March 25: The Feast of the Annunciation

The Feast of the Annunciation, celebrated on March 25th, is one of the most joyful and significant feasts in the Orthodox Christian calendar. On this day, the Church commemorates the Archangel Gabriel's visit to the Virgin Mary, bringing her the glad tidings that she would conceive and give birth to Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Luke 1:26-38).

This feast is a celebration of the mystery of the Incarnation—God taking on human flesh for the salvation of the world. The word "Annunciation" itself means "announcement," reflecting the angel's proclamation that changed the course of human history. The Church teaches that at the very moment of Mary's humble acceptance of God's will, the Word became flesh in her womb.

The icon of the Annunciation beautifully captures this moment. The Archangel Gabriel is depicted with one hand raised in blessing while the other gestures toward the Virgin Mary. Mary is shown either seated or standing, her posture reflecting both humility and wonder. In many icons, a ray of divine light descends from above, symbolizing the action of the Holy Spirit in the miraculous conception.

The hymnography of the feast emphasizes the joy and awe of this event. The troparion of the feast proclaims:

"Today is the beginning of our salvation, The revelation of the eternal mystery! The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin As Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. Together with him let us cry to the Birthgiver-of-God: 'Rejoice, O Full of Grace, the Lord is with you!'"

In Orthodox Christian life, the Annunciation calls the faithful to reflect on Mary's obedience and humility. Her response to the angel, "Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word" (Luke 1:38), is a model of trust and surrender to God's will. This feast invites all believers to open their hearts to God's call and to rejoice in the gift of salvation.

As we celebrate the Annunciation, we are reminded that through the Birthgiver-of-God's "Yes," God entered the world to redeem and restore mankind. This feast is not only a historical remembrance but also a present reality that calls us to live with faith, humility, and joy in the presence of the Incarnate Christ.

3rd and 6th Hours on March 24, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fourth Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 14:24-32 (6th Hour); Genesis 8:21-9:7 (Vespers); Proverbs 11:19-12:6 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Wednesday, March 26, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 6)

Christ, at Your fearsome Second Coming may we not hear the words: I do not know you (Matthew 25:12). For we have put our trust in You, Savior, though in our negligence we do not keep Your Commandments. Still we entreat that You save our souls.

I have no repentance and no tears. Therefore, Savior, I entreat You: Before the end comes convince me to turn back and grant me compunction, that I may be delivered from torment.

Savior and Physician of Our Souls and Bodies: Heal the wounds of my heart inflicted on me through my many sins. For You always grant forgiveness of transgressions to those who ask. Lord, grant me tears of repentance and remission of my transgressions, and have mercy on me.

Finding me naked, stripped of virtues, the Enemy wounded me with the arrow of sin. But God, Physician of Our Souls and Bodies, heal the wounds of my soul and have mercy on me.

Prayer List for the Week of March 23, 2025

For healing: Abbot Tryphon, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Emilian, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Theodore, Hierodeacon Gorazd, Fr. Deacon Jorge, Matushka Katherine, Matushka Myra, Monk Meletios, Subdeacon Nicholas, Justin, Steven, Marian, Patricia, Mark, Nikolai, Anastasia, Alice, Kathleen, Denise, Denise, Pamela, Marianne, Ryan, Joanne, Emily, Charles, Hank, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Clara, Margaret, Susan, Randall, Danielle, Nicholas, Kathleen, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Jay, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mary, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Kathleen, Daria, Vera, Ella, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Christine, Shirley, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia

For God’s protection: all who are missing

For God’s protection: all captives; all persecuted Christians throughout the world

For God’s protection: all those in the military; all emergency medical workers, firefighters and police officers

For God’s mercy and peace: those who are in hospice care

For God’s mercy, direction and protection: those who are unemployed, poor, hungry and/or homeless

*** We pray for: those who love us; those who hate us; those who have no one to pray for them; those who have asked us to pray for them, even though we are unworthy. ***

Departed: Daniela, Victoria, David, Verginia, Nadine, Manuel, Estefanía, Regina, Herman

The Third Sunday of Great Lent: The Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross

As Orthodox Christians journey through Great Lent, we reach a significant milestone on the third Sunday: the Sunday of the Veneration of the Cross. This day serves as both a source of encouragement and a reminder of the path we are called to follow as Christians.

