Tuesday in Whitsun Week

Tuesday in Whitsun Week

GRANT, we beseech thee, merciful God, that thy Church, being gathered together in unity by thy Holy Spirit, may manifest thy power among all peoples, to the glory of thy Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

O GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

Acts viii. 14., Psalm 148,   &  St. John x. 1.
Homilies

I am the door of the sheep

Whit-Monday 1865 Onward Christian Soldiers

One to sing this day! Composed for Children for their Whit-Monday Walk. 

 

 Onward Christian Soldiers... from Cyberhymnal.org  by Sabine Baring-Gould

 

Quote:

Baring-Gould wrote about this hymn:

Whit-Mon­day is a great day for school fes­tiv­als in York­shire. One Whit-Mon­day, thir­ty years ago, it was ar­ranged that our school should join forc­es with that of a neigh­bor­ing vil­lage. I want­ed the child­ren to sing when march­ing from one vil­lage to another, but couldn't think of any­thing quite suit­a­ble; so I sat up at night, re­solved that I would write some­thing myself. "Onward, Christ­ian Sol­diers" was the re­sult. It was writ­ten in great haste, and I am afraid some of the rhymes are faulty. Cer­tain­ly no­thing has sur­prised me more than its pop­u­lar­i­ty. I don't re­mem­ber how it got print­ed first, but I know that very soon it found its way into sev­er­al col­lect­ions. I have writ­ten a few other hymns since then, but only two or three have be­come at all well-known.

This hymn was sung at the fun­er­al of Amer­i­can pre­si­dent Dwight Ei­sen­how­er at the Na­tion­al Ca­thed­ral, Wash­ing­ton, DC, March 1969 [in an Anglican service]

End Quote

Sabine Baring-Gould

Megiddo Chapel of a Centurion - Follow up

Note: Nov  12, 2005, I had notified the Order of the find of a very early Christian Church in Megiddo,  The location is near an ancient Roman Army Camp site.  The Government of Israel has plans to move the prison located next to the ancient church to ensure the church's protection. Read more here  http://shorterlink.com/?N1VCHJ

 

clips:

The ruins of the Christian prayer hall, which was located inside a Roman villa, date back to the first half of the third century CE, making the chapel the earliest place of Christian worship ever unearthed in the Holy Land, ... The building, which is thought to have belonged to a Roman officer...

end quote

 

This is truly a

 "CHAPEL OF CENTURIONS"

 

 

 

 

Monday in Whitsun Week

Monday in Whitsun Week

Send, we beseech thee, Almighty God, thy Holy Spirit into our hearts, that he may direct and rule us according to thy will, comfort us in all our afflictions, defend us from all error, and lead us into all truth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with thee and the same Holy Spirit liveth and reigneth, one God, world without end. Amen.

O GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

 

Acts x. 34 St. John iii. 16

Homilies featuring Chrysostom on John's Gospel 

 

For God sent not His Son to condemn the world, but to save the world.

Pentecost - Whitsunday

 

Pentecost
commonly called Whitsunday

O GOD, who as at this time didst teach the hearts of thy faithful people, by sending to them the light of thy Holy Spirit; Grant us by the same Spirit to have a right judgment in all things, and evermore to rejoice in his holy comfort; through the merits of Christ Jesus our Saviour, who liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the same Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

This Collect is to be said daily throughout Whitsun Week.

Joel ii. 28, Psalm 68, Acts ii. 1. St. John xiv. 15.
Homily featuring Chrysostom on Acts



We do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God

---

Announcements for the week beginning
Pentecost -- 4 June 06

 

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts
Sundays are feast days our Lord throughout the year
Wednesdays and Fridays were days of fasting or abstinence and special devotion in the early church. These fasting days were suspended during the Eastertide,  but were obsered after Pentecost, beginning with this week, until Christmas. Indeed, during Eastertide, the Church did not kneel on any day, but in the season after Pentecost kneeling was observed on days other than Sunday

Major Feasts and Fasts in bold.

 

NOTE: We are now in the Season of Whitsuntide, only one week long till next Sunday which is Trinity Sunday. You'll note that there are two Holy Days this week with appointed readings. Whitsun was a popular time for the Whitsun walk in England with the girls all dressed in white, a sign of Baptism and Purity and hence the White Sunday - Whitsun. Whitsun was a popular day for Baptism too, as the church remembered the first mass baptism of over 3,000 on Pentecost. There would also be county fairs called Whitsun Ales (sometimes sponsored by Beer companies) since the Restoration of the Monarchy. The the word pentecost is from the Greek pentekoste. The Feast of Pentecost originated with the Jewish faith and was called the Feast of Weeks (Shavuot), (or Feast of the Harvest, or Feast of the First Fruits), as it occurred exactly seven weeks after Passover. It was a time when Israel commemorated the Ten Commandments and it was called for in the OT. Today our Pentecost is 50 days after Easter - The seventh Sunday. This was one of the major feasts of the early church, and one of the traditional times Christians were expected to commune..( along with Christmas and Easter). Note too that we have the Ember days Wed Thur and Fri, and so I bid your prayers for all our seminarians, and those called to the ministry.

Alleluia. The Spirit of the Lord filleth the world * O Come Let us adore him. Alleluia Pentecost Monday in Whitsun Week
Tuesday in Whitsun Week
Ember Days Wednesday
Ember Days Thursday
Ember Days Friday Ferdinand of Portugal, Knight, Crusader, Prince - Saturday [transferred]   News: new link Red Rampant - the Roman Army Illustrated will be added to links.

