I often read essays this time of year about how it is a time of new beginnings and that it feels like the beginning of the year. I think part of this reasoning is because of school starting, but perhaps some of it goes back to the memory of the fact that September 1st is the Beginning of the Church Year for the Orthodox.


The first day of the Church New Year is also called the beginning of the
Indiction. The term Indiction comes from a Latin word meaning, "to impose."
It was originally applied to the imposition of taxes in Egypt. The first
worldwide Indiction was in 312 when the Emperor Constantine (May 21) saw a
miraculous vision of the Cross in the sky. Before the introduction of the
Julian calendar, Rome began the New Year on September 1.

According to Holy Tradition, Christ entered the synagogue on September 1 to
announce His mission to mankind (Lk 4:16-22). Quoting Isaiah 61:1-2), the
Savior proclaimed, "The spirit of the Lord is upon me; because He has
anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent me to proclaim
release to captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty
those who are oppressed, to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord." This
scene is depicted in a Vatican manuscript (Vatican, Biblioteca. Cod. Gr.
1613, p.1).

Tradition says that the Hebrews entered the Promised Land in September.


As we approach the new year, the readings of the church are often focused on death and destruction – the dying of the previous year and the beginning of the new, the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem, and the Last Judgment.

These readings have been echoing in my head during these past few days, there have been hard times for a lot of people I know. A TwoPeas member lost her son to brain cancer on Sunday, Seraphim was diagnosed with Thyroid Cancer , another Pea member’s son is having a hard time after surgery, a friend may have lost family in the Hurricane, Matthew and Athanasia are both struggling with health issues. And, of course, the minute by minute horrors coming out of New Orleans. A city of dancing and joy, a city of Mardi Gras, a city of vice and love, a city of history and culture and poverty and destruction. In truth, a city a lot like the cities near me. And, a city that is convulsing in flames, in floods, in violence and in looting.

I know all I can do is put one foot in front of the other, continue my journey through life, and cling to the prayers of peace and comfort that the church gives us in these difficult times. And, pray hard for those who I have mentioned, and love and give.

I know that many places are soliciting funds for the Hurricane victims, but may I offer two suggestions if you haven’t donated yet, and are able. The IOCC fund And, if you’d like to stream some good tunes tomorrow, you can request your favorite with a $50.00 donation on the radio station I listen to, KMTT.


Troparion of the New Year Tone 2
Lord of the universe who by Thy power hast established the times and
seasons,/ bless this year with Thy goodness,/ preserve our rulers and keep
Thy flock in peace,/ through the prayers of the Mother of God, and save us.

Kontakion of the New Year Tone 4
Creator and Lord of the ages,/ God of all, transcendent in essence: Bless
this year./ Save all who worship and cry:/ Grant us a fruitful year,/ O
Compassionate Redeemer.