FOR THE REPOSE OF: Estelle & Joseph Star; Anna & John Witkowski; Michael Sr. & Margaret Rusko; Mary, Andrew, Daniel,Michael & Lottie Yakuber; Ross & Margaret Falsetti; Helen, John & Carole Andrayko; Peter & Theresa Harvilla; Marc Dade; BettyMartell; Frances & Todd Smoly; Peter Glover; Irene Adams; Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua deVyver; David Horka; Michael Rusko,Anna Lichagina, Yelena & Zinaïda Korniyevskaya, Joseph Nossal, Michelle Tucker, Todd ComerfordALSO FOR: Fr. James Bertolini (newly departed, February 29th; retired in Las Vegas, NV, previously in Detroit), by Fr. Roman

MEMORY John Zedam, whose Anniversary of his Repose is Tuesday, 29 March ETERNAL!

FOR THE HEALTH OF: Archimandrite Seraphim; Priest Daneil, Matushka Debra & Corrina Shirak; Deacon Michael, Matushka MaryEllen & Julius Comerford; Matushka Mary Donahue; Subdeacon Joshua & Abigail Genig; Reader Robert Latsko, Reader George & BettyHanoian, Rose Nossal, Mary Glover, Nancy Cupp, Deborah Dade, Vasiliki Stamoulis, Gerald Martell, Azbehat, Donald Yakuber, Carl deVyver,Jo Anne Nicholas, Joan Rusko, Daria, Joseph Nossal Ed Manier (recuperating from stroke); Theodore Gomulka, Martha Genig (broken ankle)ALSO FOR: Mary Glover, who celebrates her Birthday Tomorrow, Monday, 28 March MANY YEARS! Margaret Martell, who celebrates her Birthday on Thursday, 31 March

Grace Glover, who celebrates her Birthday on Friday, 1 April Kayleen Truskowski, who celebrates her Birthday on Friday, 1 April

� MAY GOD GRANT THEM MANY YEARS! �

SCHEDULE FOR THE COMING WEEK*** During Great Lent, abstain from eating meat, dairy, eggs & fish until Pascha. ***

TODAY: Sun, 3/27 6pm COCC LENTEN VESPERS #2; at St. Mary Ukrainian, 21931 Evergreen, Sthfld ; w/ Fr. Joseph Gingrich

Wednesday 3/30 6:30pm PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY #3, followed by pot-luck supper (all Presanctifieds at St. Innocent this year)

Saturday 4/2 10am SOUL-SATURDAY MEMORIAL DIVINE LITURGY FOR THE DEPARTED #3

4pm GREAT VESPERS & CONFESSIONS

Sunday 4/3 3rd Sunday of Great Lent: Veneration of the Holy Cross Sunday 9:15am HOURS & CANON; CONFESSIONS 10am DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL, followed by Coffee Hour 6pm COCC LENTEN VESPERS #3; at Nativity of Virgin Mary, 5 Mile & Haggerty, Plymouth; w/ Fr. Stratton D.

Feasts this week: Wed, 3/30: St. John Climacus; Thurs, 3/31: St. Innocent of Alaska; Fri, 4/1: St. Mary of Egypt

Z 2nd

Sunday of Great Lent/Fast Z ST. GREGORY PALAMAS Z

_ 9am— HOURS _ 9:30am—GENERAL EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE & ABSOLUTIONS _ _ 10am—DIVINE LITURGY OF ST. BASIL THE GREAT _

March 27, 2016

EPISTLE: Hebrews 1:10 - 2:3 (#304)GOSPEL: St. Mark 2:1 - 12 (#7)TONE: 2

St. Innocent Orthodox ChurchZ Founded in 1967 Z Moscow Patriarchal Parishes Z

23300 W. Chicago _ Redford, MI 48239 _ 313-538-1142 _ Fax: 313-538-8126Church Website: www.stinnocentchurch.com _ E-Mail: frroman@firebirdvideos.com

St. Innocent Monastic Community: 9452 Hazelton, Redford, MI 48239 _ 313-535-9080PASTOR: Rt. Rev. Mitered Archpriest ROMAN STAR _ Cell: 313-319-0590

Dean, Central States Deanery, Patriarchal ParishesASSISTANT PRIEST: Rev. DANEIL SHIRAK _ 313-295-3073

DEACON: Rev. Dn. Michael ComerfordSUBDEACON: Dr. Joshua Genig

ATTACHED: Sister IoannaCHOIR DIRECTOR: Elizabeth Star Hatfield

READERS: Robert Joseph Latsko & George Hanoian

COMMEMORATED TODAY: St. Gregory Palamas. Synaxis of the Venerable Fathers of the Kiev Caves Lavra. Martyr Matrona of Thessalonica(3rd-4th c.). Martyrs Manuel and Theodosius (304). Ven. John the Clairvoyant, Anchorite, of Egypt (394-395). The “GLYKOPHYLOUSA” and the“AKATHIST” Icons of the Most-holy Theotokos on Mt. Athos.

