The time of Great Lent is a unique moment in the liturgical year, characterized by its special character and pace. During this period, the Church's prayers undergo a change. Consequently, every Wednesday and Friday, there is an opportunity to participate in the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. The name of this liturgy derives from the fact that the holy Communion received by the faithful has been consecrated beforehand at the liturgies of John Chrysostom or Basil the Great. The texts of this liturgy are intertwined with psalms, and it is typically celebrated in the evening.
In 1961, Bishop Ambrose Senyshyn organized the creation of a vinyl record featuring the singing of the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. His goal was to disseminate this service so that the faithful of the Metropolia could learn the unique singing and sing this liturgy in their parishes. The album was recorded in Stamford, with Mother Andrea Spikula, the superior of the Missionary Sisters of the Mother of God, leading the singing. At that time, she also taught liturgical singing at Stamford Seminary. Joining her in the recording were her sister, Vira Spikula, who served as the principal of the Mother of God girls' academy in Stamford, as well as Fr. Raymond Revak and Fr. Lubomyr Husar.
We are pleased to share with you a hymn from this recording, "Now the Powers of Heaven," which is sung during one of the special moments of the LPG when a priest transfers the Eucharist to the altar. Can you recognize Fr. Husar's voice?