Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

September 8: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

O Lord, through the prayers of your Mother, keep away from the earth and its people the devastation of wrath and all dangers, dissension, war, famine, and epidemics. Have compassion on us, heal the sick, help the poor, save the oppressed, grant rest to the faithful departed who have left us and gone to you, and make us worthy of a safe and peaceful death, that we may raise glory to you, to your Father, and to your Holy Spirit, for ever.

Saint Simeon the Stylite

Saint Simeon the Stylite

September 1, 2025: Saint Simeon the Stylite

When Simeon set to work on his pillar, he dug deep foundations; for the deeper the foundations, the higher the building will rise. Simeon’s foundation was prayer, austerity and constant penance. Unbelievers were converted by his preaching. A monastery and city grew up around his pillar. What was once a desert wasteland became a sanctuary of prayer and devotion for multitudes. He healed the sick, reconciled the angry, brought peace to the troubled and demanded justice for the poor and imprisoned. When he was censured for his extravagant way of life, he pointed to the praying crowds below and said “God has put to use even my foolish extravagance.”

From the Sedro of the Feast of Saint Simeon, the Younger, Fenquitho.

The Assumption of the Virgin

The Assumption of the Virgin

August 15: The Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin

Ancient tradition tells us and our own faith assures us of what the Church has solemnly proclaimed: the Virgin Mary has entered, body and soul, into heaven. After her death the Virgin Mother of God, without undergoing corruption, has entered heaven, by a special privilege of God, with her body glorified as was her Son’s. As God had preserved her from the stain of original sin, made her a mother and yet preserved her as a virgin, so also has he brought her to himself in her integral human nature of body and soul.

May our Virgin Mother intercede for us and may her prayers protect us. Amen.

From the Synaxarion for the Assumption of the Virgin, Maronite Divine Office.

Saint Sharbel

Saint Sharbel

July 23, 2025 — The Feast of Saint Sharbel

Sharbel spends his nights awake until his eyes meet the light of dawn; in his heart he carries the heart of the world which longs for the heavenly light. Alleluia, what a wonderful hope!

“With your tears, you irrigate the earth,” said the Lord to Adam in Paradise. Sharbel irrigated the earth with his blood, melting himself like a candle. Alleluia, how blessed is he!

He is a saint from among us, from the heights of the cedars and the hearts of the rocks. O Sharbel, intercede for us; the Lord gave you the glory of Lebanon. Alleluia, protect Lebanon!

Psalm of the Readings, Maronite Divine Liturgy for Saint Sharbel, Fenqitho.

Saint Marina, patroness of Maronite Patriarchs

Saint Marina, patroness of Maronite Patriarchs

July 17, 2025: Feast day of Saint Marina

The life of man in patience is gained as the Bible says. And everyone who is patient until the end is given the crown. Hence we see in Saint Marina a proof. She has gained the glory of joy through grace-filled patience.

She saw the world as a heaving sea of punishment, With the seafarers shipwrecked, overcome by evil consequences. And that the monastic life is the safe port and the achiever of hopes. Her spirit became captivated with love for the life of a hermit to calm the mind.

The Apostles Peter and Paul

The Apostles Peter and Paul

Jesus Christ our Lord, you are the radiance of the Eternal Father. You enlightened the world with your divine teachings and filled it with knowledge through the simplicity of your apostles. Make us worthy to praise you as we celebrate the feast of your chosen apostles Peter and Paul. By their witness, may we come to understand your hidden mysteries and keep your life-giving commandments, that we may be made worthy to share in their happiness. We raise glory and thanks you you, to your Father, and to your Holy Spirit, for ever.

Pentecost Sunday

Pentecost Sunday

O God, enlighten our understanding with the rays of your Holy Spirit, and awaken our souls from the sleep of selfishness. May your rich gifts come upon us this morning, as they came upon the apostles in the upper room of Sion; we shall be strengthened by them and give witness to you today, all the days of our lives, and for ever.
Amen.

Morning Prayer for the Feast of Pentecost, Maronite Divine Office.

Seventh Sunday of the Resurrection

Seventh Sunday of the Resurrection

June 1, 2025 (Seventh Sunday of the Resurrection); June 2, 2025 (The Four Evangelists)

Praise, glory and honor to the One who ascended to heaven, but is always on earth in the mystery of his Church.

He seated himself at the right hand of the Father, but remains close to us in the sacrament of his love.

To the Good One is due glory and honor this morning, and all the days of our lives, now and for ever.

Amen.

From the Prayer of the Faithful, morning prayer Sixth Sunday of Resurrection

The Ascension of Our Lord

The Ascension of Our Lord

O Christ, you left the Father and you came into the world, then you left the world and returned to your Father, in your strength, you brought all creation to him.

To him you returned power over all things so that God might be all in all.

Grant that we may ascend to him with you and remain at his right hand, then we shall praise you, with him, and your Holy Spirit, for ever.

Amen.

From the Prayer of the Faithful, Morning prayers for the Ascension of Our Lord.

Fifth Sunday of the Resurrection

Fifth Sunday of the Resurrection

Jesus Christ our Lord, during this season of your glorious resurrection, make us worthy to live in joy and give you praise. Renew us with your Holy Spirit that we may proclaim, in word and deed, the glory of your resurrection. With all those who have been clothed with you in holy Baptism we worship you , we give you thanks, and we glorify you, your Father, and your Holy Spirit, now and for ever.

Our Lady of Lebanon

Our Lady of Lebanon

As we praise and glorify with hymns the blessed ever Virgin Mary, Mother of God, we ask her to petition her divine Son, saying: O Lord, through the prayers of Your Mother, keep away from earth and all its inhabitants the scourge of wrath; eliminate all its dangers and disturbances; protect us from war, captivity, famine and plague. Have compassion on our weakness, comfort our sick, help the poor and deliver the oppressed; enable us to lead holy lives; give rest to the faithful departed and grant us a happy death that we may glorify You, now and forever.

The Glorious Resurrection

The Glorious Resurrection

Who can praise the greatness of your mercy, O Word of God, and what voice can bless you who are above all praise? Neither mind or tongue can describe the marvels you have performed on this holy day of your resurrection from the dead. With the psalmist David, we exclaim:

“This is the day the Lord has made, let us be glad and rejoice!”
This is the day which has no equal.
This is the great feast, crown and jewel of all feasts.

And now, Christ our God, on this day of your resurrection from the dead, we ask you to grant us the forgiveness of our sins and faults. Through the fragrance of this incense, which we offer you, grant justice to the oppressed and comfort to the afflicted. Bring back those far away, direct those who are near, and guide those who travel. Protect the priests, purify the deacons, and pardon the sinners; watch over the just, protect the orphans, and help the widows. Remember those who have died in the faith and grant them rest in your heavenly kingdom; may we celebrate with them the feast that never ends, and proclaim your glory, and that of your Father, and your holy and living Spirit, now and for ever.

Amen.