Prayers for Soldiers/Sailors/Airmen/Marines/etc.

 

Offered below are specific prayers for deployed troops/sailors/marines/airmen.  These came for the Book of Common Prayer. I modified the Navy prayer so both prayers would be suitable for any of our centurions to use regardless of their nationality.

I added links to the prayers on our Order's "Prayer" page, just below the prayer of the Order.
http://www.orderofcenturions.org/prayer.html  The links are also on the Chapel page

For the Army (and Air Forces).

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm
to strengthen and protect the soldiers of our country; Support them in
the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all
evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all
things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

For the Navy  (Marines, Coast Guard, Mechant Marines)

O ETERNAL Lord God, who alone spreadest out the heavens, and rulest
the raging of the sea; Vouchsafe to take into thy almighty and most
gracious protection our country's Navy, and all who serve therein.
Preserve them from the dangers of the sea, and from the violence of
the enemy; that they may be a safeguard unto our country, and a
security for such as pass on the seas upon their lawful occasions;
that the inhabitants of our land may in peace and quietness serve thee
our God, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Second Sunday after Easter

 

I bid your prayers of thanksgiving this Sunday and throughout the week for the life and service of John Paul ii,

 

ALMIGHTY God, we remember this day before thee thy faithful servant, John Paul ii , we give thanks for his leadership and example in your Church, and we pray thee that, having opened to him the gates of larger life, thou wilt receive him more and more into thy joyful service; that he may win, with thee and thy servants everywhere, the eternal victory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

********************************************** Today's Collect *********************************

 

The Second Sunday after Easter

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given thine only Son to be unto us both a sacrifice for sin, and also an ensample of godly life; Give us grace that we may always most thankfully receive that his inestimable benefit, and also daily endeavour ourselves to follow the blessed steps of his most holy life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

One Flock, One Shepherd

1 St. Peter ii. 19. St. John x. 11 & Homily.

 

 

 

 

 

The Great Unifier

centurions,

 

I commend this article to you:

 

The Great Unifier Pope John Paul II. by Jaroslav Pelikan

http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/PelikanPope.shtml

As we remember the impact of John Paul II, certainly his efforts toward reconciliation are most vivid. I believe most if not all orthodox Christians, East West and Protestant had a warm spot in their hearts for this man and a respect for his principals and accomplishments. 

A few months ago I viewed on television a special service between the Patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Pope for the return of relics of two saints that had been removed from Constantinople by Crusaders in the 1200s.  I was moved by the symbol and the most important meaning of this service and the translation of the relics back home.

Within the Order of Centurions we have Orthodox, Catholic, and Protestant members... all who  share an "orthodox and universal" understanding of the essentials of our faith -- that is our common ground. I pray that all religious fellowships everywhere might seek the common ground and walk hand in hand with their "orthodox" brothers of the One Church Militant. The unity of the church in the next century may be one not so much of regaining unity in administration and jurisdiction,  as in unity through a common bond with the essentials and against emerging heresies that could destroy the faith once delivered.

Unity in essentials, Diversity in non-essentials,
and above all, Charity

 

Easter Tuesday

Tuesday in Easter Week

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we who celebrate with reverence the Paschal feast, may be found worthy to attain to everlasting joys; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee that, as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Acts xiii. 26. -- St. Luke xxiv. 36.

by Jesus all that believe are justified

Re: Centurio Epistula Monday in Easter Week

 

--
Fellow Centurions,

Check out this from a fellow Centurion;

 

The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few months later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of.

C. S. (Clive Staples) Lewis

 

Monday in Easter Week

Alleluia! Christ is Risen!...The Lord is Risen Indeed! Alleluia!

Monday in Easter Week

O GOD, whose blessed Son did manifest himself to his disciples in the breaking of bread; Open, we pray thee, the eyes of our faith, that we may behold thee in all thy works; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

He took bread, and brake it, and gave it to them.
And their eyes were opened and they knew him.

Acts x. 34 -- St. Luke xxiv. 13

Easter Day: Homily of Augustine

 Easter Day

CHRIST our Passover is sacrificed for us: * therefore let us keep the feast, Not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; * but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 1 Cor. v. 7.

CHRIST being raised from the dead dieth no more; * death hath no more dominion over him. For in that he died, he died unto sin once: * but in that he liveth, he liveth unto God. Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, * but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. vi. 9.

CHRIST is risen from the dead, * and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by man came death, * by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, * even so in Christ shall all be made alive. 1 Cor. xv. 20

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, * and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, * world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, who through thine only-begotten Son Jesus Christ hast overcome death, and opened unto us the gate of everlasting life; We humbly beseech thee that, as by thy special grace preventing us thou dost put into our minds good desires, so by thy continual help we may bring the same to good effect; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Colossians iii. 1. St. John xx. 1& Homily of Augustine.

The first day of the week cometh Mary Magdalene early...
and seeth the stone taken away from the sepulchre

Easter Even

GRANT, O Lord, that as we are baptized into the death of thy blessed Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, so by continual mortifying our corrupt affections we may be buried with him; and that through the grave, and gate of death, we may pass to our joyful resurrection; for his merits, who died, and was buried, and rose again for us, the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Job xiv.1, Psalm 16, , St. Peter iii. 17, St. Matthew xxvii. 57.

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Good Friday

ALMIGHTY God, we beseech thee graciously to behold this thy family, for which our Lord Jesus Christ was contented to be betrayed, and given up into the hands of wicked men, and to suffer death upon the cross; who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified; Receive our supplications and prayers, which we offer before thee for all estates of men in thy holy Church, that every member of the same, in his vocation and ministry, may truly and godly serve thee; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

O MERCIFUL God, who hast made all men, and hatest nothing that thou hast made, nor desirest the death of a sinner, but rather that he should be converted and live; Have mercy upon all who know thee not as thou art revealed in the Gospel of thy Son. Take from them all ignorance, hardness of heart, and contempt of thy Word; and so fetch them home, blessed Lord, to thy fold, that they may be made one flock under one shepherd, Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Genisis xxii. 1, Psalm 22, Hebrews x. 1., & St John xix. 1

Maundy Thursday

 

Thursday before Easter, commonly called

Maundy Thursday
(Commandment Thursday)

ALMIGHTY Father, whose dear Son, on the night before he suffered, did institute the Sacrament of his Body and Blood; Mercifully grant that we may thankfully receive the same in remembrance of him, who in these holy mysteries giveth us a pledge of life eternal; the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who now liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1 Corinthians xi. 23.   St. John 15:12-17

"Greater love has no one than this"

Wednesday before Easter

ASSIST us mercifully with thy help, O Lord God of our salvation; that we may enter with joy upon the meditation of those mighty acts, whereby thou hast given unto us life and immortality; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Hebrews ix. 16   St. Luke xxii. 1.

 He that hath no sword, let him sell his garment and buy one

Tuesday before Easter

 

Tuesday before Easter

O LORD God, whose blessed Son, our Saviour, gave his back to the smiters and hid not his face from shame; Grant us grace to take joyfully the sufferings of the present time, in full assurance of the glory that shall be revealed; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Isaiah i:5     Mark xv. 1.

