Orthodox Christians praying the 'Divine Mercy Chaplet'

[Troy Duker]

Is there anything wrong with Orthodox Christians praying/singing the Divine Mercy Chaplet? I am a catechumen in the church and I think this is a beautiful prayer. What do y'all think?

[Eric Peterson]

Isn't that a rather new custom in the Roman Catholic Church? I could be wrong, but wasn't "Divine Mercy" revealed in some vision? I can't find reference to it in any pre-1962 books.

[Michael Stickles]

Isn't that a rather new custom in the Roman Catholic Church? I could be wrong, but wasn't "Divine Mercy" revealed in some vision? I can't find reference to it in any pre-1962 books.

A Roman Catholic nun had a vision in 1937 where she received this prayer. I have no idea how recently it became popular. A fair bit of it is the same or similar to common Orthodox prayers. I'm not sure about the "Orthodoxy" of some of the other parts, but I'll have to leave that to others to address, since (being a catechumen myself) the discernment required is a bit beyond my ability.

In Christ,
Mike

[Father David Moser]

I think that it is best, especially as a catechumen, to stick to the prayer rule given to you by your priest.

Fr David Moser

[Alice]

A Roman Catholic nun had a vision in 1937 where she received this prayer. I have no idea how recently it became popular. A fair bit of it is the same or similar to common Orthodox prayers. I'm not sure about the "Orthodoxy" of some of the other parts, but I'll have to leave that to others to address, since (being a catechumen myself) the discernment required is a bit beyond my ability.

In Christ,
Mike

I have heard this prayer service sung, and I must admit that it is most spiritually touching...and as a cradle Orthodox, I found it to be very much like my tradition in spirit; especially this part which has stuck in my mind:

(For the sake of His sorrowful passion), 'Have mercy on us and on the whole world'.

Just my humble thoughts, and not any advice for sure, for I am no one.

Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me a sinner,
Alice

[Troy Duker]

Isn't that a rather new custom in the Roman Catholic Church? I could be wrong, but wasn't "Divine Mercy" revealed in some vision? I can't find reference to it in any pre-1962 books.

It was suppressed for sometime due to it being private revelation and translation issues.

[Duane]

I asked my priest a similar question a few weeks ago, when I was invited to attend a Rosary service following the death of a close coworker's mother. The Marian Rosary and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy were to be prayed at this service. His told me that there was nothing wrong with an Orthodox Christian participating in such acts of Roman Catholic Piety, but to not make them part of the prayer rule he has given me.

At some point in the past, I read that Our venerable and God-bearing father Seraphim of Sarov prayed the Marian Rosary, but I don't know it this is true.

[Eric Peterson]

St. Seraphim prayed an Orthodox Rosary in Orthodox fashion, which is similar to, but significantly different from how the Roman Catholics pray the Rosary. In Orthodoxy, there are differences in Rosary praying, depending on whether one is Eastern or Western Rite. The Western Rite version is more similar to the Roman Catholic version, but still not identical.

[Father David Moser]

St. Seraphim prayed an Orthodox Rosary in Orthodox fashion...depending on whether one is Eastern or Western Rite. The Western Rite version is more similar to the Roman Catholic version, but still not identical.

And trust me, St Seraphim was not Western Rite.

Fr David Moser

[Fr Raphael Vereshack]

And trust me, St Seraphim was not Western Rite.

Fr David Moser

Also the confusion may come from how the word for a prayer rope (chotki, lestovka) is being translated into English. In general, in order to avoid confusion we no longer use such words as 'rosary' but rather 'prayer rope' or even just use the Russian or Greek word for a prayer rope.

The same confusion can arise when referring to a 'Marian Rosary'. Quite likely St Seraphim would have prayed the 'Theotokos Virgin rejoice...' (this is the same hymn that is found at the end the end of Great Vespers at a Vigil). This is not though the same hymn to the Virgin as is found in the west.

In Christ- Fr Raphael

[Duane]

Many thanks for the clarifications.

[Bill Cherry]

St. Seraphim prayed an Orthodox Rosary in Orthodox fashion, which is similar to, but significantly different from how the Roman Catholics pray the Rosary. In Orthodoxy, there are differences in Rosary praying, depending on whether one is Eastern or Western Rite. The Western Rite version is more similar to the Roman Catholic version, but still not identical.

Hello. This is my first post. I have many questions. I am not sure where to ask them. But, this seems like an appropriate place for one of them.

What is your version of the Rosary? If I may ask...

Thank you,

Bill

[Vasiliki D.]

Hello. This is my first post. I have many questions. I am not sure where to ask them. But, this seems like an appropriate place for one of them.

What is your version of the Rosary? If I may ask...

Thank you,

Bill

There are two answer to this. If you are enquiring about what our equivalent prayer is to the Virgin Mary I would have to reply that it is either the Supplicatory Canon (Paraklisis) or the Akathist Hymn ... both are equally beautiful and have wonderful words and descriptions of Our Lady!

If however you are inquiring merely to the material object that makes up the Rosary beads we have what is called a "Prayer Rope" or in the Greek the "Komposkini" ... this rope is used primarly by monastics and has recently gained much popularity to lay Orthodox. For each bead we pray "Lord Jesus Christ, Have Mercy on Me a Sinner" - this is called the Jesus Prayer and has mystical levels in how it helps Orthodox .. a beginner will experience it as a prayer that continuously calls on the name of Christ - an expert (and these are rare) will experience something more special which we call God making His home in their heart - its a very complex topic and has various different titles like Nyptic Theology, Prayer of the heart, theosis etc etc ...

Here are three good articles to start you off:
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Prayer_rope
http://www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis/comboschini.aspx
http://www.wattfamily.org/prayerope.html

[Bill Cherry]

Thank you, very much for your response, sir. I will peruse the links shortly. (Right now, I have to shovel snow off the driveway and walkway).

I will respond in kind when I have read the articles.

[Bill Cherry]

To Vasiliki D.

Thank you for the links about your prayer ropes.

It seems that I posted here correctly. Since, the thread is about the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It, too, is a prayer for the Mercy of Christ. Being a Catholic, of course, I am biased to sing the praises of this chaplet as it is one of my favorites. St. Faustina also being a very Holy woman and one of my favorite Saints.

Since, however, I am here to learn of your Faith, I will refrain from discussing it further. Unless you wish to discuss it.

[Vasiliki D.]

To Vasiliki D.

Thank you for the links about your prayer ropes.

It seems that I posted here correctly. Since, the thread is about the Divine Mercy Chaplet. It, too, is a prayer for the Mercy of Christ. Being a Catholic, of course, I am biased to sing the praises of this chaplet as it is one of my favorites. St. Faustina also being a very Holy woman and one of my favorite Saints.

Since, however, I am here to learn of your Faith, I will refrain from discussing it further. Unless you wish to discuss it.

I personally dont mind discussing it, however, the moderators of the forum may think we are veering of on an emotional or personal tangent and might delete our posts :-) I dont know when I can express an opinion and when I cant sometimes ..its confusing.

As for praying I am learning that if God has placed you in a particular path it is for a reason and you continue that path in zeal and love for Him yearning for the Truth. He will guide you to the Truth. Until such time, you do your prayers the way you know how to Him :-)

It is worthwhile reading up on the links I offered above ... they are very good and offer much direction on the Jesus Prayer. If all else fails, we can perhaps refer you to a local English speaking Orthodox priest in your area who can help catechise you on our faith further?

[Bill Cherry]

I personally dont mind discussing it, however, the moderators of the forum may think we are veering of on an emotional or personal tangent and might delete our posts :-) I dont know when I can express an opinion and when I cant sometimes ..its confusing.

As for praying I am learning that if God has placed you in a particular path it is for a reason and you continue that path in zeal and love for Him yearning for the Truth. He will guide you to the Truth. Until such time, you do your prayers the way you know how to Him :-)

It is worthwhile reading up on the links I offered above ... they are very good and offer much direction on the Jesus Prayer. If all else fails, we can perhaps refer you to a local English speaking Orthodox priest in your area who can help catechise you on our faith further?

Ok.I'm down with that.

