The stillness after the storm + a prayer for those in Hell

A prayer for those in Hell

On this final and saving festival thou art pleased to accept propitiatory prayes for those imprisoned in hell,granting us great hopes that thou wilt send down relaxation and refreshment to all held fast in bitter bondage.Hear us who humbly and piteously beseech thee: and to the souls of the servants who have fallen asleep before us, grant rest in a place of light, a place of green pasture, a place of refreshment, whence all pain, sorrow and sighing have fled away; make their spirits to dwell where the righteous rest, and grant them peace and pardon.

   For thine in very truth, O Master and Maker of all, is the great mystery both of the temporary dissolution of thy creaturs, and of their subsequent restoration and repose unto all ages. We thank thee for thy grace in all things: for our entry into this world and our departure from it, and fore the hopes that we enjoy of resurrection and eternal life, pledged to us by thine own infallible promise, which shall be our portion at the second coming.

For thou art the precursor of our resurrection, the impartial and compassionate judge of all who have lived, the Master and Lord who gives us our reward.

                                                 VESPERS OF PENTECOST IN THE ORTHODOX CHURCH

                                 THE HOLY TRINITY

Progressive revelation

The Old Testament preached the Father clearly, but the Son only in an obscure manner. The New Testament revealed the Son, but did no more than hint at the godhead of the Holy Spirit. Today the Spirit dwells among us, manifesting himself to us more and more clearly. For it was not safe, when the divinity of the Father had not yet been acknowledged, plainly to proclaim the Son; nor, when that of the Son had not yet been accepted, to burden us further - if I may use a somewhat bold expression - with the Holy Spirit.

   So, by gradual additions and ascents, advancing from glory to glory, the splendour of the Holy Trinity shines upon the more enlighted. You see illuminations breaking upon us gradually; while the order of theology, which is better for us to observe, prevents us both from proclaiming everythin at once and from keeping it all hidden to the end.

                                                                 ST GREGORY OF NAZIANZUS

May the love of God almighty, Father, Son and Holy Spirit be with us all. Now and always.

Blessings Peace and Love to you all. Pass it on.

Your brother in Christ and of Buddha and all the saints,

Peter.