Preparing the Lenten services…
Sunday the 28th of January is the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, which marks the beginning of the Lenten Triodion, a book of services and prayers that takes us to the Eve of Pascha (Easter) which this year is on the 7th of April. The period between now and that celebration of the Resurrection of Lord Jesus Christ is one of preparation and potential for growth. “Potential growth”, because our growth and preparedness for Pascha is not guaranteed if we enter into this period – Lent – with a superficial understanding or wrong attitude.
The Church services and prayers of Lent are a beautiful way of telling us how to have a “proper” and fruitful Fast, but there is an overabundance; in Holy Week alone, if all the services were offered in their fullness and we attended them, we’d spend close to 40 hours in church! For most people, monasteries, and all parishes today, the full compliment of Lenten services is impossible. All we at St Cuthbert’s can hope to do is try to select enough of the Church’s wisdom and beauty to give services that can keep us going through these long weeks. Attending these services will help us to recharge on our progression of growth and repentance, spending time with other people on a similar journey. In between, we must support and love each other in prayer using the lessons taught us on each Sunday. In addition, below are a few resources that might be of help. Let’s keep in touch with each other, and especially with God.
From the Parish of St Cuthbert, may you all have a blessed and fruitful Lent!
Parish of St Cuthbert’s calendar of services for Lent and Holy Week
The Journey to Pascha – pdf of the Sundays leading to Easter and suggested “ways to participate”
Explanation of the special days, hymns and practices of Lent and Holy Week – from Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America (there are some slight differences in practice between us and the Greeks, but a very good resource)
“On Fasting” by St John Chrysostom
Orthodox Parish of St Cuthbert 