Glory to Jesus Christ!
We all know that Ukraine is in the middle of war. The first unprovoked war since 1939 in Europe. One of our parishioners, Maryana Chahine, is Ukrainian and has family and friends in Ukraine. So you can imagine the anxiety of not knowing the safety of loved ones or the personal trials they face.
Please pray to the Holy Mother of God, the angels and saints to peacefully resolve the war and pray for Maryana and her family, near and far. Let us assist Maryana with our prayer and friendship.
Great Lent –the Fast begins real soon
1. Sunday, February 27, at 5:30 pm Forgiveness Vespers will be prayed. This service of evening prayer opens the liturgical season of Lent.
2. During Lent, the Liturgy of the Presanctified will be on Wednesdays at 5:30pm and Great Compline and the Akathist will be on Fridays at 5:30 pm.
3. Fasting and abstinence for Eastern Catholics: Fasting means there is no consumption of solid food from midnight to noon. Abstinence refers to refraining from meat, dairy products, eggs, alcohol, fish and olive oil.
The minimal obligation for the Eparchy of Newton is the approach referred to as the Law. What is the Law? The Law –that which is required: The 1st day of Great Lent and the last 3 days of Holy Week are fasting days. All Fridays of Great Lent are days of abstinence from meat. Good Friday is a day of fast and abstinence. The Tradition –Every day of Great Lent is a day of fast and abstinence. On Saturdays and Sundays fish, wine and olive oil are permitted. Saturdays and Sundays are not fast days –food may be taken at any time.
One can always do more, especially respecting Sundays as a ‘free day.’ Prayer, fasting and almsgiving are integral to living Great Lent. Fast from sin by going to confession.
4. Mask wearing is optional.
5. Religious education for children will begin following Holy Pascha.
6. 2 charitable works of the parish will be announced soon.
Mutual prayers and friendship