Some things are newer than others

It is common to refer to the Orthodox Church as the “Church that never changes.” While it is true our dogmas about God never change, there are some things in our way of life that change. Some traditions are from the Apostles. Some traditions are newer but no less valid.

Today is the commemoration of the revelation of the hymn of Axion Estin. Take a moment and read the story of this miracle by the Archangel Gabriel, and you will better appreciate the ancient, and not so ancient, traditions of our Church.

Of course, by today’s standards a thousand year-old tradition is ancient, but in the life of the Church, that is only half our history. In fact, many of the hymns the Church sings today are from more recent centuries as opposed to Apostolic times, but all the hymns are equally traditional.

Orthodox Christianity is a ‘lived experience’ and as such, history enters into Church practice. Today’s commemoration of Axion Estin is just one example. The way the Holy Sacraments are celebrated, even ‘how’ Holy Communion is celebrated and distributed has changed over time.

That is not to say all change is random, or that nothing is firm. As a ‘lived experience’ our traditions reflect real life in the Church. The ‘more impact’ an event has in the life of the Church, the more the event is commemorated in the worship of the Church.

It is important to remember that all worship is an expression of praise and glory to God. There is no better place, than in the Church during worship, to praise God for our blessings. Hymnology is a great way to express our love for God and His Church.

From “O Gladsome Light” to “Axion Estin” or even the “Akathyst Hymn”, our love for God and our devotion to His Church through history is reflected in the worship, and most often, hymnology, of the Church. This is true because hymns are written to commemorate events.

Are we celebrating the Feast of Saint Nicholas? Then the hymns reflect the life and glory of Saint Nicholas. Are we celebrating the consecration of a famous historic church? The hymns not only recall history, but they reflect upon how that history impacts our faith.

As we glance back a thousand years today in the life of the Church, I invite you to look ahead to the future. Imagine how our future will impact on our life. Maybe you will be called some day to commemorate this event with a new hymn.

A ‘lived experience’ never ends in the Church, because the Church never ends. First it was the Apostles who protected the truth of God and wrote hymns and prayers of praise. Then it was emperors and the saints. Tomorrow, you and I will protect the truth and commemorate history.

We are all part of the ‘lived experience’ of the Church. Some things are truly ancient. Some things are newer. Some things haven’t even taken place yet.

It is truly right to bless you, Theotokos, ever blessed, most pure, and Mother of our God. Greater in honor than the Cherubim, and in glory greater beyond compare than the Seraphim; you without corruption gave birth to God the Word, and are truly Theotokos. You do we magnify.

Hymn of axion estin