The Cross at the Midpoint of Lent

The placement of the Veneration of the Cross at the midpoint of Lent is not accidental. Having traveled three weeks in fasting, prayer, and repentance, we may begin to feel weary. The Church, in her wisdom, places the Cross before us as a source of strength and renewal, reminding us of the ultimate purpose of our Lenten struggle: union with Christ through His suffering, death, and resurrection.

Just as the Cross stood at the center of Christ’s earthly mission, it now stands at the center of our Lenten journey. The hymns of this Sunday echo this theme, inviting us to bow before the Cross and to embrace it with love and devotion.

The Gospel and Hymnography of the Day

The Gospel reading for this Sunday is from Mark 8:34-9:1, where Christ declares: *"Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me."* These words remind us that discipleship requires sacrifice. The path to the Resurrection is not one of ease but of endurance, humility, and self-denial.

Liturgically, the Cross is brought out in procession and placed in the center of the church for veneration. As we bow before it, we are reminded that our own crosses--our struggles, sufferings, and sacrifices--are not in vain but are the very means by which we participate in Christ’s victory over sin and death.

Encouragement for the Journey Ahead

By placing the Cross before us at this point in Lent, the Church gives us a foretaste of Holy Week and Pascha. The Cross is not merely a symbol of suffering but also of triumph. We venerate it not in despair but in hope, knowing that through it comes the joy of the Resurrection.

As we continue our Lenten journey, let us take courage from the Cross. Let us renew our efforts in prayer, fasting, and almsgiving, knowing that Christ Himself walks with us, strengthening us by His grace. Through the Cross, joy has come into the world. May we embrace it as our path to eternal life.

“O Lord, save Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to the Orthodox Christians over their adversaries, and by virtue of Your Cross, preserve Your habitation!” (Troparion of the Cross)

Readings for the Week of March 23, 2025

3/23: Hebrews 4:14-5:6; Mark 8:34-9:1

3/24: Isaiah 14:24-32; Genesis 8:21-9:7; Proverbs 11:19-12:6

3/25: Hebrews 2:11-18; Luke 1:24-38

3/26: Isaiah 26:21-27:9; Genesis 9:18-29; Proverbs 12:23-13:9

3/27: Isaiah 28:14-22; Genesis 10:32-11:9; Proverbs 13:20-14:6

3/28: Isaiah 29:13-23; Genesis 12:1-7; Proverbs 14:15-26

3/29: Hebrews 6:9-12; 1 Corinthians 15:47-57; Mark 7:31-37; John 5:24-30

Vespers on March 20, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Thursday of Great Lent. On March 21, the Orthodox Church commemorates Saint James the Confessor, Bishop of Catania.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 7:11-8:3 and Proverbs 10:1-22.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, March 24, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- March 20, 2025

"When you begin to read or listen to the Holy Scriptures, pray to God thus: "Lord Jesus Christ, open the ears and eyes of my heart so that I may hear Thy words and understand them, and may fulfill Thy will." Always pray to God like this, that He might illumine your mind and open to you the power of His words. Many, having trusted in their own reason, have turned away into deception." --St. Ephraim the Syrian

"Never belittle the significance of your thoughts, for not one escapes God's notice." --St. Mark the Ascetic

"Those who submit to the Lord with simple heart will run the good race. If they keep their minds on a leash, they will not draw the wickedness of the demons onto themselves." --St. John Climacus

"Once the soul starts to feel its own good health, the images in its dreams are also calm and free from passion." --St. Maximos the Confessor

3rd and 6th Hours on March 19, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 10:12-20 (6th Hour); Genesis 7:6-9 (Vespers); Proverbs 9:12-18 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 20, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 18, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 9:9-10:4 (6th Hour); Genesis 7:1-5 (Vespers); Proverbs 8:32-9:11 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 19, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 17, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Third Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 8:13-9:7 (6th Hour); Genesis 6:9-22 (Vespers); Proverbs 8:1-21 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 18, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 5)

Lord, I do not cease my sin; I do not comprehend Your love for mankind, Only Good One! But overcome my blindness, and have mercy on me!

