EMBER DAYS - DR. GIL HAAS, ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

 
            Page 18 of the Book of Common Prayer states that “The Ember Days, (are) traditionally observed on the Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays after the First Sunday in Lent, Holy Cross Day (September 14), December 13 (St. Lucy’s Day), and the Day of Pentecost (next week).”  The name is a corruption of the Latin, quattuor tempora (meaning “four times”).  In third century Italy, the times were associated with sowing, harvest, and vintage, for which the faithful prayed, fasted, and gave alms.  However, beginning in the twelve century, the days became occasions for the ordination of priests and deacons for whom the Christian community prayed, and the candidates for ordination prepared themselves by prayer and retreat.  Our Book of Common Prayer lists prayers “For the Ministry (Ember Days)” on pages 205-206.  These prayers are divided into “For those to be ordained”, “For the choice of fit persons for the ministry”, and “For all Christians in their vocation”.  Three lectionaries for these days are listed on page 929.  In recent times, Roman Catholics and Anglicans have been far less strict in linking “Ember Days” and the ordinations with which they are associated with specific days of the church’s year. 

~Dr. Gil Haas, St. Augustine of Canterbury Episcopal Church