Glory to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
This coming Sunday, 05 February 2023, is the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, as well as the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord Jesus Christ in the Temple.
The Epistle and Gospel readings for Sunday are:
⁜ Timothy 3:10-15
⁜ Luke 18:10-14
On this day we are brought to mind our own need of humility and repentance, aspiring to be like the Publican in St. Luke’s Gospel. | Learn more about the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee.
In preparation for the intense focus on our repentance, the week following this Sunday is fast free. As a reminder, the fasting seasons that the Church provides are for our benefit as we seek Christ more deeply and not for our stumbling, bragging rights, diet, etc. Better to abstain from anger while eating a burger than to strictly fast and judge your neighbor, to paraphrase St. Basil the Great. Please see Fr. Gregory if you have any questions about fasting during Great Lent.
Finally, this day also begins the use of the Lenten Triodion, the liturgical book that informs our services during the season of Great Lent. The hymns we sing from the Triodion are some of the most enriching and beneficial you will hear. Let us attend!
