Synopses & Reviews
"There are two worlds for the Christian and two lives in them: one of these lives belongs to this world of sorrow and suffering, while the other is lived in a hidden manner in the Kingdom of God, in the joyful city of heaven. All of the events, both of the Gospel and of the Church, which are celebrated at different times of the Church Year are not only remembered but are also accomplished in us, insofar as our souls touch this heavenly world. These events become for us a higher reality, a source of unceasing celebration, of perfect joy." - Sergius Bulgakov (from preface)This distinctive book contains spiritual orations and edifying discourses rooted in the Orthodox tradition. In Churchly Joy Sergius Bulgakov takes readers through the joyous mysteries of the church year as reflected in the Orthodox Church's major feasts, including celebrations of the Annunciation, the Birth of Christ, the Epiphany, the Transfiguration, the Triumphal Entry, Easter, and more. Churchly Joy reflects Bulgakov's transcendent vision for the church and will provide spiritual growth and edification for all Christians.
Table of Contents
The power of the cross : on the exaltation of the Lord's cross -- The radiant protection over the world : oration on the day of the protection of the mother of the God -- The temple of the temple : oration on the Feast of the Presentation of the Virgin in the temple -- Most pure motherhood : dedicated to Russian mothers -- The heaven-manger : Christmas oration -- We have come from afar : Christmas oration -- The gifts of the magi -- Sign of the Bethlehem manger : Christmas oration -- Eternity and time : oration for the New Year -- The flaming coal : oration on the centenary of the passing of St. Seraphim of Sarov -- The water leaping into eternal life : oration on the eve of the Epiphany -- The open heavens -- The presentation of Our Lord in the temple -- Sunday of the last judgment -- The doors of Repentance -- Luminous sorrow : in preparation for the great fast -- The archangel's voice : oration on the Annunciation -- "The Annunciation with the cross" -- Enthronement with the cross -- Blessed is the King of Israel who comes! -- Reflections on the feast of the Lord's triumphal entry into Jerusalem -- This is the blessed Sabbath reflections before the Holy Plashchianitsa icon -- Divine joy! Easter oration -- Trampling down death by death : Diptych -- The joy of separation -- We celebrate Pentecost and the coming of the spirit : oration on the day of Pentecost -- The call of apostleship : oration on the day of the remembrance of the first among the apostles, Peter and Paul -- The excellent glory (2 Peter 1:17) : oration on the Feast of the Lord's Transfiguration -- Oration for the fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost.