March 1, 2000
The Pious Priests and Deacons
of the Holy Diocese of
Denver
Beloved in the Lord,
Enclosed are copies of a booklet containing the Ninth Hour as it is read prior to the Presanctified Liturgy during Great Lent which was prepared by the Diocesan Office, for your use during the forthcoming period of the Great Fast.
I ask that you always celebrate the Ninth Hour immediately before
beginning the Presanctified Liturgy. It is not appropriate simply to
enter the church and begin the Presanctified Liturgy with Blessed is
the Kingdom...
Please note that the Ninth Hour is read by the chanter, with ekphoneses and prayers by the priest where appropriate. It should not take you much longer than 15 minutes if it is read properly and piously.
I pray that you will find this booklet useful in your parish. May it help you and your faithful come closer to our Lord through prayer and worship.
With Paternal Blessings,
+Metropolitan Isaiah
Presiding Hierarch
of
the Diocese of Denver