Z CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST Z HE IS NOW AND ALWAYS SHALL BE Z

CANDLES FOR LAST SUNDAY, 20 MARCHCHURCH VIGIL LAMPS:Royal Doors Lamp: In Memory of Husband Joe; Son Kenneth; parents Michael & Margaret Rusko, & John & Martha Nossal, by Rose NossalAltar Candles: In Memory of Nicholas and Susan Yakuber, by son, Donald Yakuber Iconostasis Lamps: In Memory of parents, Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua; Robert David H; & Health of brother, Carl, by Sister IoannaCandles on the Solea: In Memory of Pete & Theresa Harvilla, Norman & Monica Holst, & Ricky Ellis, by Jason & Debra Truskowski Nave Reliquary-Icon Lamps: (1) In Memory of Ross & Margaret Falsetti, by daughters, Margie Martell & Rose Ann EverhardtNave Reliquary-Icon Lamps: (2) In Memory of Edwin Rusko, by the Nossal FamilyTable of Oblation Lamp: In Memory of parents, Helen & John Andrayko, Sr. & sister, Carole Andrayko, by John Andrayko, Jr.

IN MEMORY OF (MEMORY ETERNAL!)Joseph & Estelle Star, by son Father Roman and familyPaul & Alexandra Yupco, Basil & Ellen Starinshak, by grandson, Father Roman and familyJohn & Anna Witkowski, by daughter, Matushka Rose Marie and familySamuel & Mary Kupec, by granddaughter, Matushka Rose Marie and familyParents, Helen & John Andrayko, and sister, Carole Andrayko, by John Andrayko My husband, Joe; my sisters, Margaret & Ross Falsetti, Anna & Mike Elaschat, Theresa & Pete Harvilla, Irene, & brothers, Michael, John & Edwin Rusko; niece, Rose Mary & Dean Hough; Joe’s brothers, Raymond & Walter Nossal, & sisters, Theresa, Florence & Helen Nossal, by Rose Nossal ++ + Pete & Theresa Harvilla, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay Truskowski + + + My husband, Michael Rusko, by Joan Rusko Parents, Ethel Elizabeth & Wayne Joshua; David H; Nina I; Marion P; Fr. Photius; Mo. Benedicta; Archm. Roman; Olive, by Sister Ioanna Child Lana Wilson, Shirley Troyer, Marsha Olsen, Betty Stelmaszek, by Becky Jurczyszyn

FOR THE HEALTH OF: (MANY YEARS!)Elizabeth & Lawrence, Caitlin & Zachary, by parents & grandparents, Father Roman & Matushka Rose Marie Gregory & Tamiko Star, by parents, Father Roman & Matushka Rose MarieChildren, Grandchildren & Great-grandchild; Monk Fr. Sdn. Tikhon (Dade); by Rose NossalFather Roman & Matushka & family; Sister Ioanna; John Andrayko; Nancy; Mary G; Jo Anne N; Grandson Joey (in the Navy Reserves) & all people in the Armed Forces; & all the people of St. Innocent Church, by Rose Nossal My Mom, Jaime Truskowski, by Kay Truskowski + + + Family & Friends, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay T. Brother, Greg & Donna, nephew, Gregory & Liz & nephew, Alex, by Mary Ann Harvilla & Kay + + + Ed Manier, by Mary Ann Harvilla & KayArchimandrites Nafanail, Gregory & Seraphim; Fr. Roman & Mat. Rose Marie; Fr. Lawrence & fam; Fr. Laurence & fam; Fr. Daneil & fam; Dcn. Michael & fam; Mat. Mary D; Carl; Sdn Fr. Tikhon; Sdn Andrew; Sdn Joshua, Abigail & children; Rdr Robert; Robert M; David Samuel, Sky & Avi; Jo Anne & Nick; Athanasius; John A; Ed (stroke) & Tiffany; Kim & fam; Vasiliki; Rose; Emil; Billy & Fonda; Lena, by Sister Ioanna Jay Nossal, by Rose Nossal + + + John Andrayko (May God watch over him), by Rose Nossal + + + Rose Nossal, by John Andrayko Leia, Mike, Reece & Baby Wilson; Joan & Bob Jurczyszyn; Paul Stelmaszek, Sr. & Jr.; Pete, Krista, Claire, Jacob & Matt Stelmaszek; Damon Trestain; Levi Troyer & Briann Saylor; Toni & Richard Bussen; Liz Tomechewsky & Andrea Faust, by Becky Jurczyszyn Nikolai, by mother, Julia Korniyevskaya + + + Daria, by mother, Julia Korniyevskaya + + + Jerry & Margie Martell, by Rose Ann Everhardt

PROSPHORA FOR TODAY IS OFFERED BY: Subdeacon Joshua & Abigail GenigIn Memory Eternal of: Karl & Emma Genig, Dale & Pauline Moore, Arthur & Hermine Just, Gertrude Genig, Harry Genig, Linda Genig, Barbara Hoppe, andall departed family & friends; and For the Health of: Dennis & Martha Genig, Hannah Genig, Arthur & Linda Just, Nicholas Just, Jacob Just, Paul & Carol Hoppe,Rev. William & Emily Willenbrock, Catherine & Elizabeth Willenbrock, Fr. Roman & Mat. Rose Marie, Fr. Daneil & Mat. Debra, Fr. Dn. Esteban & Mat. AmandaVazquez, Fr. John & Mat. Julie Fenton, Fr. Lawrence Bacik, Fr. Walter Ptak, Matthew & Rachel Strutzel, Drake, Charlie, Maddox, August, Beckham, and EsmeStrutzel, William Hand, Amelia Grobien, Audrey Nelson, Liam Herman, and all St. Innocent parishioners & friends.

ANNOUNCEMENTS1) HAPPY & BLESSED EASTER! – to the many friends & family of our parishioners who are celebrating Christ’s Resurrection today!

2) TODAY, SUNDAY, MARCH 27th, AT 6PM: COCC Inter-Orthodox Sunday Lenten Vespers for the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent, at St. Marythe Protectress (Pokrov) Ukrainian Church, 21931 Evergreen, Southfield (betw/ 8 & 9 Mile Roads, on west side. SPEAKER: Fr. Joseph Gingrich

3) 3rd PRESANCTIFIED LITURGY THIS WED., MARCH 30th, AT ST. INNOCENT AT 6:30 PM. The Presanctified Liturgy is one of themost beautiful of the special Services of Great Lent. This year all 6 Presanctified Liturgies will be held at St. Innocent. We have a casual pot-lucksupper afterwards. Guests from other parishes join us. Do come — & make a special effort to come to as many of the Lenten Services as possible.

4) PASCHA FLOWERS & BOWS: Please donate for our Pascha flowers to decorate Christ’s tomb, and the church for Pascha. (You get to takethem home after Pascha.) Also, Pascha Bows, like Christmas Bows, are our two annual fund-raisers, vital for paying our bills. Please donate at least1 ‘Bow’ for the living and 1 for the departed, with a $5 donation for each. Use the cards Mary Ann has already decorated, or write the names ofyour loved ones and friends for whom you are praying on index-cards and your cards will be decorated and attached to our large cross untilAscension. Please help us to meet our goal of having at least 100 Pascha ‘Bows.” See Mary Ann Harvilla for both the flowers and Pascha Bows.

5) KITCHEN & COFFEE HOUR SUPPLIES: Many thanks to those who brought needed supplies. We are set for a while now. However, wealways can use large cans of coffee (regular) and packs of bottled spring water.

6) LISTEN EVERY SUNDAY TO THE COCC’S DETROIT’S OWN ORTHODOX RADIO HOUR [DOOR] ON WNZK 690-AM, 4-5 pm, or on your computer/smart-phone, live, at http://www.doorradio.org. This website also has an archive of all its previous programs.

7) LATEST ISSUE OF THE COCC’S “GOOD WORKS” (Jan-Feb) NOW AVAILABLE ON-LINE IN FULL-COLOR. To view it on-line,go to: http://coccdetroit.com/files/Good%20Works/COCCGoodWorks-2016JAN-FEB.pdf. Printed copies available at church, or can be mailed.

