GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF THE JOURNEY BEGINS: TORONTO (CANADA): YOUTH THE LENTEN TRIODION DEPARTMENT

Table of Contents: Μή προσευξώµεθα Φαρισαϊκώς, αδελφοί... Dear Brothers and Sisters in proud; in humility, he returned We must also remember the Before the Triodion: 2 Christ, to his home after he realized other important aspect of his sin. So, too, we must not be Cheesefare Sunday: the exile from Sunday of the “Brethren, let us not pray proud, but return to our Paradise. The importance of Canaanite Woman like the Pharisee, for those home, the Church, and seek Christ’s preaching is that evil can who exalt themselves will be Sunday of the Publi- 2 our Father in Heaven to wel- not dissolve, except by fasting and humbled. Let us be humbled can and Pharisee prayer. In the way Adam and Eve before God through fasting come us back to the fold. disobeyed God’s order, we do like the Tax Collector, as we Sunday of the Prodi- 2 The Final Judgment is Meat- the same also by our actions. cry aloud, ‘God, forgive us gal Son fare Sunday’s theme, since and fasting is not a sinners.” the Fathers of the Church custom that we decide to invoke Meatfare/Judgment 3 want to stress Christ’s com- during the weeks leading up to With this first hymn of the Pub- Sunday mand of, “…as you did it to Pascha; rather, it is a time to pray lican and Pharisee, we begin one of the least of these My more fervently through the won- Cheesefare/ 3 the journey to Pascha and our brethren, you did it to derful services of our Church Forgiveness Lord’s Resurrection. Our Me.” (Mth. 25:40) We are all (such as the Liturgy of the Presancti- Sunday Church prepares us in such a made in the Image of God. fied Gifts, Great Compline and the way as to greet our Lord’s Res- When we are merciful, in any Clean Monday 3 urrection with our spiritual Salutations to the Theotokos). way, this will help us to be world changing for the better. It closer to Christ. We will have May the Triodion’s prayers, ser- First Sunday of Lent 4 gives us the humility of the tax vices, and the retreats our De- collector, the repentance of the served Him. Second Sunday of partment is planning bring us all 4 prodigal son, the thoughts of the Cheesefare Sunday has the closer to the Lord, to realize His Lent Last Judgment, and the rule of theme of fasting. Our Lord, sufferings, to praise His sacrifice, Third Sunday of Lent 4 fasting. once again, says it clearly: and to glorify His Resurrection. “When you fast, do not look The Church instructs us to re- Glory be to Jesus Christ! dismal, like the hypocrites…. pent during the entire year, es- Fourth Sunday of 5 But when you fast, anoint your pecially in this time of fasting. In Christ, Lent head and wash your face, that When you repent, you ‘change your fasting may not be seen by Fr. Theo Drakos & your mind’ about your life. You Fifth Sunday of Lent 5 men but by your Father who is in change from your sinful ways to Mr. Tim Prattas secret; and your Father who Special Services I: 5 a new path of love and forgive- sees in secret will reward Liturgy of the Pre- ness. The repentance of the you.” (Mth. 6:16-18) Youth Directors sanctified Gifts Prodigal Son is what we must be able to imitate. He was not Special Services 2: 6 Great Compline What is the Triodion? Special Services 3: 6 Salutations to the The Triodion is a liturgical The Triodion gets its name or Saint). They usually book of our Church. It is from a part of the morning have 8 odes (i.e., eight sets Theotokos used by the clergy, chant- service of of hymns). However, in We’re here...Holy 7 ers and faithful from the (Όρθρος). Mid-way the Lenten period, there Week Sunday of the Publican through Matins, the chant- are only three sets of odes; and Pharisee until Holy ers and people begin because of the three odes Prayers of the Tri- 7 Saturday morning of Holy chanting the (or τρείς ωδές) the book odion Week. (various hymns that are took on the name Icons of the Trio- 8 chanted about the feastday “Triodion”. dion Page 2 The journey begins: THE LENTEN TRIODION

