Beloved Parishioners,

At this time of year, we begin to look forward to the start of Great Lent. This coming Sunday we remember the parable our Lord told us of the Publican and the Pharisee, which is the initiation of our preparation for Lent. We still have four weeks until Lent actually begins, but this period (the Triodion) is an opportunity for us to stretch our spiritual muscles before the race, so that we are not injured or surprised by what is ahead. I encourage all of you to make every effort to attend the services more than you usually would and begin preparing to make a confession. May God bless these first steps on your walk of faith towards Him.

Sunday, February 17th, 2019: Gospel According to Luke 18:10-14 The Lord said this parable, "Two men went up into the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give tithes of all that I get.' But the tax collector, standing far off, would not even lift up his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, 'God, be merciful to me a sinner!' I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted." Gospel Reflection The Pharisee and the Publican

In this week’s Gospel reading, Jesus presents us once again with a parable which contradicts what was thought to be righteous behavior in His day. The Pharisee was seen as the model Jew which all others were to emulate. And indeed, externally the Pharisee was all that! He fasted twice a week and he gave ten percent of everything he made to the synagogue. Yet inside he was empty. This is why he needed to look at the other Jews and compare himself (favorably) to them. Instead of recognizing, admitting, and confessing his sinfulness and his unworthiness before God, the Pharisee thanks God that he is not like the other sinners such as the tax collector next to him. The Pharisee makes two grievous mistakes. First, he failed to recognize his own sin of pride and spiritual arrogance which lead him to make judgments on others. Second, the Pharisee did not take any time in searching his soul before approaching God and making a confession.

When we think about approaching God, engaging in a conversation with Him, the same God who formed us and the entire universe out of nothing, we must approach Him with an awe-inspiring fear. When we are beseeching Him for forgiveness from our sins, we must have already undergone a soul-searching inventory of ourselves. We should have come to the realization of our sinful nature and our desire to change our ways and behavior. In other words, we must approach God with a repentant heart for forgiveness to be truly given. Too often, people come to confession and talk about how they are not so bad—sure there are a couple of things which they did which were wrong but all in all, they’re decent people. This is the wrong way to approach God and seek out forgiveness. In order to make an appropriate confession before God, you must prepare properly. No one is perfect and sinless, we all sin. Before you come to confession ask God to help you by sending His grace upon you so that you might make a “thorough examination of your conscience, courage to make a sincere and complete confession, and strength to amend your way of life in the days to come.”

Quote from Scripture “Nobody can become a Christian by being lazy. It needs work; lots of work.” +St. Porphyrios

Upcoming Services & Events  Tuesday, Feb 12th o Greek School @ 4pm o Girls Basketball Practice @ 8pm  Wednesday, Feb 13th o Greek School @ 4pm o Stewardship Committee @ 7pm  Thursday, Feb 14th o Greek School @ 4pm  Friday, Feb 15th o HOPE/JOY @ 5:30pm  Sunday, Feb 17th : Family Worship Sunday o Orthros @ 8:30am o Divine Liturgy @ 9:45am  Monday, Feb 18th: President’s Day o OFFICE CLOSED  Thursday, Feb 21st o Parish Council Meeting @ 7pm

May the Lord’s blessings keep and protect you and your family, +Fr. Dimitri