ST. GREGORY PALAMAS —

2nd SUNDAY OF GREAT LENT

By Nathan Duffy

For modern western Christians (who typically have very little exposure toOrthodox Christianity), it’s often difficult to grasp the nature of the dividebetween east and west. In my experience, most [people] reflexively tend toreduce the differences in their mind to being relatively superficial orinessential. But the divide runs much deeper than most tend to realize.

One way to help westerners glimpse the nature of the divide is by sheddinglight on the paradigmatic battle between the heretic Barlaam and St. GregoryPalamas in the fourteenth century. Because this event took place in the post-schism east, it is especially absent from western Christian consciousness, yet

it highlights some of the most significant and fundamental issues that divide east from west and—I would say,along with the Orthodox Church—truth from error.

Metropolitan Hierotheos Vlachos succinctly lays out the issue at the heart of the controversy: Those who live purified lives—through a life of asceticism and noetic prayer, sustained andsanctified by the sacraments, in obedience to Christ through his Church—and are therebygranted to see the Uncreated Light of God (Matt. 5:8), in turn nourish the Church with thetruth that has been revealed to them, and this wisdom is transmitted within the living traditionof the Orthodox Church. Contrast this approach with the scholasticism that dominates RomanCatholic theology—especially since Aquinas—and which formed the very foundations of theReformation (e.g. Sola Scriptura), and you begin to see how deep the divide is. Thisdivergence is manifested in the west today in the supremacy of the historical-critical methodin Biblical exegesis, along with the submitting of all theological validity to the realm ofdiscursive reason and “scientific” or quasi-scientific methods of inquiry.

Some might point to certain Roman Catholic saints, or holiness movements within Protestantism—spurredby the likes of John Wesley or Jonathan Edwards—which perhaps acknowledge the primacy of purifying theheart—of holiness—in knowing God. While I would applaud such insight from western theologians andwestern saints where it occurs, separated from the wellspring of the life of the Church, and withepistemological and doctrinal foundations that are still rooted in scholasticism, this truth has only ever beenfleetingly and dimly glimpsed in the post-schism west. The precise method for success is handed down bythose who have attained the light, and it can’t be stumbled upon in its fullness apart from that living tradition.

Met. Hierotheos also notes, writing about St. Gregory’s thought in distinction from Barlaam’s:

With such being the conditions for seeingGod—and therefore for true knowledge aboutGod—these are the means by which all the greatOrthodox Saints obtained deification.

Founded on principles foreign to the apostolic, patristic, livingtradition of the Church, Barlaam’s approach to theologynecessarily ends in agnosticism. Founded on Christ, theApostles, and the undivided witness of the Orthodox Church, theteaching of St. Gregory Palamas provides the only way to comeinto direct, living contact with the “energies” of God—which areGod himself.

Source: http://www.pravoslavie.ru/

THE ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS

Feast celebrated on March 25th

The Feast of the Annunciation is one of the earliest Christian feasts, and was alreadybeing celebrated in the fourth century. There is a painting of the Annunciation in thecatacomb of Priscilla in Rome dating from the second century. The Council of Toledo in656 mentions the Feast, and the Council in Trullo in 692 says that the Annunciation wascelebrated during Great Lent.

The Greek and Slavonic names for the Feast may be translated as “good tidings.” This,of course, refers to the Incarnation of the Son of God and the salvation He brings. Thebackground of the Annunciation is found in the Gospel of St Luke (1:26-38). Thetroparion describes this as the “beginning of our salvation, and the revelation of theeternal mystery,” for on this day the Son of God became the Son of Man.

There are two main components to the Annunciation: the message itself, and the responseof the Virgin. The message fulfills God’s promise to send a Redeemer (Genesis 3:15): “Iwill put enmity between you and the woman, between your seed and her seed; he shallcrush your head, and you shall lie in wait for his heel.” The Fathers of the Churchunderstand “her seed” to refer to Christ. The prophets hinted at His coming, which theysaw dimly, but the Archangel Gabriel now proclaims that the promise is about to be fulfilled.

We see this echoed in the Liturgy of St Basil, as well: “When man disobeyed Thee, the only true God who had created him,and was deceived by the guile of the serpent, becoming subject to death by his own transgressions, Thou, O God, in Thyrighteous judgment, didst send him forth from Paradise into this world, returning him to the earth from which he was taken,yet providing for him the salvation of regeneration in Thy Christ Himself.”

