In the Byzantine tradition of Orthodox Christianity, we begin the Great Lenten Fast with Forgiveness Sunday Vespers. After our usual evening prayers, we include the prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian with prostrations. Then, we exchange the kiss of peace asking for and receiving forgiveness from each person in the church. The next 40 daysContinue reading “Forgiveness Sunday: Fasting from Spiritual Complacency”
Tag Archives: fasting
Sunday of Judgement: Biblical Perspectives of Why I Fast
“There is no verse in the Bible that says, “Thou shalt fast for 40 days before Holy Week and Easter and call it Lent.” But, does there have to be?”
Sunday of the Prodigal Son: Coming to Our Senses in Prayer
This past Sunday was the second of the Lenten Triodion of the Orthodox Church. The Gospel lesson was from the Lord’s parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This upcoming Sunday is the recognition of the Final Judgement and the last day that we are to freely consume meat (Meatfare) before the great fast. ItContinue reading “Sunday of the Prodigal Son: Coming to Our Senses in Prayer”
Dormition Fast: Humility in Prayer
Orthodox Churches using the modern calendar began the 14 day fast observing the Dormition of the Theotokos (the Virgin Mary = “she who bore God) this past Sunday. Wise Christians of old often taught that we should remember our own mortality as we live and that we will have to face the Lord’s dread judgementContinue reading “Dormition Fast: Humility in Prayer”
All Saints West Point 