The Lenten Spring is upon us. In the Orthodox Church, Great Lent begins on Clean Monday (March 11 in 2019) and is immediately preceded by Forgiveness Sunday (March 10.) In ancient times, Great Lent was the season when the catechumens were prepared for Holy Baptism. Over the years, however, it became customary for the whole people of God to join the catechumens in their journey–to be renewed themselves in the journey to Pascha. So… we invite our whole parish family–as well as visitors and friends–to join us in this season. Our full lenten calendar in pdf form is here. You can access and print up copies of our Lenten Guide 2019, which is also available in hard copy in the church narthex (vestibule.) Here are some of the particular moments to note in the Lenten season:

• Sunday, March 2: our pre-Lenten Visitors’ Sunday (event page)
• Sunday, March 9: Forgiveness Sunday (5pm Forgiveness Vespers)
• Monday, March 10: Clean Monday (beginning of Great Lent)
• Friday, Mar. 15: Young Adults-College Night w/ Fr. John Erickson (event page)
  • 6pm Lenten Dinner
  • 7pm Fr. John Presents on “Contemporary Questions & Orthodoxy”
  • 8pm Dessert & Discussion w/ Fr. John
• Saturday, Mar. 16: Lenten Retreat w/ Fr. John Erickson (event page)
  • 11am Session 1: “Where & Why are we Going? A Historical-Scriptural Introduction to Great Lent”
  • 1230pm Lenten Luncheon
  • 115pm Session 2: “How will we get there? An Exploration of Baptism”
  • 230pm Session 3: “Where are we now? Reflections on the Present”
  • 330pm Great Vespers & Confessions
• Sunday. March 17: Sunday of Orthodoxy Services with Fr. John Erickson
  • 10am Divine Liturgy with Fr. John presiding & preaching
  • 530pm Pan-Orthodox Vespers w/ Fr. John preaching (@ St. Andrew’s)
• All the Lenten Sundays, Weekday Presanctified Liturgies, and more…
• Palm Sunday, April 21: Baptisms & Visit of Archbishop Alexander
• Holy Week: April 22-27
• PASCHA of our Lord: April 28
• Bright Week (Pascha every day!) April 28-May4

Some photos from previous Great Lents!