Paraklesis
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A Paraklesis (
The most popular Paraklesis is that in which the supplicatory canon and other hymns are addressed to the Most Holy
- If August 1 falls on a Monday through Friday, the cycle begins with the Small Paraklesis. If August 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the cycle begins with the Great Paraklesis.
- On the eves of Sundays (i.e., Saturday nights) and on the eve of the Transfiguration (the night of August 5) the Paraklesis is omitted.
- On Sunday nights, the Great Paraklesis is always used unless it is the eve of Transfiguration.
Moleben
In the
.The present form of the Moleben originated in Slavic culture, but its use is now widespread both in Europe and in the Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic churches that follow the Slavic tradition. Whereas the Paraklesis includes as its principal focus the canon to the subject being honored, the Moleben omits the odes of the canon and includes only the simple refrains that occur between the odes.
Molebens are traditionally served by a priest, but may also be done as a reader's service (i.e., the format used when served by a layperson or deacon; omitting or replacing those portions normally chanted by the priest). It is the custom to celebrate a moleben service only in honor of a glorified saint, and when possible the service is done in front of an icon of the person or feast to whom the Moleben is celebrated. Sometimes an Akathist will be chanted during the celebration of a Moleben.
The general outline of a Moleben is based on the service of Matins, as served on a feast day, complete with a Gospel reading.
Molebens may be (a) occasional (i.e., served according to need), for instance for one who is ill or going on a journey; they may be (b) commemorative (assigned to a particular day), such as the beginning of the new year, or when children begin school; or they may be (c) devotional (in honor of a particular saint).
Molebens are very important in the Russian Orthodox tradition, and an entire volume of the Great Euchologion is devoted to them. Most molebens are served in the church, but they may also be served in homes, fields, schools or other appropriate places.
Molebens may also be served in
Indulgence
The office of the Paraclisis and the hymn
The
See also
- Dormition of the Theotokos
- Akathist
References
- ISBN 88-209-2785-3.
External links
- The Service of the Small Paraklesis (text of the service with audio by Eikona) from the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America Website
- The Paraclesis Service Explained St Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church, Dallas, Texas
- Paraklesis article from OrthodoxWiki
- The Order of the General Moleben, according to the usage of the Russian Orthodox Church Outside of Russia
- Tropar & Kontakion for Royal Martyrs & New Martyrs Of Russia compiled by Fr. Demetrios Serfes
- Photo: Blessing with holy water during Moleben
- Photo: Procession around the Church