BIDDING
Centurions in harms way Peace in the Mideast 

Roman Link Page

appears this has a very comprehensive listing of links on Rome, some early Christianity. I've not attempted to navigate to them, but the table of contents seems impressive.

 

http://www.teacheroz.com/romans.htm

 

Mark

US Memorial Day Prayers

Today, the Sunday after Ascension, a centurion requested a prayer for US Memorial Day. In unison, we said prayers similar to these: first for those departed, the second for those in harms way.

 

For those who died in war:

 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen

 

For those who serve in harms way.

 

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 Amen

 

--
"Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another" [St. Paul's Epistle to the Romans 14:19]

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
www.OrderofCenturions.org

Sunday After Ascension Day

 

O GOD, the King of glory, who hast exalted thine only Son Jesus Christ with great triumph unto thy kingdom in heaven; We beseech thee, leave us not comfortless; but send to us thine Holy Ghost to comfort us, and exalt us unto the same place whither our Saviour Christ is gone before, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Source: Archbishop Cranmer [1549 AD]. The collect is based on the anthem that was sung on Ascension Day at Vespers "O King of Glory, Lord of Hosts, who today didst ascend in triumph far above all heavens, who did not leave us orpahns..." and John xiv "I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you " [Barbee and Zahl]

Isaiah lxv. 17, 1 St. Peter iv. 7  St. John xv. 26

Homilies


be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer

Announcements for the week beginning
Sunday after Ascension Day 28 May 06

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts

Sundays are feast days our our Lord throughout the year
Major Feasts and Fasts in bold.

We are now in the short season of Ascensiontide, the 10 days beginning on Ascension Thursday till the eve of Pentecost, when Jesus had ascended into heaven and the Apostles awaited the promised Paraclete. -- Come Holy Ghost and comfort us

Joan of Arc, Martyr - May 30th

Ascension and Reflection from Tatomir

Ascension Day
Forty Days after the Resurrection
John Chrysostom on Acts 1

GRANT, we beseech thee, Almighty God, that like as we do believe thy only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to have ascended into the heavens; so we may also in heart and mind thither ascend, and with him continually dwell, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Daniel 7:9, Psalm 96, Acts i.1    St. Luke xxiv. 49.

Homilies


Ye shall receive power

  

 For this feast day, I forward a reflection and blessing I received today from Centurion Tatomir of Romania for the Order upon the occasion of his anniversary in the Order of Centurions

 

 

THE ORDER OF CENTURIONS

The Peace of Christ, the head of Legio Christi may descend over all the Centurions. In this moment of membership anniversary our thoughts are directed toward the duties and responsibilities we hold as Centurions.

To be and rest One in Faith. Unum in fidem. Unum in Dominus Nostrum, Jesus.

To be walls of resistance against the moral falling touching our communities.

To drink from the river of evangelic purity and stand against the darkness which covers many eyes and souls. To bring Light and to serve with our means the purpose of existence:

Praise the Lord and the Name of the Lord, serve Christ through charity and courage.

Christ is forgiveness, strength and wisdom.

The blessings may come over all the Centurions, over Superiors-Primus Pilus, Praefectus Castrorum, Aquilifer, Labarum Guardum, Cohorts, etc.

Pax in cælo, pax in terra, pax in omni populo pax sacerdotibus ecclesiarum Dei! Pax Christi et Ecclesiæ maneat semper vobiscum!

                                                   V

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM

 

Rogation Tuesday Reflection

 

On Rogation Monday as I read over the short homily that I provided for Rogation Days, I could not help but to reflect on its relevance to the Order's Rule... that of Pray "without ceasing". If you've read it already, you may like to just see where I've highlighted the passages that I thought most pertinent. Let us now hear John "Golden Mouth" speak to the Order on Praying as we think of the order's Rule

 

"There is nothing more worthwhile than to pray to God and to converse with him, for prayer unites us with God as his companions. As our bodily eyes are illuminated by seeing the light, so in contemplating God our soul is illuminated by him. Of course the prayer I have in mind is no matter of routine, it is deliberate and earnest . It is not tied down to a fixed timetable; rather it is a state which endures by night and day.

Our soul should be directed in God, not merely when we suddenly think of prayer, but even when we are concerned with something else. If we are looking after the poor, if we are busy in some other way, or if we are doing any type of good work, we should season our actions with the desire and the remembrance of God. Through this salt of the love of God we can all become a sweet dish for the Lord. If we are generous in giving time to prayer, we will experience its benefits throughout our life.

Prayer is the light of the soul, giving us true knowledge of God. It is a link mediating between God and man. By prayer the soul is borne up to heaven and in a marvellous way embraces the Lord. This meeting is like that of an infant crying on its mother, and seeking the best of milk. The soul longs for its own needs and what it receives is better than anything to be seen in the world.

Prayer is a precious way of communicating with God, it gladdens the soul and gives repose to its affections. You should not think of prayer as being a matter of words . It is a desire for God, an indescribable devotion, not of human origin, but the gift of God's grace . As Saint Paul says: we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with sighs too deep for words.

Anyone who receives from the Lord the gift of this type of prayer possesses a richness that is not to be taken from him, a heavenly food filling up the soul. Once he has tasted this food, he is set alight by an eternal desire for the Lord, the fiercest of fires lighting up his soul.

