Saints and Feasts:
Mary of Egypt
Gerontios & Vasilides the Martyrs
Euthemios of Suzdal
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 29:13-23
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 12:1-7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 14:15-26
To ponder and mediate on: As a light bearing candle, shining upon those in darkness we behold the Holy Virgin; for igniting the heavenly light, She guides everyone to Divine Knowledge (from the 4th Salutation to the Theotokos).
Challenge: Each Friday in Great Lent, we celebrate the service of Salutations to the Theotokos. This service is celebrated in the evening. Make plans to go to this evening’s service. Follow along in the service, it is a beautiful prayer.
3/31/2011 -- Fourth Thursday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Hypatios the Wonderworker
Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska
Akakios the Confessor
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 28:14-22
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 10:32-11:9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 13:19-14:6
To ponder and mediate on: Almsgiving has been introduced not for the sake of the receivers, but of the givers, for the latter are they which make the greatest gain (Saint John Chrysostom).
Challenge: Do something good for a family member today.
Hypatios the Wonderworker
Innocent, Enlightener of Siberia & Alaska
Akakios the Confessor
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 28:14-22
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 10:32-11:9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 13:19-14:6
To ponder and mediate on: Almsgiving has been introduced not for the sake of the receivers, but of the givers, for the latter are they which make the greatest gain (Saint John Chrysostom).
Challenge: Do something good for a family member today.
3/30/2011 -- Fourth Wednesday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent
Sosthenes Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70
Zacharias the New Martyr
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 26:21-27:9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 9:18-10:1
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 12:23-13:9
To ponder and meditate on: The knowledge of the Cross is concealed in the sufferings of the Cross (Saint Isaac the Syrian).
Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion.
John Climacus the Righteous, author of The Divine Ladder of Ascent
Sosthenes Apollos, Cephas, Caesar, & Epaphroditos, the Apostles of the 70
Zacharias the New Martyr
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 26:21-27:9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 9:18-10:1
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 12:23-13:9
To ponder and meditate on: The knowledge of the Cross is concealed in the sufferings of the Cross (Saint Isaac the Syrian).
Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion.
3/29/2011 -- Fourth Tuesday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Mark, Bishop of Arethusa
Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him
Jonah & Mark the Martyrs
Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia
Readings:
Isaiah 25:1-9
Genesis 9:8-17
Proverbs 12:8-22
To ponder and meditate on: You cannot destroy the passions on your own, but ask God, and He will destroy them (Saint Anatoly of Optina).
Challenge: Assess how you have been doing so far during Lent. Have you made any changes? Decide on how you want to continue this Lent and make a commitment to be faithful for the rest of the Lenten journey.
Mark, Bishop of Arethusa
Martyr Cyril the Deacon and Those with him
Jonah & Mark the Martyrs
Eustathios the Confessor, Bishop of Bithynia
Readings:
Isaiah 25:1-9
Genesis 9:8-17
Proverbs 12:8-22
To ponder and meditate on: You cannot destroy the passions on your own, but ask God, and He will destroy them (Saint Anatoly of Optina).
Challenge: Assess how you have been doing so far during Lent. Have you made any changes? Decide on how you want to continue this Lent and make a commitment to be faithful for the rest of the Lenten journey.
3/28/2011 -- Fourth Monday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Hilarion the New
Herodion the Apostle of the 70
Stephen the Wonderworker
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 14:24-32
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 8:21-9:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 11:19-12:6
To ponder and mediate on: Thirst after Jesus, and He will satisfy you with His love (St. Isaac the Syrian).
Challenge: Throughout the day, imagine if Christ was standing next to you as you made each decision (big and small). How would that change they way you decide?
Hilarion the New
Herodion the Apostle of the 70
Stephen the Wonderworker
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 14:24-32
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 8:21-9:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 11:19-12:6
To ponder and mediate on: Thirst after Jesus, and He will satisfy you with His love (St. Isaac the Syrian).
Challenge: Throughout the day, imagine if Christ was standing next to you as you made each decision (big and small). How would that change they way you decide?
3/27/2011 - Third Sunday in Lent (Sunday of the Holy Cross)
Saints and Feasts: Sunday of the Holy Cross
Matrona of Thessaloniki
Paul, Bishop of Corinth
Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-16;5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
To ponder and mediate on: This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross. Now it is placed before us and shines with brightness of Christ’s resurrection. Let us all draw near and kiss it with great rejoicing in our lives (from the Sunday Matins).
