The Beauteous Hymn: Αγνή Παρθένε

Agni Parthene - Oh Pure Virgin Orthodox hymn sung by Eikona

 

This hymn was written by St. Nectarios of Aegina in the 19th century in honor of the Theotokos.

A non-liturgical hymn, it is usually sung when one is working or taking a walk. (and that is what I just did)

For the Theotokos is a model of complete meekness, purity, and submissiveness to the calling of God.

“Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word” 

(Luke 1:38)

The Theotokos, for me,  will always have a special place in my life.

Αγνή Παρθένε

Αγνή Παρθένε Δέσποινα, Άχραντε Θεοτόκε,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Παρθένε Μήτηρ Άνασσα, Πανένδροσέ τε πόκε.

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Υψηλοτέρα Ουρανών, ακτίνων λαμπροτέρα

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Χαρά παρθενικών χορών, αγγέλων υπερτέρα,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Εκλαμπροτέρα ουρανών φωτός καθαροτέρα,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Των Ουρανίων στρατιών πασών αγιωτέρα

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Μαρία Αειπάρθενε κόσμου παντός Κυρία

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Άχραντε Νύμφη Πάναγνε Δέσποινα Παναγία,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Μαρία Νύμφη Άνασσα, χαράς ημών αιτία.

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Κορή σεμνή Βασίλισσα, Μήτηρ υπεραγία,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Τιμιώτερα Χερουβείμ υπερενδοξοτέρα

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Των ασωμάτων Σεραφείμ των Θρόνων υπερτέρα,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Χαίρε το άσμα Χερουβείμ χαίρε ύμνος Αγγέλων

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Χαίρε ωδή των Σεραφείμ Χαρά των Αρχαγγέλων

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Χαίρε ειρήνη και χαρά λιμήν της σωτηρίας

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Παστάς του Λόγου ιερά άνθος της αφθαρσίας

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Χαίρε Παράδεισε τρυφής, ζωής τε αιωνίας,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Χαίρε το ξύλον της ζωής, πηγή αθανασίας,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Σε ικετεύω Δέσποινα, Σε, νυν, επικαλούμαι,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Σε δυσωπώ Παντάνασσα, Σην χάριν εξαιτούμαι.

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Κορή σεμνή και άσπιλε, Δεσποίνα Παναγία

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Θερμώς επικαλούμαι Σε, Ναέ ηγιασμένε,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Αντιλαβού μου, ρύσαι με, από τού πολεμίου,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

Και κλήρονομον δείξον με, ζωής της αιωνίου,

Χαίρε Νύμφη Ανύμφευτε.

 and the English version:

O Virgin Pure
by St. Nectarios
Plagal First Tone (Tone 5)

Refrain: Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

O Virgin pure, immaculate/ O Lady Theotokos

O Virgin Mother, Queen of all/ and fleece which is all dewy

More radiant than the rays of sun/ and higher than the heavens

Delight of virgin choruses/ superior to Angels.

Much brighter than the firmament/ and purer than the sun's light

More holy than the multitude/ of all the heav'nly armies.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

O Ever Virgin Mary/ of all the world, the Lady

O bride all pure, immaculate/ O Lady Panagia

O Mary bride and Queen of all/ our cause of jubilation

Majestic maiden, Queen of all/ O our most holy Mother

More hon'rable than Cherubim/ beyond compare more glorious

than immaterial Seraphim/ and greater than angelic thrones.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

Rejoice, O song of Cherubim/ Rejoice, O hymn of angels

Rejoice, O ode of Seraphim/ the joy of the archangels

Rejoice, O peace and happiness/ the harbor of salvation

O sacred chamber of the Word/ flow'r of incorruption

Rejoice, delightful paradise/ of blessed life eternal

Rejoice, O wood and tree of life/ the fount of immortality.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

I supplicate you, Lady/ now do I call upon you

And I beseech you, Queen of all/ I beg of you your favor

Majestic maiden, spotless one/ O Lady Panagia

I call upon you fervently/ O sacred, hallowed temple

Assist me and deliver me/ protect me from the enemy

And make me an inheritor/ of blessed life eternal.

Rejoice, O Unwedded Bride!

Amidst The World of Technology, I Find God

Being a product of the late fifties, technology as I was growing up, was as simple as a transistor/radio/phono. (a portable record player with AM/FM stations) In the early 80's, I received a Walkman set from my older brother. In medical school, my brother, Oscar, gave me micro cassette recorder that allowed me to tape lectures.

Sixteen years later (1990's), as a married person with two very young children, we signed up with AOL. (AOL at that time was an internet service provider that required monthly fees, now it’s free) Then hotmail, google, and yahoo came to be. Now we are inundated with so many free internet providers that are so easy to access.

