The forty days of the Great Fast make up a penitential season in preparation for the Great Feast of Pascha, the Resurrection of Christ our God. The Great Fast originated as the final period of preparation for the baptism of catechumens. Catechumens prepare for the great Mysteries of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Chrismation and Divine Eucharist.

Like the catechumens, we are all called to conversion and renewal in faith, hope and charity. Although we have become partakers of the divine nature by means of the Holy Mysteries, we must continue to live out its implications. Advancement in divine life is hampered by patterns of sin, and faults in our characters. By means of self-denial, prayer, and active charity, we can grow in likeness unto God and be witnesses to others of the love, goodness, and mercy of God.

The Fathers of the Church have taught us that all our efforts, whether of fasting, prayer, or alms-deeds, all have but one purpose: the acquiring of the Holy Spirit, who is Giver of Life and Light. In the following pages you will find various ways to make the season of the Great Fast a life-changing and life-giving experience. Let us allow God to renew us! Let us pursue our greater potential in Christ! "Now is the acceptable time! Today is the day of salvation!"

The holy Season of the Great Fast (Great Lent) is a special period of preparation for the great Feast of Pascha: the Resurrection of Christ. Pascha is a Greek term based on the Hebrew word Pesach meaning Passover. Nearly two thousand years ago Christ our Lord and Savior passed over from death to life even as the Jews celebrated their ancestors' passing from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the Promised Land. By His death and resurrection, Christ has made it possible for us to pass from the slavery of sin and death to the freedom of grace and life.

We participate in the Passover of Christ (Paschal Mystery) through the Mysteries (Sacraments) of Christian Initiation: Baptism, Chrismation and the Divine Eucharist. For this reason the Church prefers the Paschal Season (Easter) to receive catechumens into the Church by means of the Mysteries of Initiation.

During this holy season, the Church invites us all to renew our life in Christ, a life begun through Holy Baptism. Have we kept the white baptismal robe clean? The flame of faith and life that we received, is it still burning strong? Have we deviated from the way of faith, hope and love? Have we observed the Commandments of the Lord? Have we rationalized our sins? Are we holding on to grudges or the desire for vengeance? Are we involved in immoral relationships? Do we pray? Are we generous to those in need? Do I spend any time in learning the truths of the holy and true faith of the Church?

The period of the Great Fast is a season of grace offered by the Lord to us through His Church. During this holy season the Church offers us a course, a school of perfection, a new beginning in the Christian life. By means of fasting, almsgiving (active charity), and prayer, we open ourselves up to a greater influx of the grace of God in our lives, and to a more intimate relationship with Him.

Take advantage of this holy season! Follow the spirit and norms of the Great Fast. It is truly a school of Christian life! Look over the following information on the Great Fast and learn how you can participate fruitfully in this season of grace. Then may our celebration of the Great and Holy Week, and of Pascha, the Day of Resurrection, be truly blessed and life-giving!

More Information

FASTING -- Sanctify a Fast! (Joel 2:15).

CHARITY: PRACTICAL LOVE

DIVINE LITURGY OF SAINT BASIL ON SUNDAYS

THE LITURGY OF THE PRE-SANCTIFIED GIFTS

FIRST SUNDAY OF GREAT FAST: SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

THIRD SUNDAY OF GREAT FAST: THE VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS

ALL SOULS SATURDAYS

CONFESSION: THE MYSTERY OF PENANCE AND RECONCILIATION

CANON OF SAINT ANDREW OF CRETE

AKATHISTOS SATURDAY: Hymn to the Mother of God

LENTEN PRAYER BOOKLET

PENITENTIAL PRAYER OF SAINT EPHREM THE SYRIAN

ANNUAL LENTEN DAY OF RECOLLECTION