tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85939382054926535562024-03-13T04:51:44.400-07:00Echoes from Byzantine PalaestinaA blog about churches in the Holy Land and beautiful prayers of Byzantine ChurchJack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-24735783561069023942011-03-24T19:00:00.000-07:002011-03-24T19:00:00.141-07:00Annunciation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today is the beginning of our salvation,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The revelation of the eternal mystery!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos:</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Rejoice, O Full of Grace,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The Lord is with You!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ji0ZXoTFmTA/TYldEaBSlJI/AAAAAAAACGo/ZX8T9IeA3vQ/s1600/IMG_1440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-ji0ZXoTFmTA/TYldEaBSlJI/AAAAAAAACGo/ZX8T9IeA3vQ/s320/IMG_1440.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Annunciation, Nazareth, built on the foundation of Byzantine and Crusade era churches</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eyKh5R0Xxiw/TYlfYv637xI/AAAAAAAACHo/7EyXpx_KJwM/s1600/IMG_1444_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-eyKh5R0Xxiw/TYlfYv637xI/AAAAAAAACHo/7EyXpx_KJwM/s320/IMG_1444_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Annunciation at night</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q3--nsgPjMw/TYld3q56e0I/AAAAAAAACGs/9jm8019LjeA/s1600/IMG_1459_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-q3--nsgPjMw/TYld3q56e0I/AAAAAAAACGs/9jm8019LjeA/s320/IMG_1459_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lintel of the main entrance to the Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fSi3E20GdWw/TYlfpEdy8-I/AAAAAAAACHw/w6ET0-Bq8MQ/s1600/IMG_1543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-fSi3E20GdWw/TYlfpEdy8-I/AAAAAAAACHw/w6ET0-Bq8MQ/s320/IMG_1543.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main entrance to the Basilica</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">An Archangel was sent from heaven to cry “Rejoice!” to the Theotokos; </span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and, O Lord, as he saw you taking bodily form</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">at the sound of his bodiless voice,</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">he stood still in amazement.</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i><br />
</i></span></div></span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OcH0xE5P0Ts/S_CLc9jSb8I/AAAAAAAAB7A/b_jwXHFxq7g/s1600/IMG_1520_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-OcH0xE5P0Ts/S_CLc9jSb8I/AAAAAAAAB7A/b_jwXHFxq7g/s320/IMG_1520_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main sanctuary in front of the house of the Blessed Virgin Mary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mc99Vj2-p5Q/S_CLZGyZFwI/AAAAAAAAB7A/pBDpEulSzmk/s1600/IMG_1449_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-mc99Vj2-p5Q/S_CLZGyZFwI/AAAAAAAAB7A/pBDpEulSzmk/s320/IMG_1449_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house of the Blessed Virgin Mary</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZyFfoiu0ANA/S_CLZ4lYWQI/AAAAAAAAB7A/RTpX0peFF-A/s1600/IMG_1451_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-ZyFfoiu0ANA/S_CLZ4lYWQI/AAAAAAAAB7A/RTpX0peFF-A/s320/IMG_1451_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Verbum Caro Hic Factum Est</i> - Here Word Was Made Flesh</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="color: #3d3d3d; font: 13.0px Georgia; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Knowing herself pure, the holy maiden</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">spoke to Gabriel boldly:</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The strange wonder you tell seems hard to my soul,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">for you speak of a birth</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">from a seedless conception, crying aloud: </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Alleluia!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nFVY6gQG3AU/TYlfUxnntMI/AAAAAAAACHk/991w2nTEaOg/s1600/IMG_1532.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-nFVY6gQG3AU/TYlfUxnntMI/AAAAAAAACHk/991w2nTEaOg/s320/IMG_1532.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The upper church in the Basilica</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r6oWux_MwhQ/TYlenU78VZI/AAAAAAAACHI/za34BPXJbIw/s1600/IMG_1523.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-r6oWux_MwhQ/TYlenU78VZI/AAAAAAAACHI/za34BPXJbIw/s320/IMG_1523.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Polish priests celebrate mass in the upper church</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gNRLgsnT0h0/TYlgtzsNXDI/AAAAAAAACH0/v18AxP6Kd-M/s1600/IMG_1533_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gNRLgsnT0h0/TYlgtzsNXDI/AAAAAAAACH0/v18AxP6Kd-M/s320/IMG_1533_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaic mural of the upper church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DsMkCFP-eeE/TYlexAJcvfI/AAAAAAAACHQ/5SnDi1Xm7D8/s1600/IMG_1524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-DsMkCFP-eeE/TYlexAJcvfI/AAAAAAAACHQ/5SnDi1Xm7D8/s320/IMG_1524.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The large stain glass window of the upper church on the narthex side</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_vRnOhatGuo/TYle3NAC35I/AAAAAAAACHU/JstYWUimCuw/s1600/IMG_1525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-_vRnOhatGuo/TYle3NAC35I/AAAAAAAACHU/JstYWUimCuw/s320/IMG_1525.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side shrine donated by Poland - Our Lady of Cz<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">ę</span>stochowa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e6f8T_5h8L4/TYle88skPyI/AAAAAAAACHY/IwSm4BsThcY/s1600/IMG_1527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-e6f8T_5h8L4/TYle88skPyI/AAAAAAAACHY/IwSm4BsThcY/s320/IMG_1527.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side shrine donated by France - Sede Sapientiae</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R_kKg9hrnMo/TYlfKdphkBI/AAAAAAAACHc/ieJ4fSlcJxE/s1600/IMG_1529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-R_kKg9hrnMo/TYlfKdphkBI/AAAAAAAACHc/ieJ4fSlcJxE/s320/IMG_1529.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side shrine donated by Mexico - Our Lady of Guadalupe</td></tr>
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<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SXHloRnhcsk/TYlfOkdU2-I/AAAAAAAACHg/wc4N9RhPCQ4/s1600/IMG_1530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-SXHloRnhcsk/TYlfOkdU2-I/AAAAAAAACHg/wc4N9RhPCQ4/s320/IMG_1530.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Side shrine donated by Ukraine - Mosaic icon of annunciation</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Then power from the Most High</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"></span></span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">overshadowed the maiden unto conception;</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">and her fruitful womb was revealed as a fertile field</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">to all who wish to reap salvation,</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">as they sing: Alleluia!</span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Georgia; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6OnPBeUUO6o/TYld7lcZO2I/AAAAAAAACGw/gaYxri9cPLQ/s1600/IMG_1502_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-6OnPBeUUO6o/TYld7lcZO2I/AAAAAAAACGw/gaYxri9cPLQ/s320/IMG_1502_2.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Our Lady in the court yard</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yvUEL-bImJg/TYlporlyAgI/AAAAAAAACH4/-8xJW4E5j8E/s1600/IMG_1514.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-yvUEL-bImJg/TYlporlyAgI/AAAAAAAACH4/-8xJW4E5j8E/s320/IMG_1514.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic icon in the colonnade donated by Greece - Theotokos of Vladimir</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ViY-Pr6A1_s/TYleA7ey67I/AAAAAAAACG0/MJWJtb5KMJU/s1600/IMG_1505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ViY-Pr6A1_s/TYleA7ey67I/AAAAAAAACG0/MJWJtb5KMJU/s320/IMG_1505.