To set about this prayer, paint the house of your soul with modesty and lowliness and make it splendid with the light of justice. Adorn it with the beaten gold of good works and, for walls and stones, embellish it assiduously with faith and generosity. Above all, place prayer on top of this house as its roof so that the complete building may be ready for the Lord. Thus he will be received in a splendid royal house and by grace his image will already be settled in your soul.

Amen

************** and AMEN ***********

Let us praise God for this Gift of Prayer.... I heard it put nicely by another once... it was said that constant prayer is likened to one who sits at the foot of Christ day and night, ever conscious of his presence, his observation, ever ready to serve the Master.  pax Christi, Mark

Rogation Days

 ALMIGHTY God, Lord of heaven and earth; We beseech thee to pour forth thy blessing upon this land, and to give us a fruitful season; that we, constantly receiving thy bounty, may evermore give thanks unto thee in thy holy Church; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

 Table of Lessons for Morning and Evening Prayer Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

At Holy Commuion
Ezekiel xxxiv. 25   &   St. Luke xi. 5
Homilies

 and the earth shall yield her increase, and they shall be safe in their land, and shall know that I am the LORD,

---

"Rogation" comes from the Latin rogare, "to ask" (petition earnestly). Rogation Sunday has for the Gospel the verse: "Ask and ye shall receive". Ancient Rogation days are observed on the three days before Ascension Day. The Rogation days began in 470 under Bishop Mamertus of Vienne in response to a series of natural calamities. Later the prayers were for bountiful crops and the good work of farmers. On these days the priest might bless crops. Nowadays prayers may be for other occupations with a recommitment to their labors Rogation days may be used anytime where there is a specific need for earnest prayer -- as that was its original use in 470. A modern custom has been to focus prayers and actions toward charity to help feed poor folk.

SECOND HARVEST | WORLD VISION | FEED THE CHILDREN

 

Rogation Sunday

The Fifth Sunday after Easter
Rogation Sunday

O LORD, from whom all good things do come; Grant to us thy humble servants, that by thy holy inspiration we may think those things that are good, and by thy merciful guiding may perform the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Source: Sacrementary of Gelasius [ca 464 AD]. The collect refers to James 1:17 which is appointed for the 4th Sunday after Easter. Known as Rogation Sunday for the Latin "Rogare" means to ask, (earnestly petition), and the Gospel says, "ask, and ye shall receive." The three days following this Sunday are Rogation Days with prayer and fasting good crops and industry. This Sunday in latter times was also when folk in England would go out in procession around the parish boundaries and pray for protection.

Isaiah i. 10, Psalm 51, St. James i. 22, St. John xvi. 23

Homily

Announcements for the week beginning
Rogation Sunday 21 May 06

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts

Sundays are feast days our our Lord throughout the year
Major Feasts and Fasts in bold.

Rogaton Days
Mon Tue Wed

Constantine, Emperor - May 22nd

Ascension (Thursday - 40 days after Easter)

Julius, Soldier, Martyr - May 27th

News:
New gereral homily posted to Eucharist and Baptism: Gives a very good picture of the baptismal rite, that basically agrees with that of Hippolytus that we have on our page:
Homily of Ambrose on the nature of the Baptism, Confirmation, and Eucharist

BIDDINGS
Thanksgivings for all the young who are graduating this season
Centurions in harms way
Peace in the Mideast

US Armed Services Day

US Armed Forces Day

As the US recognizes its service members on the 20th of May, we salute those on the rolls of their country's Armed Forces and Militias: Active, Reserve, and Retired. In particular let us remember those in harms way: and other friends of the Order who are in combat zones or are preparing for deployment.

I BID YOUR PRAYERS FOR ALL IN  SERVICE

O Almighty Lord God, who neither slumberest nor sleepest; Protect and assist, we beseech thee, all those who at home or abroad, by land, by sea, or in the air, are serving their country, that they, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore in all perils; and being filled with wisdom and girded with strength, may do their duty to thy honour and glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

--
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

The Fourth Sunday after Easter

 

The Fourth Sunday after Easter

ALMIGHTY God, which dost make the minds of all faithful men to be of one will; Grant unto thy people, that they may love the thing which thou commandest, and desire that which thou dost promise; that so, among the sundry and manifold changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed, where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source of Collect: Sacrementary of Gelasius [ca 494 AD]. This is the 1552 BCP rendering. The collect was later changed in 1662 so that the attribute read, "who alone canst order the unruly wills and affections of sinful men" , in response to the years before when the Church of England, Bishops, and Prayer Book had been suppressed under Cromwell.

Ezekiel xxxix. 21, Psalm 147, St. James i. 17. St. John xvi. 5.
Homilies featuring Chrysostom on John

Fix your heart on Jesus

Announcements for the week beginning
Fouth Sunday in Easter 14 May 06

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts
Acacius - May 20th

 

The Third Sunday after Easter

The Third Sunday after Easter

ALMIGHTY God, who showest to them that are in error the light of thy truth, to the intent that they may return into the way of righteousness; Grant unto all those who are admitted into the fellowship of Christ's Religion, that they may avoid those things that are contrary to their profession, and follow all such things as are agreeable to the same; through our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Source of Collect: Sacramentary of Leo, Bishop of Rome [440-461AD]. The Vigil of Easter was the traditional time for Baptism, and this collect speaks to the newly baptized "all those who are admitted into the fellowship". One had to be baptized to be present during the Eucharist. Christiana professione censentor

1 Samuel ii. 1b, Psalm 113, 1 St. Peter ii. 11. St. John xvi. 16.

Homily of John Chrysostom on the Gospel

A little while, and ye shall not see me: and again, a little while, and ye shall see me, because I go to the Father.
--
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

LUIGI LORENZI [4 May] and the Soldiers of Nassiriya

Today, I wanted to share with the Order a Italian Christian Soldier martyr who died for Christ during WWII in on 4 May 1945; submitted by Diego of Italy. First however, Diego bids your prayers for these Christian Italian soldiers who were killed by terrorists in Nassiriya, Iraq recently, and were buried in Italy this week.