Lactantius History of the Labarum and Milvian Bridge

You might like to read an account of the Labarum that was written much earlier that Eusibius' History. I have copied one chapter concerning it below. It comes from the Christian Lactantius ( http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08736a.htm ) who was a tutor to Constantine’s son, and is written here in "Of the Manner in Which Persecutors Died" http://www.ccel.org/fathers2/ANF-07/anf07-15.htm#P3916_1567226. Chapters before this one give one a good history of the events that led up to the the Civil War and intrigue with Constantine’s own family.

Chapter XLIV.

And now a civil war broke out between Constantine and Maxentius. Although Maxentius kept himself within Rome, because the soothsayers had foretold that if he went out of it he should perish, yet he conducted the military operations by able generals. In forces he exceeded his adversary; for he had not only his father's army, which deserted from Severus, but also his own, which he had lately drawn together out of Mauritania and Italy. They fought, and the troops of Maxentius prevailed. At length Constantine, with steady courage and a mind prepared for every event, led his whole forces to the neighbourhood of Rome, and encamped them opposite to the Milvian bridge. The anniversary of the reign of Maxentius approached, that is, the sixth of the kalends of November, [27 Oct] and the fifth year of his reign was drawing to an end.

Constantine was directed in a dream to cause the heavenly sign to be delineated on the shields of his soldiers, and so to proceed to battle. He did as he had been commanded, and he marked on their shields the letter X, with a perpendicular line drawn through it and turned round thus at the top, being the cipher of Christ. Having this sign ( ), his troops stood to arms. The enemies advanced, but without their emperor, and they crossed the bridge. The armies met, and fought with the utmost exertions of valour, and firmly maintained their ground. In the meantime a sedition arose at Rome, and Maxentius was reviled as one who had abandoned all concern for the safety of the commonweal; and suddenly, while he exhibited the Circensian games on the anniversary of his reign, the people cried with one voice, "Constantine cannot be overcome!" Dismayed at this, Maxentius burst from the assembly, and having called some senators together, ordered the Sibylline books to be searched. In them it was found that:-

"On the same day the enemy of the Romans should perish."
Led by this response to the hopes of victory, he went to the field. The bridge in his rear was broken down. At sight of that the battle grew hotter. The hand of the Lord prevailed, and the forces of Maxentius were routed. He fled towards the broken bridge; but the multitude pressing on him, he was driven headlong into the Tiber.

This destructive war being ended, Constantine was acknowledged as emperor, with great rejoicings, by the senate and people of Rome. And now he came to know the perfidy of Daia; for he found the letters written to Maxentius, and saw the statues and portraits of the two associates which had been set up together. The senate, in reward of the valour of Constantine, decreed to him the title of Maximus (the Greatest), a title which Daia had always arrogated to himself. Daia, when he heard that Constantine was victorious and Rome freed, expressed as much sorrow as if he himself had been vanquished; but afterwards, when he heard of the decree of the senate, he grew outrageous, avowed enmity towards Constantine, and made his title of the Greatest a theme of abuse and raillery.

in hoc signo vinces
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Classical Greek and Latin Salutations and Closings

Omnibus salutem dicit Marcus primus pilus

fyi

Classical Salutations and Closings
in Greek and Roman Letters,
Adapted to Electronic Mail

http://www.cs.utk.edu/~mclennan/OM/CSC.html#valetudinis

 

Monday before Easter

ALMIGHTY God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Isaiah lxiii. 1. St. Mark xiv. 1.

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

The Monday before Easter

 ALMIGHTY God, whose most dear Son went not up to joy but first he suffered pain, and entered not into glory before he was crucified; Mercifully grant that we, walking in the way of the cross, may find it none other than the way of life and peace; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 

Isaiah lxiii. 1. St. Mark xiv. 1.

Passion Sunday

The Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called
Passion Sunday

WE beseech thee, Almighty God, mercifully to look upon thy people; that by thy great goodness they may be governed and preserved evermore, both in body and soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Isaiah i. 10, Psalm li., Hebrews ix. 11, St. John viii. 46.

An Homily by Gregory the Great - Pope [ca 600]

DEARLY beloved brethren, consider the gentleness of God. He came to take away sin, and he saith: Which of you convinceth me of sin? He, who in virtue of his Godhead was able to justify sinners, did not disdain to shew by an appeal to reason that he was not himself a sinner. But verily the words which he addeth are exceeding awesome: He that is of God heareth God's words; ye, therefore, hear them not, because ye are not of God. Wherefore, if he that is of God, heareth God's words, and if one who is not of God, is not able to hear God's words, let each one ask himself: Do I, in the ear of my heart, hear God's words, and understand whose words they are? The Truth commandeth us to long for a fatherland in heaven, to bridle the lusts of the flesh, to turn away from the glory of the world, to covet no man's goods, and to bestow freely of our own.

LET each of you, therefore, think within himself if this voice of God soundeth loud in the ear of his heart for thereby will he know whether he be of God. Some there be, whom it pleaseth not to hear the commandments of God, even with their bodily ears. And some there be, who receive the same with their bodily ears, but whose heart is far from them. And some also there be, who hear the words of God with joy, so that they are moved thereby even to tears. But when their fit of weeping is past they turn again to iniquity. They who despise to do the words of God certainly cannot be said to hear them. Wherefore, dearly beloved brethren, call up your own life before your mind's eye, and then ponder with trembling those awful words which the mouth of the Truth spake: Ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God.

THE Truth speaketh these words concerning the reprobate. But the reprobate make manifest the same thing concerning themselves, by their evil deeds. Thus immediately followeth: Then answered the Jews, and said unto him: Say we not well that thou are a Samaritan and has a devil? Hear now what the Lord saith to so great an insult: I have not a devil, but I honour my Father, and ye do dishonour me. The Lord said: I have not a devil. But he did not say: I am not a Samaritan. For in a sense a Samaritan he was indeed, since the word Samaritan is by interpretation a Watcher, and the Lord is that Watcher, of whom the Psalmist saith, that except he keep the city, any other watchman waketh but in vain. He also is that Watchman unto who crieth Isaiah: Watchman, what of the night, Watchman, what of the night? Wherefore the Lord did not say: I am not a Samaritan. But: I have not a devil. Two charges were brought against him. One he denied. To the other his silence gave assent.

Homily: Anglican Breviary for Passion Sunday

The Sixth Sunday in Lent
Palm Sunday

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who, of thy tender love towards mankind, hast sent thy Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ, to take upon him our flesh, and to suffer death upon the cross, that all mankind should follow the example of his great humility; Mercifully grant, that we may both follow the example of his patience, and also be made partakers of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Zechariah ix. 9, Psalm 24, Philippians ii. 5. St. Matthew xxvii. 1.

Extract of the Homily of St. John Chrysostom [ca 400] on Matthew xxvii. ( http://www.chrysostom.org/ )

How great signs He had wrought, some from Heaven, some on earth, some in the very temple, at once marking His indignation, and at the same time showing that what were unapproachable are now to be entered, and that Heaven shall be opened; and the work removed to the true Holy of Holies. And they indeed said, “If He be the King of Israel, let Him come down now from the cross,” but He shows that He is King of all the world. And whereas those men said, “Thou that destroyest this temple, and buildest it in three days,” He shows that it shall be made forever desolate. Again they said, “He saved others, Himself He cannot save,” but He while abiding on the cross proved this most abundantly on the bodies of His servants. For if for Lazarus to rise on the fourth day was a great thing, how much more for all those who had long ago fallen asleep, at once to appear alive, which was a sign of the future resurrection. For, “many bodies of the saints which slept, arose,” it is said, “and went into the holy city, and appeared to many.” For in order that what was done might not be accounted to be an imagination, they appear, even to many, in the city. And the Centurion too then glorified God, saying, “Truly this was a righteous man. And the multitudes that came together to that sight, returned beating their breasts.” So great was the power of the crucified, that after so many mockings, and scoffs, and jeers, both the centurion was moved to compunction, and the people. And some say that there is also a martyrdom of this centurion**, who after these things grew to manhood in the faith.

