“Blessed is the serv-ant whom He shall find watching; but unworthy is he whom he shall find heed-less.”

These words that come to us from the service of the Bridegroom Matins remind us, not only that our Savior will one day return to us, but that we must pre-pare for His coming.

How can we adequately prepare for such an event while living in a world that constantly encourages and tempts us to say to ourselves: "Not today...life has gotten in the way of Church?" Will it be of any suprise to us, and will we even notice when the cry rings out saying:

Behold, the Bride-groom comes in the middle of the night?

What about when our Savior tells us:

Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28)

Our Lord has given us salvation through His own life, death, and res-urrection. Although we do not need further proof of His love, He provides us with it be-cause He wants nothing

more than for us to come to Him with faith, and with love!

As we prepare for His-coming again, let us strive with every breath of life that He has giv-en us until we experi-ence the one perfect Pascha together in His Kingdom.

The Lenten Triodion

Before we celebrate Pascha, and before Great Lent even be-gins, we must prepare ourselves during the period of time that is referred to as the Len-ten Triodion. The Gospel lessons for each Sunday not only provide us with an in-troduction to the vir-tues that we must prac-tice in our lives, but an opportunity to reflect on whether or not we are living our lives in a way that pleases God.

The First Sunday of the Triodion commem-orates the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14). The arrogant and accu-satory prayers of the Pharisee in contrast to that of the Publican re-mind us to prepare for the Lord’s resurrec-tion with humility.

The following Sunday

calls to mind the theme of repentance in the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) who in com-ing to his senses, re-turned to his loving

father who loves every-one unconditionally. Charity is the theme of Judgement Sunday (Matt 25:31-46) “As you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (25:40) If we are all made in the Image of God, then we will come closer to Him by helping one another!

Forgiveness Sunday (Matt. 6:14-21) is the final Sunday of the Tri-odion period. On that same evening, as Great Lent begins, a special service is held after Ves-pers where we line up and forgive one other.

What better precondi-tion can there be, not only to receive God’s forgiveness, but to begin Great Lent. Καλή Σαρακοστή!

ΚΑΛΗ ΣΑΡΑΚΟΣΤΗ

Inside This Issue

The Lenten Triodion 1

The Publican & Pharisee 2

The Prodigal Son 2

Judgment Sunday 3

Forgiveness Sunday 3

Sunday of Orthodoxy 4

St. Gregory Palamas 4

Sunday of the Holy Cross 5

St. John Climacus 5

St. Mary of Egypt 6

Presanctified Liturgy 6

Great Compline 7

Akathist Hymn 7

Holy Week is Coming! 8

The Prayer of Saint

Ephraim The Syrian

O Lord and Master of my

life! Take from me the spirit

of sloth, faint-heartedness,

lust for power, and idle talk.

But rather give me your

servant the spirit of chastity,

humility, patience, and love.

Yes, Lord and King! Grant

me to see my own errors

and not to judge my broth-

er, for You art blessed unto

ages of ages. Amen.

Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee provides us with a message that is both simple and powerful! If pride is the most dan-gerous sin, than Humility is laid before us as the most important virtue for our journey to heaven. We must also call upon God for His mercy, and remain watchful that any spiritual gains we experi-ence are by His grace and love.

The passage also tells us that Jesus shared this parable for those who trusted solely in themselves, their social status, or in their ac-complishments.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our fulfillment can only be found by being obedient to Him. This means that we are called, not to be obedient to our own will but to God's will for our lives.

Obedience must coincide with humility. This is especially im-portant to remember that we live in a world that views humility as a sign of weakness. On the contrary; if we humble ourselves before God and surrender our will to His, we will experience true strength!

After all, If we are to prepare for the resurrection of Christ, and to rise with Him on the last day, we must do everything possible in order to be exalted by God remembering that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted!” (Matt 23:12; Luke 14:11)

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

This parable tells us about the prodigal son and the unconditional love of the father. God who is our Father also loves us uncondi-tionally. Like the prodigal son, we often turn away from God. The only way back to is through repentance. Repentance is when we from sin and back to God. The difficult part however lies in the fact that like the prodigal son, we must first see ourselves as we tru-ly are.

