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)

Readings for the Week of March 23, 2025

3/23: Hebrews 4:14-5:6; Mark 8:34-9:1

3/24: Isaiah 14:24-32; Genesis 8:21-9:7; Proverbs 11:19-12:6

3/25: Hebrews 2:11-18; Luke 1:24-38

3/26: Isaiah 26:21-27:9; Genesis 9:18-29; Proverbs 12:23-13:9

3/27: Isaiah 28:14-22; Genesis 10:32-11:9; Proverbs 13:20-14:6

3/28: Isaiah 29:13-23; Genesis 12:1-7; Proverbs 14:15-26

3/29: Hebrews 6:9-12; 1 Corinthians 15:47-57; Mark 7:31-37; John 5:24-30

Vespers on March 20, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Thursday of Great Lent. On March 21, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint James the Confessor, Bishop of Catania.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 7:11-8:3 and Proverbs 10:1-22.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, March 24, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- March 20, 2025

"When you begin to read or listen to the Holy Scriptures, pray to God thus: "Lord Jesus Christ, open the ears and eyes of my heart so that I may hear Thy words and understand them, and may fulfill Thy will." Always pray to God like this, that He might illumine your mind and open to you the power of His words. Many, having trusted in their own reason, have turned away into deception." --St. Ephraim the Syrian

"Never belittle the significance of your thoughts, for not one escapes God's notice." --St. Mark the Ascetic

"Those who submit to the Lord with simple heart will run the good race. If they keep their minds on a leash, they will not draw the wickedness of the demons onto themselves." --St. John Climacus

"Once the soul starts to feel its own good health, the images in its dreams are also calm and free from passion." --St. Maximos the Confessor

3rd and 6th Hours on March 19, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 10:12-20 (6th Hour); Genesis 7:6-9 (Vespers); Proverbs 9:12-18 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 20, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 18, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 9:9-10:4 (6th Hour); Genesis 7:1-5 (Vespers); Proverbs 8:32-9:11 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 19, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 17, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 8:13-9:7 (6th Hour); Genesis 6:9-22 (Vespers); Proverbs 8:1-21 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 18, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 5)

Lord, I do not cease my sin; I do not comprehend Your love for mankind, Only Good One! But overcome my blindness, and have mercy on me!

Lord, even though I fear You, I do not cease to do evil. Who at judgment does not fear the Judge? Or who, desiring healing, chases away the Physician as I do? Have compassion on my infirmity, and have mercy on me, O Patient Lord!

Woe is me! Why have I become like the barren fig tree? I fear cursing and cutting down! But, Heavenly Gardener, Christ my God, reveal my parched soul to be fruitful. Accept me as You did the prodigal son and have mercy on me!

Disregard the great number of my transgressions, Lord born of the Virgin. Blot out all my iniquities; grant me, I pray, a firm intention to change, for You are the Lover of Mankind, and have mercy on me!

Prayer List for the Week of March 16, 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

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