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Mosaic icon in the colonnade donated by Romania - The Great Panagia</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Lnp0i_ez20/TYleHdboqVI/AAAAAAAACG8/CP-Xh1jv72c/s1600/IMG_1509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Lnp0i_ez20/TYleHdboqVI/AAAAAAAACG8/CP-Xh1jv72c/s320/IMG_1509.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic in the colonnade donated by Scotland - Sede Sapientiae</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jP92yhdPTok/TYleLK1ZV8I/AAAAAAAACHA/G--U5yN0fUM/s1600/IMG_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jP92yhdPTok/TYleLK1ZV8I/AAAAAAAACHA/G--U5yN0fUM/s320/IMG_1510.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic in the colonnade donated by Malta - Sede Sapientiae</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ybgh3T73hnc/TYleDfeog9I/AAAAAAAACG4/cRb6hPMt23I/s1600/IMG_1506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-ybgh3T73hnc/TYleDfeog9I/AAAAAAAACG4/cRb6hPMt23I/s320/IMG_1506.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tile painting donated by the Chinese Church - Our Lady of China</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">O Victorious Leader of Triumphant Hosts!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">We, your servants, delivered from evil, sing our grateful thanks to you, O Theotokos!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As you possess invincible might, set us free from every calamity</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"></span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">So that we may sing: Rejoice, O unwedded Bride!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbLjTXAHREo/TYlrwkH7LiI/AAAAAAAACIA/5CHRQkmxcVk/s1600/IMG_1473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-BbLjTXAHREo/TYlrwkH7LiI/AAAAAAAACIA/5CHRQkmxcVk/s320/IMG_1473.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church of Mary's Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uWHP_9GxJhQ/S_CLNbKcsLI/AAAAAAAAB7I/FoNugpBfUAo/s1600/IMG_1474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-uWHP_9GxJhQ/S_CLNbKcsLI/AAAAAAAAB7I/FoNugpBfUAo/s320/IMG_1474.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Façade of the church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-56j9x5LCYeI/S_CLN_ohylI/AAAAAAAAB7I/ByekKq4SMD0/s1600/IMG_1476.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-56j9x5LCYeI/S_CLN_ohylI/AAAAAAAAB7I/ByekKq4SMD0/s320/IMG_1476.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of annunciation in Church of Mary's Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Khd21Ncpmo/S_CLOc6ZKuI/AAAAAAAAB7I/oPOFI0GkDXs/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-3Khd21Ncpmo/S_CLOc6ZKuI/AAAAAAAAB7I/oPOFI0GkDXs/s320/IMG_1478.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bishop's throne</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Yo55yx5AX4/S_CLPCIWs1I/AAAAAAAAB7I/8WjbwcYYXsI/s1600/IMG_1480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--Yo55yx5AX4/S_CLPCIWs1I/AAAAAAAAB7I/8WjbwcYYXsI/s320/IMG_1480.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The iconostasis of the Church</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rKh4lwpybEw/S_CLRruSE8I/AAAAAAAAB7I/K53r0FjZ3fA/s1600/IMG_1486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-rKh4lwpybEw/S_CLRruSE8I/AAAAAAAAB7I/K53r0FjZ3fA/s320/IMG_1486.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of St. George on the iconostasis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bPWinYsFBw0/S_CLRZzseEI/AAAAAAAAB7I/KEw0KGegEwA/s1600/IMG_1485.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-bPWinYsFBw0/S_CLRZzseEI/AAAAAAAAB7I/KEw0KGegEwA/s320/IMG_1485.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of St. John the Baptist on the iconostasis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ddj1lNzS6l0/S_CLQxPKdXI/AAAAAAAAB7I/SrF2gj3-IJ4/s1600/IMG_1484.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-Ddj1lNzS6l0/S_CLQxPKdXI/AAAAAAAAB7I/SrF2gj3-IJ4/s320/IMG_1484.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of Christ on the iconostasis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tFBvdb2iKNs/S_CLSNjU69I/AAAAAAAAB7I/nnOMGb8mzcU/s1600/IMG_1487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-tFBvdb2iKNs/S_CLSNjU69I/AAAAAAAAB7I/nnOMGb8mzcU/s320/IMG_1487.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of the Theotokos on the iconostasis</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-92fpF2hjCrg/S_CLSU9454I/AAAAAAAAB7I/HIYVZantpew/s1600/IMG_1488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-92fpF2hjCrg/S_CLSU9454I/AAAAAAAAB7I/HIYVZantpew/s320/IMG_1488.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of annunciation on the iconostasis</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jD-BCoMUlqA/S_CLONNnhJI/AAAAAAAAB7I/Vsa9S5bDdIg/s1600/IMG_1477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-jD-BCoMUlqA/S_CLONNnhJI/AAAAAAAAB7I/Vsa9S5bDdIg/s320/IMG_1477.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christ the Pantocrator under the main arch</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyIdW0SDpe0/S_CLSsfsV9I/AAAAAAAAB7I/46cC0cp9Onc/s1600/IMG_1489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-yyIdW0SDpe0/S_CLSsfsV9I/AAAAAAAAB7I/46cC0cp9Onc/s320/IMG_1489.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural icon of annunciation</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IyvwD_5-90M/S_CLVcSYvdI/AAAAAAAAB7I/Crj60b1EnYI/s1600/DSC01652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IyvwD_5-90M/S_CLVcSYvdI/AAAAAAAAB7I/Crj60b1EnYI/s320/DSC01652.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grotto of Mary's Spring</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s2HOzcR_xYo/S_CLPmtvgjI/AAAAAAAAB7I/6ioOXMtuHMI/s1600/IMG_1481.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-s2HOzcR_xYo/S_CLPmtvgjI/AAAAAAAAB7I/6ioOXMtuHMI/s320/IMG_1481.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary's Spring, where according to legend, Mary met Archangel Gabriel while getting some water</td></tr>
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</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As we meditate on the mystery of Word made flesh, let us listen to: </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Today is the beginning</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/riFBNaf4Ecs?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">O Victorious Leader</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/N96JBnn7sds?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/XgcJcRzwFuk?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; line-height: 19px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></i></span></div></span></span></div>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-32311493291699667882011-01-08T08:33:00.000-08:002011-01-08T09:20:04.485-08:00Theophany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The worship of the Trinity was made manifest.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">For the voice of the Father bore witness to You,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And called You His beloved Son.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And the Spirit, in the form of a dove,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Confirmed the truthfulness of His word.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">O Christ, our God, You have revealed Yourself</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And have enlightened the world, glory to You!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMZNBhAAI/AAAAAAAAB6g/GJWWUlakdjg/s1600/IMG_1578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMZNBhAAI/AAAAAAAAB6g/GJWWUlakdjg/s320/IMG_1578.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan (el-Maghtas), Jordan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMbAmzARI/AAAAAAAAB6g/nuGXeViw81Q/s1600/IMG_1583.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMbAmzARI/AAAAAAAAB6g/nuGXeViw81Q/s320/IMG_1583.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;">The baptism site of Jesus. Only the foundation and the baptistry of the ancient shrine remain today. Due to the narrowing of the Jordan River, the channel is no longer connected to the river itself.