2025 Great Lent by Rev Christopher P Foustoukos
Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. And he fasted forty days and forty nights, and afterward he was hungry. (Matthew4: 1-2)
On March 3, the Church will enter the Ecclesiastical Period known as Great Lent, the forty-day period prior to the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord. St. Ignatius writes in one of his letters, “As our Lord Jesus Christ prior to His mission to bring the message of redemption for all mankind, went to the wilderness for forty days after His baptism and spent most of the time in fasting and prayer, in the same manner the true followers of Jesus must prepare themselves to be worthy in celebrating the great event of the Resurrection.” No institution but the Church endeavors to instruct us to struggle to acquire spiritual goals, which are thy only goals which will secure for us inner peace, joy and happiness.
As Orthodox Christians, Great Lent is a time for us to exercise the spirit with meditation and prayer, which means we must set aside our other activities for these 40 days. We struggle or some might even say suffer today because most of our time is spent on things that only satisfy the body, and we neglect the needs of our souls. A psychologist once said, “Unless we realize that we must set aside some time for the pleasure and enrichment of our soul, we are bound to experience unhappiness and misery because the flesh is unable to satisfy our spiritual needs.” In the Gospel of Matthew we read, “Man shall not live by
bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the
mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).
Great Lent in the Orthodox Church provides us the opportunity to attend special services (Great Compline on Monday evening, Presanctified Liturgy on Wednesday evening, and the Salutations to the Virgin Mary on Friday evening) so that we might nurture and grow in the Spirit of the Lord.
Let us make an exception this Great Lent, as good and faithful Orthodox Christians, by not allowing the various activities of our everyday life to dominate and interfere with our spiritual commitments as faithful Orthodox Christians.
The fullness of joy is promised to those who have a relationship of dependence and communion with our Heavenly Father.
Hitherto you have asked nothing in my name; ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. (John 16:24)
+ Fr Christopher P Foustoukos
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Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel
Apolytikion
The Apolytikion, or “dismissal hymn,” is a short Orthodox hymn that summarizes the meaning of a feast day or honors the saint of the day. Sung at Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy, it reflects the spiritual theme of the celebration.
Kontakion
A Kontakion is a short Orthodox hymn or “poetic sermon” that reflects the meaning of a feast or sacred theme. Originating in the Byzantine era, it was once a longer hymn, though today only its opening verses are typically sung in worship.
Sunday Worship Services (live streaming on 1st Sunday of the month only)
Orthros at 8:00 am
Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am
Memorial Service follows the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy
Special Liturgical Services & Commemorations
Service of Proskomide
The Proskomide, or Office of Oblation, is the preparation service for Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners may submit names of the living and departed for commemoration by the priest during the service. Please provide names to the sexton in the narthex before Orthros begins.
Artoklasia
Artoklasia, meaning “breaking of bread,” is a special thanksgiving service offered on feast days or family occasions. Celebrated at the end of Divine Liturgy or Great Vespers, it commemorates Christ’s blessing of the five loaves that fed the five thousand. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.
Memorial Services & Kollyva
Kollyva, a blessed offering of boiled wheat, is prepared for Memorial Services in remembrance of the departed, especially the 40-day memorial. A Trisagion is a shorter memorial prayer service offered in church or at the gravesite without Kollyva. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule a Memorial Service.
Kollyva for Mercy Meals
Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may be ordered through a parishioner volunteer. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292for information or orders.