Challenge: Think about how Christ’s great sacrifice “on the cross” has given us eternal life. Take five minutes to sit silently in the presence of God. Thank Him for the love showed to us through Christ on the cross.
Matrona of Thessaloniki
Paul, Bishop of Corinth
Epistle: Hebrews 4:14-16;5:1-6
Gospel: Mark 8:34-38; 9:1
To ponder and mediate on: This is the day of the veneration of the Precious Cross. Now it is placed before us and shines with brightness of Christ’s resurrection. Let us all draw near and kiss it with great rejoicing in our lives (from the Sunday Matins).
Challenge: Think about how Christ’s great sacrifice “on the cross” has given us eternal life. Take five minutes to sit silently in the presence of God. Thank Him for the love showed to us through Christ on the cross.
3/26/2011 -- Third Saturday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel
26 Martyrs in Crimea
Irenaeus the Hieromartyr of Hungary
Epistle Reading
Hebrews 2:2-10
Gospel Reading
Luke 10:16-21
To ponder and mediate on: Holiness is the fruit of one’s efforts and gift of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is reached by him who wears a cross and in the name of Christ wages warfare against the obstacles to holiness, becoming akin to Christ (Saint John of San Francisco).
Challenge: Think about the “obstacles” in your life that are keeping you from God. Figure out a way to remove at least one today.
Synaxis in honor of the Archangel Gabriel
26 Martyrs in Crimea
Irenaeus the Hieromartyr of Hungary
Epistle Reading
Hebrews 2:2-10
Gospel Reading
Luke 10:16-21
To ponder and mediate on: Holiness is the fruit of one’s efforts and gift of the Holy Spirit. Holiness is reached by him who wears a cross and in the name of Christ wages warfare against the obstacles to holiness, becoming akin to Christ (Saint John of San Francisco).
Challenge: Think about the “obstacles” in your life that are keeping you from God. Figure out a way to remove at least one today.
3/25/2011 -- Third Friday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Annunciation of the Theotokos
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 13:2-13
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 8:4-21
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 10:31-11:12
To ponder and meditate on: A prayer from the Salutations service . . . The Angel stood before the Virgin and cried aloud: Rejoice, blessed Lady, who alone among women have preserved the seal of your virginity, while yet receiving in your womb the pre-eternal Word and Lord, that He as God may save mankind from error (a hymn from Matins).
Challenge: Today is the Feast of Annunciation. Like the Theotokos who submitted her life to God, we need to submit our lives to God and become bearers of God in this world. Write down one thing about the Mother of God and decide to imitate her.
Annunciation of the Theotokos
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 13:2-13
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 8:4-21
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 10:31-11:12
To ponder and meditate on: A prayer from the Salutations service . . . The Angel stood before the Virgin and cried aloud: Rejoice, blessed Lady, who alone among women have preserved the seal of your virginity, while yet receiving in your womb the pre-eternal Word and Lord, that He as God may save mankind from error (a hymn from Matins).
Challenge: Today is the Feast of Annunciation. Like the Theotokos who submitted her life to God, we need to submit our lives to God and become bearers of God in this world. Write down one thing about the Mother of God and decide to imitate her.
March 24, 2011 - Third Thursday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos
Artemon the Presbyter
Our Holy Father Theonas, Archbishop of Thessolonica
Zachariah the Recluse
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 11:10-12:2
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:11-8:3
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 10:1-22
To ponder and mediate on: Pray this prayer today . . . "O Trinity, uncreated and without beginning, O undivided Unity, Three and One. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, single God: accept this our hymn from our tongues" (from the Lenten Triodion).
Challenge: Copy this prayer on a piece of paper and pause often throughout the day, sitting in silence, and recite the prayer.
Forefeast of the Annunciation of the Theotokos
Artemon the Presbyter
Our Holy Father Theonas, Archbishop of Thessolonica
Zachariah the Recluse
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 11:10-12:2
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:11-8:3
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 10:1-22
To ponder and mediate on: Pray this prayer today . . . "O Trinity, uncreated and without beginning, O undivided Unity, Three and One. Father, Son and Holy Spirit, single God: accept this our hymn from our tongues" (from the Lenten Triodion).
Challenge: Copy this prayer on a piece of paper and pause often throughout the day, sitting in silence, and recite the prayer.
