A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

10 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 310 I Claim Her

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Dobrushin and Aksinya married--this is part of the plan Dobrushin believes will rid Aksinya of the demon.  For better or worse, they are bound together in this.  We are not sure of the outcome.  They have come to the room Dobrushin took in the hotel near the center of Wien... 

Dobrushin pulled her to him and kissed her again.

Suddenly, a great roar filled the small room.  A hot sulfurous wind rushed through the place.  There was a dark flash then a scream like the sound of metal cutting metal, and across the room, beside the fireplace stood a large black shape.

Dobrushin clasped Aksinya closer, and she could feel him tremble.

The demon looked them both up and down and laughed, “Be very afraid."  He sniffed, "What do we have here?  I should have guessed as much.  The contract called me because of this.  I knew your lust would eventually be your undoing.”

Aksinya pushed back a little from Dobrushin, “There is no question of lust here.  This is my husband, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.”

“Your husband?”  The demon cackled.  “He is not your husband yet.  Not until he beds you.  Haven’t you heard what Solomon wrote about me?  That I am always hatching plots against newlyweds; I mar the beauty of virgins and cause their hearts to grow cold.  Plus, you are contracted to me.  You can’t be the crown of any man while I hold your surety.”

Dobrushin’s voice was strangely calm though Aksinya could feel his hands shake as he held her, “Demon, the surety of the Princess Aksinya is being consumed.  You must return hers and release her to me.  I claim her in the name of the Lord God Almighty.”

Asmodeus spat, “That isn’t that guy’s name.  I know that guy’s name.  You must properly invoke it or your claims are void.”

“You lie, Asmodeus.  I know God.  The hearts of men cry out His name because he is just and merciful.”

Asmodeus took a step toward them, “You forget, puny man.  I have been here before—many times.  I killed Sarah’s seven betrothed one after the other so none were left.”

We knew this would happen--didn't we?  The demon had to appear again.  For there to be a resolution in this novel, the demon had to make another appearance.  We also needed a second climax.  The first climax brought the plot and theme of the entire novel to the tipping point for Aksinya's great change.  This second minor climax brings a completion to another idea in the the novel--the demon himself.

It is proper that the demon appear while Aksinya and Dobrushin share a kiss.  If you note, the description for his appearance is almost the same as when Aksinya first called him.  I did this intentionally.

Dobrushin is afraid.  I show you this--he trembles against Aksinya.  Do you remember, Dobrushin was not certain of his belief--what do you think he feels now?  I also used these words in the mouth of the demon before.  Do you remember the words an Angel almost always speaks in the Apocrypha and the New Testament?  An angel's greeting is, "Do not be afraid."  Therefore, I make the demon's greeting, "Be very afraid."

The demon says the contract called him.  He thinks it is Aksinya's lust that has brought him.  There is an implied point here.  Do you remember, the demon claimed to know her mind?  This shows that he does not.  In fact, Satan and his minions can't read minds--they aren't like God.  Therefore, we see the bounds on the demon in his own confession.

Dobrushin is indeed not Aksinya's husband, yet--I told you for the marriage to be fulfilled, it must be consummated.  This is what the demon is talking about and this is the truth of the ancient world--this is what marriage meant in Tobit.  Then the demon gives us a quote from a mythic medieval book that was pseudographically attributed to Solomon.  The demon's allusions are to the crown of marriage and his claims on brides.

Dobrushin shakes, but he boldly speaks to the demon.  He claims Aksinya as his own.  This claim goes back to the metaphor before.  Dobrushin bought her at a great price.  Aksinya is his pearl of great price.  He gave his all for her.  Dobrushin makes his claims in the name of the Lord God Almighty.  The demon's comment is because that is not the true name of God.  God's true name is YHWH and the pronunciation is lost.  Asmodeus likely knows the true pronunciation, but there is no way Dobrushin could know it.  The demon is baiting Dobrushin.  Dobrushin's answer is right on--the name doesn't matter, the invocation does.

The demon threatens Dobrushin.  Tomorrow, more of this confrontation.

A New Novel, Part 302 The Gospel

2 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 302 The Gospel

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  Father Makar continues with the Gospel reading appointed for marriage...

Dobrushin, “Peace to you.”

Father Makar, “And to your spirit. Alleluia. Alleluia. Alleluia.  In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?  The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.  The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.  Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.  For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face.  Guard us and keep us, O Lord, from this generation and for ever.”

Dobrushin, “Wisdom. Stand upright. Let us listen to the holy Gospel.”

Father Makar, “Peace to all.”

Matushka Ekaterina, “And to your spirit.”

Father Makar, “The Reading is from the holy Gospel according to John.”

Ekaterina, “Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.”

Dobrushin, “Let us attend.”

Father Makar read, “At that time, there was a marriage in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus and his disciples were also invited to the marriage. When the wine ran out, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no wine’. Jesus said to her. ‘Woman, why do you trouble me? My hour has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Whatever he tells you, do it.’ Now there were six stone water jars standing there for the Jewish ritual of purification, holding twenty or thirty gallons each. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.’ And they filled them to the brim. He said to them, ‘Now draw some out, and take it to the chief steward of the feast. They took it. When the chief steward tasted the water that had become wine and did not know where it had come from — but the servants who had drawn the water knew — he summoned the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone puts out the good wine first, and when people are drunk, then he puts out the worse. But you have kept the good wine until now.’ This was the beginning of the signs that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and he manifested his glory and his disciples believed in him.”

