Prayer List for the Week of April 6, 2025

For healing: Abbot Tryphon, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Emilian, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Theodore, Hierodeacon Gorazd, Fr. Deacon Jorge, Matushka Katherine, Matushka Myra, Monk Meletios, Subdeacon Nicholas, Justin, Steven, Marian, Patricia, Mark, Nikolai, Anastasia, Alice, Kathleen, Denise, Denise, Pamela, Marianne, Ryan, Joanne, Emily, Charles, Hank, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Clara, Margaret, Susan, Randall, Danielle, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Jay, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Kathleen, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Daria, Vera, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia, Constantin

For God’s protection: all who are missing

For God’s protection: all captives; all persecuted Christians throughout the world

For God’s protection: all those in the military; all emergency medical workers, firefighters and police officers

For God’s mercy and peace: those who are in hospice care

For God’s mercy, direction and protection: those who are unemployed, poor, hungry and/or homeless

*** We pray for: those who love us; those who hate us; those who have no one to pray for them; those who have asked us to pray for them, even though we are unworthy. ***

Departed: Victoria, David, Verginia, Nadine, Manuel, Estefanía, Regina, Herman, Alexander, Bruce, Andrew

The Fifth Sunday of Great Lent: St. Mary of Egypt as a Model of Repentance

As we journey through Great Lent, the Fifth Sunday brings us to the commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt, one of the most powerful examples of repentance in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Her life is a profound testament to the transforming power of God's grace and the limitless mercy He offers to all who turn to Him with a contrite heart.

The Life of St. Mary of Egypt

St. Mary of Egypt lived in the 5th or 6th century and spent the early years of her life in extreme sinfulness, driven by carnal passions and indulgence. One day, out of curiosity, she followed a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. When she attempted to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, an unseen force prevented her from stepping inside. Recognizing her sinful state, she turned to the Theotokos in sincere repentance, asking for guidance and help.

She then received the strength to enter the church and venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. Following this life-changing moment, she withdrew into the desert beyond the Jordan River, where she spent nearly 47 years in strict asceticism, prayer, and repentance. Her life was eventually discovered by Abba Zosimas, a monk, who was astounded by her holiness. She received Holy Communion from him shortly before reposing in the Lord.

The Meaning of St. Mary’s Life for Us

St. Mary’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Her extreme transformation—from a life of sin to one of deep repentance and holiness—demonstrates that true change is possible for anyone who sincerely seeks God.

1. The Power of Repentance – St. Mary’s life teaches us that repentance is not simply feeling sorrow for our sins but a complete reorientation of our hearts and lives toward God.

2. The Role of the Theotokos – It was through the intercessions of the Mother of God that St. Mary found the strength to repent and begin her journey toward holiness. This highlights the importance of turning to the Theotokos for help in our own struggles.

3. The Necessity of Spiritual Struggle – St. Mary endured years of solitude and deprivation to purify her soul. While we may not be called to the same extreme asceticism, Great Lent reminds us that spiritual effort—fasting, prayer, and repentance—is essential for our own growth in Christ.

The Fifth Sunday of Lent and Our Own Journey

The Church places the commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt on the Fifth Sunday of Lent to encourage us as we approach the final stretch of our Lenten journey. Her life reassures us that even if we have fallen short in our Lenten efforts, it is never too late to turn back to God with sincerity and humility.

As we reflect on her life, we are called to renew our commitment to repentance, intensify our prayers, and prepare our hearts for the coming Passion of Christ. St. Mary’s example gives us hope that, no matter how far we have strayed, the doors of divine mercy remain open to all who seek them.

May St. Mary of Egypt intercede for us and inspire us to embrace the path of repentance, so that we, too, may experience the joy of transformation in Christ.

Readings for the Week of April 6, 2025

4/6: Galatians 3:23-29; Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 7:36-50

4/7: Isaiah 48:17-49:4; Genesis 27:1-41; Proverbs 19:16-25

4/8: Isaiah 49:6-10; Genesis 31:3-16; Proverbs 21:3-21

4/9: Isaiah 58:1-11; Genesis 43:26-31; 45:1-16; Proverbs 21:23-22:4

4/10: Isaiah 65:8-16; Genesis 46:1-7; Proverbs 23:15-24:5

4/11: Isaiah 66:10-24; Genesis 49:33-50:26; Proverbs 31:8-31

4/12: Hebrews 12:28-13:8; John 11:1-45

Vespers on April 3, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Thursday of Great Lent. On April 4, the Orthodox Church commemorates Our Venerable Father Joseph the Hymnographer.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 18:20-33 and Proverbs 16:17-17:17.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, April 7, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- April 3, 2025