3/23/2011 -- Third Wednesday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Nikon the Holy Martyr & his 200 Companion Martyrs
Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George
Luke the New Martyr of Mytilene
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 10:12-20
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:6-9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 9:12-18
To ponder and meditate on: Think about how God entered the world . . . When the Fashioner of all wished to save the world, He came to it by Himself; and being Shepherd as God, He appeared for us as a man; for appearing the same as we are, He called us unto Himself, and as God He hears, Allelulia (from the service of the Salutations to the Theotokos).
Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion. Listen for the above prayer.
Nikon the Holy Martyr & his 200 Companion Martyrs
Anatolios & Protoleon the Martyrs converted by the martyrdom of St. George
Luke the New Martyr of Mytilene
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 10:12-20
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:6-9
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 9:12-18
To ponder and meditate on: Think about how God entered the world . . . When the Fashioner of all wished to save the world, He came to it by Himself; and being Shepherd as God, He appeared for us as a man; for appearing the same as we are, He called us unto Himself, and as God He hears, Allelulia (from the service of the Salutations to the Theotokos).
Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion. Listen for the above prayer.
3/22/2011 -- Third Tuesday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra
Kalliniki & Vassilisa the Martyrs
Euthemios the New Martyr
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 9:9-10:4
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:1-5
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 8:32-9:11
To ponder and mediate on: We cannot procrastinate until tomorrow. For we know not what the next day will bring. Nor should we say, let us conquer a certain habit “little by little”, since this “little by little” will never come to an end (St. John Chrysostom).
Challenge: Write down three small "bad" habits on a piece of paper, and during the day, try to “eliminate them” from your life.
Basil the Holy Martyr of Ancyra
Kalliniki & Vassilisa the Martyrs
Euthemios the New Martyr
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 9:9-10:4
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 7:1-5
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 8:32-9:11
To ponder and mediate on: We cannot procrastinate until tomorrow. For we know not what the next day will bring. Nor should we say, let us conquer a certain habit “little by little”, since this “little by little” will never come to an end (St. John Chrysostom).
Challenge: Write down three small "bad" habits on a piece of paper, and during the day, try to “eliminate them” from your life.
3/21/2011 -- Third Monday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
James the Confessor
Thomas I, Patriarch of Constantinople
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 8:13-9:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 6:9-22
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 8:1-21
To ponder and mediate on: There is no sin without forgiveness except one which is without repentance. And there is no gift which is without increase except the one which lacks acknowledgment (St. Isaac the Syrian)
Challenge: Think of one sin that you struggle with on a regular basis. Ask God for forgiveness and write down three things you can do to free you from this sin. This will help you to take that road to true repentance.
James the Confessor
Thomas I, Patriarch of Constantinople
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 8:13-9:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 6:9-22
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 8:1-21
To ponder and mediate on: There is no sin without forgiveness except one which is without repentance. And there is no gift which is without increase except the one which lacks acknowledgment (St. Isaac the Syrian)
Challenge: Think of one sin that you struggle with on a regular basis. Ask God for forgiveness and write down three things you can do to free you from this sin. This will help you to take that road to true repentance.
March 20, 2011 -- Second Sunday in Lent
On the Second Sunday of Lent the Orthodox Church commemorates our Holy Father Gregory Palamas, Archbishop of Thessalonica, the Wonderworker. The feast day of Saint Gregory Palamas is November 14, however, he is commemorated on this Sunday as the condemnation of his enemies and the vindication of his teachings by the Church in the 14th century was acclaimed as a second triumph of Orthodoxy.
Saints and Feasts:
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas
Saint Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne
Myron the New Martyr of Crete
Photini the Samaritan Woman
Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14;2:1-3
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
To ponder and mediate on: You will glorify Him as God and Him only, the King and Creator of all; and to Him you will cleave, and to Him you will turn from your sins, known and unknown, day and night (from St. Gregory Palamas).
Challenge: Live the Feast today! After Liturgy, keep the feeling all day – try to glorify God through your actions.
Saints and Feasts:
Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas
Righteous Fathers slain at the Monastery of St. Savas
Saint Cuthbert the Wonderworker, Bishop of Lindisfarne
Myron the New Martyr of Crete
Photini the Samaritan Woman
Epistle: Hebrews 1:10-14;2:1-3
Gospel: Mark 2:1-12
To ponder and mediate on: You will glorify Him as God and Him only, the King and Creator of all; and to Him you will cleave, and to Him you will turn from your sins, known and unknown, day and night (from St. Gregory Palamas).
Challenge: Live the Feast today! After Liturgy, keep the feeling all day – try to glorify God through your actions.