Today (2013), as a technology user, I can say I am just knowledgeable- not a beginner and still not an expert. I am an “immigrant” to technology. I have the know-how to do the things that are meaningful for me. I can do the basic cutting and pasting, I know how to create PowerPoint presentations with imbedded videos, I also know the basics about web design.  Creating tables, embellishing them with different fonts, graphic arts, pictures, are some things that I am very familiar with. With the Special Education license that I am pursuing, I have learned how to navigate online courses and have used webinars and blogging.

Yes, I do have a smart phone. It has apps that are practical for my lifestyle.
I can access Pray Always, Daily Reading, and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese website and many more. Social and professional networking are wonderful resources because they allow me the opportunity to interact with the many people who have helped me mold my life to what it is now. I am a friend to my Algebra teacher, to my high school, college, and medical school classmates. I am connected to my past.  I also have friends who keep me grounded as far as my faith is concerned and who keep me professionally updated. My connections are not only local...they are global...and I like that. Technology is so unimaginable!

I am thankful for the skills that God gave me to use this advancement and for empowering other people to come up with technology that makes our tasks a lot easier each time...

Inside Out: A Biopoem (Originaly Written: Tuesday, July 10, 2012)

Marilou

friendly, faithful, trusting, loyal 

 Daughter of Virginia and Oscar, Sr.

Lover of W.o.W., family, and friends

Who is in constant search, at times confused, yet, grateful

Who gives abundant love, laughter, and care

Who fears being alone, seeing and thinking about snakes, and being out at night  

Who would like to see Greece for the first time, the Philippines once again, and Prince Edward Island, as the fulfillment of my dreams 

Who is married to Costa (for almost 26 years now), with 2 young daughters who are young adults, pets- (Cyril, Moe, and Libby)

Cambas  

changes since the original posting:

a. lover of nature- changed to W.o.W. (which means my worlds of wonder) 

*these are things in nature, events, or situations, that make me stop what I am doing in order to admire the object that has caught my attention.

My biggest W.o.W is the moon.
When I was teaching General Science several years ago, we had a lesson on the Phases of the Moon. I gave them a project that made them observe the everyday changes from The New Moon to the Full Moon- all 28-29 days. I also asked them to write their own myths about the moon. Their projects were amazing!
 

Once in a while, I would get messages fro m my former students (now in college) who say  how they liked that project a great deal. It has made them more aware of their own W.o.W.s.

b. who has self-confidence- changed to in constant search

I realized that in this world one has to be always in constant search. When people become reliant on just their own confidence, then, they become stagnant and proud.
I can't say I am self- confident because I know that it is God who gives me the confidence to make things happen, all for His greater glory. If I am a better person, I am more humbled, because His Hands are leading me.

c. who lives with Costa (for 25 years now), 2 young daughters who are practically grown up, pets- (Cyril , Moe, and the newly adopted female dog [still trying to come up with a good name])- changed to who is married to Costa for almost 26 years now, 2 daughters who are young adults, and pets.. our dog's name is Libby.

 
Marriage is a commitment and partnership. I am grateful and thankful for our marriage, for the vows that we have made. Now, we are at the stage where are daughters are young adults, taking the lessons they have learned from us, and trying to make their own decisions for now and the future. Costa and I are stewards/caretakers of God's children. 

Libby- is a wonder part of the family. Why Libby? Her name signifies freedom: Liberty. We decided to adopt her last year on July 4th.
We are also called to love God's creatures- we call them our PETS. 

Marianne's Graduation, May 2012
Hellenic College, Brookline MA

Bong, my Kuya, Mom, and Oscar, my Diko- in Big Bear Mountain, CA

Moe and Cyril in Mac's room

Libby in Barb's room

Not My Plan But His

These all happened the day before my last day at the boarding school where I used to teach. As much as my contract was not renewed, another school was eager to get me to work for them. I was accepted at the Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School in March  and started as an after school tutor on April 1st, while I was finishing up my responsibilities at Fay School. 

Thursday, April 28, 2011

As Physical Science 3 class was finishing up this morning, one of my students, Sam, approached me and said he was leaving for California tomorrow. In a very bashful manner, he mumbled, "Thank you for all that you have done. The kids that you will be teaching next are going to be very lucky to have you."

During recess, one of the ninth graders entered the classroom.
Every day, and I really mean every day and every single time we see each other since she came back from a horse riding accident last year; she always came to my room to give me a hug. (Right after the accident, I called her parents at the hospital to find out about her condition. I told them to be strong and that I will include Jane in my prayers.)

She said she was leaving to go for a competition and not coming back until Monday. (Of course, I would not be there, anymore)  Jane was not one of the students I taught but I was very flattered for the "Thank You" card she gave. "You are like my second mom."