"It is not the self-critical who reveals his humility (for does not everyone have somehow to put up with himself?). Rather it is the man who continues to love the person who has criticized him." --St. John Climacus

"Every Christian should find for himself the imperative and incentive to become holy. If you live without struggle and without hope of becoming holy, then you are Christians only in name and not in essence. But without holiness, no one shall see the Lord, that is to say they will not attain eternal blessedness. It is a trustworthy saying that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (I Tim. 1:15). But we deceive ourselves if we think that we are saved while remaining sinners. Christ saves those sinners by giving them the means to become saints." --St. Philaret of Moscow

"You must love everyone with your whole soul, but put your hope in the one God, and serve Him alone. For as long as He is protecting us and our friends (the angels) are helping us, our enemies (the demons) cannot inflict evil upon us. But when He forsakes us, then also our friends turn away from us, and our enemies receive power over us." --St. Maximos Confessor

"He who repents rightly does not imagine that it is his own effort which cancels his former sins; but through this effort he makes his peace with God." --St. Mark the Ascetic

3rd and 6th Hours on April 2, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 41:4-14 (6th Hour); Genesis 17:1-9 (Vespers); and Proverbs 15:20-16:9 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 3, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on April 1, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 40:18-31 (6th Hour); Genesis 15:1-15 (Vespers); and Proverbs 15:7-19 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 2, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 31, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 37:33-38:6 (6th Hour); Genesis 13:12-18 (Vespers); Proverbs 14:27-15:4 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 1, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 7)

Like the Prodigal I come and fall before You, O Lord; accept me as one of Your hired servants, and have mercy on me, O Compassionate One!

As the man who fell among thieves and was wounded, I have fallen, and my soul is bruised by my many sins. To whom can I, the guilty one, run, if not to You, the Only Merciful Physician of our souls? Pour out Your great mercy on me, O God!

O Savior, sinner that I am, do not cut me down like the barren fig tree! But grant me for a long year forgiveness, watering my soul with tears of repentance, that I may bring forth acts of mercy as fruit for You!

Since You are the Sun of Righteousness, enlighten and guide the hearts of those who cry out to You: O Lord, glory to You!

Prayer List for the Week of March 30, 2025

For healing: Abbot Tryphon, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Emilian, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Theodore, Hierodeacon Gorazd, Fr. Deacon Jorge, Matushka Katherine, Matushka Myra, Monk Meletios, Subdeacon Nicholas, Justin, Steven, Marian, Patricia, Mark, Nikolai, Anastasia, Alice, Kathleen, Denise, Denise, Pamela, Marianne, Ryan, Joanne, Emily, Charles, Hank, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Clara, Margaret, Susan, Randall, Danielle, Nicholas, Kathleen, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Jay, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mary, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Kathleen, Daria, Vera, Ella, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Christine, Shirley, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia, Constantin

For God’s protection: all who are missing

For God’s protection: all captives; all persecuted Christians throughout the world

For God’s protection: all those in the military; all emergency medical workers, firefighters and police officers

For God’s mercy and peace: those who are in hospice care

For God’s mercy, direction and protection: those who are unemployed, poor, hungry and/or homeless

*** We pray for: those who love us; those who hate us; those who have no one to pray for them; those who have asked us to pray for them, even though we are unworthy. ***

Departed: Daniela, Victoria, David, Verginia, Nadine, Manuel, Estefanía, Regina, Herman, Barbara

The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent: St. John Climacus and the Ascent to God

As Orthodox Christians journey through Great Lent, each Sunday serves as a spiritual milestone, guiding us deeper into repentance, prayer, and renewal. The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to St. John Climacus, also known as St. John of the Ladder, a revered monastic father of the Church whose teachings continue to inspire and challenge the faithful.

Who Was St. John Climacus?

St. John Climacus was a 6th-7th century monk and abbot of St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai. His most well-known work, *The Ladder of Divine Ascent*, is a spiritual treatise describing the path of the soul toward union with God. The book presents a metaphorical ladder of thirty steps, each representing a virtue or struggle in the Christian life, leading ultimately to divine love.

Why Is This Sunday Dedicated to St. John Climacus?