</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMb-ZLDOI/AAAAAAAAB6g/JB5jDtJfINA/s1600/IMG_1585.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMb-ZLDOI/AAAAAAAAB6g/JB5jDtJfINA/s320/IMG_1585.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMcBAbuZI/AAAAAAAAB6g/HtPGnAQgfOs/s1600/IMG_1586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMcBAbuZI/AAAAAAAAB6g/HtPGnAQgfOs/s320/IMG_1586.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMcbpFguI/AAAAAAAAB6g/efXifIV2ho4/s1600/IMG_1587.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMcbpFguI/AAAAAAAAB6g/efXifIV2ho4/s320/IMG_1587.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMlUslhuI/AAAAAAAAB6g/af9IRdXfCK0/s1600/DSC01722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMlUslhuI/AAAAAAAAB6g/af9IRdXfCK0/s320/DSC01722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMm-MfeMI/AAAAAAAAB6g/yG2VbEOrkm8/s1600/DSC01723.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMm-MfeMI/AAAAAAAAB6g/yG2VbEOrkm8/s320/DSC01723.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMkagzckI/AAAAAAAAB6g/n-0kHJNcTp0/s1600/DSC01718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMkagzckI/AAAAAAAAB6g/n-0kHJNcTp0/s320/DSC01718.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMlEFdjQI/AAAAAAAAB6g/-XzkaHumlzg/s1600/DSC01721.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMlEFdjQI/AAAAAAAAB6g/-XzkaHumlzg/s320/DSC01721.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Today You have shown forth to the world, O Lord,</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">and the light of Your countenance has been marked on us.</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Knowing You, we sing Your praises.</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You have come and revealed Yourself,</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">O unapproachable Light.</span></span></i></div></i></span><br />
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</span></i></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMnytLkiI/AAAAAAAAB6g/6286EdQ4qgU/s1600/DSC01727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMnytLkiI/AAAAAAAAB6g/6286EdQ4qgU/s320/DSC01727.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMd01GAyI/AAAAAAAAB6g/uA0MVQz6oBI/s1600/IMG_1592.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMd01GAyI/AAAAAAAAB6g/uA0MVQz6oBI/s320/IMG_1592.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Israeli side of Jordan River and chapel</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMe7mSjTI/AAAAAAAAB6g/FTEgGFyKa3I/s1600/IMG_1594.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMe7mSjTI/AAAAAAAAB6g/FTEgGFyKa3I/s320/IMG_1594.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMeQZZ5wI/AAAAAAAAB6g/UhSVWQYjsjQ/s1600/IMG_1593.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMeQZZ5wI/AAAAAAAAB6g/UhSVWQYjsjQ/s320/IMG_1593.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMo3cw3kI/AAAAAAAAB6g/VGb_3UVcq_4/s1600/DSC01729.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMo3cw3kI/AAAAAAAAB6g/VGb_3UVcq_4/s320/DSC01729.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Outdoor chapel on the Jordanian side of Jordan River</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMpQlsORI/AAAAAAAAB6g/dGKcQrzSu84/s1600/DSC01730.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMpQlsORI/AAAAAAAAB6g/dGKcQrzSu84/s320/DSC01730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i></i></span><br />
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<i><div style="display: inline !important; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i></i></span><br />
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<i><div style="display: inline !important; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Today the Lord enters the Jordan and cries out to John:</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>"Do not be afraid to baptize me.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>For I have come to save Adam, the first-formed man."</i></span></span></div></i></span></div></div></i></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMZb2RlQI/AAAAAAAAB6g/8vVVxXglNYg/s1600/IMG_1579.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMZb2RlQI/AAAAAAAAB6g/8vVVxXglNYg/s320/IMG_1579.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church, Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan, Jordan, built in 2003</span></td></tr>
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</div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMc01j1sI/AAAAAAAAB6g/J9CZ8U15s2c/s1600/IMG_1589.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMc01j1sI/AAAAAAAAB6g/J9CZ8U15s2c/s320/IMG_1589.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMdF6Ur5I/AAAAAAAAB6g/qwLUsF1suPQ/s1600/IMG_1590.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMdF6Ur5I/AAAAAAAAB6g/qwLUsF1suPQ/s320/IMG_1590.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMfpTIcjI/AAAAAAAAB6g/eishFcrAi7U/s1600/IMG_1597.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMfpTIcjI/AAAAAAAAB6g/eishFcrAi7U/s320/IMG_1597.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div><i></i><br />
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<i><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMn0mugvI/AAAAAAAAB6g/InCnAnJMvas/s1600/DSC01726.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMn0mugvI/AAAAAAAAB6g/InCnAnJMvas/s320/DSC01726.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div></div></i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMfSgLYlI/AAAAAAAAB6g/YrPaNaHWHsQ/s1600/IMG_1596.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMfSgLYlI/AAAAAAAAB6g/YrPaNaHWHsQ/s320/IMG_1596.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMgD2lKEI/AAAAAAAAB6g/qZjf1e4IFg0/s1600/IMG_1598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMgD2lKEI/AAAAAAAAB6g/qZjf1e4IFg0/s320/IMG_1598.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMgbdx9oI/AAAAAAAAB6g/OrXRV81bR10/s1600/IMG_1599.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMgbdx9oI/AAAAAAAAB6g/OrXRV81bR10/s320/IMG_1599.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The icons of St. John the Baptist testifying to Jesus and Archangels Michael (left) and Gabriel (right)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMh-8DweI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Pa_JQPWmOyU/s1600/IMG_1604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMh-8DweI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Pa_JQPWmOyU/s320/IMG_1604.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The sanctuary Area and the icon of annunciation</span></span></td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div><i></i><br />
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<i><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMpvRD8XI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Jyg2trwwh2w/s1600/DSC01731.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMpvRD8XI/AAAAAAAAB6g/Jyg2trwwh2w/s320/DSC01731.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div></div></i><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMhHq1_9I/AAAAAAAAB6g/OfzPaeMRpmA/s1600/IMG_1602.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMhHq1_9I/AAAAAAAAB6g/OfzPaeMRpmA/s320/IMG_1602.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Icon of St. John the Baptist testifies to Jesus</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMis9d39I/AAAAAAAAB6g/t-NKhuE9v_A/s1600/IMG_1606.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMis9d39I/AAAAAAAAB6g/t-NKhuE9v_A/s320/IMG_1606.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Icon of Baptism of Christ</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMi-dp7cI/AAAAAAAAB6g/whg9ME68zK8/s1600/IMG_1607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMi-dp7cI/AAAAAAAAB6g/whg9ME68zK8/s320/IMG_1607.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Icon of St. Zosimas giving communion St. Mary of Egypt</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMjAqxBmI/AAAAAAAAB6g/m_zW0XNBw14/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMjAqxBmI/AAAAAAAAB6g/m_zW0XNBw14/s320/IMG_1608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Icon of Nativity of Christ</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMjgYlh6I/AAAAAAAAB6g/XFIOjiy6ZJo/s1600/IMG_1609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMjgYlh6I/AAAAAAAAB6g/XFIOjiy6ZJo/s320/IMG_1609.