Akathist to the Divine Passions of Christ (2 CDs)

This recording of the Lenten Vespers with the Akathist to the Passions of Christ is a unique example of this service in our catalog. Originally modeled after the remembrance of the "Stations of the Cross" in the Western Church, the "Passion" Service, introduced into Orthodox use in the seventeenth century by Metropolitan Peter Mogila (+1647), has now become a traditional aspect of Lenten celebrations in many parts of the Orthodox world. Served on four occasions in the course of Great Lent it prepares the faithful for the Holy Week remembrances of Christ's suffering and crucifixion by using some of the same hymns and Gospel readings that will be heard later on Holy Friday and Saturday. The fine Male Choir of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Monastery Representation Church (Metochion) is heard here in a live recording, which draws upon the finest liturgical chant arrangements employed in the musical practices of the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Monastery--works by Kastalsky, Archimandrite Matthew (Mormyl), and Deacon Sergius Trubachov. The booklet contains titles and an introductory article in Russian and English; no text translations are given.--V.M.