** Longinus [15Mar] the Centurion of Calvary that the order recognizes as one of the three key centurions

Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Quit Ye Like Men

 

In my lectionary, this morning's NT lesson was 1 Cor 16:1-14.(given below) In verses13-14, Paul encouraged the... In my lectionary, this morning's NT lesson was 1 Cor 16:1-14.(given below) In verses13-14, Paul encouraged the Church as follows:

Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.

As I reflected on these verses, it occurred to me that many of those "centurions"  that we list on our Calendar and History pages, and who we remember in the Order of Centurions, are remembered best for these very attributes.

I have an article posted on our links page entitled "Quit Ye Like Men" written by Rusty Lee Thomas that I recommend to you.

http://www.freerepublic.com/forum/a3addf46361cc.htm

 

READING:

 

I Corinthians 16:1-14

Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do ye. Upon the first day of the week let every one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that there be no gatherings when I come. And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by your letters, them will I send to bring your liberality unto Jerusalem. And if it be meet that I go also, they shall go with me. Now I will come unto you, when I shall pass through Macedonia: for I do pass through Macedonia. And it may be that I will abide, yea, and winter with you, that ye may bring me on my journey whithersoever I go. For I will not see you now by the way; but I trust to tarry a while with you, if the Lord permit. But I will tarry at Ephesus until Pentecost. For a great door and effectual is opened unto me, and there are many adversaries. Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord, as I also do. Let no man therefore despise him: but conduct him forth in peace, that he may come unto me: for I look for him with the brethren. As touching our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come unto you with the brethren: but his will was not at all to come at this time; but he will come when he shall have convenient time. Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong. Let all your things be done with charity.

 

The Origins of Lent - Early Church - Bible

 

The Order of Centurions was formed in part " to encourage the practice of a simple, ancient form of worship". 

 

I commend this article featured on Orthodoxy Today which clearly shows that fasting was practiced as a part of preparation for baptism in the New Testament and  Early Church. 

 

The tradition of the 40-days Great Fast of Lent was made part of the canon at Nicea in the first Ecumenical council in 325 called by the Emperor Constantine. The author, Patrick Henry Reardon, cites several ancient documents in this informative article.

 

http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/ReardonLent.shtml

 

 

 

 

Longinus, Centurion at Calvary, Martyr - March 15th

Almighty God, who inspired the Centurion and his men to confess the divinity of Jesus while He hung on the Cross, inspire us day by day to live for Him and to boldly confess Him to all the world as our Lord and Savior; through Jesus Christ who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever.

Longinus, Centurion at Calvary, Martyr - March 15th

Maximilian, Legionary, Martyr - March 12th

Maximilian, Legionary, Martyr - March 12th

O Lord, whose servant Maximilian refused to serve the pagan Emperor on account of his faith, and who didst freely give himself over death, strengthen us to do that which is right in thy sight, to the glory and honor of thy holy name; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

My army is the army of God, and I cannot fight for this world.

Maximilian, Legionary, Martyr - March 12th

Centurio Sempronius & the Martyrs of Sabaste [March 10 ]

In the winter of 320 AD, the Emperor Licinius ordered all Roman soldiers to offer a sacrifice to the Roman gods. Licinius was persecuting Christians at this time. His edict reached the Thundering Legion at Sabaste, and the order was passed down to the legionaries. Forty Christians in the legion refused to obey the edict, choosing instead to obey a higher authority: "You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an idol, whether in the form of anything that is in heaven above, or that is on the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or worship them"

In retaliation, the legion marched the men to a frozen lake where they were ordered to remove their armour and clothing and stand naked, as a form of torture to death, on a frozen lake. The legion lit a large fire on the shore with a warm bath and food to tempt the Christians to make the pagan sacrifice, renounce their Christian faith, and save their lives. The men began to pray,

"O Lord, 40 wrestlers have come forth to fight for Thee.
Grant that 40 wrestlers may gain the victory!"

One legionary eventually did succumb to the temptation and left the ice for the warm house that was guarded by a centurion named Sempronius. On the ice, the remaining Christian legionaries continued to cry out, "O Lord, 40 wrestlers have come forth to fight for thee. Grant that 40 wrestlers may gain the victory!" In response, Centurion Sempronius confessed Jesus as Christ, removed his armor, weapons, and clothing, and joined the 39 remaining Christians on the lake. The next morning the Forty Martyrs of Sabaste were found on the ice and forever recorded their faithful resistance in the annals of history.


Visit the Order at www.OrderofCenturions.org

Intercessory Psalm for Centurions in Harms Way

centurions

 

In an earlier post a fellow centurion called for prayers for those who are in harms way in the Middle East. As I said the Chapel of the Centurions devotion today in the 9th hour. I recited

Psalm 140 that is listed on the site, and was traditionally said in the evenings in the Early Church.

 

As I said it, and came to this verse,

 

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a
net by the wayside; they have set gins for me.  [gins = engines]

I thought of a patrol moving along a highway approaching a roadside bomb -- and of a young Iraqi girl who stood in the road last week, Beanie Baby in hand-a gift from a soldier, and stopped a patrol to warn them of the device - perhaps an angel?

 

In praying for centurions in harms way, one could do no better than to simply recite this ancient hymn, one that our predecessors in arms must have said in the beginning: As you say it, slowly, think of those in harms way, and how this hymn from the past speaks so plainly to us today.

 

Mark

 

Psalm 140

Deliver me, O LORD, from the evil man: preserve me from the
violent man;

Which imagine mischiefs in their heart; continually are they
gathered together for war.

They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison
is under their lips. Selah.

Keep me, O LORD, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from
the violent man; who have purposed to overthrow my goings.

The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a
net by the wayside; they have set gins for me. Selah.

I said unto the LORD, Thou art my God: hear the voice of my
supplications, O LORD.

O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, thou hast covered
my head in the day of battle.

Grant not, O LORD, the desires of the wicked: further not his
wicked device; lest they exalt themselves. Selah.

As for the head of those that compass me about, let the mischief
of their own lips cover them.

Let burning coals fall upon them: let them be cast into the
fire; into deep pits, that they rise not up again.

Let not an evil speaker be established in the earth: evil shall
hunt the violent man to overthrow him.

I know that the LORD will maintain the cause of the afflicted,
and the right of the poor.

Surely the righteous shall give thanks unto thy name: the
upright shall dwell in thy presence.

 

 

The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Mothering Sunday

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that we, who for our evil deeds do worthily deserve to be punished, by the comfort of thy grace may mercifully be relieved; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Ezekiel xxxix. 21, Psalm xviii, Galatians iv. 21. St. John vi. 1.