Matushka Ekaterina, “Glory to you, Lord, glory to you.”

Father Makar, “Let us all say, with all our soul and with all our mind, let us say.”

The appointed Gospel is the wedding at Cana from John.  This is the first miracle of Christ when he turned water into wine.  You have to love a person who makes over 600 bottles worth of good wine for a wedding feast.  

You might ask what kind of wedding feast will Aksinya and Dobrushin receive?  You might ask what kind of miracle could attend them? Listen to the preamble to the Gospel:  In the Lord I take refuge; how can you say to my soul, flee like a bird to your mountain, for behold, the wicked bend the bow; they have fitted their arrow to the string to shoot in the dark at the upright in heart; if the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?  The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord's throne is in heaven; his eyes see, his eyelids test the children of man.  The Lord tests the righteous, but his soul hates the wicked and the one who loves violence.  Let him rain coals on the wicked; fire and sulfur and a scorching wind shall be the portion of their cup.  For the Lord is righteous; he loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold his face."

This is a foreshadowing in the words of the marriage ceremony.  I have used much of this ceremony to give you hints.  This is a broad one, but I mentioned that the ceremony itself reflects and presents one theme in this novel.  As the Gospel reading concludes: "This was the beginning of the signs that Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and he manifested his glory and his disciples believed in him.”  Tomorrow, more of the wedding sacrament.

A New Novel, Part 301 The Readings

1 August 2011, A New Novel, Part 301 The Readings

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  Father Makar continues with the readings appointed for marriage...

Dobrushin spoke, “Let us attend.”

Father Makar read from the Psalms, “May the Lord answer you in the day of trouble!  May the name of the God of Jacob protect you!  May he send you help from the sanctuary and give you support from Zion!  May he remember all your offerings and regard with favor your burnt sacrifices!  May he grant you your heart's desire and fulfill all your plans!  May we shout for joy over your salvation, and in the name of our God set up our banners!  May the Lord fulfill all your petitions!  Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed; he will answer him from his holy heaven with the saving might of his right hand.  Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  They collapse and fall, but we rise and stand upright.  O Lord, save the king!  May he answer us when we call.  You have placed upon their head crowns of precious stones.  They have asked you for life, and you have given them length of days.”

Dobrushin, “Wisdom.”

Father Makar stated, “The Reading is from the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians.”

Dobrushin, “Let us attend.”

Father Makar read, “Brethren, give thanks at all times for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, making yourselves subject to one another in the fear of Christ. Wives be subject to your own husbands as to the Lord, because the husband is head of the wife, as Christ too is head of the Church, and he is the Savior of the body. But as the Church is subject to Christ, so wives must be also to their own husbands in everything. Husbands love your own wives, as Christ loved the Church and gave himself for her, that he might sanctify her, having purified her with the washing of water with a word, that he might present the Church to himself glorious, without spot or wrinkle or anything similar, but that she might be holy and unblemished. Thus husbands must love their own wives like their own bodies. One who loves his own wife loves himself, for no one hates their own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as the Lord does the Church, because we are members of his body, from his flesh and from his bones. ‘For this reason a man will abandon his father and mother and be attached to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery, I mean concerning Christ and the Church. However let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife respect her husband.”

Dobrushin, “Peace to you.”

We are still slogging through the wedding ceremony.  I do hope this is entertaining to you.  I realize it isn't as exciting as the main plot.  I could have cut it to a single sentence or a paragraph--I've done that in some of my novels, but in the case of this novel, this detail is necessary.  Unless you are Orthodox, you might never have attended or participated in a wedding like this.  The details are important and especially how they fit into the theme of the overall novel.

These are the readings from the Psalms and from Paul's Letter to the Ephesians.  Do you remember, Aksinya was memorizing Paul's letters?  Listen carefully to them and see if they don't fit the concepts of this novel.  See if they don't have very important meaning to Aksinya.  Even if you don't agree with the points of the readings, you shouldn't miss this point: "...One who loves his own wife loves himself, for no one hates their own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, as the Lord does the Church, because we are members of his body, from his flesh and from his bones. ‘For this reason a man will abandon his father and mother and be attached to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.’ This is a great mystery, I mean concerning Christ and the Church...”

This is the ultimate point after all--the mystery of Christ, the church, and marriage.  The semi-allegory of the Book of Tobit rests on Tobias, Sara, marriage, and the demon.  The demon sought to interfere with the marriage of Tobias and Sara.  Marriage is an example of the mystery of Christ and the Church.  Do you remember the demon's work in splitting harming elements of the Catholic Church in Wien.  Likewise, we know the demon has caused a great rift in the Orthodox Church there too.  The problems between Father Makar and Dobrushin represent this split.  They are split because Makar can't see a spiritual battle--a battle Dobrushin has enlisted in.  Tomorrow, the Gospel.

A New Novel, Part 300 The Crowning

31 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 300 The Crowning

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  Father Makar continues with the marriage prayers...

Dobrushin called, “Let us pray to the Lord.”