Thank you for the offer to meet an Orthodox Priest. I must decline at this time. Perhaps later. I am quite happy with my church. I am sure I will learn much from these forums.

I view it like blue jeans. Some wear wranglers, some wear Levis, some wear Vidal Sasoon or Bugle Boy or Jnco,...whatever. But, we're all wearing blue jeans. We're all Christians. Regardless of the label. Personally, I believe that ones faith and desire for salvation far outweighs the legalistic necessities of ones denomination. But, at the same time, once you understand it,...then obedience to your spiritual leader is paramount to all other ideologies.

The biggest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians. We can't even agree amongst ourselves. How are they supposed to find us credible?

Love in Christ,

Bill

[Vasiliki D.]

I view it like blue jeans. Some wear wranglers, some wear Levis, some wear Vidal Sasoon or Bugle Boy or Jnco,...whatever. But, we're all wearing blue jeans. We're all Christians. Regardless of the label. Personally, I believe that ones faith and desire for salvation far outweighs the legalistic necessities of ones denomination. But, at the same time, once you understand it,...then obedience to your spiritual leader is paramount to all other ideologies.
There are two schools of thought on "Blue Jeans". There will be the Theologians who hold the point of view that since we believe in Christ then we are all Christians and then there are the Theologians that hold the point of view that to believe in Christ is not enough you need to know the "right image" of Christ ... I think there are other threads on this and we should continue this particular discussion on those (if we can find them I am having difficulty with the Search tool). Can someone recommend which thread to move to?


The biggest cause of atheism in the world today is Christians. We can't even agree amongst ourselves. How are they supposed to find us credible?
"Christians" did not agree amongst themselves at the time of St. Nicholas, St. Spyridon etc - we have some powerful testimonies of what occured because of these differences and how God intervened to show people what He held as the Truth ... our history is cyclical - in that is repeats itself continually until this history is over. Does it not stand to reason that the same theological differences that were held in early Christianity would not also rear there head today? The devil will not let go of fighting the Church that easy!

[Andreas Moran]

I asked my priest a similar question a few weeks ago, when I was invited to attend a Rosary service following the death of a close coworker's mother. The Marian Rosary and the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy were to be prayed at this service. His told me that there was nothing wrong with an Orthodox Christian participating in such acts of Roman Catholic Piety

I have to say that this was not good advice.

[Paul Cowan]

I view it like blue jeans. Some wear wranglers, some wear Levis, some wear Vidal Sasoon or Bugle Boy or Jnco,...whatever. But, we're all wearing blue jeans. We're all Christians. Regardless of the label. Personally, I believe that ones faith and desire for salvation far outweighs the legalistic necessities of ones denomination. But, at the same time, once you understand it,...then obedience to your spiritual leader is paramount to all other ideologies.



I think you will find few people that will agree with this statement.

[Bill Cherry]

There are two schools of thought on "Blue Jeans". There will be the Theologians who hold the point of view that since we believe in Christ then we are all Christians and then there are the Theologians that hold the point of view that to believe in Christ is not enough you need to know the "right image" of Christ ... I think there are other threads on this and we should continue this particular discussion on those (if we can find them I am having difficulty with the Search tool). Can someone recommend which thread to move to?


"Christians" did not agree amongst themselves at the time of St. Nicholas, St. Spyridon etc - we have some powerful testimonies of what occured because of these differences and how God intervened to show people what He held as the Truth ... our history is cyclical - in that is repeats itself continually until this history is over. Does it not stand to reason that the same theological differences that were held in early Christianity would not also rear there head today? The devil will not let go of fighting the Church that easy!

You are correct, ma'am.

[Bill Cherry]

I think you will find few people that will agree with this statement.
I am aware of this. I will attempt to keep my opinion on this matter silent. I personally believe that truth is in every believer who confesss Jesus Christ as Lord.(Unless they are trying to kill me!)

[Herman Blaydoe]

Please, before we go too far down this path, we would do well to once again review the guidelines (http://www.monachos.net/forum/faq.php?faq=mb_tos#faq_tos_part2) for posting.

Please remember:

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and

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[Bill Cherry]

Does your church have 'chaplets', or the equivalent?