The Church appoints this Sunday to honor St. John Climacus because his teachings on spiritual struggle align perfectly with the Lenten journey. Lent is a time of self-examination, fasting, and repentance, all of which are necessary for ascending the spiritual ladder toward Christ. His writings remind us that the Christian life is one of continuous ascent, requiring humility, perseverance, and reliance on God’s grace.

The Gospel Reading: Mark 9:17-31

On this Sunday, the Gospel reading recounts Christ healing a demon-possessed boy after His disciples failed to do so. When the boy’s father pleads, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), Christ responds that such miracles come about “by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). This passage underscores the necessity of faith, prayer, and fasting in our spiritual lives—key disciplines emphasized in St. John Climacus’ writings.

Lessons for Our Lenten Journey

1. Spiritual Growth Requires Effort – Like the ascent of a ladder, our growth in Christ requires struggle, patience, and persistence.

2. Humility is Key – St. John emphasizes that pride prevents us from drawing near to God, while humility allows His grace to work in us.

3. Prayer and Fasting Are Essential – Just as Christ taught in the Gospel, St. John stresses that prayer and fasting strengthen the soul against temptations.

4. Love is the Highest Step – The ultimate goal of the spiritual life is love—love for God and neighbor, which is the highest step of the ladder.

Climbing the Ladder Together

The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent reminds us that the Christian life is a journey of continual ascent. With St. John Climacus as our guide and Christ as our goal, we press on in our Lenten efforts, knowing that every step taken in faith brings us closer to the Kingdom of God.

As we move forward in our Lenten pilgrimage, may we embrace the lessons of St. John Climacus and continue climbing the ladder toward divine love, one step at a time.

Readings for the Week of March 30, 2025

3/30: Ephesians 5:9-19; Hebrews 6:13-20; Mark 9:17-31

3/31: Isaiah 37:33-38:6; Genesis 13:12-18; Proverbs 14:27-15:4

4/1: Isaiah 40:18-31; Genesis 15:1-15; Proverbs 15:7-19

4/2: Isaiah 41:4-14; Genesis 17:1-9; Proverbs 15:20-16:9

4/3: Isaiah 42:5-16; Genesis 18:20-33; Proverbs 16:17-17:17

4/4: Isaiah 45:11-17; Genesis 22:1-18; Proverbs 17:17-18:5

4/5: Hebrews 9:1-7, 24-28; Mark 8:27-31; Luke 10:38-42; 11:27-28

Vespers on March 27, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fourth Thursday of Great Lent. On March 28, the Orthodox Church commemorates Our Venerable Father Hilarion the New, Abbot and Confessor.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 10:32-11:9 and Proverbs 13:20-14:6.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, March 31, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- March 27, 2025

"Lord, those are your best servants who wish to shape their life on Your answers rather than to shape Your answers on their wishes." --St. Augustine of Hippo

"Beside each believer stands an Angel as protector and shepherd, leading him to life." --St. Basil the Great

"Grace has been given mystically to those who have been baptized into Christ; and it becomes active within them to the extent that they actively observe the commandments. Grace never ceases to help us secretly; but to do good - as far as lies in our power - depends on us." --St. Mark the Ascetic

"In the beginning, passion and pain were not created together with the body; nor forgetfulness and ignorance together with the soul; nor the ever-changing impressions in the shape of events with the mind. All these things were brought about in man by his disobedience." --St. Maximos the Confessor

3rd and 6th Hours on March 26, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fourth Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 26:21-27:9 (6th Hour); Genesis 9:18-29 (Vespers); Proverbs 12:23-13:9 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 27, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

March 25: The Feast of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, is one of the most joyful and significant feasts in the Orthodox Christian calendar. On this day, the Church commemorates the Archangel Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary, bringing her the glad tidings that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).

This feast is a celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation—God taking on human flesh for the salvation of the world. The word "Annunciation" itself means "announcement," reflecting the angel's proclamation that changed the course of human history. The Church teaches that at the very moment of Mary's humble acceptance of God's will, the Word became flesh in her womb.

The icon of the Annunciation beautifully captures this moment. The Archangel Gabriel is depicted with one hand raised in blessing while the other gestures toward the Virgin Mary. Mary is shown either seated or standing, her posture reflecting both humility and wonder. In many icons, a ray of divine light descends from above, symbolizing the action of the Holy Spirit in the miraculous conception.

The hymnography of the feast emphasizes the joy and awe of this event. The troparion of the feast proclaims:

"Today is the beginning of our salvation, The revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Birthgiver-of-God: 'Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!'"

