The Lenten season in the Orthodox Church is a time of purification of body and soul in preparation for the feast of the Ressurection of Christ. Lent is a time for Orthodox Christians to reflect on their living habits and on their spirituality and to remember the dead. These flowers were placed in the vestibule of the Dormition of the Theotokos Orthodox Church on Saturday, March 7th, The Saturday of Souls. The Saturday of Souls is set aside for prayers and hymns to commemorate people who died within the liturgical year. The icon above, known as The Akathist, depicts Theotokos, or the Mother of God, and Christ. Akathistos translated means "not sitting" and participants stand while the hymn is being prayed. In the top right corner of the photo, you can see a woman standing during the service.
The church is located at 800 Westridge Road on the corner of Westridge and Friendly Avenue.
Lovely how you combined the icon and the woman standing for prayer. And tomorrow will we enter even more doors, to see the iconostasis perhaps. . . ?
Posted by: Dina | Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 09:53 AM
What a lovely photo, nice warm colors.
Posted by: Mary Stebbins Taitt | Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Wonderful vibrant colours!
Posted by: Emma and Tom | Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Yes, I agree with the other commentators. Interesting to learn about Orthodox rites as well.
Posted by: cieldequimper | Sunday, March 15, 2009 at 02:42 PM
I really like how you caught the woman in the background, it brings the picture to life!
Posted by: Jackie | Monday, March 16, 2009 at 05:09 PM
Great topic and neat photo. I really hope you will take us further inside... on Orthodox Easter, perhaps?
Posted by: Nikki | Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 03:08 PM