Preparing For Holy Week and Pascha:
A Message From Fr. Peter

It is hard to believe that the Holy Season of Great Lent is nearly complete and Holy Week and Pascha are just around the corner.

What a drastic transformation has taken place in our natural environment during these weeks of the Holy Fast! When we began, there were several feet of snow on the ground with even more falling on the Sunday of Orthodoxy as we prepared to celebrate Vespers at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. And now, as I sit in front of the computer writing this message, the snow is gone and I see the crocuses and daffodil shoots coming out of the ground!

Hopefully, we can truthfully say the same is true in our spiritual lives - that the garden of our soul which was frozen and covered up by sin, has begun to thaw and show signs of new life.. As your priest, I can truthfully say that I have witnessed God at work in your lives, helping those of you who entered into the Fast with an open mind and willing spirit to make much spiritual progress.

As we move towards Holy Week, I urge you to continue to engage in the spiritual battle that lies before you, being careful to continue to pray, fast, and give alms as intensely as possible. If you have not already done so, I urge you in the strongest possible manner to carefully examine your conscience and come to Holy Confession. I also ask that you carefully read this month’s newsletter and in particular the guide to making a good confession and the article on preparing for Holy Week. This has been provided to inspire and encourage you to make the most of this Holy Season and to prepare you for Holy Pascha.

You will notice from the posted schedule that during Holy Week divine services will be offered every day for your spiritual well-being. Please come to as many as possible. NOTHING should be more important than following in the footsteps of our Lord and fully entering into the Church’s stunningly beautiful and rich Holy Week services.

I wish you all of God’s choicest blessings during the remaining days of the Great Fast and Holy Week. May we all be spiritually enlightened, renewed and uplifted by our celebration of Christ’s Holy Resurrection.

With Love in Christ and Prayers,

Fr. Peter