Ekaterina replied, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed again, “Holy God, who fashioned man from dust, and from his rib built up a woman and yoked her to him as a helper like himself, for it was not pleasing to your greatness for man to be alone on earth, do you, Master, now send forth your hand from your holy dwelling, and link…”  He put Dobrushin’s right hand in Aksinya’s.  She held it tightly while Father Makar continued to pray, “…your servant Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and your servant Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, because it is by you that a wife is linked to her husband. Yoke them together in likeness of mind. Crown them into one flesh. Grant them fruit of the womb, enjoyment of fair offspring. For yours is the might, and yours the kingdom, the power and the glory, of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

“Amen.”

Father Makar took the two crowns from the altar.  He lifted the silver one over Dobrushin’s head, “The servant of God, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin, takes as his crown the servant of God, Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”  He lowered the crown on Dobrushin’s head while stating this three times.  Then he made the sign of the cross three times on each of them.

Father Makar took the gold crown and held it over Aksinya’s head, “The servant of God, Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, takes as her crown the servant of God, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.”  He said this three times as he slowly lowered the crown to her head.  He made the sign of the cross three times on each of them again.

He chanted three times, “Lord our God, crown them with honor and glory.”

Now we get to the crowning.  The crowning is the high point in an Orthodox wedding.  The significance of the crowns is they represent the marriage of Christ with the church.  The woman represents the church, her crown is silver, and the man represents Christ, his crown is gold.  The man's crown is placed on the woman and the woman's crown on the man.  The rings of betrothal then during their lives represent the crowns.

The point in this scene and in this novel is that marriage represents an important element in Christian thought.  Aksinya was crowned before this through her reliance (you could say faith) in Christ.  Do you remember whom she told the demon now owns her soul.  The marriage directly represents this point of salvation.  Further, now the crown of Christ is a crown that represents Dobrushin.  The image isn't that Dobrushin is Christ or that Aksinya is the church, but rather that Christian faith and the imagery of the novel is being played out in this ceremony.  That is the point.  It will have more meaning in the context of what happens in the next chapter.  Tomorrow, prayers following the crowning.

A New Novel, Part 297 Glory to You, Our God

28 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 297 Glory to You, Our God

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony.  Father Makar continues with the marriage prayers...

Matushka Ekaterina replied, “Glory to you, our God, glory to you.” 

She continued the same reply following Father Makar’s petitions, “Who walk in his ways.  Glory to you, our God, glory to you.  You will eat the fruits of your labors. Glory to you, our God, glory to you.  Blessed are you, and it will be well with you.  Glory to you, our God, glory to you.  You wife like a fruitful vine on the sides of your house.  Glory to you, our God, glory to you.  Your children like newly planted olive trees all around your table.  Glory to you, our God, glory to you.  See, this is how one who fears the Lord will be blessed.  Glory to you, our God, glory to you.  May the Lord bless you from Zion, and may you see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your life.  Glory to you, our God, glory to you.  And may you see your children’s children. Peace upon Israel.  Glory to you, our God, glory to you.”

Dobrushin stated, “Master, give the blessing.”

Father Makar faced toward the east and lifted up the Gospel book, “Blessed is the Kingdom of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

They replied, “Amen.”

Father Makar stated, “In peace, let us pray to the Lord.”

Matushka Ekaterina called, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, and in response to each petition, Ekaterina replied, “Lord have mercy.”

“For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.  For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.  For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.  For Tikhon of Moscow 11th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, for the honored order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.  For the servants of God Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, who are now being joined with one another in the communion of marriage, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.  For this marriage to be blessed like that in Cana of Galilee let us pray to the Lord.  For them to be granted chastity and the fruit of the womb as may be expedient for them, let us pray to the Lord.  For them to be given the joy of seeing sons and daughters, let us pray to the Lord.  For them to be granted the delight of the blessing of children and a life without accusation, let us pray to the Lord.  For us and them to be given every request that is for salvation, let us pray to the Lord.  For their and our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.  Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.  Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.” 

I want my readers to get the full experience of an Orthodox wedding.  I'd like to give it to you in Russian or Greek, but lack of comprehension would miss the point of understanding the full power of the meaning in the context of this novel.

The first part is the glory to God.  The second is the blessings.  The importance of these are their richness in the cultural context and the metaphor of marriage in the novel.

A New Novel, Part 294 Do You Wish to Marry this Man?

25 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 294 Do You Wish to Marry this Man?

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  We are continuing with the Orthodox marriage ceremony...

Father Makar turned and censed the sanctuary in the sign of the cross.  He stepped through the doors and continued to cense in the shape of a cross at each step.  Dobrushin stepped behind Father Makar and Aksinya still on his arm came with him.  Behind them followed Ekaterina.

Father Makar continued onto the platform and to the altar.  Dobrushin stopped just before the platform.  After Father Makar censed the altar, he put the censer in its stand and returned to them.  He turned to Aksinya, “Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, do you wish to marry this man, Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin?”

“I do wish to marry him.”

“Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin, do you wish to marry this woman, Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna?”

“I do.  Master, give the blessing.”

Father Makar’s brow rose in surprise that Dobrushin spoke the deacon’s part but he continued, “Blessed is our God, always, now and for ever, and to the ages of ages.”

Ekaterina pronounced, “Amen.”

Father Makar stated, “In peace, let us pray to the Lord.”