 

Carlo De Trizio * Franco Lattanzio * Nicola Ciardelli

 

ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen

    _________________________________________________________________________

LUIGI LORENZI
[4 May 1945]

National Guard Officer of Italy, Martyr
in Italian, Spanish, & English

Prayer:

Signore nostro Gesù Cristo, che hai detto: «Chi vuole essere mio discepolo, prenda la sua croce e mi segua», noi Ti ringraziamo per il privilegio accordato al giovane Luigi Lorenzi di essere crocifisso per testimoniare la sua eroica risposta al Tuo invito. Ora Ti preghiamo perché, sul suo esempio, siamo anche noi sempre generosi nella fedeltà alla Tua parola, e, per sua intercessione, possiamo ottenere la grazia che più ci sta a cuore. Amen.

LUIGI LORENZI

, nato a Bergamo il 14 ottobre 1925, sottotenente della Guardia Nazionale della Repubblica Sociale Italiana, fu ucciso barbaramente il 4 maggio 1945 nell'eccidio avvenuto nei pressi della Cartiera Burgo, in località Mignagola di Carbonera, nella provincia di Treviso. Testimoni oculari affermano che fu inchiodato su una specie di croce e riferiscono che, a coloro che gli additavano il supplizio al quale stava per essere sottoposto, abbia risposto: «La croce che Gesù Cristo ha portato non può far paura ad un cristiano». Così rispose ai carnefici che gli chiedevano di abiurare la sua fede. Chiaro esempio d'eroismo umano e cristiano. Con il suo sacrificio entra con merito nella gloriosa schiera dei Martiri.

LUIGI LORENZI

, natos a Bérgamo (Italia) en el 14 de octubre 1925 segundo de teniente de la Guardia Nacional Republicana (G.N.R.) de la República Social Italiana (R.S.I.), fue matado en el 4 de mayo de 1945 en la matanza bárbara en presionadas del Cartiera Burgo, en el lugar Mignagola di Carbonera, la provincia de Treviso. Los testigos oculares afirman que la clavaron en una especie cruzada y divulgan que, a las que precisaron la tortura a ella a cuál ella era para ser subordinado, ella ha contestado: «La cruz que Jesús Cristo ha llevado no puede hacer miedo a un cristiano». Por lo tanto contestó a los verdugos que la pidieron para abjurar su fe. Claramente ejemplo del ser humano y del cristiano heroísmo. Con su sacrificio entra con mérito en la formación gloriosa de los martirios.

LUIGI LORENZI

, been born at Bergamo (Italy) in the 14 October 1925, second lieutenant of the National Guard (G.N.R.) of the Italian Social Republic (R.S.I.), was killed in the 4 May 1945 in the barbaric killing in the oppressed ones of the Cartiera Burgo, in the locality of Mignagola di Carbonera, the province of Treviso. Eyewitnesses assert that he was nailed on a cross in a type of crucifixion and report that, to those who they pointed out the torture to it to which she was in order to be subordinate, he has answered: «The cross that Jesus Christ has carried cannot make fear to a Christian». Therefore it answered to the executioners who asked it to abjure its faith. Clearly example of human and Christian "eroismo". With its sacrifice it enters with merit in the glorious formation of the Martyrdoms.

Order of Centurions: A gift of centurio Diego of Italy - Trinitytide 2005

 

 

--
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

 

Apostles Philip and James [May 1]

 

Saint Phillip and Saint James - Apostles
[May 1]

O ALMIGHTY God, whom truly to know is everlasting life; Grant us perfectly to know thy Son Jesus Christ to be the way, the truth, and the life; that, following the steps of thy holy Apostles, Saint Philip and Saint James, we may stedfastly walk in the way that leadeth to eternal life; through the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

The origins of the feast of these Apostles goes back to Rome, where an ancient inscription of the Basillica of the Twelve Apostles says it was at one time dedicated to Philip and James. By tradition Philip's relics were there

St. James i. 1   &   St. John xiv. 1
Homilies

--
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

The Second Sunday after Easter

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.

Source of Collect: Archbishop Cranmer [1549], The Collect calls forth the idea of a lamb in saying that Jesus became a sacrifice for us; and complements the image in the Gospel by following the steps of the Good Shepherd. In those days sheep were not driven; they followed [Barbee and Zahl}

Isaih xl. 1, Psalm 23, 1 St. Peter ii. 19. St. John x. 11.

