The person who loves the most is he who humbles himself the most. No one will ever attain the degree of humility of Christ or His Mother, hence no one will ever be greater than they are. True human progress is progress in humility. Here is hidden true happiness. Everything else is as smoke in the wind.
Based on Saint Sophrony (Saharov)
Censing the miracle-working icon of Our Lady Vimatarissa inside the Sanctuary of the Katholikon Church at Vatopaidi. In this photo the icon has been removed from its usual place — the stand seen in the background to the monk’s right — as a preparation for taking it out into the nave of the church. The icon of Vimatarissa is taken out from the Sanctuary only on special occasions — in this case, for the Nativity of Christ.
The person who loves the most is he who humbles himself the most. No one will ever attain the degree of humility of Christ or His Mother, hence no one will ever be greater than they are. True human progress is progress in humility. Here is hidden true happiness. Everything else is as smoke in the wind.Based on Elder Sophrony (Saharov)Censing the miracle-working icon of Our Lady Vimatarissa inside the Sanctuary of the Katholikon Church at Vatopaidi. In this photo the icon has been removed from its usual place -- the stand seen in the background to the monk's right -- as a preparation for taking it out into the nave of the church. The icon of Vimatarissa is taken out from the Sanctuary only on special occasions -- in this case, for the Nativity of Christ.In the Sanctuary of the church, and on such occasions, only the finest quality incense is used at the Monastery. To ensure this quality, the Monastery produces its own incense, which it also has made available for the use of others.
Censing during the All-Night Vigil on the feast of Nativity of Christ.
Censing Vimatarissa on her "throne" outside the Sanctuary.
A monk holding incense and preparing himself and his censer in the Holy Altar before starting the censing. Vatopaidi, Christmas Eve.
One of the monks censing in the Katholikon (main church) of Vatopaidi during the Imperial Hours. He wears a royal, blue cloth, the color of nobility.
Waiting to cense.
On special ocasions and greater feasts, two monks rhythmically cense with two hand censers (katzia).
Refilling the hand censer (katzio) with incense. Usually this happens outside of the Church, before censing the monastery's courtyard.
The hand censer (katzio) - a censer used by a simple monk or layman. A custom almost forgotten elsewhere - it is still kept mostly on the Holy Mountain. The photo shows a hand censer used in the services, which has been lit, ready to be used. In addition to its impressive appearance the katzio has small bells attached that produce a melodious sound when moved in rhythm with the chanting, particularly if two are used at the same time.
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