Lord, even though I fear You, I do not cease to do evil. Who at judgment does not fear the Judge? Or who, desiring healing, chases away the Physician as I do? Have compassion on my infirmity, and have mercy on me, O Patient Lord!

Woe is me! Why have I become like the barren fig tree? I fear cursing and cutting down! But, Heavenly Gardener, Christ my God, reveal my parched soul to be fruitful. Accept me as You did the prodigal son and have mercy on me!

Disregard the great number of my transgressions, Lord born of the Virgin. Blot out all my iniquities; grant me, I pray, a firm intention to change, for You are the Lover of Mankind, and have mercy on me!

Prayer List for the Week of March 16, 2025

For healing: Abbot Tryphon, Fr. Daniel, Fr. Emilian, Fr. Gregory, Fr. Joseph, Fr. Theodore, Hierodeacon Gorazd, Fr. Deacon Jorge, Matushka Katherine, Matushka Myra, Monk Meletios, Subdeacon Nicholas, Justin, Steven, Marian, Patricia, Mark, Nikolai, Anastasia, Alice, Kathleen, Denise, Denise, Pamela, Marianne, Ryan, Joanne, Emily, Charles, Hank, Mary Jane, Mary Jo, Clara, Margaret, Susan, Randall, Danielle, Nicholas, Kathleen, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Jay, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mary, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Kathleen, Daria, Vera, Ella, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Christine, Shirley, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina

For God’s protection: all who are missing

For God’s protection: all captives; all persecuted Christians throughout the world

For God’s protection: all those in the military; all emergency medical workers, firefighters and police officers

For God’s mercy and peace: those who are in hospice care

For God’s mercy, direction and protection: those who are unemployed, poor, hungry and/or homeless

*** We pray for: those who love us; those who hate us; those who have no one to pray for them; those who have asked us to pray for them, even though we are unworthy. ***

Departed: Donald, Daniela, Victoria, David, Verginia, Nadine, Manuel, Estefanía, Regina, Herman

The Second Sunday of Great Lent: St. Gregory Palamas and the Light of Christ

The journey of Great Lent is a path of repentance, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Each Sunday of the Fast carries a special significance, guiding us deeper into the life of Christ and His Church. The Second Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to St. Gregory Palamas, a 14th-century Archbishop of Thessalonica and one of the great defenders of Orthodox spirituality.

Who Was St. Gregory Palamas?

St. Gregory Palamas (1296–1359) was a monk of Mount Athos, a theologian, and later a bishop. He is best known for his defense of hesychasm, a tradition of inner stillness and unceasing prayer that leads to the vision of God’s uncreated light. This light, according to Orthodox teaching, is the same light that shone from Christ at His Transfiguration on Mount Tabor.

During his lifetime, St. Gregory defended the Orthodox understanding of salvation against the teachings of a philosopher named Barlaam of Calabria, who argued that God could only be known through intellectual reasoning. In contrast, St. Gregory taught that true knowledge of God comes through purification of the heart, prayer, and participation in God’s divine energies.

His teachings affirm that through ascetic struggle, repentance, and the grace of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the presence of God—not as an abstract idea, but as a living reality. This theology was confirmed by the Church in the Palamite Councils of the 14th century, and St. Gregory was canonized just a few years after his repose.

The Meaning of This Sunday in Great Lent

The placement of St. Gregory Palamas’ commemoration on the Second Sunday of Great Lent is significant. On the first Sunday, the Sunday of Orthodoxy, we celebrate the victory of truth over heresy, particularly regarding the veneration of icons. The following Sunday, the Church presents us with St. Gregory’s teaching, which confirms that our faith is not only about correct doctrine but also about experiencing God directly through prayer and purification of the heart.

His message reminds us that Lent is not simply about external fasting but about inner transformation. It is a time to seek the light of Christ, turning away from worldly distractions and focusing on prayer, humility, and love.