Homily of Chrysostom

I am the good shepherd:
the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep

---

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts

Philip and James, Apostles May 1st

Luigi Lorenzi, Lieutenant, Martyr, Italy - May 4th

Angelia Maria Tam - May 6th

 

--
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

St. Mark 25 April

 

Saint Mark the Evangelist
[25 April]

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast instructed thy holy Church with the heavenly doctrine of thy Evangelist Saint Mark; Give us grace that, being not like children carried away with every blast of vain doctrine, we may be established in the truth of thy holy Gospel; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Ephesians iv. 7. St. John xv. 1.
Homily - Chrysostom Tractacts on the Gospel

Abide in Me

--
IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

SERVICE MARK POLICY

Legion Order 04-06 23 April 2006

Updated Symbols Policy - Individuals and Cohorts:

For All Centurions and Cohorts:

1. I have updated the Legion policy on the use of symbols of the Order. See rationale as well as old policy below and cohort policy. Please contact primus.pilus@gmail.com if you have any questions. This epistle is also posted on www.centurions.blogspot.com and the policy may be viewed on the Symbols page http://orderofcenturions.org/symbol.html#servicemark

SERVICE MARK POLICY

The symbols originated by the Order are protected by copyright law and are service marks of the Order of Centurions. They may be used by members on personal items and correspondence for their own personal use. They may be used by chartered Cohorts for the exclusive use of their membership. They may not be used on items sold for excess above cost except to members and persons associated with the Order. (and note, the excess funds are to be applied to non-profit activities in accordance with IRS rules, as the Order is a Non Profit Religious Organization). Whenever used, they should be displayed with the motto and may use the words "Centurion", "Optio", "Legionary", "Axuillia", "Order of Centurions", or similar words used by the Order.

2. Rationale:

The Policy was changed to make it plural to cover all graphics generated by the Order which are used to identify the Order or its members, and to clarify the policy for profits on sales, being excess funds for non-profit activities in accordance with IRS rules. And note, the policy does not allow for display of symbols on websites regardless of how employed on the site.

3. Cohort Symbol Policy effective immediately:

Chartered Cohorts may, with specific written approval of the Order, display Order of Centurions symbols and service marks on their cohort's website. This is a privilege and not a right and is subject to revocation at any time by fiat ("at will") by the Primus Pilus. The Cohort site must clearly be identified as an element of the Order of Centurions. The websites, must at all times reflect the values, purposes, and beliefs of the Order as reflected on our site www.OrderofCentruions.org - to wit: orthodox Christianity.

4. Previous Policy from 2003 till 4/23/06

The Standard (symbol) is protected by copyright law and is a service mark of the Order of Centurions. It may be used by members on personal items and correspondence for their own personal use. It may be used by chartered Cohorts for the exclusive use of its membership. It may not be used on items sold for profit except to members and persons associated with the order. Whenever used, it should be displayed with the motto and may use the words "Centurion", "Optio", "Legionary", "Axuillia", "Order of Centurions", or similar words used by the Order.

this previous policy was carried at the bottom of the Symbol's page since 2003.

Official

/ msc/

Mark S. Carroll
Primus Pilus
Legio Chisti
Order of Centurions
First Sunday after Easter, MMVI

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
www.OrderofCenturions.org

The First Sunday after Easter

 

ALMIGHTY Father, who hast given thine only Son to die for our sins, and to rise again for our justification; Grant us so to put away the leaven of malice and wickedness, that we may always serve thee in pureness of living and truth; through the merits of the same thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Source of Collect: Archbishop Cranmer [1549 AD]. This was originally used for the second communion, if any, on Easter. Lost in the 1552 revision, and restored in 1662. From 1 Cor v. 8 "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." [Barbee and Zahl]

1 St. John v. 4. -- John xx19

Homily

Peace be unto you: as my Father hath sent me,  even so send I you.

 

Queen Elizabeth's 80th Birthday - Defender of the Faith

I bid your prayers for Queen Elizabeth on her 80th Birthday - 21 April 2006. Here is a letter that I emailed tonight to the Queen which includes a prayer from her coronation that is timely. I encourage you to send personal greetings to this most repected Christian Regent, you may do so from this site

http://www.royal.gov.uk/output/page4821.asp

 

Order of Centurions
Legion HQ, USA

20 April 2006

The Queen
Buckingham Palace
London SW1A 1AA

Dear Madam,

Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The Order of Centurions, a Christian fellowship, salutes you on the occasion of your 80th birthday. The Order is dedicated to Christian soldiers in every age, and we remember your service in World War II in the Auxiliary Territorial Service, and your continuing service as a Christian Regent and the Defender of the Faith.

I have bid the prayers of the Order on this occasion citing a prayer from your coronation:

O God,
who providest for thy people by thy power,
and rulest over them in love:
Grant unto this thy servant ELIZABETH, our Queen,
the Spirit of wisdom and government,
that being devoted unto thee with her whole heart,
she may so wisely govern,
that in her time thy Church may be in safety,
and Christian devotion may continue in peace;
that so persevering in good works unto the end,
she may by thy mercy come to thine everlasting kingdom;
through Jesus Christ, thy Son, our Lord,
who liveth and reigneth with thee
in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God for ever and ever. Amen.

GOD SAVE QUEEN ELIZABETH.

Very Respectfully,

Mark S. Carroll
Primus Pilus
Lt. Col., (Ret.) U.S. Army
www.OrderofCenturions.org
mail@orderofcenturions.org

************************

The entire coronation service from 1953 is here

http://www.oremus.org/liturgy/coronation/cor1953b.html

msc

 

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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

Tuesday in Easter Week

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.
Homilies

by Jesus all that believe are justified

Monday in Easter Week

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.

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.

that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins

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

Homilies

Easter Day

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.

