Great Lent

Great Lent is the time of preparation for the Feast of the Resurrection of Christ. It is the living symbol of our own life that will be fulfilled in our resurrection from the dead with Christ. It is a time of renewed devotion – prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. It is a time of renewal of our minds, hearts, and deeds in Christ and his teachings. Most of all,  It is the time to return to the great commandments – to love God and our neighbors. We invite and encourage the faithful to take this opportunity to renew themselves with Christ.

What is different during Great Lent? The Altar curtains will close on Poon Paregentan, Sunday, February 26th, after Divine Liturgy. They will remain closed throughout the Forty Days of Great Lent until they are opened on Palm Sunday. The closing of the curtains and covering of the altars in dark-colored drapery symbolizes the Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise.

• During Lent, the Divine Liturgy (Badarak) is celebrated with the Main Altar curtain closed.

• The Kiss of Peace is not given.

• Holy Communion is not given. Holy Communion may be received in special circumstances by making arrangements with the Celebrant after the service.

• The Gospel is not kissed at the end of Divine Liturgy.

• Mas is distributed during Lent.