I started writing this post two years ago, but I’ve now kept only the photo, which is almost identical to one I took yesterday on the Feast of Pentecost. Today as I write is the continuing of the feast, with Holy Spirit Day. Now after 50 days of “waiting” for the Holy Spirit after Pascha, we once again pray in this way at the beginning of every service:
O Heavenly King, the Comforter,
The Spirit of Truth,
Who art everywhere present and filleth all things,
Treasury of blessings, and Giver of Life,
Come and abide in us,
And cleanse us from every impurity,
And save our souls, O Good One.
Two baptisms were held yesterday, too, which were a glorious part of our celebrations. The church was full of trees and greenery. The sun was shining, the faces were shining… I am very glad.
Gladsome Lights 
That is a good prayer! We also had a baptism yesterday – it was great. During Father’s homily, the baby started crying, which got a couple of the other little ones crying – it was comical.
The greenery looks refreshing there.
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What a beautiful service and I love that prayer.
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So glad that you shared this beautiful prayer. I notice some women wear hats/head coverings, but not all. Is it required?
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No, it is not required. It’s traditional, going back through the centuries and taught in the Bible, of course, but the practice varies quite a bit among and within current Orthodox cultures and parishes.
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Lovely. I have that too…posts from a year ago, two years ago…waiting, hibernating, and then sometimes all that’s left is a word, a thought, a picture that looks almost the same.
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Very good prayer and a beautiful setting for baptism.
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