Four Evangelists Orthodox Church, Bel Air, Maryland

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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

Sunday of Forgiveness (Cheesefare)

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This coming Sunday, March 14, is the Sunday of Forgiveness. It is also the 4th of the pre-Lenten Sundays and perhaps more commonly known as Cheesefare Sunday or simply Cheesefare. This Sunday remembers the expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise, as well as marking the last day of eating cheese or cheese products until the celebration of our Lord’s resurrection on Pascha.

After the Divine Liturgy we will be celebrating a portion of Forgiveness Vespers, followed by the Rite of Forgiveness. Covid-19 precautions will be followed.

The Gospel reading for the Sunday of Forgiveness is Matthew 6:14-21. Building on the themes of the previous Sunday’s (repentance and judgement), we are now – as always – prompted to orient ourselves toward forgiveness and reconciliation.

As Fr. Alexander Schmemman reminds us:

Now, forgiveness stands at the very center of Christian faith and of Christian life because Christianity itself is, above all, the religion of forgiveness. God forgives us, and His forgiveness is in Christ, His Son, Whom He sends to us, so that by sharing in His humanity we may share in His love and be truly reconciled with God. Indeed, Christianity has no other content but love. And it is primarily the renewal of that love, a return to it, a growth in it, that we seek in Great Lent, in fasting and prayer, in the entire spirit and the entire effort of that season. Thus, truly forgiveness is both the beginning of, and the proper condition for the Lenten season.
Forgiveness Sunday | Orthodox Church in America
Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise
Expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise