Weekly Message March 3, 2024

Dear Beloved Parishioners,

As we journey through the liturgical calendar of the Orthodox Church, we find ourselves entering a significant and spiritually enriching period known as the Triodion. This is a time of profound reflection, repentance, and preparation leading up to the joyous celebration of Pascha.

The Triodion, derived from the Greek word "triodes," meaning three odes or canons, marks the beginning of the pre-Lenten season. It encompasses three preparatory Sundays: the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee (this coming Sunday), the Sunday of the Prodigal Son, and the Sunday of the Last Judgment (Meatfare Sunday). These Sundays serve as a spiritual foundation for the Great Lent that follows.

During the Triodion period, our Church invites us to engage in introspection, humility, and repentance. The themes of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation echo through the hymns and readings, guiding us towards a deeper connection with God and our fellow believers.

As we contemplate the parables presented during this time—the humility of the Publican, the repentance of the Prodigal Son, and the accountability at the Last Judgment—we are encouraged to examine our own lives, seeking forgiveness and offering it to others.

Our journey through the Triodion prepares us for the ascetic discipline of Great Lent, leading us to the ultimate celebration of Pascha, the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. This period serves as a spiritual spring cleaning, purifying our hearts and minds as we strive to draw closer to God.

Each of us are called to embrace the Triodion period with open hearts and minds, committing to a season of growth, transformation, and spiritual renewal.