The Orthodox Church and The Great Lent Wednesday, May 07, 2008 - |
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The Orthodox Church and The Great Lent
Orthodoxy is defined as ‘correct worship.’ The Orthodox Church is based in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, our Lord who came into the world to redeem our sins. The Orthodox Church began on the day of Pentecost by the Apostles. It is rich in tradition and doctrine. One of the most important periods for Orthodox Christians is the season of preparation before Easter: “The Great Lent.” As many of us partake in this blessed and important period of Great Lent we must be always prepared and remind ourselves of its great spiritual meaning. In the New Testament fasting was introduced by our Lord Jesus Christ. After His Baptism in the The Spiritual Fathers of the Church, for example, St. Ephraim, St. Isaac, and S. Jacob, are very clear that fasting entails the following:
The period of Lent should be a joyful experience because fasting is a self-discipline which we voluntarily impose upon ourselves in order to become better persons and better Christians. Fasting from foods is intended as spiritual preparations for an experience of deeper communion with God. Fasting and prayer make us more sensitive to God's personal presence. As we partake in this holy time of Lent, let us ask God to fill us with His grace that it may be truly of time of spiritual growth for all of us. |
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St. Thomas the Apostle Church of Antioch http://www.martomachurch.com/ |