Prayer List for the Week of April 13, 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, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Philip, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Kathleen, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Daria, Vera, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia, Constantin, Edward, Gloria

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: Victoria, David, Verginia, Nadine, Manuel, Estefanía, Regina, Herman, Alexander, Bruce, Paul, Patricia, Kathleen, Henry

Holy Week in the Orthodox Church: A Journey of Reflection and Renewal

Holy Week is the pinnacle of the liturgical year in the Orthodox Church, a time of intense spiritual preparation, prayer, and reflection. It is a week of profound significance, marked by solemn services and deeply moving rituals that invite the faithful to enter into the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From Palm Sunday to Pascha, each day of Holy Week brings us closer to the mystery of Christ’s saving work and offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry

On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He was greeted by the crowds waving palm branches, proclaiming Him as the King who comes in the name of the Lord. In the Orthodox Church, this day is celebrated with the procession of palm branches (or willows), symbolizing both Christ's victory over sin and death and the faithful's desire to honor Him as the true King.

Palm Sunday sets the tone for Holy Week, reminding us of Christ's kingship, but also foreshadowing the suffering He will endure. The Divine Services of Palm Sunday reflect both joy and sorrow as we prepare for the events of the coming days.

Holy Monday and Tuesday: The Parables and the Call to Watchfulness

On Holy Monday and Tuesday, the focus shifts to Christ’s teachings through the parables. These days remind the faithful of the need for vigilance and repentance. The parables of the ten virgins and the talents are read, encouraging us to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Lord. The Church urges us to reflect on our lives, examine our hearts, and make a renewed commitment to live according to God's commandments.

These days also introduce us to the figure of the “Bridegroom,” a title given to Christ in His role as the Bridegroom of the Church, whose coming is heralded by the faithful in anticipation.

Holy Wednesday: The Anointing and the Betrayal

Holy Wednesday marks two key events: the anointing of Jesus by a woman with expensive ointment, symbolizing the preparation for His burial, and the betrayal of Judas. The contrast between love and betrayal is stark on this day. The faithful are called to reflect on their own relationships with Christ, pondering whether they too are loyal or if, in moments of weakness, they betray Him like Judas.

The sacrament of Holy Unction, where the faithful are anointed for healing, is also celebrated in many parishes on Holy Wednesday, providing an opportunity for physical and spiritual renewal.

Holy Thursday: The Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist

Holy Thursday is one of the most sacred days of Holy Week. The Church commemorates the Mystical (Last) Supper, where Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples and instituted the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. The Orthodox Church holds a Divine Liturgy on Holy Thursday morning to commemorate this event, followed by the evening service, which recalls Christ’s betrayal, arrest, and His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The solemnity of the evening service leads us into the agony of Christ’s passion. The faithful are called to enter into the emotions of the disciples, feeling both the joy of the Eucharist and the sorrow of the impending crucifixion.

Holy Friday: The Passion and Death of Christ

Holy Friday is the most somber day of Holy Week, as the Orthodox Church commemorates the Passion and Crucifixion of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. The day is marked by the reading of the twelve Passion Gospels, which recount the events leading to Jesus' death. The faithful are invited to participate in the Vespers service in the afternoon, followed by the procession of the Epitaphios (Burial Shroud), the symbolic burial of Christ.

On this day, the Church calls the faithful to stand in silent reverence before the mystery of Christ’s suffering and death. It is a time of deep reflection on the magnitude of God’s love for mankind, manifested in His willingness to die for the salvation of the world.

Holy Saturday: The Descent into Hades and the Anticipation of the Resurrection

Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and anticipation. In the morning, the Church commemorates Christ’s descent into Hades, where He frees the righteous from the realm of death. After the epistle reading, we chant: “Arise, O God, judge the earth! For You will have an inheritance in all the nations.” This underscores the anticipation we feel on this day.

The evening service, known as the Paschal Vigil, is the highlight of Holy Saturday. It begins in darkness, symbolizing the tomb, and the faithful gather in anticipation of the glorious Paschal service. At midnight, we begin the Paschal Matins, where we sing the hymns of the Resurrection, proclaiming, “Christ is Risen!” This marks the beginning of Pascha, the celebration of Christ’s triumph over death.