While a great deal is often said about the prodigal son and his fa-ther in the parable, we often forget about his brother. He is much like the Pharisee that we read about in last week’s gospel lesson, who instead of reflecting on himself, choses to dwell on the sins of his brother.

Dwelling on the sins of others is very dangerous. It leads to resent-ment which in turn distracts us from our own spiritual condition. We should never forget that God’s love prevails over the bounda-ries that we place on ourselves and others.

Readings:

Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-15

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

In order to help prepare for the Great

Fast, there is no fasting this week!

Readings:

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Gospel: Luke 15:11-32

Regular Fasting is resumed for this

week

Judgment Sunday: Meatfare Sunday This Sunday is unique in the sense that we commemorate an event that has not yet happened! Judgement Sunday calls to mind what our Lord has promised concerning the fulfillment of time that will take place at the end of days. As we state in the Nicene Creed: “He will come again to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end.” But what is the criteria to enter into the Kingdom? As it is stated in the parable of the Last Judgment, our Lord will say: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.” This is why Jesus shared this parable towards the end of his earthly ministry—He wants us to know that we are to love one another in a way that goes beyond our own understanding of charity or what it means to simply be a nice person. Instead we are challenged to see Christ in every person, and to minister to them as is they were the Lord himself. This parable is often thought of as frightening and negative. How-ever, it’s more so a reminder of God’s love and mercy, and that we still have time to put our faith into action!

Forgiveness Sunday: Cheesefare Sunday If obedience leads to humility, and humility to our being exalted by God, then pride leads to our being expelled from His presence. For this reason, Forgiveness Sunday is a time for us to remember the dis-obedience, and expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise. The sin of the first couple was not necessarily eating the fruit of the tree. Instead it was through their disobedience that sin and death entered the world. And, to make matters worse, they didn’t ask for for-giveness from God or from each other! This lesson on forgiveness comes the day before Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent. We must forgive one another! Why else would God say so? May we ask the Lord to "forgive us our trespass-es as we forgive those who trespass against us." Our Lord made it very clear that forgiving others is a pre-condition to receiving His forgiveness. It’s also the proper way to begin Great Lent!

Clean Monday Clean Monday begins with Forgiveness Vespers (held on Sunday evening). This service includes prayers that are specific to the begin-ning of Lent as well as the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. After this takes place, from the highest ranking cleric to the last person in Church, everyone passes by, greeting one another, asking for for-giveness from each other. At this point Great Lent has begun!

Readings

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Start cleaning out your fridge! This is

the final week where meat is al-

lowed.

Readings

Romans 13:11-14:4

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-13

During this week, there is no fasting

from milk, cheese, eggs & other dairy

products

1st Sunday of Lent: Sunday of Orthodoxy

Great Lent finds its origins when catechumens once prepared for bap-

tism during the Easter Vigil. Perhaps we can see a relationship between

the catechumens of the early Church who struggled and persevered for

their salvation, and the many sacrifices that were made by the defenders

of icons that led to the seventh ecumenical council in 787 and the

“Triumph of Orthodoxy” in the year 843?

At the end of either Great Vespers or the Divine Liturgy, a procession

of icons takes place around the Church. The Sunday of Orthodoxy re-

minds us to re-dedicate ourselves to our faith while we declare in

unison, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of

all".

What has been passed down to us should never be taken lightly. As

Great Lent begins we follow in the footsteps of those who have gone

before us by defending our faith “which has established the uni-

verse” as we pursue our own salvation in Jesus Christ?

2nd Sunday of Lent: St. Gregory Palamas

The Church dedicates this Sunday to St. Gregory (14th Century) for his

faith, theological knowledge, virtuous life, miracles, and his efforts to

clarify the orthodox teaching on the subject of Hesychasm (from the

Greek, meaning quiet.)

If last week reminded us of the sanctity of earthly matter, this week re-

minds us of the potential for the sanctity and holiness of every person

who pursues salvation.

Hesychasm was a discipline of prayer that was taught by monks on Mt.