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of Baptism of Christ</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMgtj2BMI/AAAAAAAAB6g/79rsi2094qI/s1600/IMG_1600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMgtj2BMI/AAAAAAAAB6g/79rsi2094qI/s320/IMG_1600.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Prepare, O Zebulon,</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>And adorn yourself, O Naphtali;</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>River Jordan, cease flowing</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>And receive with joy the Master coming to be baptized.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Adam, rejoice with our First Mother</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>And do not hide yourself as you did of old in Paradise;</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>For having seen you naked,</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>He has appeared to clothe you with the first garment.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i>Christ has appeared to renew all creation.</i></span></span></div></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COX3sMnNI/AAAAAAAAB54/TfvNm8UkJWc/s1600/DSC01908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COX3sMnNI/AAAAAAAAB54/TfvNm8UkJWc/s320/DSC01908.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mosaic icon of Baptism of Christ, St. George Orthodox Church, Madaba, Jordan</span></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CPCxKG7rI/AAAAAAAAB5o/y578NjRVAoA/s1600/DSC01928.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CPCxKG7rI/AAAAAAAAB5o/y578NjRVAoA/s320/DSC01928.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mosaic of Baptism of Christ, St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Madaba, Jordan</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div><i></i><br />
<i></i><br />
<i><div style="display: inline !important; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="display: inline !important; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><i></i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Of old, the river Jordan</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Turned back before Elisha's mantle at Elijah's ascension.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">The waters were parted in two</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">And the waterway became a dry path.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">This is truly a symbol of baptism</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">By which we pass through this mortal life.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Christ has appeared in the Jordan to sanctify the waters!</span></i></span></div></i></span></div></div></span></i></div></i><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> </span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">As we continue to celebrate this monument in our history of salvation, the baptism of our Lord, let us meditate this mystery with the main hymn (apolitikion) of this feast day, </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><i></i></span></span></div><i><div style="display: inline !important; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">When You, O Lord were baptized in the Jordan</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">.</span></span></i></span></div></div></i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/bwOt5svPuCA?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i></i></span></div><i><div style="display: inline !important; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br />
</span></span></i></span></div></div></i><br />
</span></i></div></i></span>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-37657831967325077932010-12-30T00:56:00.000-08:002011-01-01T16:00:21.269-08:00Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ According to the Flesh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Your Nativity, O Christ our God,</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Has shone to the world the Light of wisdom!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For by it, those who worshipped the stars,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Were taught by a Star to adore You, <o:p></o:p></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>the Sun of Righteousness,</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And to know You, the Orient from on High.</i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>O Lord, glory to You!</i></span> <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccv_UZUBI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/XI9cWDuBo0M/s1600/IMG_2211.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccv_UZUBI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/XI9cWDuBo0M/s320/IMG_2211.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Nativity, Bethlehem</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CcymW374I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/cyOgVpECISQ/s1600/IMG_2256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CcymW374I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/cyOgVpECISQ/s320/IMG_2256.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main sanctuary of Basilica of Nativity</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CcwQ43JaI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/b3BT3x7d7jg/s1600/IMG_2213.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CcwQ43JaI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/b3BT3x7d7jg/s320/IMG_2213.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grotto of Nativity: the grotto in which Jesus was born</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccw_JtBuI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/RZs6zsFs86c/s1600/IMG_2215.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccw_JtBuI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/RZs6zsFs86c/s320/IMG_2215.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The icon nativity above the altar in the Grotto of Nativity</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccxp6lMpI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/Rr7SqsoFfDk/s1600/IMG_2217.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccxp6lMpI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/Rr7SqsoFfDk/s320/IMG_2217.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus Natus Est - Here of the Virgin Mary Jesus Christ was born</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccx9T6sgI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/o_L8dhwlUtA/s1600/IMG_2218.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_Ccx9T6sgI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/o_L8dhwlUtA/s320/IMG_2218.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site of the manger</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CcyLrQJ5I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/aGLgquxd60g/s1600/IMG_2220.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CcyLrQJ5I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/aGLgquxd60g/s320/IMG_2220.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural behind the altar above the manger site</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CczbupW5I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/i1O1ybSYHYE/s1600/IMG_2281.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CczbupW5I/AAAAAAAAB3Q/i1O1ybSYHYE/s320/IMG_2281.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An icon near the main sanctuary</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal;"></span></i></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Today the Virgin gives birth to the Transcendent One,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And the earth offers a cave to the Unapproachable One!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Angels with shepherds glorify Him!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The wise men journey with a star!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Since for our sake the Eternal God was born as a Little Child!</i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSwkpMGEI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/o1Uq_Bobvuw/s1600/IMG_2260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSwkpMGEI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/o1Uq_Bobvuw/s320/IMG_2260.