Lenten Reading: Friday after Ash Wednesday
First Fruits, The Canon of St. Andrew, Chapter 1 (2-5)

Last evening's meeting was exceptionally helpful for our prayerful entrance into Lent, and all of us--such a large group!--appreciated seeing so many of our friends again. Thank you so much, Stephen, for leading us in Evening Prayer.

Inasmuch as we've all begun to read Frederica Matthewes-Green's First Fruits of Prayer, we can also begin to share our reflections and thoughts as we move from chapter to chapter.

The commentary pages to Chapter 1 introduce us to at least three new words: canon, troparion, and irmos. While they are briefly defined in the Introduction, here are definitions of these three words that may prove additionally useful:

• Canon: The hymn typically found in Orthros of the Byzantine Rite
  
• Troparion (also tropar; plural troparia) is a type of hymn in Byzantine music, in the Orthodox Church and other Eastern Christian churches. It is a short hymn of one stanza, or one of a series of stanzas; this may carry the further connotation of a hymn interpolated between psalm verses.


• The irmos is the initial verse of each individual ode in a canon, sung by the choir; from the Greek verb "to tie" or "to link."

Although Chapter 1 of the Canon is not very long, it well deserves several contemplative readings, perhaps to be read as your lectio divina for a Lenten day. On page 4, we are given opportunities to consider several questions. Consider choosing one and sharing your responses and reflections. (If you experience any difficulty posting a response, email me, and I'll reply with help.)