Source of Collect: Sacramentary of Gelasius [ca 494 AD]. This was changed to reflect the churches fight against the teachings of Pelagain, and English monk who traveled and taught that people could do good withouth God's help.

Isaiah xxv. 1-9, Psalm 93, Colossians iii. 1. St. John xx. 1.
Homily

  Announcements for the week beginning EASTER 16 April 06 

Please hold all centurions in your prayers this week. You may like to use this Centurion's Daily Litany

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts

Sundays are feast days our our Lord throughout the year
Major Feasts and Fasts in bold.
WE ARE IN EASTERTIDE, THERE BEING NO FASTING TILL ROGATION DAYS BEFORE WHITSUNDAY, THE ANCIENT CHURCH DID NOT KNEEL IN THIS SEASON ON ANY DAY

Easter Monday
Easter Tuesday
History of Easter

We have added a confession form based on Daniel chapter 9 to the Devotion and to the Order's Prayer page.

BIDDINGS
A centurion in Wisconsin
Centurions traveling
Centurions in harms way
Peace in the Mideast

Easter Even

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,  , Peter iii. 17,   Matthew xxvii. 57.
Homilies

Ye have a watch: go your way, make it as sure as ye can

Good Friday

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.

First Collect Source: For Morning Prayer: Sarum Liturgy for Wednesday in Holy Week as a post-communion collect. Related to Mark xiv.10 and the betrayal
Second Collect: Sarum.
Third Collect: Reformational. Changed to present state in 1662. Former one asked for mercy on Jews, Turks, Infidels, and heretics, where it now says "who know thee not as thou..."

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

What is truth?

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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
               www.OrderofCenturions.org

Maundy Thursday

Thursday before Easter, commonly called

Maundy 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

Homilies

"If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me"

 

 

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.
Homilies

I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer

 

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.
Homilies

they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns,
and put it about his head, and began to salute him, Hail, King of the Jews

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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
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The Monday before Easter

 

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.

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.

She hath done what she could:
she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying

Isaiah lxiii. 1. St. Mark xiv.
Homilies

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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
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Palm Sunday

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.

Source: Sacramentary of Galesius, Bishop of Rome [494 AD]. "Palms" were carried by people on this Sunday in rememberance of Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem.

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

when he was accused of the chief priests and elders,
he answered nothing

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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
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Passion Sunday

The Fifth Sunday in Lent, commonly called

Passion Sunday

John Chrysostom on the Gospel of John viii 48ff

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.

Source: Sacramentary of Gregory, Bishop of Rome [600 AD]. The people here was familiain Latin. "Passion" had its roots in Mideival times

Deut xviii. 15, Psalm lxxi., Hebrews ix. 11, St. John viii. 46.
Homily of Chrysostom on the Gospel

"Jesus saith unto them, Before Abraham was, I Am.
Then took they up stones to cast at Him."

 

Announcements for the week beginning 26 March 06

Please hold all centurions in your prayers this week. You may like to use this Centurion's Daily Litany

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts

Sundays are feast days our our Lord throughout the year
Wednesdays and Fridays were days of fasting or absitnance and special devotion in the early church
. Major Feasts and Fasts in bold.
WE ARE NOW IN THE LENTEN SEASON IN THE WESTERN CHURCH. ALL DAYS BETWEEN ASH WEDNESDAY AND EASTER, EXCEPT SUNDAYS, ARE DAYS OF FASTING or ABSITNANCE AND SPECIAL DEVOTION BY TRADITION.

No Commemorations or Feasts:
This Sunday is knows as PASSION SUNDAY, whose roots are medieval, in the traditional schedule and is so called on the Order's Homily page today. Passion Sunday is a term used to denote the fifth Sunday of Lent in the Christian liturgical calendar... It was also known as Judica Sunday, after that day's Introit: "Judica me, Deus" ("Judge me, O Lord") from Psalm 42 (43), and was called Black Sunday in Germany. This alternate name originates from the fact that after Passion Sunday, the Judica Psalm was not said again until Easter; the German title comes from the old practice of veiling the crosses and statues in the church on that day.... When the term Passion Sunday was applied to the fifth Sunday of Lent, it marked the start of a two-week sub-season often referred to as Passiontide whose ligurgical color was crimson

BIDDINGS
Centurions in harms way
Peace in the Mideast

 

The Lectionary - Why?

Centurions

Each Sunday and Holy Day the Order sends out prayers and readings to the mail list and posts them on this forum. This is the traditional Western lectionary. You might wonder how these prayers and readings were selected. Well, the prayers come from the 6th Century (or before) and were recorded by three bishops of Rome concluding with Gregory the Great. The prayers and appointed readings were published in English in 1549. Consider this on the readings.

There is one more important way in which Scripture is authoritative for the people of God in worship and this is rarely spoken of, or explained these days. ... the Eucharistic Lectionary, those portions of holy Scripture appointed for the Epistle and Gospel through the Christian Year. These are not random choices of biblical passages but were put together around the fifth century or earlier to communicate essential doctrines of the Christian Faith concerning our Lord Jesus Christ and salvation and sanctification in his Name. There is a natural division at Trinity Sunday. From Advent to Trinity Sunday there is a great emphasis on Dominical Holydays, and thus of the manifestation of the Lord Jesus in space and time, who he is and what he is, which are the foundation of Faith. After Trinity Sunday we enter the non-festal part of the Christian year where the emphasis is on what Jesus and his apostles teach us about the Christian life.
[Peter Toon, Doctrine as Doxology, 2006]

Another source with lots of extras, like homilies, is http://www.lectionarycentral.com/

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
www.OrderofCenturions.org

Siege of Jerusalem

 

http://historynet.com/mhq/blromansiege/index.html

 

I commend this article by Professor J.E. Lendon on the Roman siege of Jerusalem. Drawing heavily on Josephus, who was an eye witness, he make some very good points about the use of Auxillia for combat because of their Virtue of Courage, and the Legionaries because of their discipline and engineering skills. He also speak of the constant training of all Roman soldiers. This is a lengthy article, but one I  endorse to all those who seek to understand the legions of the 1st Century.