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Church of the Milking Grotto, where Mary nursed Jesus</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSwPwpFbI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/hmPjvLBIJP8/s1600/IMG_2199.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSwPwpFbI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/hmPjvLBIJP8/s320/IMG_2199.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSu-E0fYI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/q93Qw3rHD6Q/s1600/IMG_2195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSu-E0fYI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/q93Qw3rHD6Q/s320/IMG_2195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The friary at Milking Grotto</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSxENnrEI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/J-QjXDosbeo/s1600/IMG_2261.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSxENnrEI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/J-QjXDosbeo/s320/IMG_2261.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSyCt8zcI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/16eJpq5MxxA/s1600/IMG_2264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSyCt8zcI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/16eJpq5MxxA/s320/IMG_2264.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSysyYFFI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/Gku04mwMgMc/s1600/IMG_2265.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSysyYFFI/AAAAAAAAB3Y/Gku04mwMgMc/s320/IMG_2265.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSzIqfQ0I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/iJT9_vyi0HA/s1600/IMG_2266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSzIqfQ0I/AAAAAAAAB3Y/iJT9_vyi0HA/s320/IMG_2266.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Christ is born, give ye glory.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Christ cometh from heaven, meet ye Him.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Christ is on earth, be ye exalted.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>O all the earth, sing unto the Lord,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And sing praises in gladness, O ye people,<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For He hath been glorified.</i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMjAqxBmI/AAAAAAAAB6g/m_zW0XNBw14/s1600/IMG_1608.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CMjAqxBmI/AAAAAAAAB6g/m_zW0XNBw14/s320/IMG_1608.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mural icon of nativity at St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church in Bethany Beyond the Jordan, Jordan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COPO3MAuI/AAAAAAAAB54/LBRButifePI/s1600/DSC01890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COPO3MAuI/AAAAAAAAB54/LBRButifePI/s320/DSC01890.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic icon of infant Jesus at St. George Orthodox Church in Madaba, Jordan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As we continue to celebrate Christ's incarnation, let us meditate this great mystery with these Byzantine Christmas hymns: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Your Nativity, O Christ</i>, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Today the Virgin</i>, and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Christ is born</i>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Your Nativity, O Christ:</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/WUgPMVWAS7E?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Today the Virgin:</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><object class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://2.gvt0.com/vi/rOL48Ai_Id4/0.jpg" height="266" width="320"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/rOL48Ai_Id4&fs=1&source=uds" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/rOL48Ai_Id4&fs=1&source=uds" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Christ is born:</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/7q5ip1qZxm0?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-38172894281095465662010-09-13T00:47:00.000-07:002010-09-13T01:28:56.499-07:00Elevation of the Life-Giving Cross<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>O Lord, save Thy people,</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>And bless Thine inheritance.</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Grant victory to the Thy people</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Over the their enemies</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>And by the power of Thy Cross</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Preserve Thy commonwealth.</i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSQSU6GxI/AAAAAAAAB4A/vWXG81L3BYE/s1600/IMG_2137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSQSU6GxI/AAAAAAAAB4A/vWXG81L3BYE/s320/IMG_2137.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armenian Orthodox shrine commemorating the finding of the true cross of Jesus by St. Helena,<br />
Grotto of Basilica of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSQ14918I/AAAAAAAAB4A/IJ2h360irdM/s1600/IMG_2139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSQ14918I/AAAAAAAAB4A/IJ2h360irdM/s320/IMG_2139.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armenian Orthodox shrine commemorating the finding of the true cross of Jesus by St. Helena,<br />
Grotto of Basilica of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSRSSTKdI/AAAAAAAAB4A/4p2e3K8948M/s1600/IMG_2140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSRSSTKdI/AAAAAAAAB4A/4p2e3K8948M/s320/IMG_2140.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catholic shrine commemorating the finding of the true cross of Jesus by St. Helena,<br />
Grotto of Basilica of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i></i></span><br />
<i><div style="display: inline !important; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i><div style="display: inline !important; font-family: Times; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><div style="display: inline !important;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>As You were voluntarily raised upon the cross for our sake,</i></span></div></div></div></i></div></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i><div style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Grant mercy to those who are called by Your Name, O Christ God;</i></span></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Make all Orthodox Christians glad by Your power,</span></i></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Granting them victories over their adversaries,</span></i></span></div></div><div style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal; font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">By bestowing on them the Invincible trophy, Your weapon of Peace.</span></i></span></div></div></i></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSJvKpkuI/AAAAAAAAB4A/g3wc-aMkgso/s1600/IMG_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSJvKpkuI/AAAAAAAAB4A/g3wc-aMkgso/s320/IMG_2117.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The location where Jesus' cross once stood,<br />
Mt. Calvary, Basilica of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSJ4Jp5xI/AAAAAAAAB4A/X0u7ERTx7hk/s1600/IMG_2118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSJ4Jp5xI/AAAAAAAAB4A/X0u7ERTx7hk/s320/IMG_2118.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Catholic shrine commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus,<br />
Mt. Calvary, Basilica of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Tracing an up right line with his staff, </span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Moses divided the Red Sea for Israel, which was travelling on foot,</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">and striking it a transverse blow, </span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">he brought the waters together over the chariots of Pharaoh, </span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">there by inscribing the invincible weapon of the Cross.</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"> Wherefore, let us hymn Christ our God, for He hath been glorified.</span></i></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSMoOsPRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/DNEnZbhITWI/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSMoOsPRI/AAAAAAAAB4A/DNEnZbhITWI/s320/IMG_2128.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Armenian Orthodox shrine commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus,<br />
