Quick Links
- Main Calendar
- HOLY WEEK SCHEDULE
- Standard Liturgical Stewarship Calendar (PDF)
- Daily Scripture Readings (PDF)
Contact
Questions about or additions to this page?
Lenten Resource Center
This page is designed to be a 'hub' for various articles, schedules and documents related to Great Lent in our parish.
Articles
- Fasting and Great Lent
from the Triodion - Sources of Nutrition During Lent (PDF)
- The Meaning of Lent
from +THOMAS (03/05) - The Ethos of Lent
V.Rev. Fr. George Morelli, Ph.D. - Great Lent is here. What will you do?
from +THOMAS (03/08) - Making Lent Great for your Family
by Philip Mamalakis, PhD - The Sacrament of Confession
by +THOMAS
Books
These books are available in both the parish bookstore and libary.
- The Lenten Spring Buy from Amazon.com
By Fr. Thomas Hopko - Great Lent Buy from Amazon.com
Fr. Alexandar Schmemann - First Fruits of Prayer Buy from Amazon Buy Signed Copy
Kh. Frederica Mathewes-Green - Moosewood Cookbooks
a variety of cookbooks favorable to Lenten cooking
More recommended reading for Great Lent…
Links
- Pascha Flower Donations
- Great Lent and Holy Pascha,
Archdiocesan Portal - Journeys Through Great Lent
Ancient Faith Radio has compiled a large number of podcasts from the voluminous family of providers having to do with the Lenten season. - Recipe Sources for Orthodox Fasting
Teachings on Great Lent
These mp3s link to specific audio recordings from Fr. Thomas Hopko's podcast –Speaking the Truth in Love– on Ancient Faith Radio. Click the links to hear the mp3 in a new window, or right-click to save the linked file.
- Fasting,
Fr. Thomas reflects on the practice and rules for fasting (recorded after Pascha, before the Apostles Fast). - The Pre-Sanctified Liturgy,
Fr. Tom gives a meditation on the rich meaning of the pre-sanctified liturgy of Great Lent. - Lent - The Tithe of the Year,
Great Lent is considered the tithe of the year, during which believers try to be what they ought always to be. Fr. Tom, in response to a request once made of him, shares with us a list of "things that a believer would do if he were really a believer." - The Healing of The Paralytic,
Fr. Tom offers thoughts on the healing of the paralytic. - Read The Bible During Lent,
Looking for an inspiring book to read during Lent? Try the Bible! Fr. Tom specifically recommends certain books of the Bible during this season. - The Annunciation,
On March 25, exactly 9 months before Nativity, the Church celebrates the Annunciation to the Theotokos that she will be the Mother of God. God's declaration through the angel Gabriel, however, had a contingency attached. Listen to find out what it was. - The Magnificat,
As we continue to remember the significance of the Annunciation, Fr. Tom gives a helpful reflection on the Magnificat. - The Prayer of St. Ephraim,
Fr. Thomas examines the Prayer of St. Ephraim and why it is so appropriate for us during Great Lent. - The Epistle to the Hebrews,
Fr. Thomas explains the significance of St. Paul's letter to the Hebrews in our Lenten journey. - St. Mary of Egypt,
Fr. Thomas contrasts the story of the fallen, then raised Mary of Alexandria with that of another Mary— the Theotokos. - The Descent Of Jesus Into Hades,
Fr. Thomas uses the Paschal icon as an opportunity to clear up some misconceptions about Sheol/Hades and Gahenna/Hell. - The Myrrhbearing Women,
Fr. Thomas examines who the Myrrhbearing Women were and clears up some misconceptions about Mary Magdalene in the process.