Readings for the Week of April 13, 2025

4/13: Philippians 4:4-9; John 12:1-18

4/14: Matthew 21:18-43; Ezekiel 1:1-20; Exodus 1:1-20; Job 1:1-12; Matthew 24:3-35

4/15: Matthew 22:15-23:39; Ezekiel 1:21-2:1; Exodus 2:5-10; Job 1:13-22; Matthew 24:36-26:2

4/16: John 12:17-50; Ezekiel 2:3-3:3; Exodus 2:11-22; Job 2:1-10; Matthew 26:6-16

4/17: Luke 22:1-39; Jeremiah 11:18-12:5, 9-11, 14-15; Exodus 19:10-19; Job 38:1-23; 42:1-5; Isaiah 50:4-11; 1 Corinthians 11:23-32; Matthew 26:1-20; John 13:3-17; Matthew 26:21-39; Luke 22:43-45; Matthew 26:40-27:2

4/18: John 13:31-17:26; John 18:1-27; Matthew 26:57-75; John 18:28-19:16; Matthew 27:3-32; Mark 15:16-32; Matthew 27:33-54; Luke 23:32-49; John 19:25-37; Mark 15:43-47; John 19:38-42; Matthew 27:62-66; Zechariah 11:10-13; Galatians 6:14-18; Isaiah 50:4-11; Romans 5:6-11; Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Hebrews 2:11-18; Jeremiah 11:18-23; 12:1-5, 9-11, 14-15; Hebrews 10:19-31; Exodus 33:11-23; Job 42:12-16; Isaiah 52:13-53:12

4/19: Ezekiel 37:1-14; 1 Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 3:13-14; Matthew 27:62-66; Genesis 1:1-13; Isaiah 60:1-16; Exodus 12:1-11; Jonah 1:1-4:11; Joshua 5:10-15; Exodus 13:20-15:19; Zephaniah 3:8-15; 1 Kings 17:8-24; Isaiah 61:1-62:5; Genesis 22:1-18; 2 Kings 4:8-37; Isaiah 63:11-64:5; Jeremiah 31:31-34; Daniel 3:1-23; Daniel 3:24-90; Romans 6:3-11; Matthew 28:1-20

Vespers on April 10, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Sixth Thursday of Great Lent. On April 11, the Orthodox Church commemorates the Holy Hieromartyr Antipas, Bishop of Pergamum and Disciple of Saint John the Theologian.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 46:1-7 and Proverbs 23:15-24:5.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, April 14, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- April 10, 2025

"It is better not to allow anger, however just and reasonable, to enter at all, than to admit it in ever so slight a degree; once admitted, it will not be easily expelled, for, though at first but a small plant, it will immediately grow into a large tree." --St. Augustine of Hippo

"Our heart is like the darkened earth; the Gospel is like the sun, enlightening and giving life to our hearts. May the true sun of Thy righteousness shine in our hearts, O Lord!" --St. John of Kronstadt

"To yield and give way to our passions is the lowest slavery, even as to rule over them is the only liberty." --St. Justin Martyr

"It is said that gold rules everything; but spiritual things are ruled by the grace of God." --St. Mark the Ascetic

"Worldly virtues promote human glory, spiritual virtues the glory of God." --St. Thalassios the Libyan

3rd and 6th Hours on April 9, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Sixth Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 58:1-11 (6th Hour); Genesis 43:26-31; 45:1-16 (Vespers) and Proverbs 21:23-22:4 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 10, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on April 8, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Sixth Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 49:6-10 (6th Hour); Genesis 31:3-16 (Vespers) and Proverbs 21:3-21 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 9, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on April 7, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Sixth Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 48:17-49:4 (6th Hour); Genesis 27:1-41 (Vespers) and Proverbs 19:16-25 (Vespers).

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

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 8)

King and Master, the angels praise You without ceasing, and I fall before You crying out like the Tax-Collector: God be merciful to me and save me (Luke 18:13)!

My soul, because you are immortal, be not overwhelmed by the waves of this life. But return to sobriety and cry out to Your Benefactor: God be merciful to me and save me!

Grant me tears, O God, as You once gave them to the woman who had sinned, and count me worthy to wash Your feet which have delivered me from the path of error. As sweet-smelling ointment, let me offer You a pure life created in me through repentance. And may I also hear the words which I long to hear: Your faith have saved you, go in peace (Luke 7:37-50).

When I call to mind the many evils I have done, and I think about the fearsome day of judgement. I am seized with trembling and I flee to You for refuge, the God Who loves mankind. I beseech You Who alone are free from sin to turn not away from me. But before the end comes grant compunction to my humbled soul and save me.

