Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Tonight's (March 30th) canon is truly a mystical and powerful service. Here's the commentary from today's Greek Orthodox Church of America site:

 

5th Thursday of Lent: The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete

Reading from the Synaxarion:

This most compunctionate Canon-which is truly great not only because of the quantity of Troparia as compared with other canons, but also because of the multitude of mystical thoughts and insights-is the excellent composition of Saint Andrew of Crete (see July 4). Examining the entire history of the Holy Scriptures, both Old and New, and artistically fitting it together into one sacred song, this divine Father incites every soul to imitate the good and to flee from evil, and to return to God by means of repentance.

Kontakion of 5th Thurs. of Lent in the Plagal of the Second Tone

My soul, my soul, arise! Wherefore dost thou slumber? The end is drawing nigh, and thou shalt be troubled. Arouse thyself, therefore, that Christ God may spare thee; for He is everywhere present and filleth all things.

With respect, and In Christ,

Fr James