Ekaterina replied, “Lord, have mercy.”

Father Makar prayed, and after each petition, Ekaterina replied “Lord, have mercy.”  He started, “For the peace from on high and for the salvation of our souls, let us pray to the Lord.  For the peace of the whole world, for the welfare of the holy Churches of God, and for the union of all, let us pray to the Lord.  For this holy house, and for those who enter it with faith, reverence and the fear of God, let us pray to the Lord.  For Tikhon of Moscow 11th Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, for the honored order of presbyters, for the diaconate in Christ, for all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord.  For the servant of God Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin and the servant of God Princess Aksinya Georgovna Holstein-Gottorp-Romanov the Countess of Golitsyna, who are now being betrothed to one another, and for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be granted children for the continuation of the race and all their requests that are for their salvation, let us pray to the Lord.  That there may sent down to them perfect and peaceful love and help, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be kept in concord and sure faith, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be blessed with concord and sure faith, let us pray to the Lord.  That they may be preserved with a blameless manner and way of life, let us pray to the Lord.  That the Lord, our God, may grant them honorable marriage and a bed without defilement, let us pray to the Lord.  For our deliverance from all affliction, wrath, danger and constraint, let us pray to the Lord.  Help us, save us, have mercy on us, and keep us, O God, by your grace.  Commemorating our all-holy, pure, most blessed and glorious Lady, Mother of God and Ever-Virgin Mary, with all the Saints, let us entrust ourselves and one another and our whole life to Christ our God.”

Matushka Ekaterina replied, “To you, O Lord.”

Okay, here with go with the whole 9 yards.  I did cut the prayers a little, as you will see, but in general, I give you it all.  Now, an Orthodox marriage is like this.  First there is a betrothal.  The betrothal can go for a year or a minute before the actual marriage.  You must have the betrothal.  Then there is the marriage itself.  The couple is not married at the end of the betrothal--they are at the end of the marriage.

After cleansing (censing) the altar, the first step is the declaration.  This is the question of intent for the marriage (betrothal).  The bride then the groom is asked.  Dobrushin recites the deacon's part and surprises Father Makar.  Ekaterina should not technically do the deacon's part, so Dobrushin is taking a burden from Makar and from Ekaterina.  Then the prayers begin.  Okay the prayers are long--that's why I condensed them a little.  Tomorrow, more prayers. 

A New Novel, Part 292 Aksinya and Dobrushin Waited in the Narthex

23 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 292 Aksinya and Dobrushin Waited in the Narthex

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  Father Makar agreed.  This is the beginning of chapter 21 and the marriage ceremony...

Inside the Ecclesia, Matushka Ekaterina lit the gas lamps and then the candles.  In the sacristy, the Archpriest, Father Makar donned his robes. He put on each piece with a prayer.  Over his white robe, the sticharion, he put his head through the epitrachelion, his stole, and carefully straightened it.  He placed laced cuffs, the epimanikia, over the sleeves of his sticharion and loosely tied them.  They represented manacles, the chains that bound him into the service of God.  He tied a cloth belt, the zone over the epitrachelion and sticharion.  On his right side he suspended his nabedrennik with a strap that he drew over his left shoulder.  A further diamond-shaped epigonation partially covered the nabedrennik and was also held in place by another strap over his left shoulder.  He intentionally left off the omophorion, but still mouthed its prayer and kissed it.  He bowed his head and placed over his neck the chain of his pectoral cross which was quite fine and his engolpion, a medallion with the icon of Christ in its center.  Over everything, he donned a beautiful silver phelonion that was covered with gold stitching and decorations.  It was large, conical, and sleeveless, with an open front so his hands were free.  At the collar, he buttoned the high varkas that matched his phelonion and at the back rose as high as the top of his head.  Father Makar completed everything with a crossless mitre on his head and a final prayer. 

Properly accoutered for his role to administer a sacrament, he lit the incense and prepared the altar.  All the while, Aksinya and Dobrushin waited in the Narthex.

You already know the place.  I don't give another description of the Ecclesia, instead, all I need to do is tell you it is the Ecclesia.  It is dark--I don't describe this either.  I show you Ekaterina lighting the candles and lamps.  Then, the rest is about Father Makar preparing for the sacrament.

This is an important metaphor and point.  The first, is that Father Makar is going to all this trouble for his friend.  There may be bad feelings and tension, but Makar still wishes to honor his God and his friend.  The second is all the importance around each piece of the accouterments worn by an Orthodox priest.  I don't tell you all their meanings.  I simply tell you the pieces, their order, and that prayer accompanies each as it goes on.  The importance in this description is that you see how important this is to Makar and incidentally to Ekaterina, Aksinya, and Dobrushin.  This is the element of their belief and their faith.  It is the power of the elements--their symbols and not themselves.

The final sentence simply puts it all together:  Properly accoutered for his role to administer a sacrament, he lit the incense and prepared the altar.  All the while, Aksinya and Dobrushin waited in the Narthex.  Tomorrow, we begin.

A New Novel, Part 291 I Will Not Untie Your Crowns Either

22 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 291 I Will Not Untie Your Crowns Either

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can be rid of the demon.  Aksinya asks Father Makar to marry them.  Ekaterina encourages her husband...

