The great post is a special time when the soul is cleared of his sins. For this period in the Church there are traditions. When I first decided to abide by the post, I thought it concerns only bodily abstinence. But the rejection of rapid food is a small part of the post, not the most important. I learned that for the period of the Great Post there are special texts of prayers, including the repentant prayer of Ephraim Sirin. I started reading it during the home rule, as well as repeat over the priest during the service.
I can say that my attitude towards the great post has changed. I realized that this time was not at all training the power of the will, like a diet. With the prayer of Ephraim Sirin, this repentance came to my life, an understanding of all flaws of my life and the possibility of its improvement. Prayer sets up a special way - you feel closer to God, the sins become clearer. The attitude towards life is changing, to others, more understanding and love appears.
To everyone who would like to better understand the values of the Orthodox faith, I recommend reading the prayer of St. Ephraim Sirin during the post.
What is the meaning of the repentance of prayer?
Find out what awaits you today - a horoscope for today for all zodiac signsNot all of us well know the millennial church traditions. But if time comes to spiritual update, you should explore the history of faith, the main texts and rituals. Such ancient traditions include reading the repentant prayer of Ephraim Sirin during the Great Post.
This text was written by Rev. Efrem Syrin, the Christian devotee and the poet, in the 4th century AD, which means that prayer is about 17 centuries. In prayer, we list the main sins, we ask God to forgive us for them, and ask him to help us realize what we retreated from his plan. Prayer is short, it is quite possible to memorize. But despite its size, it is filled with deep meaning and has a big renewable force.
In it we ask God to save us from sins:
- spirit of idleness (laziness);
- despondency;
- love (passionship, thirst for power);
- Celebration.
Prayer reading time
There is a strictly defined time for reading the prayer of Ephraim Syrin. In the temple and at home she is started to read before the beginning of the Great Post, during the carnival - this is how gradually prepare for the period of repentance occurs. On Wednesday and Friday on the Cheese Sedmice, the priest reads this text in the temple. After that, a break in reading prayer (for weekends) is made, and with the beginning of the great post, prayer is read during worship every day.
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The exceptions are the weekend - these days there is a climb and quantity mode, and a break is made in reading this prayer.
It should only be understood that an ancient ideas and rules are used in church tradition. Therefore, according to the ancient rules, Friday night already applies to the weekend, while Sunday evening refers to Monday.
So, during all four weeks of fasting, you can read the text of Ephraim Sirin during my home reading, starting from the evening of the resurrection and ending with the morning rule on Friday. Also prayer reads the first three days of the passionate week (to the environment), after which other texts are used during worship services.
Thus, prayer is read on the following days:
- the end of the carnival;
- 4 weeks of the Great Guest (Fourth, except weekends);
- Start of passionate week.
Basic rules of reading
Since the text created by Efrem Sirin relates to special prayers, then for it there are special reading rules. These rules are united for home prayer, and for reading in the temple (along with parishioners and father). It is also emphasized by the fact that this text is read in the Church is not a reader, but a priest, which indicates the significance of prayer.
The reading order of repentant prayer is as follows:
- During the prayer, you need to fulfill the earthly bower three times (put on your knees, touch the floor forehead);
- After reading the main text 12 times you need to pronounce a short prayer: "God, cleanse me, sinning";
- After that, the prayer of Ephraim Sirin is again pronounced;
- Earth bow is done.
Such an order of pronouncing the prayer is adopted both in the church, during worship, and during home reading.
Brief history of Ephraim Sirin
It is known that Ephraim Sirin lived in the 4th century AD. and was by the origin of the Syrian (hence the nickname). He led quite a cheerful life, without refusing to himself. But once, by mistake he was put in prison. Ephraim was very indignant, he wanted to prove his innocence.
But a very strange thing happened - the legend says that an angel appeared in prison to Ephrach and showed him his former sore ages for which he was not punished. Thus, in prison, he turned out to be quite fair. Realizing your sinfulness, the young man sincerely repent.
Soon his innocence was proven, and Ephraim came out of prison. On freedom, he dedicated himself to serving God and the composition of poems, praising God's greatness.
Main conclusions
- In the period of the Great Post it is extremely important to read special prayers, including the prayer of Ephraim Syrin.
- Be sure to visit the church and attend church services.
- During the Great Post, it is recommended to read the prayer of Ephraim Syrian at home.
- To read the prayer, you can print the text or write his hands.
For your convenience, a video is attached here in which you can listen to the correct pronunciation of some obsolete words and staging.
Do not forget to pray more often to the great post!