Lily of the Valley – Blisswood

In Pure Simplicity

Garden Calla Lily, shared by Irena

Thy Resurrection, O Christ our Saviour, the Angels in Heaven sing. Enable us on earth, to glorify Thee in purity of heart. ~ Paschal Stichera

When going to the Holy Mysteries, go with simplicity of heart, and with the proper reverence toward this, in full faith that you will receive the Lord within yourself. ~ St. Theophan the Recluse

The core of our faith is actually extremely simple‚ that there is a God that created us and He became like us so we can become like Him. In order to do that He died‚ resurrected and ascended to heavens‚ taking up our human nature upon the heavenly throne. All we have to do is follow Him‚ take up our crosses and get going. ~ Fr. Vasile Tudora

May we, with verdant Simplicity of Heart, brightly bloom as pure lilies in God’s Eternal Garden of Pascha, and rejoice in His Divine Beauty of of Simplicity.

Truly He is Risen!

Be of Good Cheer!

Image by Mareefe from Pixabay

She is the flower of the field from whom blossomed the precious lily of the valley. ~ St Augustine (354-430 AD )

Greetings on the Feast of the Nativity of the Theotokos!

The whole creation calls thee blessed, O ever-Virgin born today of Anna: thou spotless branch of the root of Jesse, that brought forth Christ as flower. ~ Irmos at Second Canon of the Festal Matins

Thy nativity, O Virgin Theotokos, hath proclaimed Joy to all the world; for from thee hath shone forth Christ our God, the Sun of Righteousness, Who, having annulled the curse, hath given His blessing, and having abolished death, hath granted us life everlasting.
~Troparion Tone 4

Festal Family Traditions (bottom of post link in blue)

Through the prayers of our Most Holy Lady and Ever-Virgin Mary the Theotokos… May your day be filled the bright and saving heavenly light of the Sun of Righteousness!

It’s the New Growth

It’s the new growth… that bears the blooms!

The Lily of the Valley Shrub, also known as Pieris Japonica, is a lovely evergreen shrub and early bloomer, belonging to the Heath family. It’s a joy to see and smell these pendulous, sweet, fragrant bells, especially during Lent.

From of old…. the teardrop shape flowers of both the Lily of the Valley bulb plant, and the Pieris Japonica shrub, are said to poignantly symbolize the tears that Eve shed upon leaving the Garden of Eden, and the Virgin Mary’s tears shed at the cross of Christ.

She is the flower of the field from whom bloomed the precious lily of the valley. ~ St. Augustine

Sometimes, a glimpse of Paradise is right outside our back door!

Happy Lenten Spring!