Mt. Calvary, Basilica of Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Let us pray for the Lord's blessing on all of us through His cross, as we listen to <i>Lord, Save Thy People: </i></span></span></div><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/20e9GdfeakY?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/20e9GdfeakY?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;">Let us also meditate on the mystery of the life-giving cross as we listen to <i>Tracing an Up Right Line</i>:</span><br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_6TEEppdaw?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/e_6TEEppdaw?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-78592876706377933822010-08-29T21:50:00.000-07:002010-09-08T01:07:02.410-07:00Nativity of the Theotokos<div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos is the first feast day according to the Byzantine liturgical calendar. Happy New Year to everybody!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Your Nativity, O Virgin,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Has proclaimed joy to the whole universe!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">The Sun of Righteousness, Christ our God,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Has shone from You, O Theotokos!</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">By annulling the curse, </span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">He bestowed a blessing.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">By destroying death, He has granted us eternal Life.</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRfrjQxLI/AAAAAAAAB4o/ZVPYhxU_cxU/s1600/IMG_1964.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRfrjQxLI/AAAAAAAAB4o/ZVPYhxU_cxU/s320/IMG_1964.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The icon of nativity of the Theotokos, at the grotto of her nativity,<br />
situated beneath Basilica of St. Anne, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRfcS_RgI/AAAAAAAAB4o/AWfJPgf4z1U/s1600/IMG_1963.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRfcS_RgI/AAAAAAAAB4o/AWfJPgf4z1U/s320/IMG_1963.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The grotto of the nativity of the Theotokos</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>By Your Nativity, O Most Pure Virgin,</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Joachim and Anna are freed from barrenness;</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Adam and Eve, from the corruption of death.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And we, your people, freed from the guilt of sin, celebrate and sing to you:</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>The barren woman gives birth to the Theotokos, the nourisher of our life!</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRfCTptnI/AAAAAAAAB4o/IhZ6JMEplWw/s1600/IMG_1962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRfCTptnI/AAAAAAAAB4o/IhZ6JMEplWw/s320/IMG_1962.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main altar of Basilica of St. Anne, built by Crusaders in 1130 in Jerusalem,<br />
on the foundation of Byzantine shrine, <br />
above the grotto of nativity of Mary</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRhgiBGAI/AAAAAAAAB4o/lUgzSK-NL_s/s1600/IMG_1968.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRhgiBGAI/AAAAAAAAB4o/lUgzSK-NL_s/s320/IMG_1968.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tabernacle of Basilica of St. Anne</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRh9PFIhI/AAAAAAAAB4o/G5m8LMYu_Ks/s1600/IMG_1969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRh9PFIhI/AAAAAAAAB4o/G5m8LMYu_Ks/s320/IMG_1969.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A side altar honouring St. Ann and Blessed Virgin Mary</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRgLlwmsI/AAAAAAAAB4o/yjp0SKjZJNo/s1600/IMG_1965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRgLlwmsI/AAAAAAAAB4o/yjp0SKjZJNo/s320/IMG_1965.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of Sts. Anne and Mary, Basilica of St. Anne</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRiLQVPNI/AAAAAAAAB4o/Kb727nswBMI/s1600/IMG_1970.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRiLQVPNI/AAAAAAAAB4o/Kb727nswBMI/s320/IMG_1970.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of St. Anne, the façade</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRkvgPAlI/AAAAAAAAB4o/BDbXi6ajoC4/s1600/IMG_1978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CRkvgPAlI/AAAAAAAAB4o/BDbXi6ajoC4/s320/IMG_1978.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of St. Anne, the façade and bell tower</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"></div><div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Glory to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit;</i></span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i> </span></span><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Both now and ever and unto ages of ages amen.</i></span></span><span style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal 'Lucida Grande';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br />
</i> </span></span><i> </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>How should we not marvel at your Offspring, </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>who is both God and man, all-honoured one? </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>For without knowing man, </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>O all-blameless, you gave birth in the flesh to a Son without father, </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>begotten from the Father before the ages without mother, </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>in no way undergoing change, or mixture or separation; </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>but preserving intact the identity of either nature. </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Therefore, Sovereign Lady, Virgin-Mother, </i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>implore Him that the souls may be saved of those who with right belief acknowledge you as Theotokos.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CReu569II/AAAAAAAAB4o/OFu1qjpKO4s/s1600/IMG_1961.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CReu569II/AAAAAAAAB4o/OFu1qjpKO4s/s320/IMG_1961.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Orthodox chapel commemorating the nativity of the Theotokos,<br />
behind Basilica of St. Anne</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="font: 12.0px Arial; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Finally, let us contemplate on this joyful event by listening to<i> Glory to... How should we not marvel</i>:</span></span></div><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RB58q4EaGbs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RB58q4EaGbs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Your Nativity</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:</span><br />
<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vtseXiIrIKM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vtseXiIrIKM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<br />