Ekaterina put her hand on Father Makar’s, “Makaruska, do you really wish them to be wed anywhere but here?  They intend to do this.  You know Dobrushin’s purpose.  Grant them this small gift.  I shall witness and you shall witness.  Anything else would be wrong.  You know that.”

Father Makar sighed, “I do understand.  I just do not want to encourage this foolishness.”

Ekaterina stared at him, “This is not a sin.  There is nothing wrong with marriage or marrying them.  She is a Princess.  He is the son of a Count.  Their ranks are unmatched but acceptable.  They would not come here together like this if they did not both agree.  Do this for them and that will be the end of it all.”

“The end of it all?” asked Aksinya around Dobrushin.

“The end of these matters that have plagued Father Makar since you came to the Ecclesia last year.”

Aksinya turned them a curious look.

Dobrushin quickly continued, “Please, Father Makar, marry us and that will be the last favor I ask of you.  We will go, and you will likely not see us again.”

“I will marry you, but you will not stay under this roof any more.  I told you that when you left before.  That means I will not untie your crowns either.”

“I understand.  That was the agreement we made.”

“Come then.  Quickly.”

They stood.  Dobrushin helped Aksinya take off her new coat.  Ekaterina kissed Aksinya’s cheeks.  She brushed Aksinya’s lengthening hair.  Then they entered the Ecclesia together

We have seen a lot that be knew about Father Makar, but we also discovered much that we didn't.  Much of this has been implied but not shown directly.  In this conversation, we learn about reasons and times and estrangement.

Ekaterina wants Father Makar to marry them--she doesn't see any harm in it.  She may or may not know what Dobrushin and Aksinya plan.  We get some indications that both Father Makar and Ekaterina know.  I don't give you this insight.  Ekaterina strongly gives the impression that they know.  She says:  "You know Dobrushin’s purpose.  Grant them this small gift."

The completion of this idea is then:  “I do understand.  I just do not want to encourage this foolishness.”  Ekaterina makes the argument for Aksinya and Dobrushin.  Then we get a repeat of information you might have wondered about.  Ekaterina says it clearly here.  To the church and to these people, the noble ranks are still important.

Watch Aksinya's response.  She is not cowering behind Dobrushin, but he is her cover and her protection.  She has to speak around him to get to Makar and Ekaterina.  Then Ekaterina tells them all that Makar has had a problem with all this since Aksinya showed up at their door.  It was the door Dobrushin opened for Aksinya.

Father Makar relents with Dobrushin's request--he begs, but Father Makar makes clear, he doesn't want Dobrushin and Aksinya to remain in the rectory.  He knows what is going on and will not give them the protection of the Ecclesia against the demon.  The demon, in Makar's mind is imaginary after all.  Ekaterina isn't sure what to believe.  She fights for the marriage, but not for the right to stay.  This is unsaid and not that important to the plot, but it is the unspoken undercurrent here.

The reference to untying the crowns refers to the crowns that are placed on the heads of a couple when they are married.  In the past, they wore these crowns for a week and at a ceremony in the church, their crowns were untied.  This was likely due to the fact that the crowns were commonly owned by the church and loaned for the wedding. Today, most just buy their own crowns.  The ceremony of untying the crowns is still done in many Orthodox churches.  There is an important metaphor here.  Though Aksinya and Dobrushin will be married, their crowns will not be untied.  They will be united in this permanently.  This was intentional.  Father Makar means that he will not lend the crowns to them for the week--we see in it, that their crowns will be permanent.  This is a subtheme in the book--that of marriage and everything around it.

There is more to this than anyone is speaking.  Listen to Dobrushin:  “I understand.  That was the agreement we made.”  Makar and Dobrushin already worked this out.  Father Makar needed convincing again.  Perhaps he thought Aksinya would be convicted by the courts and Dobrushin would not have any chance of marrying her.  Again, there is much that was not said here.

Now, look at the preparation: Dobrushin helped Aksinya take off her new coat.  Ekaterina kissed Aksinya’s cheeks.  She brushed Aksinya’s lengthening hair.  Then they entered the Ecclesia together.  This is all a metaphor in these simple statements.  Aksinya had not taken off her coat.  He takes it off her.  This is the simple welcoming to the Ecclesia.  It also is significant that he bought it for her, and that he took it off her.  Do you remember her dress?  It is white wool--a dress suitable for a virgin bride.  Then Ekaterina kisses Aksinya.  Aksinya was welcomed before, but this is official.  It is the welcome of one bride to another.  Ekaterina brushes Aksinya's hair.  You know the hair image.  Aksinya's contract was with the demon--now Aksinya will enter into a contract with Dobrushin.  There is great power in this.  Note, the hair is lengthening.  Tomorrow, the marriage begins.

A New Novel, Part 290 Are You Both Idiots?

21 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 290 Are You Both Idiots?

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin and Aksinya have decided to marry so that they can get rid of the demon.  We discover Dobrushin has given up his position in the Ecclesia for Aksinya.  Father Makar thinks Aksinya is insane...

Father Makar squinted, “Look how she clings to you.  Didn’t I tell you before, Dobrushin, she displays every indication of insanity?  You traded your future for this,” he pointed at Aksinya.

“I know what I have done.”

“You spent all your remaining funds on her too.”

“I have bought a pearl of great price.”

