The First Sunday of Great Lent: The Triumph of Orthodoxy
Gerald Largent
The first Sunday of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church is known as the Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. This special day commemorates the restoration of the veneration of holy icons in the 9th century, following a long period of iconoclasm. It is a celebration of the victory of truth over heresy, a testament to the unwavering faith of the Church in the Incarnation of Christ.
The History of the Triumph of Orthodoxy
During the 8th and 9th centuries, the Church endured a fierce struggle over the use of icons. The heresy of iconoclasm, which rejected the veneration of sacred images, led to the destruction of countless icons and the persecution of those who defended their rightful place in Christian worship. The controversy was settled in 843 when Empress Theodora and Patriarch Methodios restored the veneration of icons, proclaiming it in harmony with the true faith.
Each year, on the first Sunday of Great Lent, the Church remembers this victory with a solemn yet joyous procession, often called the "Synodikon of Orthodoxy." During this service, the faithful proclaim the anathemas against heresies and reaffirm their faith in the teachings of the holy fathers.
The Theological Significance of Icons
The use of icons in Orthodox worship is deeply theological. Icons are not mere decorations but windows into the divine. They affirm the Incarnation—God becoming man in the person of Jesus Christ. Because Christ took on flesh, He can be depicted in images, allowing the faithful to venerate Him and the saints who radiate His divine grace.
By venerating icons, Orthodox Christians honor the reality of Christ’s presence and the communion of saints. This practice aligns with the teaching that matter can be sanctified, reflecting God’s glory. The Church upholds that veneration (proskynesis) is distinct from worship (latreia), which is due to God alone.
The Sunday of Orthodoxy in Practice
The Triumph of Orthodoxy is not only a historical commemoration but also a call to perseverance in the true faith. On this day, Orthodox Christians gather in their churches for a special procession, often carrying icons as a public testimony of their belief. The service includes the recitation of the Nicene Creed and the proclamation of the Synodikon, affirming the Church’s rejection of heresies and the unwavering commitment to Orthodox doctrine.
This Sunday serves as a reminder that the spiritual journey of Great Lent is not merely about personal asceticism but also about remaining steadfast in the faith. It challenges us to live out the truths of Orthodoxy with conviction and humility.
A Call to Renewed Faith
As we begin the Lenten season, the Sunday of Orthodoxy invites us to reflect on the gift of faith passed down through the generations. It reminds us that our spiritual struggle is part of a greater victory—the triumph of Christ over sin and death. Just as the Church defended the truth against heresy, we are called to defend and live out the faith in our own time.
As we commemorate the restoration of the icons to the Churches of God, let us not forget that the purpose of Lent is to have the restoration of the Image of God in man restored to its pristine glory.
May this Sunday inspire us to deepen our commitment to Christ, embrace the Lenten journey with sincerity, and rejoice in the truth of Orthodoxy. Through the intercessions of the saints and the power of Christ’s Resurrection, may we remain steadfast in faith and love.
“This is the faith of the Apostles, this is the faith of the Fathers, this is the faith of the Orthodox, this is the faith which has established the universe.”