- Forgiveness Sunday - The Expulsion of Adam from Paradise,
Fr. Tom reflects upon the expulsion of Adam from Paradise, one of the two themes of Forgiveness Sunday. - Forgiveness Sunday 2 - Asking for Forgiveness,
Fr. Tom considers the act of asking for forgiveness, as well as who it is we hurt when we sin. - The Triumph of Orthodoxy,
You won't find a more concise and helpful explanation of why Orthodox Christians keep and venerate icons. - St. Gregory Palamas - 2nd Sunday of Lent,
On the 2nd Sunday of Great Lent we remember St. Gregory Palamas and Fr. Tom instructs us on why he is so important in our theology about knowing the unknowable God. - Sunday of the Cross - 3rd Sunday of Lent,
On the 3rd Sunday of Great Lent, we concentrate on the Cross of Christ and Fr. Tom helps us understand what it means to take up our cross. - St. John of the Ladder - 4th Sunday of Lent,
It is at this point in our Lenten journey that the Church contemplates the instruction of St. John Climacus and his Ladder of Divine Ascent. Fr. Tom takes us step by step through this treasure and makes it practical for us non-monastics! - St. Mary of Egypt - 5th Sunday of Lent,
Fr. Thomas starts with a review of the Gospel reading of Mark for the Fourth Sunday of Lent and transitions to the 5th Sunday explaining how reigning with our Lord is dependent on suffering with Him. - Great Lent - Week Five,
Fr. Thomas gives an overview of the services for the 5th week of Great Lent and their final emphasis on penitance and repentance. - Great Lent - Week Six,
In this last week of Great Lent, Father Thomas connects the parable of the rich man and Lazarus with Christ's raising from the dead of the actual Lazarus. - Lazarus Saturday,
Fr. Thomas explores the ultimate Messianic sign from the Gospel of St. John. - The Entry of Jesus Into Jerusalem,
Fr. Thomas takes a closer look at the "Celebration of the Kingship of Christ".
- Great and Holy Week - Part 1,
The week before Pascha begins with the Bridegroom Matins. Christ is the Bridegroom and we are the Bride, joined in perfect unity through His crucifixion. - Great and Holy Week - Part 2,
Fr. Thomas continues his examination of Passion Week with Jesus' teachings on the final judgement. - Great And Holy Friday,
Fr. Thomas examines the Mystery of the Crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord and how it led to the re-creation of the world.
- Christ Is Risen - Truly He Is Risen,
On this, the greatest of all Feast Days, Fr. Thomas explains what we, as Orthodox Christians, know for certain about Jesus Christ.
Materials
- Preparation for Confession (PDF)
- Explanations of the Holy Week and Paschal Services (PDF)
- The Meaning of an Eastern Orthodox Pascha Basket (PDF)
- How to Dye Eggs Naturally (DOC)
- Legend of Paschal Eggs (PDF)
- Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen! (PDF)
in several of the more common languages familiar to our parishioners - Christ is Risen ! (PDF)
a reflection from Fr. Alexander Schmemann - School Absentee Letter (PDF)
for school aged children missing school for services
Recipes
Holy Cross Recipe Book
by Holy Cross Parishioners
Compiled from the recipes of our parishioners, this booklet contains general fasting instructions, advice and tips, as well as recipes for liturgical foods, starters, soups, main and side dishes and desserts.
In addition to the recipes submitted by parishioners, Moosewood Cookbooks are also great resources for Lenten cooking! (for Paschal recipes, see Holy Week)
Also see Sources of Nutrition During Lent.
Retreats 2012
- Lunchless Luncheon
Date: Throught Great Lent
Theme: Supporting the St. Thekla Monastery vision
Location: An ordinary envelope
Information: Please join the North American Board of Antiochian Women in supporting the vision of The Convent of St Thekla at the Antiochian Village. With faith, love, and determination, please help us make this vision a reality. - Lenten Retreat Mother Ameiliane
Date: 10 March 2012
Speaker: Mother Aemiliane, Abbess of the new Entrance of the Theotokos into the Temple monastery
Theme: TBD
Location: St. Mary Orthodox Church, Falls Church VA
Information: Retreat Announcement - Greek Cathedral of the Annunciation
18th Annual Lenten RetreatDate: 17 March 2012
Speaker: Constantine Zalalas, noted theologian, translator and publisher
Theme: The Triumph of the Early Church: A Historical-Spiritual Approach 64 – 363 A.D.
Location: Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation
Information: Retreat Flyer