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2nd Sunday of Great Lent: Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas

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This coming Sunday, March 28, is the second Sunday of Great Lent and the Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas.

The readings from Holy Scripture are: Hebrews 1:10-2:3  (Epistle), and Mark 2:1-12 (Gospel).

As each Sunday of Lent has its own spiritual theme and historical context, we know that the Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas is of a later origin. Of this day we are told:

This Sunday was originally dedicated to Saint Polycarp of Smyrna (February 23). After his glorification in 1368, a second commemoration of Saint Gregory Palamas (November 14) was appointed for the Second Sunday of Great Lent as a second “Triumph of Orthodoxy.”
2nd Sunday of Great Lent: St Gregory Palamas

To learn more about this day, including what it means for our spiritual lives, see the podcast episode on the Second Sunday of Lent by Fr. Thomas Hopko and the article A Man Fully Alive by Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick.

Sunday of St. Gregory Palamas

Feast of the Annunciation

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Today, March 25, we celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation of Our Most Holy Lady, the Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary.

Today is the beginning of our salvation, / the revelation of the eternal mystery! / The Son of God becomes the Son of the Virgin / as Gabriel announces the coming of Grace. / Together with him let us cry to the Theotokos: / Hail, O Full of Grace, / the Lord is with You!

Troparion for the Feast of the Annunciation

This Great Feast of the Church commemorates the announcement by Gabriel the Archangel to the Virgin Mary that the Son of God, Our Lord Jesus Christ, would become flesh of her flesh and enter into the world through her womb for the salvation of the world. (Luke 1:28-36., cf. John 1:4)

This day is one of the oldest feasts celebrated by the Church. It also serves as notice that Christmas is 9 months away!

Sunday of Orthodoxy | 20th Ordination Anniversary of Fr. Gregory Czumak

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Today, March 21st, the faithful of Four Evangelists Orthodox Church concluded the 1st Sunday of Great Lent with a procession around the church, each carrying an icon. This day, known as the Triumph of Orthodoxy, commemorates the restoration of the holy icons to the churches in the 9th century after several periods of iconoclasm. Far from being a mere historical marker, this day celebrates the fact that Our Lord truly became incarnate, taking on our flesh, four our salvation.

In addition, Fr. Gregory was presented with a icon gift on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of his ordination to the holy priesthood. Many years!

1st Sunday of Great Lent: Sunday of Orthodoxy

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This Sunday, March 21, is the 1st Sunday of Great Lent and the Sunday of Orthodoxy. On this Sunday we commemorate the restoration of the holy icons in the Church during the 9th century. Far from being a mere historical marker, this day celebrates the fact that:

in the last times you [O Lord] willed to become incarnate and so finite; for when you took on flesh you made all its properties your own. So we depict the form of your outward appearance and pay it relative respect, and so are moved to love you; and through it we receive the grace of healing, following the divine traditions of the apostles..
from Vespers for the Sunday of Orthodoxy

The Gospel reading for the Sunday of Orthodoxy is John 1:43-51.

After the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil the Great we will celebrate this day with a procession with icons and the Rite of Orthodoxy. Covid-19 precautions will be followed.

Procession with icons on the Sunday of Orthodoxy
Procession with icons on the Sunday of Orthodoxy (2019)

Saint Patrick, Bishop of Armagh & Enlightener of Ireland

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On March 17, we commemorate St. Patrick, Bishop of Armagh and Enlightener of Ireland.

Holy Bishop Patrick, / faithful shepherd of Christ’s royal flock, / you filled Ireland with the radiance of the Gospel: / The mighty strength of the Trinity! / Now that you stand before the Savior, / pray that He may preserve us in faith and love!

Troparion for the Feast of St. Patrick
Saint Patrick of Ireland
Saint Patrick of Ireland

Cathedral of the Annunciation 26th Annual Lenten Retreat

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Authentic Christianity: Why Young People are Leaving the Church (and How We Can Inspire Them to Stay)

On April 3, 2021, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of the Annunciation in Baltimore, Maryland will hold its 26th Annual Nicholas Tsakalos Memorial Lenten Retreat with presenters Fr. Andrew Stephen Damick (author and Chief Content Officer of Ancient Faith Ministries) and Steve Christoforou (Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries – Greek Orthodox Archdiocese).

Registration information can be found here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/26th-annual-nicholas-tsakalos-memorial-lenten-retreat-tickets-141538265763