NOW AND FOR EVER AND UNTO THE AGES OF AGES. AMEN

NOW AND FOR EVER AND UNTO THE AGES OF AGES. AMEN

Νυν και αει, και εις τους αιωνας των αιωνων Αμην.

Now and forever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.

  Many newer translations, sadly, have changed the translation of this important part that follows “Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, ” which is “Now and for ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.  Errors in translation always whittle away little by little at the beauty of our Orthodox Faith, for there are many meanings in words and phrases not yet discovered. Changing the translation removes some the beauty and important knowledge found in a few words, which will be herein demonstrated.  Even “now and for ever and unto the ages of age, amen”, has great significance and meaning, and what appears here  is not exhaustive.

 “Now”  means at this present time, in this present temporary life, now,  while we are yet alive, now before the winds of death arrive, now, before we are called to judgment, now is the time for repentance, now is the time for sincere heartfelt prayer,  now is the time to prepare an apology here so as to be forgiven there, now we can still change our lives, now we can help the poor, now we are able to confess our sins, now we can partake of the life-giving Mysteries.

   “For ever”  is the great and sure hope of all those who love Christ!  For ever means that there is no end, for ever is what Christ is about!  For He died, but, forever, Christ will never die again! Forever is Christ’s glorious Resurrection!  He will raise us up  for ever on the last day! Forever we hope to be with Christ, for ever to rejoice, forever to dance and sing! Forever to celebrate in the kingdom of heaven! Forever to be with the Theotokos and all the Saints! For ever to gaze upon their exquisite beauty.

    But for how long will this last?  “Unto the ages of ages!  Unto the ages of ages means until the end of time, for beyond the ages of ages, when time ends, there is one single day, for ever without end, for ever without darkness, for ever unto the ages of ages is for all  eternity!  What could be sweeter than to be assured that we will live beyond the ages of ages, into the day that never ends for ever? For ever and ever in eternity with the Lord, where there is no pain, no sorrow.  Unto the ages of ages, there will be  no sighing, but life everlasting! And finally “Amen.” May this come to pass! May this be our lot! May we be sealed with the grace of God. May we cross the river of fire by the power of the Cross. Amen .Amen. Amen.

    How important is “Now and for ever and unto the ages of ages, Amen!

 Let us preserve it always.