Blessed Feast of St. Herman!

ISN'T IT LOVELY when you have a productive day! Today on the eve of the Feast of St. Herman was one of those days. I'm finally getting things in order so we can begin our school year in week or so and just finishing up the final touches.

Today was baking day and while I bake each week, for some reason today my prosphora loaves just turned out nice. Maybe because I'm finally getting back into balance and things were more joyful and prayerful today. All the kids cooperated and we were able to get so much done! It felt good!

St. Herman is a special saint for our family so we always try to do something special. Usually we would make a pilgrimage to Port Townsend to the parish of St. Herman to celebrate the feast, and then enjoy the day at the beach. The services there are so lovely and then have a fabulous salmon lunch. If you can make it there it's well worth the drive. It's absolutely beautiful!! Unfortunately we won't make it this year.

If you haven't read the life of St. Herman, you really should take the time. He was a simple man and lived close to the earth. While he was a hermit, he helped all those he came in contact with and lived a quiet, gentle life. I have been told that if you are able to visit the church of St. Herman on Spruce Island in Kodiak, Alaska you can strongly feel his presence. I would love to make a pilgrimage there and experience it!

There is a wonderful children's book my children love about St. Herman called North Star: St. Herman of Alaska.The illustrations are beautiful and it's such a lovely story to share.

So on this glorious feast of St. Herman I leave you with his troparions and kontakion. God bless your day!

Troparion - Tone 7

Joyful North Star of the Church of Christ,
Guiding all people to the Heavenly Heavenly Kingdom;
Teacher and apostle of the True Faith;
Intercessor and defender of the oppressed;
Adornment of the Orthodox adornment of the Orthodox Church in America:
Blessed Father Herman of Alaska,
Pray to our Lord Jesus Christ
For the salvation of our souls!

Troparion - Tone 4

O blessed Father Herman of Alaska,
North star of Christ's holy Church,
The light of your holy life and great deeds
Guides those who follow the Orthodox way.
Together we lift high the Holy Cross
You planted firmly in America.
Let all behold and glorify Jesus Christ,
Singing his holy Resurrection.

Kontakion - Tone 3

The eternal light of Christ our Savior
guided you, blessed Father Herman,
on your evangelical your evangelical journey to America
to proclaim the Gospel of peace.
Now you stand before the throne of glory;
intercede for your land and its people:
Peace for the world and salvation for our souls!