For more information on Basilica of St. Anne, see: <a href="http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/sbf/escurs/Ger/10escursEn.html">http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/sbf/escurs/Ger/10escursEn.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.africamission-mafr.org/jerusalem_presentationgb.htm">http://www.africamission-mafr.org/jerusalem_presentationgb.htm</a>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-56237205297059519572010-08-15T09:54:00.001-07:002010-08-22T15:09:11.453-07:00Dormition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal;"></span></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>O marvelous wonder! </i></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>The Fount of life hath been laid in a grave, and the tomb hath become a </i></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>ladder leading to heaven. </i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Rejoice, O Gethsemane, the holy chamber of the Theotokos.</i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>And let us </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>believers shout to her with Gabriel, the chief of the angels, saying, </i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Rejoice, O full of grace. </i></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>The </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: medium;"><i>Lord is with thee, granting the world, through thee, the Great Mercy.</i></span></div></i></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CTlVqViCI/AAAAAAAAB1w/9vFEjwzISYw/s1600/IMG_2385.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CTlVqViCI/AAAAAAAAB1w/9vFEjwzISYw/s320/IMG_2385.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sepulchre of the Theotokos Blessed Virgin Mary, at the foot of Mt. Olive, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CTlh7oG_I/AAAAAAAAB1w/7vG2xLFXUMs/s1600/IMG_2386.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CTlh7oG_I/AAAAAAAAB1w/7vG2xLFXUMs/s320/IMG_2386.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another altar in the same grotto containing the sepulchre</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CTmaXhBqI/AAAAAAAAB1w/xfPi2W4jHms/s1600/IMG_2388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CTmaXhBqI/AAAAAAAAB1w/xfPi2W4jHms/s320/IMG_2388.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The entrance to the sepulchre of the Theotokos, the current structure was built by crusaders in the twelfth century</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times; font-style: normal;"></span></i></span></span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In giving birth you preserved your virginity,</i></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>In falling asleep you did not forsake the world, O Theotokos.</i></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>You were translated to life, O Mother of Life,</i></span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>And by your prayers, you deliver our souls from death.</i></span></span></div></i></span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSqgIF-MI/AAAAAAAAB3g/7X8sIQFZwRA/s1600/IMG_2177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSqgIF-MI/AAAAAAAAB3g/7X8sIQFZwRA/s320/IMG_2177.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icon of dormition of the Theotokos, Dormition Abbey, Mt. Zion, Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSrDUXy2I/AAAAAAAAB3g/dFDeh4bFp_k/s1600/IMG_2178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSrDUXy2I/AAAAAAAAB3g/dFDeh4bFp_k/s320/IMG_2178.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of dormition of the Theotokos, in the grotto of Dormition Abbey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSsIVwgsI/AAAAAAAAB3g/uH5CgeXHKlk/s1600/IMG_2181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSsIVwgsI/AAAAAAAAB3g/uH5CgeXHKlk/s320/IMG_2181.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Statue of dormition of the Theotokos, in the grotto of Dormition Abbey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CStqGXmBI/AAAAAAAAB3g/mQtU6eWynJE/s1600/IMG_2186.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CStqGXmBI/AAAAAAAAB3g/mQtU6eWynJE/s320/IMG_2186.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The apse of Dormition Abbey</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CStPBnk5I/AAAAAAAAB3g/8SNDAYoFilU/s1600/IMG_2184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CStPBnk5I/AAAAAAAAB3g/8SNDAYoFilU/s320/IMG_2184.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The apse and altar of Dormition Abbey</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSplSQxDI/AAAAAAAAB3g/YaDTaGcf9Go/s1600/IMG_2168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CSplSQxDI/AAAAAAAAB3g/YaDTaGcf9Go/s320/IMG_2168.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dormition Abbey, a Benedictine monastery built at the turn of twentieth century</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Neither the tomb, nor death could hold the Theotokos,</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Who is constant in prayer and our firm hope in her intercessions.</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">For being the Mother of Life,</span></span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">She was translated to life by the One who dwelt in her virginal womb.</span></span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></i></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Finally, let us meditate on the mystery of dormition/assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary through two Byzantine chants.</span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>O Marvelous Wonder</i>, a vesperal hymn:</span></span></div><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9u2Za4PmIWo?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9u2Za4PmIWo?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></div><div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i>In Giving Birth</i>, the festal apolytikion:</span></span></div><object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/nPXfso4VRCI?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/nPXfso4VRCI?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />
<div style="font: normal normal normal 13px/normal Helvetica; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><br />
For more information on the tomb of Mary, see:<br />
<a href="http://198.62.75.4/www1/ofm/san/TSmary0.html">http://198.62.75.4/www1/ofm/san/TSmary0.html</a><br />
<a href="http://www.biblewalks.com/Sites/MarysTomb.html">http://www.biblewalks.com/Sites/MarysTomb.html</a><br />
<br />
For more information on Dormition Abbey, see:<br />
<a href="http://www.hagia-maria-sion.net/engl/index.html">http://www.hagia-maria-sion.net/engl/index.html</a>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-10475960891807360402010-08-10T23:25:00.000-07:002010-08-10T23:25:34.104-07:00Transfiguration; Metamorphosis<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thy mercy, O Lord, endureth for ever;</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thou wast transfigured on the mountain, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>O Christ our God; </i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>showing to Thy disciples Thy glory as each one could endure. </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Shine forth Thou on us, who are sinners all, </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thy light ever-unending; through the prayers of the Theotokos; </i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Light-bestower, glory be to Thee.</i></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJPXRDSVI/AAAAAAAAB8s/3fukr4P2KO8/s1600/IMG_1317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJPXRDSVI/AAAAAAAAB8s/3fukr4P2KO8/s320/IMG_1317.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The high altar and the apse with an ornate mosaic depicting transfiguration of Basilica of Transfiguration, Mt. Tabor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJQCxsUPI/AAAAAAAAB8s/LpZd1RZDNrw/s1600/IMG_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJQCxsUPI/AAAAAAAAB8s/LpZd1RZDNrw/s320/IMG_1319.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaic of transfiguration, Basilica of Transfirugation, Mt. Tabor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJQp2jcjI/AAAAAAAAB8s/aLR0x4MkotA/s1600/IMG_1320.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJQp2jcjI/AAAAAAAAB8s/aLR0x4MkotA/s320/IMG_1320.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The main altar of Basilica of Transfiguration, on the lower level, built on the foundation of a Byzantine chapel</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJSnByBNI/AAAAAAAAB8s/PT4gqyghnRQ/s1600/IMG_1326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJSnByBNI/AAAAAAAAB8s/PT4gqyghnRQ/s320/IMG_1326.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Basilica of Transfiguration, Mt. Table, built of the foundation of three Byzantine chapels that were each dedicated to Jesus, Moses, and Elijah</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> <br />
