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

The Second Sunday of Great Lent: St. Gregory Palamas and the Light of Christ

The journey of Great Lent is a path of repentance, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Each Sunday of the Fast carries a special significance, guiding us deeper into the life of Christ and His Church. The Second Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas, a 14th-century Archbishop of Thessalonica and one of the great defenders of Orthodox spirituality.

Who Was St. Gregory Palamas?

St. Gregory Palamas (1296–1359) was a monk of Mount Athos, a theologian, and later a bishop. He is best known for his defense of hesychasm, a tradition of inner stillness and unceasing prayer that leads to the vision of God’s uncreated light. This light, according to Orthodox teaching, is the same light that shone from Christ at His Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.

During his lifetime, St. Gregory defended the Orthodox understanding of salvation against the teachings of a philosopher named Barlaam of Calabria, who argued that God could only be known through intellectual reasoning. In contrast, St. Gregory taught that true knowledge of God comes through purification of the heart, prayer, and participation in God’s divine energies.

His teachings affirm that through ascetic struggle, repentance, and the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the presence of God—not as an abstract idea, but as a living reality. This theology was confirmed by the Church in the Palamite Councils of the 14th century, and St. Gregory was canonized just a few years after his repose.

The Meaning of This Sunday in Great Lent

The placement of St. Gregory Palamas’ commemoration on the Second Sunday of Great Lent is significant. On the first Sunday, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we celebrate the victory of truth over heresy, particularly regarding the veneration of icons. The following Sunday, the Church presents us with St. Gregory’s teaching, which confirms that our faith is not only about correct doctrine but also about experiencing God directly through prayer and purification of the heart.

His message reminds us that Lent is not simply about external fasting but about inner transformation. It is a time to seek the light of Christ, turning away from worldly distractions and focusing on prayer, humility, and love.

The Gospel Reading: Christ Heals the Paralytic

On this Sunday, the Church reads from Mark 2:1-12, the story of the healing of the paralytic. In this passage, a group of friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof of a house so that he can be brought to Christ. Seeing their faith, Jesus not only heals the man physically but also forgives his sins.

This reading is deeply connected to the message of St. Gregory Palamas. Just as the paralytic needed both spiritual and physical healing, so too do we need healing of both soul and body. Our Lenten struggle—through fasting, prayer, and repentance—is aimed at bringing us closer to Christ, who alone can heal us completely.

How Can We Apply This to Our Lives?

1. Commit to Deeper Prayer – St. Gregory emphasized the power of inner prayer, particularly the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” During Lent, we can strive to pray more attentively and seek moments of stillness with God.

2. Seek Purification of the Heart – Lent is a time to examine ourselves honestly, confess our sins, and struggle against passions that darken our souls. St. Gregory reminds us that holiness is possible for all who seek it through humility and repentance.

3. Support One Another in Faith – The Gospel reading of the paralytic shows the importance of community in our journey toward Christ. Just as the friends carried the man to Jesus, we are called to lift one another up in prayer, encouragement, and acts of love.

A Reminder of the Goal of Lent

The Second Sunday of Great Lent reminds us that our fasting and efforts are not ends in themselves but are meant to draw us closer to the light of Christ. St. Gregory Palamas teaches us that salvation is not just about knowing about God—it is about truly encountering Him in prayer and being transformed by His grace.

As we continue through Great Lent, may we seek this encounter with Christ, opening our hearts to His mercy and striving to become vessels of His divine light.

“O Light of Orthodoxy, Teacher of the Church, its confirmation, O ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians, O wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.” (Troparion of St. Gregory Palamas)

Readings for the Week of March 16, 2025

3/16: Hebrews 1:10-2:3; 7:26-8:2; Mark 2:1-12; John 10:9-16

3/17: Isaiah 8:13-9:7; Genesis 6:9-22; Proverbs 8:1-21

3/18: Isaiah 9:9-10:4; Genesis 7:1-5; Proverbs 8:32-9:11

3/19: Isaiah 10:12-20; Genesis 7:6-9; Proverbs 9:12-18

3/20: Isaiah 11:10-12:2; Genesis 7:11-8:3; Proverbs 10:1-22

3/21: Isaiah 13:2-13; Genesis 8:4-21; Proverbs 10:31-11:12

3/22: Hebrews 10:32-38; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Mark 2:14-17; John 5:24-30

Vespers on March 13, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Thursday of Great Lent. On March 14, the Orthodox Church commemorates Our Venerable Father Benedict of Nursia.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 5:1-24 and Proverbs 6:3-20.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, March 17, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- March 13, 2025

"It is in vain that we cut off the branches of evil, if we leave intact the root, which continually produces new ones." --St. Gregory the Great

"Perfume is not to be found in mud, nor the fragrance of love in the soul of a rancorous man." --St. Thalassios the Libyan

"As long as we assign the causes for our weaknesses to others, we cannot attain perfection in long-suffering." --St. John Cassian

"Affliction was allowed to make those afflicted more careful and more pious." --St John Chrysostom

"Blessed is the one who has before his eyes the day of departure (from this earthly life) and has hated pride, before the weakness of our nature has been proved as it rots in the tomb." --St. Ephraim the Syrian

3rd and 6th Hours on March 12, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 5:16-25 (6th Hour); Genesis 4:16-26 (Vespers); Proverbs 5:15-6:3 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 13, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 11, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 5:7-16 (6th Hour); Genesis 4:8-15 (Vespers); Proverbs 5:1-15 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 12, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 10, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 4:2-6; 5:1-7 (6th Hour); Genesis 3:21-4:7 (Vespers); Proverbs 3:34-4:22 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 11, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 4)

Lord, I long to wash away with tears the record of all my sins, and to spend the remaining days of my life pleasing You through repentance, but the devil continually deceives me! He wages war against my soul! Save me, before I utterly perish, O Lord!

