Pastoral Letter for the Preparatory Sunday of the Great Lent
On February 8, 2010, (1 Meshir 1726 A.M.) the Coptic Orthodox Church of Alexandria begins observance of the Great Holy Fast, also known as the Great Lent. As part of the diocese’s spiritual program during this holy season, our father, His Grace Bishop Serapion, has recorded a pastoral message for the Preparatory Sunday of the Great Lent. It is available for streaming and downloading here: Pastoral Message for Preparatory Sunday of the Great Lent 2010
The Meaning of the Great Lent
Great Lent is considered the holiest fast since our Lord Jesus Christ Himself had fasted it. Therefore, during Great Lent we follow the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who fasted on our behalf forty days and forty nights (Matt. 4: 2). Also during Holy Week, which comes after the 40 days, we live the Passion of Christ day by day and hour by hour. Because of the significance and holiness of Great Lent, – …
Treasures of the Fathers: Third Sunday of the Great Lent – The Prodigal Son
"The Grace of God" by Saint Athanasius And that young man who went into a far country, and there wasted his substance, living in dissipation, if he receive a desire for this divine feast, and, coming to himself, shall say, ‘How many hired servants of my father have bread to spare, while I perish here with hunger!’ and shall next arise and come to his father, and confess to him, saying, ‘I have sinned against – …
The Great Lent: The Journey to the Bosom of the Father
The Church has a strong program during this fast put by the Fathers through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, which became to the soul a source of survival and spiritual filling, and to the Church a source of communal repentance and deep fellowship with the Lord Jesus Christ in His fast…For Christ fasted for us and with us-and certainly He is a partner with each fasting soul. The monks used to take this opportunity – …
Why Did the Lord Fast for Forty Days?
The number forty is a sign of that laborious period in which, under the discipline of Christ the King, we have to fight against the devil. This is also indicated by the fact that both the law and the prophets solemnized a fast of forty days– that is to say, a humbling of the soul– in the person of Moses and Elijah, who each fasted for a period of forty days. Through the fast of – …