Prayer List for the Week of April 6, 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, Walter, Andrew, Natalie, Arthur, Nicole, Rene, Jennifer, Michael, Marc, Paul, Michael, Daniel, Gerald, Madeline, Marcella, Darina, Jay, George, Carol, Andrew, Jodi, Ilarion, Rita, Kathleen, Elena, William, Andrew, Nestor, Richard, Anna, Tikhon, Michelle, Daria, Mark, Alexis, Nathan, Ann, Herman, Lillian, Michael, Marihiam, Alexandra, Norma, Heather, Daria, Vera, Ava, Petros, Dionisia, Labrini, Michelle, Christopher, Joan, Jeff, Stephen, Tomas, Kim, Ola, Jaime, María, Gonzalo, Isabel, Alberto, Juan, Paloma, Benjamín, Roberto, Andrea, Julieta, Martha, Jorge, Carolina, Cynthia, Constantin

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: Victoria, David, Verginia, Nadine, Manuel, Estefanía, Regina, Herman, Alexander, Bruce, Andrew

The Fifth Sunday of Great Lent: St. Mary of Egypt as a Model of Repentance

As we journey through Great Lent, the Fifth Sunday brings us to the commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt, one of the most powerful examples of repentance in the Orthodox Christian tradition. Her life is a profound testament to the transforming power of God's grace and the limitless mercy He offers to all who turn to Him with a contrite heart.

The Life of St. Mary of Egypt

St. Mary of Egypt lived in the 5th or 6th century and spent the early years of her life in extreme sinfulness, driven by carnal passions and indulgence. One day, out of curiosity, she followed a group of pilgrims to Jerusalem for the Feast of the Exaltation of the Holy Cross. When she attempted to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, an unseen force prevented her from stepping inside. Recognizing her sinful state, she turned to the Theotokos in sincere repentance, asking for guidance and help.

She then received the strength to enter the church and venerated the Precious and Life-Giving Cross. Following this life-changing moment, she withdrew into the desert beyond the Jordan River, where she spent nearly 47 years in strict asceticism, prayer, and repentance. Her life was eventually discovered by Abba Zosimas, a monk, who was astounded by her holiness. She received Holy Communion from him shortly before reposing in the Lord.

The Meaning of St. Mary’s Life for Us

St. Mary’s story is a powerful reminder that no one is beyond the reach of God’s mercy. Her extreme transformation—from a life of sin to one of deep repentance and holiness—demonstrates that true change is possible for anyone who sincerely seeks God.

1. The Power of Repentance – St. Mary’s life teaches us that repentance is not simply feeling sorrow for our sins but a complete reorientation of our hearts and lives toward God.

2. The Role of the Theotokos – It was through the intercessions of the Mother of God that St. Mary found the strength to repent and begin her journey toward holiness. This highlights the importance of turning to the Theotokos for help in our own struggles.

3. The Necessity of Spiritual Struggle – St. Mary endured years of solitude and deprivation to purify her soul. While we may not be called to the same extreme asceticism, Great Lent reminds us that spiritual effort—fasting, prayer, and repentance—is essential for our own growth in Christ.

The Fifth Sunday of Lent and Our Own Journey

The Church places the commemoration of St. Mary of Egypt on the Fifth Sunday of Lent to encourage us as we approach the final stretch of our Lenten journey. Her life reassures us that even if we have fallen short in our Lenten efforts, it is never too late to turn back to God with sincerity and humility.

As we reflect on her life, we are called to renew our commitment to repentance, intensify our prayers, and prepare our hearts for the coming Passion of Christ. St. Mary’s example gives us hope that, no matter how far we have strayed, the doors of divine mercy remain open to all who seek them.

May St. Mary of Egypt intercede for us and inspire us to embrace the path of repentance, so that we, too, may experience the joy of transformation in Christ.

Readings for the Week of April 6, 2025

4/6: Galatians 3:23-29; Hebrews 9:11-14; Mark 10:32-45; Luke 7:36-50

4/7: Isaiah 48:17-49:4; Genesis 27:1-41; Proverbs 19:16-25

4/8: Isaiah 49:6-10; Genesis 31:3-16; Proverbs 21:3-21

4/9: Isaiah 58:1-11; Genesis 43:26-31; 45:1-16; Proverbs 21:23-22:4

4/10: Isaiah 65:8-16; Genesis 46:1-7; Proverbs 23:15-24:5

4/11: Isaiah 66:10-24; Genesis 49:33-50:26; Proverbs 31:8-31

4/12: Hebrews 12:28-13:8; John 11:1-45

Vespers on April 3, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Thursday of Great Lent. On April 4, the Orthodox Church commemorates Our Venerable Father Joseph the Hymnographer.

The prescribed readings for Vespers are Genesis 18:20-33 and Proverbs 16:17-17:17.