Who, when bestormed, if he runs to this Haven is not saved? Or who that is sick, if he runs to this Healing, is not made whole? Lord, the Maker of all and Physician of the sick, save me, before I utterly perish, O Lord!

I flee for refuge to You, the Good Shepherd; I am a sheep of Your rational flock! O God, I have gone astray; seek me, and have mercy on me!

Savior, wash me in my tears, for I am defiled by many sins. Therefore I fall before You: I have sinned; have mercy on me, O God!

The First Sunday of Great Lent: The Triumph of Orthodoxy

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.”

Prayer List for the Week of March 9, 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

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: Archbishop Anastasios, Stephan, Maria, Donald, Daniela, Victoria, David, Verginia

Readings for the Week of March 9, 2025

3/9: Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-12:2; John 1:43-51

3/10: Isaiah 4:2-6; 5:1-7; Genesis 3:21-4:7; Proverbs 3:34-4:22

3/11: Isaiah 5:7-16; Genesis 4:8-15; Proverbs 5:1-15

3/12: Isaiah 5:16-25; Genesis 4:16-26; Proverbs 5:15-6:3

3/13: Isaiah 6:1-12; Genesis 5:1-24; Proverbs 6:3-20

3/14: Isaiah 7:1-14; Genesis 5:32-6:8; Proverbs 6:20-6:35

3/15: Hebrews 3:12-16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Mark 1:35-44; John 5:24-30

Words from the Saints -- March 6, 2025

"Let us fast an acceptable and very pleasing fast to the Lord. True fast is the estrangement from evil, temperance of tongue, abstinence from anger, separation from desires, slander, falsehood, and lying. Abstaining from these is true fasting." --St. Basil the Great

"Like the apple of Thine eye preserve me, O Lord God; defend me and beneath Thy wings shelter me from temptations." --St. Ephraim the Syrain

"Without contrition of the heart, it is altogether impossible to rid ourselves of evil. Now the heart is made contrite by threefold self-control: in sleep, in food and in bodily relaxation. For excess of these three things leads to self-indulgence; and this in turn makes us accept evil thoughts, and is opposed to prayer and to appropriate work." --St. Mark the Ascetic

"The devil loves and always rejoices over the ungoverned; those who are not subject to one who has power, under God, to help them and to give them a hand." --St. Dorotheos of Gaza

"There is one antidote for evil passions: the purification of our souls which takes place through the mystery of godliness. The chief act of faith in this mystery is to look to Him who suffered the passion for us. The cross is the passion, so that whoever looks to it? is not harmed by the poison of desire. To look to the cross means to render one's whole life dead and crucified to the world." --St. Gregory of Nyssa

3rd and 6th Hours on March 6, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the First Thursday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 2:11-22 (6th Hour); Genesis 2:4-19 (Vespers); Proverbs 3:1-18 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, March 10, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 4, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the First Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 1:19-2:3 (6th Hour); Genesis 1:14-23 (Vespers); Proverbs 1:20-33 (Vespers)

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Thursday, March 6, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 3, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the First Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 1:1-20 (6th Hour); Genesis 1:1-13 (Vespers); Proverbs 1:1-20 (Vespers)

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 4, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 3)

We offer You our evening hymn, O Christ, with incense and spiritual song. Have mercy on us, O Savior!

Save me, Lord my God: You are the Salvation of all! The storm of my passions troubles me; the yoke of my sins weighs me down! Stretch out Your hand to help me; lead me to the light of repentance, for You alone are the Compassionate Lover of Mankind!

Lord, gather my scattered mind and cleanse my barren heart. Grant me repentance as You gave to Peter, groans as You gave the publican and tears as the harlot, so that I may cry to You with a loud voice: save me, O God, as You alone are tender-hearted and the Lover of Mankind!

Often when I stand to sing the hymns, I am found to be committing sins! With my tongue I am singing praises, but with my soul, I am considering inappropriate things! But correct both through repentance, Christ God, and save me!

Prayer List for the Week of March 2, 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, Victoria, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Kathleen, Daria, Vera, Ella, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Daniela, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Christine, Shirley, Ola

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: Archbishop Anastasios, Stephan, Maria, Donald, David

Readings for the Week of March 2, 2025

3/2: Romans 13:11-14:4; Matthew 6:14-21

3/3: Isaiah 1:1-20; Genesis 1:1-13; Proverbs 1:1-20

3/4: Isaiah 1:19-2:3; Genesis 1:14-23; Proverbs 1:20-33

3/5: Isaiah 2:3-11; Genesis 1:24-2:3; Proverbs 2:1-22

3/6: Isaiah 2:11-22; Genesis 2:4-19; Proverbs 3:1-18

3/7: Isaiah 3:1-14; Genesis 2:20-3:20; Proverbs 3:19-34

3/8: Hebrews 1:1-12; 2 Timothy 2:1-10; Mark 2:23-3:5; John 15:17-16:2