March 19, 2011 -- Second Saturday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Second Saturday in Lent
Chrysanthos & Daria the Martyrs
Demetrios the New Martyr
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 3:12-16
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:35-44
To ponder and mediate on: In this season of fasting, O Christ, you have shone as a light on those who walk in the darkness of sin. Bring us to the holy days of Your passion, that we may sing to you: Arise O God, and have mercy on us (from today’s Vespers).
Challenge: Instead of staying out late tonight, come home an hour early than usual and have a quiet evening. This will help you prepare for the Divine Liturgy tomorrow.
Second Saturday in Lent
Chrysanthos & Daria the Martyrs
Demetrios the New Martyr
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 3:12-16
Gospel Reading: Mark 1:35-44
To ponder and mediate on: In this season of fasting, O Christ, you have shone as a light on those who walk in the darkness of sin. Bring us to the holy days of Your passion, that we may sing to you: Arise O God, and have mercy on us (from today’s Vespers).
Challenge: Instead of staying out late tonight, come home an hour early than usual and have a quiet evening. This will help you prepare for the Divine Liturgy tomorrow.
March 18, 2011 -- Second Friday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Trophimos & Eukarpion, Monk-martyrs of Nicomedea
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 7:1-14
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 5:32-6:8
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 6:20-7:1
Something to ponder: Tonight is the second service of the Salutations to the Theotokos -- go the Archdiocese site and listen to the beautiful hymns . . .
http://lent.goarch.org/media/audio.asp#akathist
Challenge: Think about how Mary accepted the Archangel’s command to become the God-bearer. Spend 5 minutes and write down all the things that you will have to remove from your life if God was to dwell in you.
Cyril, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Trophimos & Eukarpion, Monk-martyrs of Nicomedea
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 7:1-14
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 5:32-6:8
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 6:20-7:1
Something to ponder: Tonight is the second service of the Salutations to the Theotokos -- go the Archdiocese site and listen to the beautiful hymns . . .
http://lent.goarch.org/media/audio.asp#akathist
Challenge: Think about how Mary accepted the Archangel’s command to become the God-bearer. Spend 5 minutes and write down all the things that you will have to remove from your life if God was to dwell in you.
March 17, 2011 -- Second Thursday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Alexios the Man of God
Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland
Marinos the Martyr
Theocteristos the Confessor
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 6:1-12
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 5:1-24
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 6:3-20
To ponder and meditate on: "The sacred writers of the Old and New Testament, with the Holy Spirit, authored the books. The Fathers of the Church applied the writings to their lives. The next generation knew them by heart. But those of modern times have shut them away in libraries". Learn the truths of the Church!!!
Challenge: Do one nice thing for someone else today – and tell no one!
Alexios the Man of God
Saint Patrick, the Enlightener of Ireland
Marinos the Martyr
Theocteristos the Confessor
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 6:1-12
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 5:1-24
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 6:3-20
To ponder and meditate on: "The sacred writers of the Old and New Testament, with the Holy Spirit, authored the books. The Fathers of the Church applied the writings to their lives. The next generation knew them by heart. But those of modern times have shut them away in libraries". Learn the truths of the Church!!!
Challenge: Do one nice thing for someone else today – and tell no one!
March 16, 2011 -- Second Wednesday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Savinos the Martyr of Egypt
Christodoulos the Wonderworker of Patmos
Aristovoulos, Apostle of the 70
Julian the Martyr
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 5:16-25
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 4:16-26
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 5:15-6:3
To ponder and mediate on: We need the divine medicines to heal the wounds that we have received; and to protect us from those that we have not yet received but will receive. We must thoroughly quench the darts of the devil and beat them off by continual reading of the divine Scriptures (from St. John Chrysostom).
Challenge: If you haven’t been keeping up with the daily readings, start again now! If you have, think of one medicine that you can receive in your life that will keep the evil one away . . . Holy Communion. Go to Pre-Sanctified Liturgy tonight and receive Christ.
Savinos the Martyr of Egypt
Christodoulos the Wonderworker of Patmos
Aristovoulos, Apostle of the 70
Julian the Martyr
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 5:16-25
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 4:16-26
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 5:15-6:3
To ponder and mediate on: We need the divine medicines to heal the wounds that we have received; and to protect us from those that we have not yet received but will receive. We must thoroughly quench the darts of the devil and beat them off by continual reading of the divine Scriptures (from St. John Chrysostom).
Challenge: If you haven’t been keeping up with the daily readings, start again now! If you have, think of one medicine that you can receive in your life that will keep the evil one away . . . Holy Communion. Go to Pre-Sanctified Liturgy tonight and receive Christ.