After lunch and heading to class- from a former student: 

“I hope everything is good with your daughters and that you are still spending some of your free time jamming out to Bob Marley. Fay is missing out- losing such a true character like you, Mama Cambas. Your next school will benefit so much more!”

at the AMSA student's home, while tutoring
At the end of the day, I headed to the house of one of the students from the new school. 

As we were having our tutoring session, Julia suddenly stood up and walked over to the kitchen counter and took something from the Easter candy bowl. She approached me quietly and opened up her hand and said, "Since you won't take any candies, I want you to have this." She held up a wind-up yellow chick.

Since sixth grade, I always wanted to become a doctor. I fulfilled all the academic requirements (through God’s loving kindness and mercy) that I were required for me to become one. I accepted a Family Practice residency at a US Naval Hospital in the Philippines. I wanted to pursue a specialty in Communicable Diseases in Thailand after I finished my training. I also wanted to enter the convent to become a missionary nun.

In the paragraph above, there are seven “I’s.” It was all about me and what I wanted to happen. God, however, had another plan. I did not continue to be a physician nor did I become a nun.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

.

Romans 15:13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.

Today, I am very happy and fulfilled being a Special Educator and a presbytera. God hones us to be the best person we are meant to be...in His time. All we need to do is follow His lead. He is Great!  Amen.

Father Constantine's first solo Sunday Liturgy
Holy Trinity Church, Fitchburg, MA

The Academic Lab that I share with another Special Educator

My Sister in Christ with Fr. Iakavos
Lenten Retreat 2013

An Email Response from My Brother (The Story Behind My Name and God's Role in Our Lives)

This email was from September, 2006
I saved it because it is very special. It was from my oldest brother (I have 4 brothers). It made me understand why I was my grandfather's favorite. (not to mention, that to him, I was his Princess Grace. Grace Kelly, around that time was just crowned Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco)


Bakit Marilou? (Why Marilou? referring to the name signed at the bottom of this note) I like Grace better. Papang (means grandfather in the Philippine language) gave you this name. It was the name of a girlfriend he once had. Apparently, hindi sila natuloy. (They did not end up getting married) Hindi rin niya nakalimutan siya. (And he also did not forget her) Sino nga kaya iyong Grace na yun. (and who could that Grace be?)  Hmmm.

Kapapanganak mo pa lang, dumating ang Papang sa entroswelo na inuupahan natin sa N Ponce sa tapat ng Aurora. (You had just been born when Papang went to the bottom floor of the house we were renting in N. Ponce St., in front of Aurora School) ) Naka-taksi siya at dala-dala ang isang kuna na sa tingin ko ay pinakamagandang kuna sa buong mundo (He came by taxi and brought the most beautiful crib in the world) Ganoon ka kamahal ng Papang. (That is how much Papang loved you)

A picture taken at my Grandfather's house.
That's me, always to the right of him.










Enough of reminiscing. I am at the Shell Station on Magallanes Road, along the South Expressway. The gas station provides free wireless internet access. Sometimes when I want to relax, I pass by this station on the way home, take out my laptop and enjoy the benefit of speedy surfing. (Dial-up at home is just a measly 40 kbps which is a far cry from the 54 Mbps available here.) As I was deleting letters to declog my mailbox, I came across this short note from you. I thought of writing you to say, that I appreciate the short note. I also  passed it on to all of the family. Take care.
Love,
Kuya (a title/name given to the eldest male sibling)


Mgc2@aol.com wrote: (my very first email address from 1997) I sent this message to family members and friends.

A friend sent this short and powerful message. Read it  very slowly and let it sink in...

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it. 

I thought of you today.

Marilou

Indeed, He always does, at His own time.

The Pillow Book

As a youngster in high school, I was constantly writing: essays, poems, and research papers. During my freshman year, we were introduced to a form of Japanese art called the Pillow Book. It is a unique collection of memoirs, journals, poems and essays. It also includes occasional writings, reminders, special random note exchanges. Aptly called Pillow Book, it was placed under the writer's pillow...taken out and filled when something important needs to be remembered for a very long time.

In college, my writing shifted to a scientific journal- The Purple Gazette, The Varsitarian (university-wide newspaper) and for a brief period of time, a professional journal- The Medical Technology Laboratory Journal. 

Through the years, though, I have kept my Pillow Book.
It awakened my love for writing.  I just gave it a different name at different points in time. Pillow Book...Journal...Notes...and now, in keeping with the tradition of technology--> Blogs.

I feel a little bit skeptical of what I am about to begin; yet, I am certain that is not just my vanity but God's plan. There is so much to share and so much to be thankful for.

I shall try to write again- of experiences, thoughts, and mostly reflections about my Faith and my love for my Creator, my Pilot.