Jesus Prayer & Compline

In an attempt to deepen our spiritual life together, we have introduced into our weekly activities a communal praying of the Jesus Prayer on Thursday evenings, beginning at 8.15. This takes the form of hesychastic meditation. This part of the Orthodox tradition of prayer is a very different experience from the liturgical cycle of Vespers, Lauds, and the Mass that we are accustomed to, and should help to broaden the spiritual diet of participants.

The usual practice is to sit or kneel on the floor, and you are invited to bring cushions or meditation stools to help with this. Cushions and mats should ideally be plain and not decorated with symbols of other confessions of faith.

The meditation lasts for about half an hour and is followed by the office of Compline, after which we keep the great silence.

Of course, as with all of our services, everybody is welcome to take part. However, as these are quiet, reflective services from which we depart in silence, those considering coming to an Orthodox service for the first time might wish to consider attending Vespers on Saturday evening or the Sunday Divine Liturgy first, where there will be an opportunity to speak with some of our community and allow us to welcome you properly.