Athos beginning in the 14th century. It was comprised of ascetic prac-

tices that sought to help one arrive at the vision of the divine light.

Gregory was known for his efforts to explain the difference between

the correct teaching and this theory by means of what is referred to as

the “arsenal” of the Orthodox Faith. This arsenal of faith consists of

the Holy Scriptures, the Holy Fathers and the traditions of the Church

that guide us to salvation!

This Sunday serves as a reminder that Orthodox asceticism (prayer and

fasting) are practices of Lent that all Orthodox Christians can practice

according to their own abilities.

Readings

Hebrews 1:10-2:3

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

Readings

Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40

Gospel: John 1:43-51

3rd Sunday of Lent: Sunday of the Holy Cross

It's helpful to have a sign of inspiration and victory in the middle of a

great struggle. The Sunday of the Holy Cross helps us put our efforts

of prayer and fasting into perspective as we are told: "If anyone wishes

to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow

me.”

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Priest and Altar Boys will process

with the Holy Cross which sits in a tray surrounded by flowers and

greenery throughout the Church. After the Priest returns to the Solea,

the people will chant the hymn of the Holy Cross: Save O Lord Your

people and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to the faithful, against

the adversaries of the faith, and protect your people, by the power of

Your cross.

At the end of the Liturgy, the Priest will give out the flowers (often daf-

fodils) as the people venerate the Holy Cross!

4th Sunday of Lent: St. John of the Ladder

This Sunday commemorates St. John of the Ladder (6th century) who

was an ascetic and writer on the spiritual life as a monk and abbot of

Sinai Monastery. St. John began living the monastic life at the age of 16.

He wrote a book called The Ladder of the Divine Ascent which is

composed of 30 chapters containing steps on how to live a faithful and

pious life.

The themes that dominate the book are repentance and devotion to

Christ, along with teachings on the virtues and passions. These steps of

the ladder are to be practiced by the Christian especially during this pe-

riod of the Great Lent. Each step leading to the top of the ladder, is

the essence of living a true Christian life. Readings

Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20

Gospel: Mark 9:17-31

Readings

Hebrews 4:14-5:6

Gospel: Mark 8:34-38, 9:1

4th Sunday of Lent: St. Mary of Egypt

On the Sunday before we enter Holy Week, the Church again reminds

us of our need to repent by commemorating St. Mary of Egypt. She

lived her early life as a sinful woman in Egypt until one day she decided

that she wanted to follow a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land. When

she entered, something prevented her from doing so. She realized that

God had done this so that she would change her life. She repented with

a pure heart. Only then was she was allowed to enter. She later Con-

fessed her sins and received Holy Communion. She would not receive

the sacraments of the Church let alone see another person for another

47 years until she encountered St. Zosima in the desert who we see de-

picted in the icon giving her Holy Communion before she fell asleep in

the Lord.

Notice how the Gospel lesson on this day reminds us that we are get-

ting closer to Palm Sunday and that Christ is preparing His disciples for

when He will leave them. He instructs them to minister to the faithful –

not as rulers but as servants. Christ knew that ambition and pride can

easily get in the way of our purpose and mission. Like Christ, we are to

serve and not to be served! To be first in the kingdom of heaven, we

must be come a servant to all.

Special Services: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

During Great Lent, the Divine Liturgy can not be held during the week.

At the same time however, it is necessary to participate in the Sacra-

ment of Holy Communion as often as possible. This is why a “Liturgy”

with consecrated Bread and Wine (which was consecrated during the

previous Sunday) is given to the faithful.

While there have been different forms of the “Liturgy of the Presancti-

fied Gifts,” throughout the history of the Church, what we now prac-

tice is attributed many saints such as James the Brother of our Lord,

Basil the Great, Epiphanios of Cyprus, Gregory the Dialogist.

The service is associated with Vespers and is typically celebrated on

Wednesdays in our Churches (even though it can be celebrated on any

day except for Saturday and Sunday). The last Presanctified Liturgy of

the year will take place on Holy Wednesday.