A Homily by St. Augustine the BishopTract 24 in Joannem

The miracles wrought by our Lord Jesus Christ were verily divine works, and they stir up the mind of man to rise by a perception of what is seen by the eye unto an apprehension of God himself. For God is of such substance as eye cannot see, and the many miracles which he doth work in his continual rule of the whole universe, and in his providential care of everything which he hath made, are by use become so common that scarce anyone permitteth himself to perceive the same, as for example, what wondrous and amazing works of God there be in every grain of seed. Wherefore his mercy hath constrained him to keep some works to be done only at some convenient time, as it were, out of the common course and order of nature, to the intent that men may see them and wonder, not because they be greater, but because they be rarer, than those which they so lightly esteem by reason of their daily occurrence.

OR to govern the whole universe is surely a greater miracle than to satisfy five thousand men with five loaves of bread. At the former works no man doth marvel, yet at the feeding of the five thousand, all men do marvel, not because it is a greater miracle than the other, but because it is a rarer one. For who is he that now feedeth the whole world? Is it not that same who, from a little grain that is sown, maketh the fulness of the harvest? God worketh in both cases in one and the same manner. He that of the sowing maketh to come the harvest, is the same that took in his hands the five barley loaves, and of them made bread to feed five thousand men. For the hands of Christ have power to do both the one and the other. He that multiplieth the grains of corn is the same that multiplied the loaves, save only that in this latter case he committed them not unto the earth whereof he is himself the Maker.

THEREFORE this miracle is done outwardly before us, that our souls inwardly may thereby be quickened. The same is shewn to our eyes to furnish food for thought. This by means of those of his works which are seen, we may come to feel awe toward him that cannot be seen. Perchance we may thereby be roused up to believe, and if we attain unto belief, we shall be purified to such good purpose that we shall begin to long to see him. Wherefore, in such wise, through the things which are seen, we may come to know him that cannot be seen. Yet it sufficient not if we perceive only this one meaning in Christ’s miracles. Rather let us ask of the miracles themselves what they have to tell us concerning Christ; for in all truth they speak with a toungue of their own, if only we have good will to understand the same. For Christ is the Word of god, and each and every work of the Word speaketh a word into us.

From the Anglican Breviary


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Third Sunday in Lent

WE beseech thee, Almighty God, look upon the hearty desires of thy humble servants, and stretch forth the right hand of thy Majesty, to be our defence against all our enemies; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Deut vi., Psalm 25, Ephesians v. 1. St. Luke xi. 14.


HEAR O ISREAL: In today's Old Testament lesson from Deuteronomy we again hear the first sentence of the Shema, the Creed of our Lord which was said morning and evening. "Hear Isreal, J@HOVAH is God, J@HOVAH is One. You shall love J@HOVAH your God with all your heart, soul, and strength" It is also the first part of the Summary of the Law that Jesus taught. We in the Order of Centurions have adopted this as a part of our Rule and Vow . God tells us that we must keep his statues in our hearts. We are to teach them to our children, and live by them day-by-day. We are to talk of them in every occupation of life. They are to be to us the most important precept and guide for us. Following this, God tells us Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God and do that which is right and good in the sight of the LORD. These two clauses are contained within the Order's motto: Fear God and do what is Right

See art, lessons, and the rest of the homily here....http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/lent3_05.html


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Martyr Soldiers Article

This article by an anonymous author signing under “V.R.” appeared in Russian in a special issue of the student newsletter of the St. Sergius Theological Institute in Paris dedicated to the Russian Veteran’s Association of St. George in 1929.

Not one group of the inhabitants of the Roman Empire, except, of course, the clergy, have done so much in the course of the first, even the first four centuries of Christianity for its spreading, as the army. This is particularly true for the inhabitants of the countryside and for the Barbarians of the North. They lived their closed lives, and new spiritual movements penetrated their regions to a significant degree only through the caserns and the army camps… See the rest here:


Martyr Soldiers


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The Second Sunday in Lent

ALMIGHTY God, who seest that we have no power of ourselves to help ourselves; Keep us both outwardly in our bodies, and inwardly in our souls; that we may be defended from all adversities which may happen to the body, and from all evil thoughts which may assault and hurt the soul; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

1 Kings viii. 37 Psalm 86 1 Thessalonians iv. 1. & St. Matthew xv. 21


St. John Chrysostom [ca. 400] (published on OC site 2005) An extract from his Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew HOMILY LII.

MATT. XV. 21, 22. "And Jesus went thence, and departed into the coasts of Tyre and Sidon. And, behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same coasts, and cried unto Him,saying, Have mercy on me, O Lord, Thou Son of David; my daughter is grievously vexed with a devil."

BUT Mark saith, that "He could not behid,"though He had entered into the house. And why did He go at all into these parts? When He had set them free from the observance of meats, then to the Gentiles also He goes on to open a door, proceeding in due course; even as Peter, having been first directed to annul this law, is sent to Cornelius. see the rest here............

http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/lent2_05.html
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Lewis Wallace, Army General, Evangelical Novelist
[February 15, 1905]

O Almighty God, who inspired thy servant Lewis to write the novel Ben Hurr, and thus help bring the Gospel story to men and draw them to thy Kingdom, grant that we might likewise confess and witness our faith before all men. We ask this for the sake of Jesus Christ, in whom all our intercessions are acceptable through the Spirit, and who liveth and reigneth for ever and ever. Amen.

Lewis "Lew" Wallace, the Militant Romantic, was born on April 10, 1827. As the son of the Governor of Indiana, and great-great nephew of the American Revolutionary War hero John Paul Jones, he had a heritage of Christian soldiers and statesmen in his family line. His Uncle was a Major in the Army and his father a Colonel of Militia.

Lieutenant Wallace raised a company for the Mexican American War, but did not see action. In 1861 he raised a regiment of volunteers at the beginning of the American War Between the States. He distinguished himself and was promoted to the rank of Major General. He was known as the "Savior of Cincinnati" for his defense of that city, and many would credit him for saving Washington DC, and perhaps the Union, with his delaying actions at the Monocacy River north of the city when it was threatened by a major Confederate force. After the war, Wallace facilitated the Mexican Revolution, and then was appointed Governor of the New Mexico Territory. After that he was Ambassador to Turkey.

Wallace became know throughout the world, however, for his Christian novel "Ben Hurr" He had been interested in writing from youth. At age 15 he wrote a novel about chivalry in the Crusades. After the war while on a train trip, he had a discussion with an agnostic who questioned his faith. In response, he began a study of the ancient Jews. He determined to write a novel to penetrate the mysteries of the Nativity, Magi, and life of Christ.

On November 12, 1880, while Governor of New Mexico Territory, he submitted his novel "Ben Hurr" to publishers and to his dying day considered it his most important achievement. The success of the novel was remarkable. In 1893 it received a rating of 83% for popularity by libraries. By the end of the decade, with sales of 400,000, it was a standard in schools. It was the most illustrated novel ever published with almost 1,000 illustrations. It was indorsed by Christian around the world, and for many Protestant Evangelical homes, Ben Hurr was the first novel to be allowed in the household. Sears and Roebuck ordered one million copies in 1933. It has been translated into many languages. It had a dramatic influence on The Rev Lloyd C Douglas who wrote the Robe in 1942, which became the second best-selling Christian novel. The book has never been out of print. It has been performed on the stage and screen, and is a perennial favorite. Wallace died on February 15, 1905.