“You are insane, Dobrushin.  Why did you come back here?  What do you want from me?”

Aksinya stuck her head forward, a little around Dobrushin, “We came to ask you to marry us.”

“To marry you?  Are you both idiots?  Dobrushin, what have you traded your future for?”

Dobrushin set his features, “Father Makar, we will be married whether you do it or not.  We need to be married immediately.  Either you do it or the Rathaus.”

“The Rathaus is closed for the day.”

Dobrushin grimaced, “This may be a matter of life and death.  We had to make our plans.  I had to propose.  It was too late after that.”

Father Makar snorted, “You know what I think about all of this.  Why don’t you go find a priest who will marry you tomorrow?”

“You know the problem.  The Catholics have excommunicated Princess Aksinya.  The Rathaus will do it, but this is a sacrament.”

“Others might do it for you.”

Ekaterina put her hand on Father Makar’s, “Makaruska, do you really wish them to be wed anywhere but here?  They intend to do this.  You know Dobrushin’s purpose.  Grant them this small gift.  I shall witness and you shall witness.  Anything else would be wrong.  You know that.”

Father Makar sighed, “I do understand.  I just do not want to encourage this foolishness.”

We learn more--Dobrushin spent the rest of his money on Aksinya (paying off her debt).  Do you remember Aksinya's comments about purchasing her.  Dobrushin confirms this metaphor with his response: “I have bought a pearl of great price.”  This is a Biblical metaphor that means he has paid to purchase something of great spiritual value.

Father Makar isn't pleased.  He rants and then asks why they came to the Ecclesia.  Aksinya exerts herself here.  She has made up her mind and she wishes to marry Dobrushin.  Dobrushin lays it out: either the Ecclesia or the Rathaus.  This is all bluster--the Rathaus is closed.  Dobrushin is a little off with his argument, but you could tell that.  He makes his point, but he isn't exactly correct.  The others that Father Makar means are the nonCatholic and nonOrthodox churches.  That is not necessarily likely in this culture, but they could try.  Dobrushin and Aksinya see this as a point of life and death.  There is a criticality in speed.

Ekaterina finally steps in to provide her quiet and gentle argument.  Tomorrow, what we shall do.

A New Novel, Part 287 I Will Trade My Virtue to You

18 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 287 I Will Trade My Virtue to You

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin took Aksinya to dinner.  He told her he is willing to marry her to help her be rid of the demon.  They have reached the end of their discussion--now is the time for Aksinya to decide...

Aksinya sighed, “Your words confuse me, but I am always very simple and direct.  I shall marry you.  I shall do as you ask and require.  I shall pray with you and for you.  All of this to be rid of this demon that eats away at my life and my soul.  It is a fair bargain to trade my virtue to you for all you have done for me.”

“There you are wrong, Princess.  You can desire without sin when the object of desire is appropriate.  You would not give your virtue to me and I would not give my virtue to you.  We would rather retain that virtue together in our mutual desire as husband and wife.”

Aksinya turned a gentle smile to him, “I see.  Sister Margarethe taught me you can love without lust.  Do you intend to teach me that I can love God and still possess desire?”

“I would teach you that you can still love and have desire.”  He smiled, “But you are only allowed desire for me.”

“I see.”

“We should accomplish this soon before the demon can work anymore mischief in your life.  The first step is marriage.” 

“Will Father Makar marry us?”

“I don’t know.” Father Dobrushin lowered his eyes.

“What are you not telling me?”

“It is nothing.  We will ask him tonight.  Perhaps he will do as I ask.”

They quickly finished their dinner and Father Dobrushin hired a carriage to take them to the Ecclesia.

Father Dobrushin told Aksinya that he wanted to see this whole great problem of the demon through because in it he could know the truth of spiritual things.  It made God real to him.  This is one of the subthemes of the novel.  Few patently disbelieve there is some spiritual reality.  Thoughts, emotions, the unexplained are seen to exist in the world of the spiritual.  Most of us seek the truth and reality of the spiritual world.  Because our lives are bound in thought and emotion, we recognize that inexplicable place is real, but we wish proof.  For Father Dobrushin, Aksinya is that proof.  Thus, his words confuse her--she sees them as real, he seeks their reality.  This was the metaphor in the trials.  This was the metaphor in the idea that Aksinya was not sane.  We accepted her sanity as a postulate of the novel.  We ourselves fell for the assumption of a spiritual reality based on the demon.  This is the reality Father Dobrushin wants to experience first hand through Aksinya.  He is willing to give up everything for this.

Aksinya doesn't fully understand, but she is willing to give herself to be rid of the demon.  Listen to her words, she is still in the mindset of a contract:  "It is a fair bargain to trade my virtue to you for all you have done for me.”

And here comes another subtheme explained by Father Dobrushin.  Do you remember Sister Margarethe told Aksinya she could love without desire.  Of course Ekaterina showed Aksinya about the different types of love.  Aksinya has been acting on the preface that to desire is not to really love.  Father Dobrushin is about to teach her about Greek eros.  I don't use the word in the novel because it it so misunderstood in English.  Greek eros is romantic love.  In the Christian worldview that Father Dobrushin represents, marriage is the proper place for eros, phileo, agape, and pathos (sexual love).  A husband and wife don't give up their virtue to each other, they share these loves and retain their virtue.