[Paul Cowan]

What's a chaplet?

[Andreas Moran]

What's a chaplet?

A rosary by any other name. We Orthodox tend to use the Greek or Russian words (kombouskini, chotki) or just 'prayer rope'.

[Eric Peterson]

The way Orthodox use a prayer rope is quite different from the way Catholics use a rosary.

[Bill Cherry]

What's a chaplet?

A chaplet is a devotion of prayers centered around a special type of prayer beads in honor of some member of the Holy Trinity, of Jesus Christ, of His Holy Mother, of the Angels and of the Saints. The whole purpose of a chaplet is to initiate a special devotion. It is a spiritual discipline of sorts. Roman Catholics who pray the Divine Mercy, are 'devotees', so to speak, of the Divine Mercy chaplet and,thus, are devotees of the Blood and Water which flowed from Him on the cross. And they endeavor to pray for the dying, the sick and the souls in purgatory above all, but not to exclude particular petitions if so needed. Different chaplets have different 'rosaries'.
The 'Rosary', proper, is not necessarily the necklace. It is the prayer that is said with the use of the necklace. The use of the beads being associated with the prayers (a garland of roses) led to the calling the necklace itself a Rosary.

Is there not some equivalent in the Orthodox traditions.

[Robert Hegwood]

In terms of content there might be some significant overlap between the saying of an Akathist or a Canon. We have both to a goodly number of Saints and Angels. I've found occasion from time to time to read an Akathist to my patron saint, the Theotokos, or my guardian angel.

It sounds like a chaplet while not quite same in structure at least in intention covers some of the same territory. I don't know if Orthodoxy has any bones to pick the chaplet form or its associated pieties, but since I know little about the history and practice of chaplets, and little enough about Orthodoxy, it is probably better to let wiser souls weigh in.

[Olga]

I can see an analogy of sorts between a Roman Catholic chaplet and an Orthodox canon or akathist, in that both forms follow a defined structure, and can form part of a larger prayer rule outside a church service, or can be sung as part of a church service. To my mind, however, a major difference exists between the nature of many RC devotions, when compared to Orthodox ones. RC devotions such as to Divine Mercy, the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the Sacred Heart of Jesus etc are devotions to attributes of these persons. This would not occur in Orthodox tradition, as the devotion and veneration (or worship, in the case of the persons of the Holy Trinity) is to the person, not an attribute of his.

Orthodox iconography is no different. An iconographer indeed paints his subject with the requisite details to show us the personal and spiritual qualities of that holy person, be they mercy, love, purity, wisdom, forebearance, etc. So do hymnographers and prayer-writers express such qualities in their written work. However, at all times, it is clear that the devotion and veneration is directed to the person who is revealed to us as holy or divine.

Metaphysical, pre-incarnational or symbolic "icons" such as Christ Holy Wisdom, Angel of Blessed Silence or the Lamb of God are not considered canonical by the Church, as they fall short of properly proclaiming the incarnate God who has been revealed to us. Therefore it would be surprising indeed for there to be Orthodox akathists or canons to an attribute of God, the Holy Trinity or the saints. Similarly, there is no Orthodox tradition of "adoration of the Blessed Sacrament" in the Roman Catholic sense.

[Bill Cherry]

Wow. I googled Akathist and found clips on youtube. It's very cool. I do like it. I am going to look for a more professional recording at the store.
Thanks for turning me on to this.

[Vasiliki D.]

Wow. I googled Akathist and found clips on youtube. It's very cool. I do like it. I am going to look for a more professional recording at the store.
Thanks for turning me on to this.

http://www.orthodoxwiki.org/Akathist

[Father David Moser]

Wow. I googled Akathist and found clips on youtube. It's very cool. I do like it. I am going to look for a more professional recording at the store.
Thanks for turning me on to this.

If you want to pray the Akathist, you might want to get the Book of Akathists from Holy Trinity Monastery in Jordanville, NY (St Job of Pochaev Press). It has a number of akathists to the Savior, to the Mother of God and various saints. There is also musical notation for two melodies by which the refrains can be sung. If I am not mistaken, there is a second volume just out or almost ready to be released.

Fr David Moser