The Gospel Reading: Christ Heals the Paralytic

On this Sunday, the Church reads from Mark 2:1-12, the story of the healing of the paralytic. In this passage, a group of friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof of a house so that he can be brought to Christ. Seeing their faith, Jesus not only heals the man physically but also forgives his sins.

This reading is deeply connected to the message of St. Gregory Palamas. Just as the paralytic needed both spiritual and physical healing, so too do we need healing of both soul and body. Our Lenten struggle—through fasting, prayer, and repentance—is aimed at bringing us closer to Christ, who alone can heal us completely.

How Can We Apply This to Our Lives?

1. Commit to Deeper Prayer – St. Gregory emphasized the power of inner prayer, particularly the Jesus Prayer: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” During Lent, we can strive to pray more attentively and seek moments of stillness with God.

2. Seek Purification of the Heart – Lent is a time to examine ourselves honestly, confess our sins, and struggle against passions that darken our souls. St. Gregory reminds us that holiness is possible for all who seek it through humility and repentance.

3. Support One Another in Faith – The Gospel reading of the paralytic shows the importance of community in our journey toward Christ. Just as the friends carried the man to Jesus, we are called to lift one another up in prayer, encouragement, and acts of love.

A Reminder of the Goal of Lent

The Second Sunday of Great Lent reminds us that our fasting and efforts are not ends in themselves but are meant to draw us closer to the light of Christ. St. Gregory Palamas teaches us that salvation is not just about knowing about God—it is about truly encountering Him in prayer and being transformed by His grace.

As we continue through Great Lent, may we seek this encounter with Christ, opening our hearts to His mercy and striving to become vessels of His divine light.

“O Light of Orthodoxy, Teacher of the Church, its confirmation, O ideal of monks and invincible champion of theologians, O wonder-working Gregory, glory of Thessalonica and preacher of grace, always intercede before the Lord that our souls may be saved.” (Troparion of St. Gregory Palamas)

Readings for the Week of March 16, 2025

3/16: Hebrews 1:10-2:3; 7:26-8:2; Mark 2:1-12; John 10:9-16

3/17: Isaiah 8:13-9:7; Genesis 6:9-22; Proverbs 8:1-21

3/18: Isaiah 9:9-10:4; Genesis 7:1-5; Proverbs 8:32-9:11

3/19: Isaiah 10:12-20; Genesis 7:6-9; Proverbs 9:12-18

3/20: Isaiah 11:10-12:2; Genesis 7:11-8:3; Proverbs 10:1-22

3/21: Isaiah 13:2-13; Genesis 8:4-21; Proverbs 10:31-11:12

3/22: Hebrews 10:32-38; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17; Mark 2:14-17; John 5:24-30

Vespers on March 13, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Thursday of Great Lent. On March 14, the Orthodox Church commemorates Our Venerable Father Benedict of Nursia.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 5:1-24 and Proverbs 6:3-20.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, March 17, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- March 13, 2025

"It is in vain that we cut off the branches of evil, if we leave intact the root, which continually produces new ones." --St. Gregory the Great

"Perfume is not to be found in mud, nor the fragrance of love in the soul of a rancorous man." --St. Thalassios the Libyan

"As long as we assign the causes for our weaknesses to others, we cannot attain perfection in long-suffering." --St. John Cassian

"Affliction was allowed to make those afflicted more careful and more pious." --St John Chrysostom

"Blessed is the one who has before his eyes the day of departure (from this earthly life) and has hated pride, before the weakness of our nature has been proved as it rots in the tomb." --St. Ephraim the Syrian

3rd and 6th Hours on March 12, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 5:16-25 (6th Hour); Genesis 4:16-26 (Vespers); Proverbs 5:15-6:3 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 13, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 11, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 5:7-16 (6th Hour); Genesis 4:8-15 (Vespers); Proverbs 5:1-15 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 12, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 10, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Second Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are: Isaiah 4:2-6; 5:1-7 (6th Hour); Genesis 3:21-4:7 (Vespers); Proverbs 3:34-4:22 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, March 11, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***