Father Dobrushin does love Aksinya--he is just a little embarrassed to say it.  This is cultural for the times and place.  He makes a possessive statement to her:“But you are only allowed desire for me.”

There is an element of time here.  They must hurry to see this through.  The demon still prowls the earth and he owns Aksinya through a contract.  They would enact another contract--a contract of marriage.  Of course in the old world and in ancient thought a marriage is not consummated without sex.  That is the point in Tobit.

The large question is where they will be married by contract.  This is normative for their culture and their beliefs.  They must be married in the church (it is a sacrament) before they can consummate it.  The only place they could be married is the Orthodox Church.  Remember, they are not Catholic and the Catholic Church has excluded Aksinya.  They could not excommunicate her--she was not in communion with them.

Then we begin to see there is a problem.  I foreshadowed this problem back at the secular trial.  You know there is a problem in this and Father Dobrushin has not told all.  He doesn't here either.  Soon we will see what this problem is.  Tomorrow, will Father Makar marry them?

A New Novel, Part 286 I Am Willing to Give Up Everything

17 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 286 I Am Willing to Give Up Everything

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin took Aksinya to dinner.  He told her he is willing to marry her to help her be rid of the demon.  They are discussing why Father Dobrushin is willing to risk his life to marry her...

He took her hands in his, “Yet I do gain something very important.  I wish to see this demon.  As you said, if you have seen a demon, then there must be God.  And I gain a person in my life who has truly touched spiritual things.”

“Tainted by spiritual things.”

“In the church we promote the physical representation of heavenly things.  Each item, the icons, the cross and crucifix, the banners, the baptistery, the altar, the church itself stand in place of their spiritual realities.  The incense represents the smells, the metaepithumia, before the altar in heaven.  The feel of the water is the spirit of God.  The taste of the communion is the flavor of salvation.  These things are only shadows of their reality, but you, you alone of all the people I have ever met, claim, and indeed show proof of not just the symbols of heavenly things, but the reality of spiritual things.”

“This is important to you?”

“The most important thing to me.  Perhaps, it is due to my lack of faith.  You asked me in the past if I believed in God.  No one ever asked me that before.  When you sought solace from the God you knew existed but could not reach, I sought to see God within you.”

“And you think you found Him?”

“I did find Him.  Before, I believed, now I know.  It is as simple as that.  If you imagine that I found an icon in you, an icon that is both a physical and a spiritual manifestation of reality, then that is why I desire you enough to face a demon in order to marry you.”

“Perhaps you were sent to me for this purpose.”

“Perhaps everything in your life has pointed to this purpose.  Dear God, Princess, you know.  You know the Lord God almighty exists.  You know the spiritual world is real.  Not only have you seen it, you have manipulated it.”  He released her right hand and pulled her left hand into his.  He stroked the many scars on it.  “When I saw these marks, I knew what you had been.  When I heard your confession, I knew what you could become.  I am willing to give up everything because of this.”

“For me?”

“For the purpose within you.”

Theme time.  One of the primary reasons I wrote this novel is encapsulated in this section.  Father Dobrushin is seeking in a way Aksinya is not seeking.  Aksinya knows there is a God, she just can't trust him.  Father Dobrushin desires to know God more fully.  He wishes not just to believe but to know.  Aksinya is a person who has literally touched the spiritual world.  The world she touched was the dark side, but it was the spiritual world.  She knows there is a God.

Most people are like Father Dobrushin, they seek God--they seek to know.  Many are content with faith, but most seek something more.  Father Dobrushin's own words explain his thoughts.  I won't repeat them, but I'll draw your attention to them.  Note, his expose on the church and on the representation of spiritual things.  The knowledge of the spiritual is the most important thing to Father Dobrushin.  This is the reason he was attracted to Aksinya.  This is the reason he is willing to die for her.  This is the reason he is willing to give up everything for her.  We will truly discover what he has given up later.

To Father Dobrushin, Aksinya represents the one worth saving.  She is the pearl of great price.  She is the sheep worth seeking.  He says: "I sought to see God within you.”  Now you know the reason Father Dobrushin is willing to marry Aksinya.  Now you know why he has done what he did.  He is of a philosophical bent, but wasn't he always--this is his nature.

I don't just let the characters act out this conversation for you with just words.  Watch Father Dobrushin.  He takes Aksinya's hands, then he left hand and strokes the scars on it.  Could you imagine such badges of infamy could become beautiful as stigmata for the actions in the spiritual realm?  Father Dobrushin sums up his thoughts: “When I saw these marks, I knew what you had been.  When I heard your confession, I knew what you could become.  I am willing to give up everything because of this.”

He is willing to give up everything for the purpose within her.  If this is not a declaration of love--then what is?  Still we haven't use the love words.  There is no need.  These are two people who are entirely dependent on one another.  We knew Aksinya was dependent on Father Dobrushin, but now we see he has placed all his faith in her.  That is, in her purpose.  Tomorrow, the agreement.

A New Novel, Part 285 What Do You Gain From This?

16 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 285 What Do You Gain From This?

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin took Aksinya to dinner.  He told her he is willing to marry her to help her be rid of the demon.  They are discussing what they must do...

