The Canon of St. Andrew, the nine ode prayer of repentance written by St. Andrew of Crete in the early 700's, is the customary way Orthodox Christians around the world enter the penitential season of Lent. St. Andrew wrote the prayer with the deepest humility, a virtue necessary for entering into the presence of God in ways that foster salvation, and the man who prays it … [Read more...] about Getting Serious For 40 Days: An introduction to the Great Canon of St. Andrew
Lent
A Sermon of Metropolitan Philaret on the Sunday of St John of the Ladder
Remember, Christian soul, that the ascent to heaven is indispensable for anyone who wishes to save his soul unto eternity. Our Lord Jesus Christ said: "Strive to enter in through the narrow gate." That is, the Christian ought to be an ascetic. Not only the monastic, but every Christian. But if while ascending this ladder of spiritual perfection by struggles and ascetic … [Read more...] about A Sermon of Metropolitan Philaret on the Sunday of St John of the Ladder
Our Journey to Pascha! A Quick and Easy Guide to Lent and Holy Week
When we saw this chart at Byzantine, TX we couldn’t resist sharing it with our readers, many of whom will have seen it already. Thanks are especially due to Fr Jonathan Bannon, who assembled this very helpful guide to observing (and preparing for) Lent and Holy Week. … [Read more...] about Our Journey to Pascha! A Quick and Easy Guide to Lent and Holy Week