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be on Monday, April 7, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Words from the Saints -- April 3, 2025

"It is not the self-critical who reveals his humility (for does not everyone have somehow to put up with himself?). Rather it is the man who continues to love the person who has criticized him." --St. John Climacus

"Every Christian should find for himself the imperative and incentive to become holy. If you live without struggle and without hope of becoming holy, then you are Christians only in name and not in essence. But without holiness, no one shall see the Lord, that is to say they will not attain eternal blessedness. It is a trustworthy saying that Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners (I Tim. 1:15). But we deceive ourselves if we think that we are saved while remaining sinners. Christ saves those sinners by giving them the means to become saints." --St. Philaret of Moscow

"You must love everyone with your whole soul, but put your hope in the one God, and serve Him alone. For as long as He is protecting us and our friends (the angels) are helping us, our enemies (the demons) cannot inflict evil upon us. But when He forsakes us, then also our friends turn away from us, and our enemies receive power over us." --St. Maximos Confessor

"He who repents rightly does not imagine that it is his own effort which cancels his former sins; but through this effort he makes his peace with God." --St. Mark the Ascetic

3rd and 6th Hours on April 2, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Wednesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 41:4-14 (6th Hour); Genesis 17:1-9 (Vespers); and Proverbs 15:20-16:9 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 3, at 6:30pm (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on April 1, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Tuesday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 40:18-31 (6th Hour); Genesis 15:1-15 (Vespers); and Proverbs 15:7-19 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 2, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

3rd and 6th Hours on March 31, 2025

Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory Forever!

Today is the Fifth Monday of Great Lent.

The prescribed readings are Isaiah 37:33-38:6 (6th Hour); Genesis 13:12-18 (Vespers); Proverbs 14:27-15:4 (Vespers).

*** Our next live broadcast on Facebook will be tomorrow, April 1, at 8:00am (Eastern). ***

Penitential Stanzas (Tone 7)

Like the Prodigal I come and fall before You, O Lord; accept me as one of Your hired servants, and have mercy on me, O Compassionate One!

As the man who fell among thieves and was wounded, I have fallen, and my soul is bruised by my many sins. To whom can I, the guilty one, run, if not to You, the Only Merciful Physician of our souls? Pour out Your great mercy on me, O God!

O Savior, sinner that I am, do not cut me down like the barren fig tree! But grant me for a long year forgiveness, watering my soul with tears of repentance, that I may bring forth acts of mercy as fruit for You!

Since You are the Sun of Righteousness, enlighten and guide the hearts of those who cry out to You: O Lord, glory to You!

Prayer List for the Week of March 30, 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, Constantin

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, Barbara

The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent: St. John Climacus and the Ascent to God

As Orthodox Christians journey through Great Lent, each Sunday serves as a spiritual milestone, guiding us deeper into repentance, prayer, and renewal. The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent is dedicated to St. John Climacus, also known as St. John of the Ladder, a revered monastic father of the Church whose teachings continue to inspire and challenge the faithful.

Who Was St. John Climacus?

St. John Climacus was a 6th-7th century monk and abbot of St. Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai. His most well-known work, *The Ladder of Divine Ascent*, is a spiritual treatise describing the path of the soul toward union with God. The book presents a metaphorical ladder of thirty steps, each representing a virtue or struggle in the Christian life, leading ultimately to divine love.

Why Is This Sunday Dedicated to St. John Climacus?

The Church appoints this Sunday to honor St. John Climacus because his teachings on spiritual struggle align perfectly with the Lenten journey. Lent is a time of self-examination, fasting, and repentance, all of which are necessary for ascending the spiritual ladder toward Christ. His writings remind us that the Christian life is one of continuous ascent, requiring humility, perseverance, and reliance on God’s grace.

The Gospel Reading: Mark 9:17-31

On this Sunday, the Gospel reading recounts Christ healing a demon-possessed boy after His disciples failed to do so. When the boy’s father pleads, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” (Mark 9:24), Christ responds that such miracles come about “by prayer and fasting” (Mark 9:29). This passage underscores the necessity of faith, prayer, and fasting in our spiritual lives—key disciplines emphasized in St. John Climacus’ writings.

Lessons for Our Lenten Journey

1. Spiritual Growth Requires Effort – Like the ascent of a ladder, our growth in Christ requires struggle, patience, and persistence.

2. Humility is Key – St. John emphasizes that pride prevents us from drawing near to God, while humility allows His grace to work in us.

3. Prayer and Fasting Are Essential – Just as Christ taught in the Gospel, St. John stresses that prayer and fasting strengthen the soul against temptations.

4. Love is the Highest Step – The ultimate goal of the spiritual life is love—love for God and neighbor, which is the highest step of the ladder.

Climbing the Ladder Together

The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent reminds us that the Christian life is a journey of continual ascent. With St. John Climacus as our guide and Christ as our goal, we press on in our Lenten efforts, knowing that every step taken in faith brings us closer to the Kingdom of God.

As we move forward in our Lenten pilgrimage, may we embrace the lessons of St. John Climacus and continue climbing the ladder toward divine love, one step at a time.