<div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJTE35DnI/AAAAAAAAB8s/eWyA8eBf5_4/s1600/IMG_1327.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJTE35DnI/AAAAAAAAB8s/eWyA8eBf5_4/s320/IMG_1327.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruin of a medieval Benedictine women's monastery chapel</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">On the Mountain You were Transfigured, O Christ God,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And Your disciples beheld Your glory as far as they could see it;</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">So that when they would behold You crucified,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">They would understand that Your suffering was voluntary,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And would proclaim to the world,</span></i></span></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">That You are truly the Radiance of the Father!</span></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><i><br />
</i></span></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJRPwXLwI/AAAAAAAAB8s/r-SNQoeZpUI/s1600/IMG_1322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJRPwXLwI/AAAAAAAAB8s/r-SNQoeZpUI/s320/IMG_1322.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view from Mt. Tabor</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJXCOz_uI/AAAAAAAAB8s/E2JyRkXRqtc/s1600/IMG_1340.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CJXCOz_uI/AAAAAAAAB8s/E2JyRkXRqtc/s320/IMG_1340.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise on Mt. Tabor</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">“Today You have shown forth...”</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">Today all mortal nature shines with the divine Transfiguration</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">And cries with exultation:</span></span></i></div><div style="font: 13.0px Helvetica; line-height: 19.0px; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;">"Christ the Savior is transfigured to save us all!"</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></span></i><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"></span></span></i></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COR5hab_I/AAAAAAAAB54/jwWIPHjQovo/s1600/DSC01896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COR5hab_I/AAAAAAAAB54/jwWIPHjQovo/s320/DSC01896.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A mosaic icon of transfiguration, Church of St. George, Madaba, Jordan</td></tr>
</tbody></table></span></i><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Finally, let us listen to and meditate on the apolytikion of transfiguration: </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thou wast transfigured on the mountain.</span></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><object height="344" style="background-image: url(http://i3.ytimg.com/vi/V8SK421PaPI/hqdefault.jpg);" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/V8SK421PaPI&hl=en_US&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/V8SK421PaPI&hl=en_US&fs=1" width="425" height="344" allowscriptaccess="never" allowfullscreen="true" wmode="transparent" type="application/x-shockwave-flash"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">For more information of Basilica of Transfiguration and Mount Tabor, see: <a href="http://198.62.75.4/www1/ofm/san/TABmenu.html">http://198.62.75.4/www1/ofm/san/TABmenu.html</a></div>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8593938205492653556.post-84703945392197912932010-08-10T06:55:00.000-07:002010-08-21T22:05:08.524-07:00Prologos<div style="text-align: justify;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In April 2010, I went on a life-changing pilgrimage to the Holy Land (i.e. the land of the Bible). While it was incredible to trod on this ancient land where our Lord Jesus, the Theotokos Blessed Virgin Mary, apostles, prophets, kings, and saints lived, I could not help but notice that most of the holy sites were rebuilt on the foundation of Byzantine-era churches or monasteries. The most striking evidence was the almost ubiquitous mosaic flooring in almost every shrine. Suddenly, something dawned on me: the hymns of the Eastern Churches (Orthodox and Catholic) that are still in use today were quite likely first chanted on those ancient grounds, in commemoration of the salvific mysteries wrought by God right there. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Indeed, by God's grace, the Timeless One entered time. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Standing there, I could almost hear the chanting by the monks and priests from centuries ago. Throughout the pilgrimage I thought, wouldn't it be great to have a Byzantine rite priest to celebrate divine liturgy for us? Alas my dream never came true. However, I would like to share with you where I had been and what I saw, in conjunction with the hymns of the Eastern Churches (i.e. apolytikia, kontakia, aposticha, etc) relevant to each site, according to the Church's liturgical calendar. I present to you, </span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Echoes from Byzantine Palaestina</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNsQPxz5I/AAAAAAAAB6A/FnWJYgwDRPc/s1600/IMG_1648.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNsQPxz5I/AAAAAAAAB6A/FnWJYgwDRPc/s320/IMG_1648.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic flooring in the aisle of the ruin of a Byzantine church in Petra, Jordan</td></tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNtitX4EI/AAAAAAAAB6A/lgscgOYmlNg/s1600/IMG_1652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNtitX4EI/AAAAAAAAB6A/lgscgOYmlNg/s320/IMG_1652.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic flooring in the aisle of the ruin of a Byzantine church in Petra, Jordan</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNtOjCRZI/AAAAAAAAB6A/jzzhon0OpxM/s1600/IMG_1651.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNtOjCRZI/AAAAAAAAB6A/jzzhon0OpxM/s320/IMG_1651.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic flooring in the aisle of the ruin of a Byzantine church in Petra, Jordan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNuNR6Q-I/AAAAAAAAB6A/VhwdTm6ZtXc/s1600/IMG_1654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNuNR6Q-I/AAAAAAAAB6A/VhwdTm6ZtXc/s320/IMG_1654.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mosaic flooring in the aisle of the ruin of a Byzantine church in Petra, Jordan</td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNukfy7mI/AAAAAAAAB6A/zIrm0GQJ1uY/s1600/IMG_1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNukfy7mI/AAAAAAAAB6A/zIrm0GQJ1uY/s1600/IMG_1655.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CNukfy7mI/AAAAAAAAB6A/zIrm0GQJ1uY/s320/IMG_1655.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cross-shaped baptistry of the ruin of a Byzantine church in Petra, Jordan </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COhfVLMQI/AAAAAAAAB5w/ppRjFQ-CjFE/s1600/IMG_1745.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COhfVLMQI/AAAAAAAAB5w/ppRjFQ-CjFE/s320/IMG_1745.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The ruin of a Byzantine church on the ground of Citadel of Amman, Amman, Jordan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CN_aSypqI/AAAAAAAAB54/cAnveqhtdJU/s1600/IMG_1750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CN_aSypqI/AAAAAAAAB54/cAnveqhtdJU/s320/IMG_1750.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The famous mosaic map of the Holy Land from the Byzantine era, Church of St. George, Madaba, Jordan</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COMb1oinI/AAAAAAAAB54/SeeYoqsrEZU/s1600/DSC01883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_COMb1oinI/AAAAAAAAB54/SeeYoqsrEZU/s320/DSC01883.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaic map of Holy Land, zoomed in on Dead Sea</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CN_1QUG_I/AAAAAAAAB54/R5K3op6vRI0/s1600/IMG_1751.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_U88bsdhZ-M4/S_CN_1QUG_I/AAAAAAAAB54/R5K3op6vRI0/s320/IMG_1751.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The mosaic map of Holy Land, zoomed in on Jerusalem</td></tr>
</tbody></table> </div></div>Jack Liu 劉洪昌http://www.blogger.com/profile/07856101189938981656noreply@blogger.com1