 

 

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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
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The Fourth Sunday in Lent

 

The Fourth Sunday in Lent
Homily of Chrysostom on Galatians
Named Mothering Sunday for this Epistle

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.

Galatians iv. 21. & St. John vi. 1.
Homily of Chrysostom on Galatians

But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
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The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

 

The Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary

[March 25]
Annuciation Home

WE beseech thee, O Lord, pour thy grace into our hearts; that, as we have known the incarnation of thy Son Jesus Christ by the message of an angel, so by his cross and passion we may be brought unto the glory of his resurrection; through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

From Evening Prayer
Psalm 138, 1 Sam 2:1-10, Matthew 1:18-25
Homily of John Chrysostom on Matthew

Behold, a Virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a Son,
and they shall call His name Emmanuel

Thomas Cranmer Martyr, Soldier, Archbishop 21 Mar 450th Anniversary

Thomas Cranmer
Martyr - Theologian - Archbishop - Soldier
[21 March 1556]
Architect of the Anglican Faith

Almighty God, whose servant Thomas Cranmer was martyred for his faith and service to the Church of England as theologian, soldier, and archbishop; Embolden us that we might serve thee with all our heart, mind, and soul; and grant that upon that last day, we might join with Thomas and all the saints before thy heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen

Thomas Cranmer served as the first Archbishop of the Church of England under Henry VIII and Henry's son, Edward VI. He authored the Book of Common Prayer of 1549 and 1552. He was instrumental in establishing the Church of England as a Reformed Protestant Catholic Church under Edward VI. He authored or edited the first official set of homilies for the Church of England and the Articles of Religion. He is the architect of the Anglican faith.

Although not a professional soldier, Lord Cranmer did command a cavalry unit in the King's service arising from dominions he held by virtue of his office. He, fully armed, led that troop as it deployed and provided a defense and screen against an amphibious invasion force from France.

Cranmer was martyred at the stake on 21 March 1552 under Queen Mary for his faith. He had yeilded to the inquisition and confessed error in his theology, but recanted on the day he was to make his public confession before his execution for "treason". His friends, bishops Hugh Latimer and Nicholas Ridley, preceded him at the stake on 16 October 1555.

"I have sinned, in that I signed with my hand what I did not believe with my heart. When the flames are lit, this hand shall be the first to burn".

Short Biography * Homily on The Fear of Death I

Order of Centurions 21 March 2006 - 450th Anniversary of the Martyrdom of Thomas Cranmer

The Third Sunday in Lent

 

The 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.

Source: Saramentary of Gregory, Bishop of Rome [600 AD] In the Gospel today Jesus heals a man possesed, stretching forth his had

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

Homiles

Blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.

 

Announcements for the week beginning 19 March 06

 

Please hold all centurions in your prayers this week. You may like to use this Centurion's Daily Litany

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts

Sundays are feast days our our Lord throughout the year
Wednesdays and Fridays were days of fasting and special devotion in the early church
. Major Feasts and Fasts in bold.
WE ARE NOW IN THE LENTEN SEASON IN THE WESTERN CHURCH. ALL DAYS BETWEEN ASH WEDNESDAY AND EASTER, EXCEPT SUNDAYS, ARE DAYS OF FASTING AND SPECIAL DEVOTION BY TRADITION.

Nicholas von der Flue, Soldier and Hermit -- March 22nd

Annunciation -- 25 March

There will be an institution and dedication of Cohort "Annunciation" in New Jersey upon the Feast of the Annunciation - 25 March.


BIDDINGS
Centurion gone to sea in the North Pacific
Thanksgiving for Corhos Dues Inservio - Idaho
Centurions in harms way
Peace in the Mideast

Marinus, Legionary

Marinus, Legionary
[March 17 - 3rd Century]

Almighty God, whose servant Legionary Mariunus didst refuse to offer sacrifices to idols, strenghten us to follow his example by refusing the idols of our age, and by following thee with true faith, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end.

By tradition, Marinus was a Legionary and son to a noble family of Caeserea who refused to sacrifice to idols and desecrated the offerings of others by stepping on them. He was denounced by a rival, arrested, tortured and beheaded in Rome.

Asterius, a Roman senator witnessed Marinus' martyrdom, and was so moved with respect for the courage of Marinus in his tortures, that he carried the body away for burial. It is said that he was killed for this act.

Cohort Deus Inservio - Ides of March

 

I bid your special prayers upon the inception and dedication of Cohors Deus Inservio on this Ides of March, MMVI - (the Feast Day of Longinus, Centurion of Calvary, Martyr and Servant of God).

