Kali Eleytheria

Each year the Holy Wednesday service catches me off guard. I go, expecting it to be just like the previous evening services... but by the middle of the service, and the 4th epistle and Gospel reading, I'm scratching my head thinking, "What's going on?" Then it comes back to me: Oooh! That's right...!

Fortunately this year I was not aggravated by the repeated Epistle and Gospel readings, sitting down, standing up, sitting down, standing up. I had the little, thick black book in my hands, and I was following along which helped me concentrate. For the first time, in fact, I realized how beautiful the service was, with all of the meaningful scripture passages. I mean, I always KNEW that the service (like all others) was beautiful... I just never let it sink in. And to end the evening with the sacrament of Holy Unction...! My goodness, what a blessing!

After each anointing, Father wished each person a "Kali Anastesi" (which means "Good Resurrection"). To me, he added, "and Kali Eleytheria--which means,"(with reference to my pregnant belly), "Good Freedom!"

Mmmmm... freedom! I like that. I am looking forward to it. May this child's "departure" from the womb be good and blessed, indeed.

Sorry for all of the baby/pregnancy talk. As you can imagine, though, it is on my mind a lot. And since I usually blog at the end of the day, I can't help but reflect on another day gone by, another day CLOSER to having her here in my arms.

I'm hoping to make it to the Vesperal Liturgy tomorrow morning. I figure, Hey, if I'm not going to have this baby this week, at least there is PLENTY to do to keep me not only occuppied, but prayerful and focused on God. When all of the childbirth classes have ended, and all of the "preparing for birth" books have been read, there's still the matter of Faith that needs to be tended to. Being informed and "prepared" mentally are all well and good. But undergoing the delicate, uncomfortable last days of pregnancy, then entering into the anguish of birth and, thereby being initiated into the world of parenthood-- these all require a huge leap of Faith and prayer... a desperate leaning into God.

SO... I'm thankful that Holy Week just happens to coincide with my last week(s) of pregnancy. It is a time of tangible suffering, of heartfelt prayer. If it is the Lord's will, I hope to make it to Pascha!

Please keep the three of us in your prayers. Thank you!