The Rev. Mark Carroll, OC, 2005

The First Sunday in Lent

O LORD, who for our sake didst fast forty days and forty nights; Give us grace to use such abstinence, that, our flesh being subdued to the Spirit we may ever obey thy godly motions in righteousness, and true holiness, to thy honour and glory, who livest and reignest with the Father and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Also shall be said the collect from Ash Wednedsay
Isaiah 58 Psalm 50 2 Corinthians vi. 1 & St. Matthew iv. 1

It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God

Today's Gospel is the story of Jesus' fast in the wilderness for 40 days and his temptation by Satan. Jesus used the word of God to respond to every temptation. But notice that Satan used Scripture as well to try to get Jesus to turn to him. He still does use Scripture with us, so one must beware! How can we help to keep ourselves from the wiles of Satan? by knowing the Word of God and maintaining an active Spiritual defense through prayer. During this fast of Lent I recommend a discipline of structured Bible study. You may wish to begin with Lesson One of a free Bible Study Course offered by our praefectus castrorum legio Christi.

Read the rest of the homily here:http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/lent1.html

Ecumenical Councils of War

On Nov 9, I recommended to the Order an interview with Chaplain Webster of the Virginia National Guard http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/AgainWebster.shtml

In follow-up, I commend to you this critical review of Webster & Cole’s book “The Virtue of War” by David Hart. Mr. Hart is an Orthodox Christian who is well versed in the topic of “just war”. Mr. Hart says
It is one thing to turn the other cheek against insult and casual abuse, or even to accept martyrdom, but another thing altogether to permit oneself simply to be murdered to no good end. To love charitably—selflessly—requires that love of self be ordered towards the love of God; to do this, one must learn to love oneself under the rule of justice, and to fail to do so is no less a sin than refusing to defend one’s neighbor. Indeed, defending oneself against unjust violence is one of the few times that one can most assuredly subsume self-love under the law of charity, without egoism or spite intruding at all.
[I am reminded of the actions of the angels in Sodom & Gomorrah to defend against the assaults on them, and Lot, in Gen 19 that I cited a few days ago]
See the article here
http://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=17-09-040-f

Ecumenical Councils of War

On Nov 9, I recommended to the Order an interview with Chaplain Webster of the Virginia National Guard http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles4/AgainWebster.shtml

In follow-up, I commend to you this critical review of Webster & Cole’s book “The Virtue of War” by David Hart. Mr. Hart is an Orthodox Christian who is well versed in the topic of “just war”. Mr. Hart says
It is one thing to turn the other cheek against insult and casual abuse, or even to accept martyrdom, but another thing altogether to permit oneself simply to be murdered to no good end. To love charitably—selflessly—requires that love of self be ordered towards the love of God; to do this, one must learn to love oneself under the rule of justice, and to fail to do so is no less a sin than refusing to defend one’s neighbor. Indeed, defending oneself against unjust violence is one of the few times that one can most assuredly subsume self-love under the law of charity, without egoism or spite intruding at all.
[I am reminded of the actions of the angels in Sodom & Gomorrah to defend against the assaults on them, and Lot, in Gen 19 that I cited a few days ago]
See the article here
http://www.touchstonemag.com/archives/article.php?id=17-09-040-f
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Sodom & Gomorrah versus Nineveh

Thursday, 2nd Day of Lent

On this second day of Lent, I wanted to share with you two recent readings from the Anglican lectionary that stand in stark contrast to one another and are specifically meaningful for Lent and our times as well.

Yesterday, on the eve of Ash Wednesday the first lesson was from the 3rd and 4th chapters of Jonah http://www.commonprayer.org/offices/cal_b_n.cfm and relate to Jonah’s mission to prophesy to the city of Nineveh before God destroyed it for its sin.

This morning, the reading beginning in the 19th chapter of Genesis where God destroys Sodom and Gomorrah http://www.commonprayer.org/offices/cal_b_n.cfm

On the one hand, we see that God repented of his evil that he planned against the city of Nineveh when the king and all the people, in great remorse, contrition, and repentance, fasted, and the king dressed in sackcloth and sat in ashes. (Which upset Jonah to no end)

On the other had we a city that God told Abram he would spare if there were only to be found ten righteous men. A city that God utterly destroyed because of the wickedness within it.

Do these reading say anything about cultures and the consequences of corporate sin and immorality to you?

They speak to me about the consequences of cultures that depart from the moral ways established by God and known to men not only from Scripture that give us his Word, but from the moral laws that all men know in their hearts – what CS Lewis called the Tao in his book The Abolition of Man. It speaks to me of God’s desire that all cultures may flourish and his love for them as their creator. It speaks to me of the consequences to cultures when morality is disregarded.

A few days ago I posted a comment on article that was a review of the effect of amoral thought and action on Nazi Germany. I was stationed there for a tour of three years and saw the pictures of the near total destruction that they endured. I cannot help recall those visions as I think of Sodom and Gomorrah.

I pray my community and yours may not depart from morality. I pray that the trends that I see toward immorality, what has been coined the "slippery slope", might stop. I pray for communities, families, and all people might turn to God's Way.

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Ash Wednesday
the first day of Lent

Penitential Office for use with the devotional office of readings and collect and, or with the Litany

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who hatest nothing that thou hast made, and dost forgive the sins of all those who are penitent; Create and make in us new and contrite hearts, that we, worthily lamenting our sins and acknowledging our wretchedness, may obtain of thee, the God of all mercy, perfect remission and forgiveness; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This Collect is to be said every day in Lent, after the Collect appointed for the day, until Palm Sunday.

Joel ii. 12 Psalm 51 & St. Matthew vi. 16

rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the liturgical season of Lent. In many churches you will see the liturgical color of purple displayed -- being the color for penitential seasons. In these seasons there has traditionally been an emphasis on confession, contrition, and penance for our sinfulness. In the coming days, the Church asks you to closely examine yourself, and to exercise self-discipline in the weeks ahead as a form of preparation for the Feast of The Resurrection on Easter Morning – the feast that reminds us that Christ died for us for the remission of our sins.

read the rest of the homily here http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/ashwednesday.html




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Fat Tuesday

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

The Christian religion has from the earliest days kept times of feasts and fasts. Beginning tomorrow, in the Western Church, is the great fast of Lent ending in the Great Vigil and the Feast of the Resurrection.

Today is not a Church feast day, but rather the last day before Holy Lent. It is known as Mardi Gras in France and New Orleans and Fashings in Germany. In the Anglican tradition today is known as Shrove Tuesday.

The word shrove comes from shrive, to make confession. Shrove Tuesday has come to mean something quite different today. It is a time when the Anglicans eat lots of pancakes (I have been invited to an annual pancake dinner this evening). You see, during lent the people gave up dairy products, eggs, and meats. This has been going on since the earliest days, and councils established canons governing the observance of Lent (see below) that the Sabbath (Saturday) and Lord’s Day (Sunday) should not be days of fasting in the great Lent, but the entire period of Lent should be days of abstinence from these foods. In England the people would clean out their cupboards of these food items, mix them up as pancakes, and consume them before the Lent began.

So eat hardy today for the morrow brings the Great Fast.


THE CANONS OF THE COUNCIL IN TRULLO; (which were incorporated into the 7th Ecumenical Council)

CANON LVI.