March 15, 2011 -- Second Tuesday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Agapios the martyr & his Companions
Manuel the New Martyr of Crete
Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 5:7-16
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 4:8-15
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 5:1-15
To ponder and mediate on: In continuing with our Lenten forgiveness theme . . . O Master, we who believe in You know the wealth of your great compassion. Along with the Prodigal Son, in deep sincerity we bow down before you. Accept us, that we may flee to You for refuge, for there is no sin O Lord, that can triumph over your love for us (from the Matins of the day).
Challenge: At least once this week, do not log on to Facebook for 24 hours. Use the time in a spiritually healthier way.
Agapios the martyr & his Companions
Manuel the New Martyr of Crete
Holy Apostle Aristobulos of the Seventy, Bishop of Britain
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 5:7-16
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 4:8-15
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 5:1-15
To ponder and mediate on: In continuing with our Lenten forgiveness theme . . . O Master, we who believe in You know the wealth of your great compassion. Along with the Prodigal Son, in deep sincerity we bow down before you. Accept us, that we may flee to You for refuge, for there is no sin O Lord, that can triumph over your love for us (from the Matins of the day).
Challenge: At least once this week, do not log on to Facebook for 24 hours. Use the time in a spiritually healthier way.
March 14, 2011 -- Second Monday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Benedict the Righteous of Nursia
Euschemon the Confessor
Bishop of Lampasakos
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 4:2-5:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 3:21-4:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 3:34-4:22
To ponder and meditate on: A theme in lent is repentance and forgiveness – but also looking toward Heaven.
Earthly life is given to us by the mercy of the Creator in order that we may use it for salvation, that is, for our restoration from death to life (from Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov).
Challenge: Think of one thing that you do on a daily basis that is not good for the soul -- Try to eliminate that from your life.
Benedict the Righteous of Nursia
Euschemon the Confessor
Bishop of Lampasakos
OLD TESTAMENT READING 1: Isaiah 4:2-5:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 2: Genesis 3:21-4:7
OLD TESTAMENT READING 3: Proverbs 3:34-4:22
To ponder and meditate on: A theme in lent is repentance and forgiveness – but also looking toward Heaven.
Earthly life is given to us by the mercy of the Creator in order that we may use it for salvation, that is, for our restoration from death to life (from Saint Ignatius Brianchaninov).
Challenge: Think of one thing that you do on a daily basis that is not good for the soul -- Try to eliminate that from your life.
March 13, 2011 -- Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Sunday of Orthodoxy is the first Sunday of Great Lent. The main theme of this Sunday since 843 has been that of the victory of the icons. In that year the iconoclastic controversy (which did not allow icons in Church), which had raged on and off since 726, was finally laid to rest, and icons and their veneration were restored on the first Sunday in Lent. Ever since, this Sunday has been commemorated as the "Triumph of Orthodoxy."
Sunday of Orthodoxy
Removal of the relics of Nicephoros, Patriarch of Constantinople
Pouplios the Martyr, Bishop of Athens
Epistle Reading: Hebrews 11:24-26,32-40
Gospel Reading: John 1:43-51
To ponder and meditate on: Who is so, great a God, as our God. You are the God, who alone does wonders (from the Sunday of Orthodoxy Vespers).
Challenge: Go to Church today and receive Communion. You made it through the first week of Great Lent. Congratulations!!! If you fell this week – that’s OK. Just get right back on it and start today!
March 12, 2011 -- First Saturday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
First Saturday in Lent 
Theophanes the Confessor
Symeon the New Theologian
Gregory Dialogos, Bishop of Rome
Epistle: The Reading is from St. Paul's Second Letter to Timothy 2:1-10 TIMOTHY, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus, and what you have heard from me before many witnesses entrust to faithful men who will be able to teach others also. Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him. An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules. It is the hardworking farmer who ought to have the first share of the crops. Think over what I say, for the Lord will grant you understanding in everything. Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which I am suffering and wearing fetters like a criminal. But the word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain salvation in Christ Jesus with its eternal glory.
Gospel: The Reading is from Mark 2:23-28; 3:1-5 At that time, Jesus was going through the grainfields; and as they made their way his disciples began to pluck heads of grain. And the Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is not lawful on the sabbath?" And he said to them, "Have you never read what David did, when he was in need and was hungry, he and those who were with him: how he entered the house of God, when Abiathar was high priest, and ate the bread of the Presence, which it is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those who were with him?" And he said to them, "The sabbath was made for man, not man for the sabbath; so the Son of man is lord even of the sabbath." Again he entered the synagogue, and a man was there who had a withered hand. And they watched him, to see whether he would heal him on the sabbath, so that they might accuse him. And he said to the man who had the withered hand, "Come here." And he said to them, "Is it lawful on the sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to kill?" But they were silent. And he looked around at them with anger, grieved at their hardness of heart, and said to the man, "Stretch it out," and his hand was restored.