“Let my prayer rise as incense

before You, the lifting up of

my hands as an evening sacri-

fice!” (Psalm 140:2)

Readings

Epistle: Hebrews 9:11-14

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

Great Compline

Compline is a service which is held at the end of the day—typically af-

ter dinner (hence the name Απόδειπνος). In this service we thank God

for the day that passed. We also ask Him to help us defend ourselves

from any evil or temptation throughout the coming night that could

cause us spiritual harm, or distract us from our pursuit of holiness.

The service that we participate in during Great Lent is called Great-

Compline because it is longer than the small compline that Orthodox

Christians might pray at home throughout the year.

The contents of this service are similar to that of Small Compline, with

a greater emphasis on the theme of repentance.

Great Compline is usually chanted in monasteries every evening. How-

ever in parishes, it is usually chanted on the first day of Great Lent,

Clean Monday, and on the Mondays that follow throughout the season.

Akathist Hymn/Salutations to the Theotokos

The first five Fridays during Great Lent are dedicated to the The-

otokos. The Salutations of the Theotokos, combined with a suppli-

catory canon of hymns, are incorporated with a small compline service

(this is the only time of the week the Small Compline is officiated).

The service is also called the “Akathist Hymn.” The for this is because

when Orthodox Christians were under attack from their enemies, those

who asked for her prayers would remain standing.

These services are wonderful opportunities for us to get to know the

Mother of God. The Canon speaks to the characteristics of the The-

otokos as our Holy Mother and Queen who intercedes for us on our

behalf. The service reaches its high point when the Priest comes out to

recite the salutations while sensing her icon.

Every stanza deals with the unique qualities of her life – the events sur-

rounding the conception and birth of our Lord, how salvation has

come into the world through her, and how we are able to ascend to

God through her life and intercessions.

Isn’t it wonderful, that we have been blessed with the gift of preparing,

not only for Holy Week, but for salvation itself with the first person to

ever attained it?

“Lord of the Powers, be with

us; for in times of distress, we

have no other help but you.

Lord of the Powers, have mercy

on us.”

“Awed by the beauty of your

virginity, and the radiance of

your purity, Gabriel stood

amazed and cried to you, 0 The-

otokos: What words of praise

shall I offer you? By what name

shall I call you? As I ponder

this I hesitate. And so as com-

manded I cry to you: Rejoice,

you Who are full of grace! “

HOLY WEEK IS COMING!

The Traditions of Great Lent that lead us into Holy Week are here to help us prepare, not only for an-other Holy Week but for the one and perfect Pascha that will take place when Christ comes again. May we be at peace with ourselves, with God, and with one another as we continue to prepare for the return of our Bridegroom—Jesus Christ so that we may enter into His Kingdom together with faith, love, and thanksgiving!

We hope and pray that you will join us in worship throughout this here at Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church. Blessed Lent — Καλή Σαρακοστή!

ABOUT KIMISIS

Kimisis tis Theotokou is the spiritual home for Orthodox Christians in

the Mid-Hudson Valley in Poughkeepsie New York. We are a parish

family who not only strives for our own salvation, but for the salvation

of every person in Jesus Christ. This is how we both live, and pre-

serve the undefiled faith as it has been handed down to the apostles

by the Lord Himself who commands us to “Go and make disciples

of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of

the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey all that I

have commanded.” (Matthew 28:18)

Whether you are looking for a spiritual home, or are currently a parish-

ioner of Kimisis, come and join us for worship! If you have any ques-

tions about our faith, ministries, or upcoming events, please feel free

to contact us.

WORSHIP SCHEDULE

Sundays

Orthros (Matins) 8:30am

Divine Liturgy 9:30am

Please visit us online at www.kimisisny.org

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America www.goarch.org

Archbishop ELPIDOPHOROS

of America

Father Jason Dickey Proistamenos

Mike Bakatias

President

Demetrios Sassos

Vice President

Tony Moustakas

Treasurer

Athanasios Giagakis

Secretary

Parish Council Members Najla Nourie

Chris Anamelos

David O’Dell-Karagas

Pauline Long Theofanus

Nicholas Kalogris