Christian, Do You Struggle?
I was flipping through the Psalter Hymnal last night and came across this song. The text is attributed to Andrew of Crete, written sometime between 660-732 AD. I love coming across Christian texts of long ago, and I was especially struck by the last stanza.
"Christian, Do You Struggle?"
Christian, do you struggle on the battle ground
'gainst the powers of darkness closing in around?
Christian, rise, take armor, soldier of the cross;
for the sake of Jesus count your gain but loss.
Christian, do you battle Satan's power within
all his striving, luring, tempting you to sin?
Christian, do not tremble, do not be downcast;
Arm yourself for battle, watch and pray and fast.
Christian, do you wrestle those who taunt and claim,
"Why keep fast and vigil? Prayer is said in vain!"
Christian, answer boldly: "While I breathe I pray!"
Peace shall follow battle, night shall end in day.
posted by Erin Marshalek @ 11:44 PM
2 Comments:
Thanks for that Erin. Thought youmight enjoy hearing about St. Andrew:
"St. Andrew of Crete (c. 660-740), whose "Great Canon" the Orthodox pray during Lent, was born in Damascus. He became a monk at Mar Saba and served later at the Holy Sepulchre. Around 685, he was ordained a deacon at Hagia Sophia. He also ran a refuge that took in orphans and cared for the elderly. He ended his days as Archbishop of Gortyna, a position to which he was elevated in 692, on the island of Crete. He wrote homilies that display great oratorical skill, as well as panegyrics to the saints. Some say that he invented the canon. "
you can read mroe at:
http://www.monachos.net/monasticism/andrew_of_crete/index.shtml
I appreciate that a lot, Deac; thank you!
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