆ, καὶ τὰ καταχθόνια· ἑορταζέτω γοῦν πᾶσα κτίσις, τὴν Ἔγερσιν Χριστοῦ, ἐν ᾗ ἐστερέωται.

Now are all things filled with light, heaven and earth, and the nethermost regions of the earth. Let all creation, therefore, celebrate the arising of Christ, whereby it is established.

. . . ἕως οὗ ἡμέρα διαυγάσῃ καὶ φωσφόρος ἀνατείλῃ ἐν ταῖς καρδίαις ὑμῶν.

. . . until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts.

2 Peter 1:19

Epitaphios

Μὴ ἐποδύρου μου, μῆτερ, καθορῶσα ἐν τάφῳ ὃν ἐν γαστρὶ ἄνευ σπορᾶς συνέλαβες Υἱὸν· ἀναστήσομαι γὰρ καὶ δοξασθήσομαι καὶ ὑψώσω ἐν δόξῃ ἀπαύστως ὡς Θεὸς τοὺς ἐν πίστει καὶ πόθῳ σὲ μεγαλύνοντας.

Mourn not for me, O Mother, beholding in the tomb the Son whom thou didst conceive in thy womb without seed; for I shall arise and be glorified, and as God I shall exalt in everlasting glory those who magnify thee with faith and fervent longing.

Heirmos of the Ninth Ode for Matins on Holy and Great Saturday

Holy Week

Dark clouds and rain reflect the sombre hymns of Holy Week.

When the Lord was coming to His voluntary Passion, He said to His Apostles in the way: Behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be delivered up, as it is written concerning Him. Come, therefore, with minds purified, let us also go in the way with Him, and let us be crucified with Him, and die for Him to the pleasures of this life, that we may also live with Him, and may hear Him crying: No longer do I go to the earthly Jerusalem to suffer, but I ascend unto My Father and your Father, and unto My God and your God; and I will raise you up together unto the Jerusalem on high, in the Kingdom of the Heavens.


From the Praises of Matins for Holy and Great Monday