WE have likewise learned that in the regions of Armenia and in other places certain people eat eggs and cheese on the Sabbaths and Lord's days of the holy lent. It seems good therefore that the whole Church of God which is in all the world should follow one rule and keep the fast perfectly, and as they abstain from everything which is killed, so also should they from eggs and cheese, which are the fruit and produce of those animals from which we abstain. But if any shall not observe this law, if they be clerics, let them be deposed; but if laymen, let them be cut off.

Note: During Lent, the fast was not observed on Sabbath or Lord’s Day, but abstinence of these items was observed throughout Lent.


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Theodore, General, Martyr 319 [7 Feb]

In truth enlisted with the King of the Heavens, thou didst become for Him a noble commander, O trophy-bearer and Great Martyr Theodore. With the weaponry of faith didst thou arm thyself wisely and didst utterly destroy all the hordes of the demons, as a triumphant athlete of the Lord; wherefore we ever do faithfully call thee blest.

*******************
A Roman General (stratelates) martyred under Emporer Lucinius in 319. Also known as Theodore of Heraclea.

Read story and second tome here: http://www.goarch.org/en/Chapel/saints.asp?contentid=419

This saint is highly venerated in the Orthocox Church. He is one of four soldiers honored by the greeks as a GREAT MARTYR considered equal to the Apostles

Icons of Theodorehttp://www.oca.org/pages/dwp/large.asp?saintid=100462http://www.novgorod.ru/eng/hist/icongall/i065.htm

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The Sunday called Quinqugesima
the Sunday before Lent

O LORD, who hast taught us that all our doings without charity are nothing worth; Send thy Holy Ghost, and pour into our hearts that most excellent gift of charity, the very bond of peace and of all virtues, without which whosoever liveth is counted dead before thee. Grant this for thine only Son Jesus Christ's sake. Amen.

Deut x. 12 Psalm 23 1 Corinthians xiii. 1. & St. Luke xviii. 31

Today's readings and collect are all about love. Taken as a whole, they amplify the Summary of the Law, one of the Rules of the Order of Centurions. Love is the major theme of God's Word that begins in the first verse of Genesis with creation, and continues through the Bible to the last chapter of Revelations with the redemption of mankind and restoration of all things under God.

see the rest of the homily, lessons, and art here:
http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/quinquagesima.html


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Darwin to Hitler

The Order's belief is in the ancient creeds, the Forma Roma is featured on our web site, but any of the creeds or confessions that contain the essentials are acceptable. Our cohort uses the Apostles Creed and Nicene-Constantinople Creed that affirms the belief that God created the heavens and the earth, of all things visible and invisible

A world view that holds these beliefs is critical - I wonder if that's why God put it as the very first thing in the Bible?

What can happen when man begins to believe that he is is the result of some chemical accident rather than a created being - created in God's image? The German Nietzche undoubtedly had Darwin's theory of the origin of man in mind when he declared that there was no God, no right or wrong. The idea of social evolution was generalized out of the biological theory of evolution... that is, we get socially "better" as time goes on (whatever better might mean to you, or perhaps to Hitler, Pol Pot, or Bin Laden, or to millions of unborn who never see the light of day)

I commend this book review by the Rev. Jacobse for a summary of Richard Weikart's book

From Darwin to Hitler: Evolutionary Ethics, Eugenics, and Racism in Germany
http://www.orthodoxytoday.org/articles5/JacobseDarHitlerEssay.shtml

"Never Forget, Never Again"

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Centurio Epistula Cornelius, Centurion, Bishop

O GOD, who by thy spirit didst call Cornelius the Centurion to be the first Christian among the Gentiles: Grant to thy Church in every nation a ready mind and will to proclaim thy love to all who turn to thee with unfeigned hope and faith; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

http://www.westernorthodox.com/kalendar/0203c.htm

Acts 11, John 4:4


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St Brigid [ 1 Feb ]

Everliving God, we rejoice today in the fellowship of your b­lessed servant Brigid, and give you thanks for her life of d­evoted service. Inspire us with life and light, and give us ­perseverance to serve you all our days; through Jesus Christ­ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns­, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Matthew 6:25-33 Psalm 138 or Psalm 1

Centurions: I know that Brigid (Ffraid) is not on our calend­ar - nor a centurion, but as an Irishman I couldn't help but­ remember her this day and the celebration of Irish Spring. ­I hope you'll indulge me as I share this wee bit with you.

"While there is an ancient Christian tradition of the Purifi­cation of Jesus on 2nd February, there is also an ancient Ir­ish tradition of the beginning of Spring on 1st February, th­e feast of St Brigid. The start of Spring is a time of possi­bilities, of risky ventures, of blessed mistakes. That is th­e mood of St Brigid’s feast. At the ceremony of her final vo­ws, Saint Patrick mistakenly used the form for ordaining pri­ests. When told of it he replied, "So be it, my son, she is ­destined for great things." There is a prayer attributed to ­her which ends: I would like cheerfulness to preside over al­l. I would like a great lake of beer for the King of Kings. ­I would like to be watching Heaven's family drinking it thro­ugh all eternity." [Sacred Space}

This vision brings a smile to the face of this old Irishman­. See her bio and the full prayer here
http://www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintb03.htm

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Conversion of St. Paul [25 Jan]



O GOD, who, through the preaching of the blessed Apostle Saint Paul,

hast caused the light of the Gospel to shine throughout the world;

Grant, we beseech thee, that we, having his wonderful conversion in

remembrance, may show forth our thankfulness unto thee for the same,

by following the holy doctrine which he taught; through Jesus Christ

our Lord. Amen.



Homily:



Paul's question today is one we should all ask, "Lord, what wilt thou

have me to do?" Few of us will ever have any experience to match that

of Paul's. Among those we honor in the Order of Centurions, perhaps

Constantine was the only one to experience a manifestation of God that

included both a visual appearance and a conversation with Jesus

including a specific command.  Paul was physically blinded and knocked

down when a light from heaven shown upon him, and Jesus spoke to him

in voice that his companions heard. Constantine and his men beheld a

Cross of Light in the sky with symbol IHSV (meaning "in hoc signo

vinces" (by this sign, conquer!).) Later that night, Jesus personally

appeared to Constantine to explain the symbol, and commanded him to

carry it forward in the battle the next day. These experiences changed

both Paul and Constantine forever. They both in their own way went on

to make significant conquests for the Cross in obedience to the

commands of Jesus, and as a result had a most a profound effect on the

spread of Christianity.



See the readings, collect and rest of the homily

herehttp://orderofcenturions.org/documents/paul_conversion.html

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Octave of the Epiphany - Judeo Christian Values

I commend the articles by Dennis Prager: The case for Judeo-Christian values: I’ve enjoyed reading his posts and he has constantly made a case for the shared values of conservative Christians and Jews based on the Old Testament Scriptures. His arguments in these articles are compelling and ones to which I think we all can subscribe. I think you will find both articles interesting and refreshing.

Prager says, "As a Jew, by "biblical" I am referring to the Old Testament, but this should pose no problem to Christian readers, since this is the first part of their Bible as well. Indeed, as the greatest Jewish thinker, Maimonides, pointed out over 800 years ago, it is primarily Christians who have spread knowledge of the Jews' Bible to the human race"

On this Octave of the Epiphany, it does us well to remember the promises of God to the patriarchs, to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob: that all men would be blessed through their seed. This blessing has been realized through Christ Jesus in the form of the Light to those who sat in darkness. It has been carried to the world by the Body of Christ, the Church Militant, in the Word of God, Baptism, and the Lord's Supper, first by the Apostles, then by the evangelists throughout the ages, and now by us.