To ponder and meditate on: Think about how temporary this life is . . . and how eternity is never ending.
My Soul, O My soul, rise up! Why are you sleeping? The end draws near and soon you will be troubled. Watch then, that Christ your God may spare you, for He is everywhere present and fills all things (from the service of the Great Compline).
Challenge: Instead of staying out late tonight, come home an hour early than usual and have a quiet evening. This will help you prepare for the Divine Liturgy tomorrow.
March 11, 2011-- First Friday in Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Theodora the Righteous
Pionios the Presbyter
George the New Wonderworker of Constantinople
Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem
Theodora the Righteous
Pionios the Presbyter
George the New Wonderworker of Constantinople
Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 3:1-14
Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 2:20-3:20
Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 3:19-34
To ponder and meditate on: O Champion General, I your city now inscribe to you triumphant anthems as the tokens of my gratitude, being rescued from the terrors, O Theotokos. But since you have the dominion unassailable, from all kinds of perils free me so that unto you, I may cry aloud: rejoice, O Bride unwedded.
Challenge: Each Friday in Great Lent, we celebrate the service of Salutations to the Theotokos. This service is celebrated in the evening. Make plans to go to this evening’s service. Follow along in the service, it is a beautiful prayer.
March 10, 2011 -- First Thursday of Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Kodratos the Martyr & his Companions
Anastasia of Alexandria
Kodratos the Martyr & his Companions
Anastasia of Alexandria
Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 2:11-21
Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 2:4-19
Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 3:1-18
To ponder and meditate on: You have given repentance for me a sinner, O Lord, wishing in your boundless mercy to save me. I fall down before you and pray, humble my soul through fasting, for I come to you for refuge, you who are rich in mercy (from the Matins on this day).
March 9, 2011 -- First Wednesday of Lent
Saints and Feasts:
40 Martyrs at Lake Sebaste
Caesarios the Righteous
Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 2:3-11
Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 1:24-2:3
Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 2:1-22
To ponder and meditate on: Let my prayer rise like incense before you, and the lifting of my hands like an evening sacrifice (from the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts).
Challenge: Abstain from food from after lunch. Go to the Liturgy of the Pre-Sanctified Gifts at your Church and receive Holy Communion. Listen for the above prayer (the priest sings this as he censes the Holy Table).
March 8, 2011 -- First Tuesday of Lent
Saints and Feasts:
Theophylaktos, Bishop of Nicomedea 
Hermas the Apostle of the 70
Paul the Confessor
Dometios the Righteous
Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 1:19-2:3
Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 1:14-23
Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 1:20-33
To Ponder and meditate on: The sins of those who ask for pardon are forgiven. But see that you do not harbor hatred for your those when you ask them for forgiveness of your sins (Saint Ephraim the Syrian).
Challenge: Ask someone in your family or a friend whom you have hurt for forgiveness.March 7, 2011 -- Clean Monday
The 7 Hieromartyrs of Cherson
Lavrentios of Megara, the Righteous
Paul the Simple
Old Testament Reading 1: Isaiah 1:1-20
Old Testament Reading 2: Genesis 1:1-13
Old Testament Reading 3: Proverbs 1:1-20
To ponder and meditate on:
Going through the fast does not consist in merely going through the time, but in going through it with change of manners. Let us consider this: Whether we have become more diligent; whether we have corrected any of our faults: whether we have washed away our sins? (from St. John Chrysostom).
Challenge: Print the following prayer up and read it everyday throughout Great Lent . . . it is called the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. Do a prostration at the beginning of each line.
O Lord and Master of my life, take away from me the spirit of laziness, meddling, ambition and gossip.
But give to me your servant, the spirit of chastity, humility, patience and love.
Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own sins and faults, and not to judge my brother or sister, for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen.INTO THE DESERT...
Take the 40-day Lenten Challenge beginning on March 7, 2011 (Clean Monday). “Into the Desert” is a daily blog, which will offer reflections and discussion topics to motivate, inspire, and keep you on track during Lent. The Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries will once again offer this resource that can be used for your Lenten youth group discussions as well as your own personal Lenten journey.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