In Orthodox Christian life, the Annunciation calls the faithful to reflect on Mary's obedience and humility. Her response to the angel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38), is a model of trust and surrender to God's will. This feast invites all believers to open their hearts to God's call and to rejoice in the gift of salvation.

As we celebrate the Annunciation, we are reminded that through the Birthgiver-of-God's "Yes," God entered the world to redeem and restore mankind. This feast is not only a historical remembrance but also a present reality that calls us to live with faith, humility, and joy in the presence of the Incarnate Christ.

3rd and 6th Hours on March 24, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fourth Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 14:24-32 (6th Hour); Genesis 8:21-9:7 (Vespers); Proverbs 11:19-12:6 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Wednesday, March 26, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 6)

Christ, at Your fearsome Second Coming may we not hear the words: I do not know you (Matthew 25:12). For we have put our trust in You, Savior, though in our negligence we do not keep Your Commandments. Still we entreat that You save our souls.

I have no repentance and no tears. Therefore, Savior, I entreat You: Before the end comes convince me to turn back and grant me compunction, that I may be delivered from torment.

Savior and Physician of Our Souls and Bodies: Heal the wounds of my heart inflicted on me through my many sins. For You always grant forgiveness of transgressions to those who ask. Lord, grant me tears of repentance and remission of my transgressions, and have mercy on me.

Finding me naked, stripped of virtues, the Enemy wounded me with the arrow of sin. But God, Physician of Our Souls and Bodies, heal the wounds of my soul and have mercy on me.

Prayer List for the Week of March 23, 2025

For healing: Abbot Tryphon, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Emilian, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Theodore, Hierodeacon Gorazd, Fr. Deacon Jorge, Matushka Katherine, Matushka Myra, Monk Meletios, Subdeacon Nicholas, Justin, Steven, Marian, Patricia, Mark, Nikolai, Anastasia, Alice, Kathleen, Denise, Denise, Pamela, Marianne, Ryan, Joanne, Emily, Charles, Hank, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Clara, Margaret, Susan, Randall, Danielle, Nicholas, Kathleen, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Jay, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mary, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Kathleen, Daria, Vera, Ella, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Christine, Shirley, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia

For God’s protection: all who are missing

For God’s protection: all captives; all persecuted Christians throughout the world

For God’s protection: all those in the military; all emergency medical workers, firefighters and police officers

For God’s mercy and peace: those who are in hospice care

For God’s mercy, direction and protection: those who are unemployed, poor, hungry and/or homeless

*** We pray for: those who love us; those who hate us; those who have no one to pray for them; those who have asked us to pray for them, even though we are unworthy. ***

Departed: Daniela, Victoria, David, Verginia, Nadine, Manuel, Estefanía, Regina, Herman

The Third Sunday of Great Lent: The Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross

As Orthodox Christians journey through Great Lent, we reach a significant milestone on the third Sunday: the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross. This day serves as both a source of encouragement and a reminder of the path we are called to follow as Christians.

The Cross at the Midpoint of Lent

The placement of the Veneration of the Cross at the midpoint of Lent is not accidental. Having traveled three weeks in fasting, prayer, and repentance, we may begin to feel weary. The Church, in her wisdom, places the Cross before us as a source of strength and renewal, reminding us of the ultimate purpose of our Lenten struggle: union with Christ through His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Just as the Cross stood at the center of Christ’s earthly mission, it now stands at the center of our Lenten journey. The hymns of this Sunday echo this theme, inviting us to bow before the Cross and to embrace it with love and devotion.

The Gospel and Hymnography of the Day

The Gospel reading for this Sunday is from Mark 8:34-9:1, where Christ declares: *"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."* These words remind us that discipleship requires sacrifice. The path to the Resurrection is not one of ease but of endurance, humility, and self-denial.

Liturgically, the Cross is brought out in procession and placed in the center of the church for veneration. As we bow before it, we are reminded that our own crosses--our struggles, sufferings, and sacrifices--are not in vain but are the very means by which we participate in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Encouragement for the Journey Ahead

By placing the Cross before us at this point in Lent, the Church gives us a foretaste of Holy Week and Pascha. The Cross is not merely a symbol of suffering but also of triumph. We venerate it not in despair but in hope, knowing that through it comes the joy of the Resurrection.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us take courage from the Cross. Let us renew our efforts in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, knowing that Christ Himself walks with us, strengthening us by His grace. Through the Cross, joy has come into the world. May we embrace it as our path to eternal life.

“O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries, and by virtue of Your Cross, preserve Your habitation!” (Troparion of the Cross)