Part I
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/dennisprager/dp20050104.shtml

Part II
http://www.townhall.com/columnists/dennisprager/dp20050111.shtml
Mark

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1st Sunday after the Epiphany & Ambrose Homily

(Latin: The Feast of the Holy Family)

Let us pray:O LORD, we beseech thee mercifully to receive the prayers of thy people who call upon thee; and grant that they may both perceive and know what things they ought to do, and also may have grace and power faithfully to fulfill the same; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Romans xii. 1 & St. Luke ii. 41 - Psalm 72

The selected homily from St Amborse [ca. 380 AD] is to be found here
http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/epiphany1.html with art and lessons.

St Ambrose's homily concludes with this statement targeted at Arian heretics."The heretics say that, as the Son was sent by the Father, therefore the Father is greater than the Son; and, if the Father be greater than the Son, there is then somewhat in which the Son is less than the Father; yea, and that he, since he was as one sent, hath of necessity, need of some strengthening from outside himself, But was he subject to his Mother? Was he less than she? God forbid!"

As in the time of Ambrose, today the Church faces many heretical clerics who desire to mislead the faithful in doctrines and practices are unorthodox – indeed dangerous for their salvation. How shall we answer these voices? The Rev Mills speaks to this. It is long, but very worthwhile. Jesus brought into this world a Light. May we, his Church, be vigilant to keep it shinning by defending it from all of those who would snuff it out.

Recovering the Art of Christian Polemics by David Mills
http://www.tesm.edu/pubs/writings/articlee4ad

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Epiphany & Homily by St. Gregory the Great

Let us pray:

O GOD, who by the leading of a star didst manifest thy only-begottenSon to the Gentiles; Mercifully grant that we, who know thee now byfaith, may after this life have the fruition of thy glorious Godhead;through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ephesians iii. 1. St. Matthew ii. 1.

A Homily by St. Gregory the Great

Dearly beloved brethren, ye have heard from the Gospel how, when theKing of heaven was born, an earthly king was troubled. For earthlygreatness is brought to confusion when the might of heaven is mademanifest. But let us ask a question: When the Redeemer was born, whywas it that, to the shepherds of Judaea, an Angel was sent to bringtidings thereof, whereas it was a star that led the Wise Men of theEast to worship him?

Read the rest of the homily here and see art and readings:http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/epiphany.html

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Crimson - Compassion and Charity on the Battlefield

Centurions:

You may appreciate the account, and a poem, written recently by my friend and compatriot Chaplain David Chaltas about an act of charity on the battlefield during America's War Between the States in 1864. The act saved lives, prevented awful suffering, and stilled the battle for a moment of respect. This is an example of chvalry that men of honor can appreciate and is worthy of emulation.

See it here http://www.bencaudill.com/documents_msc/wherecrimsonquenchedtheflames...
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VOW

In the past few days members have be affirming their Christian vow in the Order as did the soldiers of the legions in the Roman army on 3 January each year.

Yesterday too we looked at the story of the martyr Theagenes, a soldier who refused to take the pagan vow of loyalty to a deified emporer against God.... here is that story and a reflection on its meaning for us today.

"Theagenes, the son of a bishop,was conscripted in Phrygia and sent to the legion entitled the SecondTrajan under the tribune Zelicinthius and the praepositus Posidonius.This legion was stationed in Parium in the Hellespontus, which city issuperior to Cyzicus. Brought before the tribune and the praepositus,blessed Theagenes was being forced to serve as a soldier. But beingfaithful and accomplished in the eyes of God, filled with the HolySpirit, he declared in the middle of the legion, "I am a Christian, andI serve the Immortal King who is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.His soldier and servant am I, and I cannot serve another king.
See the rest here: http://www.ucc.ie/milmart/BHG2416.htmlIHSV

REFLECTION

In reflection on the story of Theagenes, it came to my mind that the pagan vow that Theagenes had to take was a critical part of this story.

Theagenes refused to serve under the pagan Emperor Lucinius. The men had to swear a vow to the Emperor as a deity. They were forced to make sacrifices to him and his chosen deities. Theagenes felt he would have had to break his vow to God to accept the military service and the pagan vow.

After Constantine's victory at Milvan Bridge, he made an agreement with Co-emperor Lucinius in the Edict of Milan under which Christianity was tolerated. However, soon afterwards, Lucinius renewed persecutions of the Christians. Constantine conquered Lucinius and united the empire in 324 and then held the historic first Ecumenical council at Nicea which supported Christianity across the Empire.

The Army was given a new vow - a Sacramentum for Christians. It began: "I swear by God, by Christ and by the Holy Spirit; and by the majesty of the emperor, which, next to God, should be loved ... "

The new vow placed God first, and the state second. Christians could now serve in a tolerant if not supportive army atmosphere.

It is good to reflect on this story as we consider events of today. In the US a debate rages over the use of God in the pledge of allegiance. The inclusion of this phrase essentially subordinates loyalty to country to loyalty to God -- it says "one nation under God". The alternative is frightening. I for one pray that the US retains God in their pledge.

Mark
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The Circumcision of Christ [January 1] - Ambrose Homily

ALMIGHTY God, who madest thy blessed Son to be circumcised, and obedient to the law for man; Grant us the true circumcision of the Spirit; that, our hearts, and all our members, being mortified from all worldly and carnal lusts, we may in all things obey thy blessed will; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Scripture: Philippians ii. 9. St. Luke ii. 15

Ancient Homily by Bishop Ambrose :
And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, his Name was called JESUS: This is the Child of whom it is said: Unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: or again: Made under the Law to redeem them that were under the Law: or again: To present him to the Lord. .....

see the rest of the homily and the readings and art herehttp://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/circumcision.html

NOTE:
My many thanks to ++Paul, the Order's Praefectus Castrorum, whose gift of "The Anglican Breviary" made the publication of this ancient homily possible. I hope to use the Breviary to provide you with many ancient homilies such as Centurions certainly heard in their day.

Ancient homilies will be provided with Sunday and Holy Day collects, lessons, and art -- verbatim. The reader should place himself mentally in the time the homilies were written and consider the attitudes and beliefs of the Fathers of the Early Church to more fully appreciate their writings. I hope to provide a biographical link to for each homily.

May you have a blessed and happy New Year!

Mark+

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Prayer and Creed of Constantine

As we approach the New Year and an affirmation of the vow of the Order on the 1st or 3rd of January, I thought you might appreciate these excerpts, Constantine's prayer and creed. Good then - Good today

A prayer. “Not without cause, O holy God, do I prefer this prayer to Thee, the Lord of all. Under Thy guidance have I devised and accomplished measures fraught with blessing: preceded by Thy sacred sign, I have led Thy armies to victory: and still on each occasion of public danger, I follow the same symbol of Thy perfections while advancing to meet the foe. Therefore have I dedicated to Thy service a soul duly attempered by love and fear. For Thy name I truly love, while I regard with reverence that power of which Thou hast given abundant proofs, to the confirmation and increase of my faith” (Ad prov. Or.).