The Archangel Gabriel was sent by God to Nazareth in Galilee. There he spoke to the undefiled Virgin who was betrothedto St Joseph: “Hail, thou who art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. And, behold, thoushalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Sonof the Most High: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house ofJacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.”

In contrast to Eve, who was readily deceived by the serpent, the Virgin did not immediately accept the Angel’s message. Inher humility, she did not think she was deserving of such words, but was actually troubled by them. The fact that she askedfor an explanation reveals her sobriety and prudence. She did not disbelieve the words of the angel, but could not understandhow they would be fulfilled, for they spoke of something which was beyond nature.

Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?” (Luke 1:34).

“And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Most High shallovershadow thee: therefore also that which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold, thy cousinElisabeth hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with Godnothing shall be impossible.’ And Mary said, ‘Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word.’ Andthe angel departed from her” (Luke 1: 35-38).”

In his Sermon 23 on the day of the Annunciation, St Philaret of Moscow boldly stated that “the word of the creature broughtthe Creator down into the world.” He explains that salvation is not merely an act of God’s will, but also involves the Virgin’sfree will. She could have refused, but she accepted God’s will and chose to cooperate without complaint or further questions.

The icon of the Feast shows the Archangel with a staff in his left hand, indicating his role as a messenger. Sometimes onewing is upraised, as if to show his swift descent from heaven. His right hand is stretched toward the holy Virgin as he delivershis message.

The Virgin is depicted either standing or sitting, usually holding yarn in her left hand. Sometimes she is shown holding ascroll. Her right hand may be raised to indicate her surprise at the message she is hearing. Her head is bowed, showing herconsent and obedience. The descent of the Holy Spirit upon her is depicted by a ray of light issuing from a small sphere atthe top of the icon, which symbolizes heaven. In a famous icon from Sinai, a white dove is shown in the ray of light.

The Annunciation falls during Lent, but it is always celebrated with great joy. The Liturgy of St Basil or St John Chrysostomis served, even on the weekdays of Lent. It is one of the two days of Great Lent on which the fast is relaxed and fish ispermitted (Palm Sunday is the other). Source: www.oca.org

Fr. Achilles Karathanos of the Greek Orthodox Church of Ss.Constantine and Helen in Swansea, Illinois, and TheophanThompson assist in cleaning out a flood-damaged home in theSt. Louis, Missouri, area. IOCC offers support to the community-based efforts of Orthodox Christian parishes throughout theUnited States to serve their local areas. photo: R. Tumm/IOCC

IOCC US Country Representative DanChristopulos and US Program Manager BeccaTumm prepare to depart from Minneapolis ontheir way to the St. Louis area, where theydelivered supplies and deployed the new IOCCemergency response support vehicle to aid inrecovery efforts following record-settingflooding this winter. photo: IOCC

ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN VOLUNTEERS SERVE THEIR NEIGHBORS IN ST. LOUIS

March 17, 2016, Baltimore, MD (IOCC) — With support fromInternational Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC), OrthodoxChristian parishes from suburban St. Louis, Missouri, responded tothe needs of their neighbors by helping to clean out homes that weredamaged following record-setting flooding this winter. DuringJanuary and February, members of the young adult group ofAssumption Greek Orthodox Church in Town and Country, Missouri,as well as parishioners of Ss. Constantine and Helen in Swansea,Illinois, and St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church in St. Louis,Missouri, helped clean out some of the more than 4,000 homesaffected by the Christmastime flooding. "The damage in the neighborhood where we were working wascatastrophic," recounted Fr. Anastasios Theodoropoulos ofAssumption Greek Orthodox Church, whose young adult group heldan IOCC Saturday of Service in January. "The particular home thatwe were working in had been completely submerged by the risingriver water, resulting in an almost total loss for the family. The familywas grateful for our assistance, as it took us, along with anotherdozen or so volunteers from another Christian group, an entire day to

