As we prepare for Great Lent, we are pleased to share the latest issue of the Orthodoxy Now Digital Magazine. This issue contains timely articles on the preludes to Great Lent, the Saturday of Souls, the Sunday of Forgiveness, and the Presanctified Liturgy. We invite you to share this issue with your family, friends, and networks. Please feel free forward this link.
Contents
Executive Director’s Message
Preparing Our Hearts for Lent
Orthodoxy 101
It’s “Go Time”!
As we get ready for the pilgrimage that is Great Lent, Fr. Stavros N. Akrotirianakis invites us to “put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires“ (Rom 13:14).
The Orthodox Church
Preludes to Great Lent: The Purpose of the Triodion
Dr. Pantelis Paschou likens the Triodion—the period leading up to Great Lent—as the first steps we take on a spiritual ladder to the Resurrection.
Why The Saturday of the Souls Matters to Orthodox Christians
Protopresbyter Georgios Dorbarakis reflects upon the purpose of the Saturday of the Souls and reminds us that one day, we will all have to account for our lives before the awesome judgment seat of Christ.
The Sunday of Forgiveness: The Indispensable Act of the Heart
Archimandrite Zacharias Zacharou reminds us that the Sunday of Forgiveness service embodies the necessity of mutual forgiveness, repentance, and reconciliation throughout Great Lent.
Why Should We Attend the Presanctified Liturgy?
Fr. Jonathan H. Cholcher describes the Presanctified Liturgy as the distinctive source of spiritual nourishment and strength during our Lenten journey.
Guest Blog
The Meaning and Significance of the Akathist Hymn
Dr. Andrew Mellas explains how the Akathist Hymn has come to be the ultimate expression of profound thanksgiving to the Theotokos for her steadfast love and protection.
Equipping the Saints
The Struggle of Great Lent
Elder Ephraim of Arizona† considers the multitude of struggles we face as we enter the “great spiritual arena” of Great Lent.
Three Simple Ways to Deepen Your Prayer Life During Lent
Rev. Fr. Christopher T. Metropulos offers simple, realistic, and time-tested practices for deepening our prayer life during Great Lent.
Out of the Depths: The Prayer of St. Ephraim
Fr. Stavros Akrotirianakis illuminates the ways in which the Lenten Prayer of St. Ephraim can help us practice repentance and cultivate spiritual strength.
The True Purpose of Fasting
Saint John Chrysostom’s homily concerning fasting is as relevant today as it was when he wrote it in the 13th century. It is a must read for anyone seeking to understand the deeper meaning of the fasting discipline.
All Are Beggars Before the Lord: Reflections on Almsgiving
Saint Nicholas Velimirovich†, known as the “Serbian Chrysostom,” spoke often about the necessity of almsgiving, one of the cornerstones of our Lenten journey.
Wisdom of the Saints
Saint Philaret the Almsgiver
Saint Nicholas Velimirovich† tells the story of Saint Philaret the Almsgiver, who lived in the eighth century and showed unrestrained love for the poor.
The Orthodox Home
The Lenten Kitchen: An Orthodox Dietitian’s Perspective
Krista Fedorchak is an Orthodox Christian and registered dietitian who offers faith-based and practical recommendations for managing the dietary aspects of the fasting period.
Lenten Cookbooks
The OCN staff has compiled a list of Lenten cookbooks that offer an abundance of Lenten meal ideas for the whole family!
Toil From the First Hour: Using the Digital World Wisely During Lent
Christo Pappademos recognizes the daily temptations we face simply by using our phones or computers. Here he offers suggestions on how social media can be used in more positive ways to enhance our Lenten journey.
Raise Up A Child
Simple, Meaningful Ways to Help Little Hearts Walk the Lenten Journey
Presvytera Mallory Kasapakis offers a detailed roadmap for leading our children on the path to the Resurrection.
Lenten Resources for Parents and Children
The OCN staff presents a list of books and online resources that will help parents enrich a child’s understanding of Lent.
The Challenges of Facing Lent with Disabilities
Presvytera Melanie DiStefano, resource developer at the Department of Marriage and Family Ministry for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese, hosts an enlightening webinar that shares lessons learned for helping families with disabilities enjoy a fruitful Lent.
The Word of the Lord: Bible Study with Michael Haldas
Great Lent: The Sacred and the Secular
Michael Haldas examines the Biblical perspective toward managing worldly and secular concerns during the most sacred time of the Church year.
The Book Corner
Books to Deepen Your Lenten Journey
The OCN staff offers a list of Lenten books to assist the faithful as they travel the path to Pascha.
Come to the Table, with Chef Sophia
Anything Vegan Chili Pot
Chef Sophia Manatakis recommends making huge batches of this “almost anything goes” chili that can be adapted and frozen for meals throughout the Lenten season.
Reflection
The Time Is Now At Hand: Preparing Ourselves For Transformation
Protopresbyter George Alexson offers a moving reflection on the essential nature of Great Lent as a spiritual struggle requiring deep commitment, self-sacrifice, and a willingness to be transformed.
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