Aksinya was acutely aware of the man beside her.  She licked her lips, “So what must we do?”

“We must be married then, before we come together, we must burn this with incense, and pray.  Finally, we must like Tobias and Sarah consummate the marriage.”

“If it is not done in the proper way, the demon will kill you.  If this doesn’t work…”

“I’ll be dead, and you will still be under the contract of Asmodeus.”

“And still a virgin,” Aksinya murmured.

“What did you say?”

She smiled, “I would like to try this, but now, more than ever, I don’t wish to lose you.”

“I don’t want to die either.”

“If you found some other man to…”

“I don’t think you understand me at all.  I am not willing to give you to any other man.”

Aksinya stared at him in surprise, “Do you mean that?”

“Absolutely.”

“Then if you don’t love me, you feel possessively toward me.  You paid my bills and took me under your protection.  It is almost as if you bought me,” she laughed. “Then you desire me that much.”

“I admit.  I do desire you.”

“What do you gain from this?  I am nothing.  I have nothing.”  She lowered her face, “There is a string of horror in the wake of my life.  It is all because of my choices.  You would not obtain wealth.  You would not obtain innocence.  You would not gain notoriety.  The opposite is true.  My name has been paraded in the papers as a sorceress.”

Aksinya is driven by her desire, but also she is a very intelligent woman.  She is very aware that she owes her freedom to Father Dobrushin.  She owes very much to him and he is willing to marry her.  We still haven't fully heard the real reason he wishes to marry her, but note he doesn't tell her he loves her.  Love has not perhaps blossomed or Father Dobrushin is cautious not to call desire and will love--perhaps they are and he understands love about as well as Aksinya.

Father Dobrushin tells Aksinya they must do as Tobias and Sarah did in combating Asmodeus.  His plan is exactly what happened in Tobit.  If it doesn't work, Father Dobrushin will be dead.  Aksinya does not want to lose him.  Note, she does desire him.

Father Dobrushin makes a statement that should make any woman happy: "I am not willing to give you to any other man.”  This does please Aksinya.  She doesn't think much of herself.  She repeats the list of things Father Dobrushin did for her.  In her perverse way, she turns it into a question of business--of a contract--he has bought her. 

Okay, are you getting the point here.  Father Dobrushin paid her debt, he bought her, he is willing to die for her, he is willing to become a bridegroom for her.  Does anyone get this metaphor.  The demon, on the other hand, was called by Aksinya and she contracted with him.  He gave her nothing and only caused her suffering and pain. 

Then Aksinya fires both barrels.  She demands from Father Dobrushin:“What do you gain from this?"  Perhaps she isn't really looking for an answer.  She simply is afraid for him.  Tomorrow, the real reason.

A New Novel, Part 283 Why Would You Want to Marry Me?

14 July 2011, A New Novel, Part 283 Why Would You Want to Marry Me? 

For those who haven’t been following this blog, let me introduce it a little. I am currently blogging my 21st novel that has the working title Daemon. The novel is about Aksinya, a sorceress, who, to save her family from the Bolsheviks, called and contracted the demon, Asmodeus. Her family was murdered anyway, and she fled with the demon from Russia to Austria.

Father Dobrushin took Aksinya to dinner.  He told her he is willing to marry her to help her be rid of the demon.  Aksinya is speaking...

“If I marry, I don’t intend it to be for less than life.  Do you think you could put up with me for that long?”

Dobrushin leaned back, “You ask that and you don’t even know who I am.”

“Then who are you?”

“You heard my given name in court, and you didn’t recognize it?”

She thought a moment, “Father Dobrushin Sergeevich Lopuhin.  Lopuhin is a name I recognize.  It is a name of Russian aristocracy.”

“My father was also a Count, and I was his third son.  Since I didn’t expect to inherit anything, I studied theology and law.  I was ordained in the Orthodox Church.  I think I told you before, I came to Wien at the request of the church to help the Russian refugees during the war and later the revolution.  I have been here for three years.  I’m twenty-six.”

Aksinya sat up, “You have everything prepared in life for you.  You are educated.  You are an aristocrat.  You are acknowledged.  You are a holy man.  You have the potential to be someone great.  In addition, you are handsome and kind.  You could have any honorable woman you wish.  Why would you want to marry me?”

Dobrushin bent toward her, “Because you need me.  I joined the church because I wanted to help others.  I became a lawyer to help others.  You are a person who was the most needy yet the most powerful and independent I have ever met.”

I know you wanted to know about Father Dobrushin.  Aksinya seems to be ready to accept his offer though she knows absolutely nothing about him.  This is so like Aksinya, but do you also see she is weighing her options in this culture.  She had nothing.  She is like a beggar.  To be given an offer like this is wonderful.  She has nothing else she can count on. 

We find Father Dobrushin is the son of an aristocrat.  We learn that he is 26.  Aksinya suddenly thinks better of accepting Father Dobrushin's offer.  He is a good man.  We find out through her eyes that he is handsome, and she acknowledges all his good points.  They are very good points.  She then brings up the question I hope you asked yourself:  "Why would you want to marry me?”

We find out more about this very subject tomorrow, but for now, we see Father Dobrushin's attraction to Aksinya:  "You are a person who was the most needy yet the most powerful and independent I have ever met.”  There is more, much more to this.