 

 Please visit the cohorts website at http://mysite.verizon.net/resrdpty/

 

 

 

Longinus - Centurion of Calvary [15 March]

Longinus, Centurion,
[March 15 - 1st Century]

Truly this man was the Son of God

Almighty God, our sovereign Lord, who inspired the Centurion at Calvary to glorify Jesus; strengthen us in our faith that we might follow his example to glorify you as faithful members of the Church Militant, through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

By tradition, the soldier who pierced the side of Jesus on Calvary was a centurion. He is called "Longinus" in the Gospel of Nicodemus / Atcts of Pilate ( probably derived from the Greek 'longche', meaning "lance".)

He is one of the three Centurions of the New Testament we salute, and he confessed Jesus as the Son of God - a Righteous Man. Tradition says later he was a deacon of the church, preached the Gospel, and was martyred.

John 19:32 The soldiers therefore came, and brake the legs of the first, and of the other that was crucified with him: but when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs: howbeit one of the soldiers with a spear pierced his side, and straightway there came out blood and water. And he that hath seen hath borne witness, and his witness is true: and he knoweth that he saith true, that ye also may believe. For these things came to pass, that the scripture might be fulfilled, A bone of him shall not be broken. And again another scripture saith, They shall look on him whom they pierced.

Mark 15:39 And when the centurion, who stood by over against him, saw that he so gave up the ghost, he said, Truly this man was the Son of God....And Pilate marvelled if he were already dead: and calling unto him the centurion, he asked him whether he had been any while dead. And when he learned it of the centurion, he granted the corpse to Joseph.

Luke 23:47 And when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man

The Centurion is sometimes known as Gaius Cassius Longinus. There was such a person, a Roman General, who plotted against Julius Caesar who was assassinated on the Ides of March - the Feast Day of the Centurion of Calvary

Medeival Golden Legend of Longinus
_________

The Second Sunday in Lent

 

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.

Source: Sacrementary of Gregory - Bishop of Rome. [600 AD] The petition is not only for assualts from without, but also from within.

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

Homilies

 

Sempronius & 40 Martyrs [10 Mar - 320AD]

Centurio Sempronius & the Martyrs of Sabaste

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.

Almighty God, Commander of the Host, who strengthened the Martyrs of Sabaste to keep the faith, and inspired the Centurion Sempronius to join the Christians in their trial of faith; strengthen us to resist evil and the false gods of our day, while ever proclaiming your sovereignty; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Sprit, one God, for ever and ever, Amen.

OrderofCenturions.org
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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
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Ember Days

 

Ember Days
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the Four Seasons

O ALMIGHTY God, who hast committed to the hands of men the ministry of reconciliation; We humbly beseech thee, by the inspiration of thy Holy Spirit, to put it into the hearts of many to offer themselves for this ministry; that thereby mankind may be drawn to thy blessed kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

In Advent, Lent, and Whitsuntide this collect is followed with the seasonal collect

Isaiah lxi. 1, Acts xiii. 44   &   St. Luke iv. 16
Daily Readings for the Four Seasons
History & Meaning
Litany & Hymns
Homilies

The Spirit of the Lord is upon me


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IN HOC SIGNO VINCES - TIME DEUM ET OPERARE IUSTITIAM
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The First Sunday in Lent

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

Source: Bishop Thomas Cranmer [1549 AD]. Addressed to Christ. Is aligned with the Gospel from Matthew. Replaced a Mideival collect that focused on fasting rather than repentance

Isaiah 58   Psalm 50   2 Corinthians vi. 1   &   St. Matthew iv. 1

Homiles

Announcements for the week beginning 5 March 06

Please hold all centurions in your prayers this week. You may like to use this Centurion's Daily Litany

Feasts, Memorials, and Fasts

Sundays are feast days our our Lord throughout the year
Wednesdays and Fridays were days of fasting and special devotion in the early church
. Major Feasts and Fasts in bold.
WE ARE NOW IN THE LENTEN SEASON IN THE WESTERN CHURCH. ALL DAYS BETWEEN ASH WEDNESDAY AND EASTER, EXCEPT SUNDAYS, ARE DAYS OF FASTING AND SPECIAL DEVOTION BY TRADITION.

Sempronius, Centurion, & the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste - March 10th

BIDDINGS
for a Domanina of the Order - for healing
Centurions in harms way
Peace in the Mideast

 

Queen Katherine Parr's Prayer

The following is a lovely prayer composed by Queen Katherine Parr of England in 1544, probably with some editorial assistance from Archbishop Thomas Carnmer.

She wrote it for her husband, Henry VIII, and his men on the field of battle.

Link here goes into quite a good analysis.
http://www.compusmart.ab.ca/fhenders/pdf/kparrprayer.pdf

I hope to place this permanently on our Order's prayer page.

Praier for men to saie enteryng into battayle

O Almighty Kyng and lorde of hostes,
which by thy angelles therunto apoynted
doost mynister both warre and peace,
and whiche diddest geue unto Dauid
bothe courage and strength,
beying but a littell one,
unarmed, and unexpert in feates of warre
with his sling to sette upon and ouerthrowe
the great huge Goliath:
our cause now being iust,
and beying inforced to entre into warre and battaile,
we most humbly beseech the
(O Lorde God of hostes)
so to tourne the hertes of our enemies
to the desyre of peace,
that no christen bloud be spilt,
or else graunt (O Lorde)
that with small effusion of bloud,
and to the litle hurte and damoge of innocentes,
we maie to thy glorie obteine victorie:
and that the warres beyng sone ended,
we maie al with one hert and mynde,
all knitte togither in concord and unitie,
laude and praise the:
which lyuest and reignest, worlde without ende.
Amen.