In the Orthodox Church, we commemorate today two of the greatest saints - Peter and Paul. What I personally love about the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul is the hymnography - it is pretty much dedicated 1/3 to St. Peter, 1/3 to St. Paul, and 1/3 to both of them together. While we were unable to make liturgy this morning, Frank and I did read through parts of the Vespers service from last night, and I would just like to share the following hymns that stood out at me:
With what wreaths of praise shall we crown Peter and Paul?
Separated in body, they were united by the Spirit;
they rank first among preachers:
one was the leader of the Apostles,
while the other labored more than them all.
Truly, Christ our God, Who has great mercy,
has adorned them with the crowns of immortal glory.
Let us praise Peter and Paul, the two great stars of the Church.
They shine brighter than the sun in the sky of faith.
Let the nations follow the rays of their preaching,
and be led from ignorance to the knowledge of God!
One was nailed to the Cross and received the keys of the Kingdom from Christ in heaven.
The other, beheaded by the sword, departed to the Savior,
and is worthily counted blessed.
Together they proclaim to Israel:
“He Who was stretched out on the Cross is the Lord of all!”
By their prayers, O Christ our God,
strengthen the Orthodox Faith and destroy our enemies,
as you are the Lover of mankind!
I think it was Fr. Thomas Hopko who said once that Peter and Paul didn't always see eye to eye. Even so, they both humbly worked together for the benefit of the Church. I think this is a great example for all of us as we strive to work within our parishes for the same goal - the spreading of the Gospel!
God bless you all on this feast!
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