pull out their destroyed belongings, carpets, drywall, and even the ceiling." Floods in December 2015 severely damaged homes, businesses, and farms that line the Mississippi River and its tributariesin Missouri and Illinois."It was very emotional both for us to enter a family home and leave behind only a frame of 2×4s," said Fr. Anastasios. "Thework gave us an opportunity to support our local community here in St. Louis and provided our parishioners an outlet to helpour neighbors in what is certainly one of their lowest moments."Kara Tsikalas, a high school sophomore, was one of the parishioners who participated, along with her parents. "I think thatit's really important to help our neighbor, especially in the wake of natural disasters,and being able to be here, and meet those whose homes were destroyed, makes merealize that real lives are affected, and we need to help."Support for community-based outreach by Orthodox Christians like the Saturday ofService in St. Louis is one part of IOCC's national Orthodox Community ActionNetwork (Orthodox CAN!), which promotes volunteerism across all age groups."We are excited to support community-based efforts by Orthodox Christian parisheslike this—not just in times of acute need but also in serving the ongoing needs ofthe communities where Orthodox Christians are present," said IOCC US CountryRepresentative Dan Christopulos. "Through acts of service to our neighbors, we notonly grow in our own faith but also have the opportunity to share the love of Christin a tangible way."IOCC is now equipped with an emergency vehicle carrying clean-up supplies andgear to support swift response to large-scale disasters in the United States."We are grateful for the continued support provided by Bill and Anastasia Hoeft toacquire and equip this vehicle to assist in disaster response efforts in the UnitedStates," said Christopulos. Its deployment after the flooding in the St. Louis areamarked the first time the vehicle was utilized.HOW YOU CAN HELP You can help the victims of disasters in the United States, like the Midwest floods, by makinga financial gift to the United States Emergency Response Fund, which will provide immediate relief as well as long-term support throughthe provision of emergency aid, recovery assistance and other support to help those in need. To make a gift, please visit iocc.org, call toll-free at 1-877-803-IOCC (4622), or mail a check or money order payable to IOCC, P.O. Box 17398, Baltimore, MD 21297-0429.ABOUT INTERNATIONAL ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN CHARITIES IOCC is the official humanitarian aid agency of the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the United States of America. Since itsinception in 1992, IOCC has delivered $580 million in relief and development programs to families and communities in more than 50countries. IOCC is a member of the ACT Alliance, a global coalition of churches and agencies engaged in development, humanitarianassistance and advocacy. To learn more about IOCC, please visit our website at iocc.org.

SUNDAYS OF GREAT LENT

By Fr. Thomas HopkoFrom: The Orthodox Faith: Vol. 2, Worship

Each of the Sundays of Great Lent has its own special theme. The first Sunday iscalled the Feast of the Triumph of Orthodoxy. It is a historical feastcommemorating the return of the icons to the churches in the year 843 after theheresy of iconoclasm was overcome. The spiritual theme of the day is first of all thevictory of the True Faith. “This is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith”(1 Jn 5:4). Secondly, the icons of the saints bear witness that man, “created in theimage and likeness of God” (Gen 1:26), becomes holy andgodlike through the purification of himself as God’s livingimage.

The Second Sunday of Lent is the commemoration of St Gregory Palamas. It wasSt. Gregory (d.1359) who bore living witness that men can become divine through thegrace of God in the Holy Spirit; and that even in this life, by prayer and fasting, humanbeings can become participants of the uncreated light of God’s divine glory.

The Third Sunday of Lent is that of the Veneration ofthe Cross. The cross stands in the midst of the church in the middle of thelenten season not merely to remind men of Christ’s redemption and to keepbefore them the goal of their efforts, but also to be venerated as that reality bywhich man must live to be saved. “He who does not take up his cross and followme is not worthy of me” (Mt 10:38). For in the Cross of Christ Crucified liesboth “the power of God and the wisdom of God” for those being saved (1 Cor1:24).

The Fourth Sunday of Lent is dedicated to St. John ofthe Ladder (Climacus), the author of the work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent. Theabbot of St Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai (6th century) stands as a witnessto the violent effort needed for entrance into God’s Kingdom (Mt 10: 12). Thespiritual struggle of the Christian life is a real one, “not against flesh and blood, butagainst… the rulers of the present darkness… the hosts of wickedness in heavenlyplaces ...” (Eph 6:12). Saint John encourages the faithful in their efforts for, according

to the Lord, only “he who endures to the end will be saved”(Mt 24:13).

The Fifth Sunday recalls the memory of Saint Mary of Egypt, the repentantharlot. Mary tells us, first of all, that no amount of sin and wickedness can keep aperson from God if he truly repents. Christ himself has come “to call sinners torepentance” and to save them from their sins (Lk 5:32). In addition, Saint Mary tellsus that it is never too late in life—or in Lent—to repent. Christ will gladly receiveall who come to him even at the eleventh hour of their lives. But their coming mustbe in serious and sincere repentance. Source: www.oca.org