My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

Great
and Holy Lent begins on Pure Monday, March 10. This is the time for
self-examination, to build upon our spiritual lives, to begin our
fasting — not just from foods, but with our whole bodies. The first
week in Lent (as well as the last) is a strict fast. Remember, we are
not fasting to make sacrifices to the Lord — the Lord Himself has
already made the ultimate sacrifice. We are fasting from foods that are
not necessary in order to remind ourselves of the soberness of this
period. Fasting has the secondary effect of slowing down our
metabolism, so concentration and focusing become easier. So, we fast to
help ourselves in prayer.

Please make every effort to attend all
of the Lenten services. Don’t forget your departed loved ones on the
Saturday of Souls (March 1, 8, and 15). And wouldn’t it be wonderful
if, in the morning and evening during Great Lent, you brought your
family together in front of your icon corner, lighting a candle, taking
your prayer book, and saying the appropriate prayers?

Lent is
also a time to do good works in the name of Jesus and in the love that
we have for Him. We wish to be able to celebrate the resurrection of
Christ more honestly and worthily. This is, of course, the time that
the evil one will do everything in his power to distract you and
discourage you, for it is this time, during the Great and Holy Fast,
that we fight Satan, who is the author of all negativity, disharmony,
and confusion in the world. Prayer and fasting is the answer for all
our problems in life year round, but especially during Great Lent.

Please
take advantage of spiritual counseling with me during this sacred time.
Feel free to make an appointment for confession — confession and
absolution will strengthen you during this holy time.

I pray that you, my beloved people of God, have a successful and rewarding Lent.

With much love in Christ,
Fr. Philip