A confession of faith in God and in Christ. “This God I confess that I hold in unceasing honor and remembrance; this God I delight to contemplate with pure and guileless thoughts in the height of his glory.” “His pleasure is in works of moderation and gentleness. He loves the meek and hates the turbulent spirit, delighting in faith. He chastises unbelief” (Ad Sap.). 434“He is the supreme judge of all things, the prince of immortality, the giver of everlasting life” (S. C. 36).

Schaff History of the Church http://www.ccel.org/ccel/schaff/npnf201.iv.iii.ii.vi.html


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1st Sunday after Christmas - Faith of Joseph

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our
nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant
that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace,
may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord
Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit
ever, one God, world without end. Amen.
----------

On Joseph....
What emanates from the figure of Saint Joseph is faith...Joseph of
Nazareth is a "just man" because he totally "lives by faith." He is
holy because his faith is truly heroic......

Read the the rest of this brief comment by John Paul II from Daily
Meditations, as well as the Lesson, and Gospel for this Sunday
http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/christmas1.html

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Christmas Day Homily - John Chrysostom

ALMIGHTY God, who hast given us thy only-begotten Son to take our nature upon him, and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin; Grant that we being regenerate, and made thy children by adoption and grace,may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit; through the same our Lord Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end. Amen.

Homily by St. John Chrysostom ca. 400 AD

http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/christmas.html

Merry Christmas

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Christmas Eve

GOD, who makest us glad with the yearly remembrance of the birth of thine only Son Jesus Christ; Grant that as we joyfully receive him for our Redeemer, so we may with sure confidence behold him when he shall come to be our Judge, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Sermon by St. Cyril of Alexandria [ca. 430], readings and art here:
http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/2christmas.html:

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Advent – 19 December – Prepare the Way


O come, thou Dayspring, come and cheerour spirits by thine advent here;disperse the gloomy clouds of night,and death's dark shadows put to flight.
Rejoice! Rejoice!Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.

In this Sunday's Gospel, John the Baptist tells those who questioned him that Jesus, who was his junior cousin, was greater than he was. In fact, he was not even worthy to take off Jesus' sandals. Now in that age, a wealthy man normally had slaves who waited upon him "hand and foot", and dressed him to include putting on and taking off his sandals. John here states that his status compared to Jesus is not even that of slave to master. John said he came before the Lord to prepare the way for him.

Read the rest of the homily, lessons, and collects here http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/advent4.html

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Centurio Epistula - Ember Days - December

Wednesday, Friday and Saturday after December 13th mark December Ember Days. Ember days occur in the four seasons. They are first recorded in about 250AD, but may have been observed in apostolic times. Their roots may be traced to the fasts described in Zacharias 8:19

Christian Centurions would have paused on Ember Days for general prayer and fasting/abstinence and to thank God for the gifts of nature, to teach men to make use of them in moderation, and to assist the needy.

An appropriate service for periods of fasts that you might like to use is The Litany or General Supplication. It may be used with the Devotional or alone. We have placed an adapted one in the Chapel in the Devotional under Intercessions - or you can access it directly by this link: http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/litany.html

You may read more about Ember Days here:
* http://www.holytrinitygerman.org/Ember-Days.html Holy Trinity Germ. Nat. Church
* http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05399b.htm New Advent
* http://www.kensmen.com/catholic/emberdays2.html Golden Legend

Some elements of the Church in later years focused on prayers for ministers. The Saturdays of the Ember Days were designated as a time for ordinations. Here you will find a collect, epistle, and Gospel reading that may be used, especially on Saturday, for ministers of the Church.
http://www.commonprayer.org/calend/propers/ember.cfm


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Centurio Epistula – Advent 3 – John the Baptist

Jesus told the people that John the Baptist was someone very special. A man called by God to usher in the Kingdom of God. To prepare the way of the Lord. A man whose equal was not to be found, then, or now. John the Baptist stands in history as a beacon. He was an ascetic, denying himself creature comforts in order to dedicate himself to the Lord. He fasted often, his clothing were rough, his pious discipline strict, and his message unswerving -- Repent, turn from your sins and prepare your hearts for the coming of the Lord. Centurions may take heart in the words of John, for when asked by the soldiers what they must do to be saved, he did not reprove them of their occupation, but said, Do violence to no man, neither accuse any falsely; and be content with your wages.

Read the collects, readings, and the entire homily here
http://www.orderofcenturions.org/documents/ADVENT3.html
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Centurio Epistula - Centurion's Song

Rudyard Kipling 1911

LEGATE, I had the news last night—my cohort ordered home
By ship to Portus Itius and thence by road to Rome.
I’ve marched the companies aboard, the arms are stowed below:
Now let another take my sword. Command me not to go!

I’ve served in Britain forty years, from Vectis to the Wall
I have none other home than this, nor any life at all.
Last night I did not understand, but, now the hour draws near
That calls me to my native land, I feel that land is here.

Here where men say my name was made, here where my work was done,
Here where my dearest dead are laid—my wife—my wife and son;
Here where time, custom, grief and toil, age, memory, service, love,
Have rooted me in British soil. Ah, how can I remove?

For me this land, that sea, these airs, those folk and fields suffice.
What purple Southern pomp can match our changeful Northern skies,
Black with December snows unshed or pearled with August haze—
The clanging arch of steel-grey March, or June’s long-lighted days?

You’ll follow widening Rhodanus till vine and olive lean
Aslant before the sunny breeze that sweeps Nemausus clean
To Arelate’s triple gate; but let me linger on,
Here where our stiff-necked British oaks confront Euroclydon !

You’ll take the old Aurelian Road through shore-descending pines
Where, blue as any peacock’s neck, the Tyrrhene Ocean shines.
You’ll go where laurel crowns are won, but—will you e’er forget
The scent of hawthorn in the sun, or bracken in the wet?

Let me work here for Britain’s sake—at any task you will—
A marsh to drain, a road to make or native troops to drill.
Some Western camp (I know the Pict) or granite Border keep,
Mid seas of heather derelict, where our old messmates sleep.

Legate, I come to you in tears—My cohort ordered home!
I’ve served in Britain forty years. What should I do in Rome?
Here is my heart, my soul, my mind—the only life I know.
I cannot leave it all behind. Command me not to go!

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Centurio Epistula – Second Coming

BLESSED Lord, who hast caused all holy Scriptures to be written for our learning; Grant that we may in such wise hear them, read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest them, that by patience and comfort of thy holy Word, we may embrace, and ever hold fast, the blessed hope of everlasting life, which thou hast given us in our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

ALMIGHTY God, give us grace that we may cast away the works of darkness, and put upon us the armour of light, now in the time of this mortal life, in which thy Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the quick and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal, through him who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, now and ever. Amen.

[the second collect is that from Advent 1, it is repeated each Sunday before Christmas and is very appropriate for today’s Gospel]

Romans xv. 4 & St. Luke xxi. 25

Today's collect reminds us that God gave us the Scripture for our great benefit. Our belief affirms this as the Creed is prefaced with the verse "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness". The Psalms and Proverbs praise God that his people alone have been blessed with his Word. We are indeed blessed and our hope is found in today's Gospel. In this season of Advent, we hear our Lord prophesy of his return: then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. In Revelations, John records his vision of the Second Coming. This is the Order's vision as well.

see the rest of the homily, art, and readings here:
http://orderofcenturions.org/documents/advent2.html

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