Before the Triodion: Sunday of the Canaanite Woman

A mother’s love knows no sessed by a demon. The Jesus remarked at how bounds: these words are so disciples were getting an- great her faith was, and true in this Biblical passage noyed with her, and asked healed her daughter. Jesus to send her away. Je- we hear today. As we begin our journey sus first told her that He Jesus was walking through into Great Lent, we should was sent for the “lost sheep the region of Tyre and Si- have the strong faith of this of the house of Israel”, and don, when a Canaanite Canaanite woman: she was then proceeded to tell her, woman approached him. ridiculed and tested, yet “It is not fair to take the Canaanites were pagans, showed that she was wor- children’s bread and throw and believed in many gods. it to the dogs.” Jesus tested thy of a heavenly blessing. This Canaanite woman had her faith, and she proved so Christ shows us that everyone Biblical Readings: a daughter that was very humble and worthy of a is welcome in His Kingdom, sick, and had probably heard miracle with her response: not only a specific group of : about Christ and His won- “Yes, Lord, yet even the people. Let’s do what we can 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 ders. She asks Him to have dogs eat the crumbs that fall this Great Lent to bring people : Matthew 15:21-28 mercy on her and her from their Master’s table.” daughter, who was pos- close to the Lord. Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee The Sunday of the Publican pentance to me, O Giver of the people. God wants us and the Pharisee is the offi- Life, for my spirit rises early in during this Lenten period cial start of the Triodion pe- the morning to your holy tem- (and all times, of course) to riod. This Sunday is when ple, bearing a temple of the ask repentance not only our liturgical life begins to body all defiled. But as you are from the lips of our mouth, change a bit: new hymns of full of pity, cleanse it by your but from the lips of our repentance are introduced, compassionate mercy. hearts; if we do this, Christ to make everyone aware Of course, the Sunday is tells us the reward: “those that we are now “walking about true faith. The Publi- who are humble will be ex- with Christ” to His Passion can showed his true faith by alted.” Biblical Readings: and Resurrection. asking sincerely repentance This week, to prepare us for The main Sunday Matins for his sins. The Publican, the fast of Great Lent, there is Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-15 Gospel: Luke 18:9-14 hymn of the Triodion begins however, only asked no fasting at all. today: Open the gates of re- “repentance” for the eyes of Sunday of the Prodigal Son The Sunday of the Prodigal This parable, other than be- the hymnographer: “I have Son calls to mind the recur- ing one to teach morality, is foolishly run away, O Father, ring theme during Lent: re- also an eschatological par- from your glory; I have squan- pentance. This particular able (i.e. talking about our dered in evil deeds the riches Sunday is dedicated to the journey to Heaven, much like you entrusted to me; therefore I famous Parable of the Prodi- last week’s parable). This par- offer you the words of the Prodi- gal Son found in St. Luke’s able shows us that, if we re- gal Son: I have sinned before Gospel. It was about a son pent truly for our sins, God you...take me now repentant who squandered the fortune will welcome us into His and make me as one of your of his father on things of ill- loving embrace once again. hired servants.” Remember repute, only to repent for his We are all welcomed into that our sins might be Biblical Readings: sins and be welcomed back His Kingdom, no matter how great, but His Love is so lovingly by his father (as the many times we sin; however, much greater. Epistle: father of the parable told his we must ask for His forgive- Regular fasting is resumed this 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 other son, “your brother was ness and love when we fall week. Gospel: Luke 15:11-32 dead and now is alive”). into sin. Let us cry to God as Page 3

Judgment Sunday: Meatfare Sunday

On this Sunday, we call to clothed me, I was sick and you thirst, etc.). mind something that has not visited me, I was in prison and This Sunday is a great way that even happened yet: the Second you came to me.'“ the Church makes us think Coming of Christ. Entrance into the Kingdom of about our spiritual life. Let’s be Our Lord has promised us God is something that requires sure to remember that the that He will come again, “to we be 100% committed to Second Coming will come as a judge the living and the dead, Him. Our Lord is a loving God “thief in the night”, so we and His Kingdom will have no who awaits us to enter His should always be ready for our end” (from the Nicene Creed). loving embrace. Yet, the gift of Lord’s coming to earth. We call to mind the “criteria” free will gives humanity the Judgment Sunday is also called of our entrance into Paradise, choice of entrance into “Meatfare Sunday” because it is as our Lord said in today’s Heaven. The people who did the last Sunday, according to the Biblical Readings: Gospel: “I was hungry and you not enter with Christ into fasting canons, that the faithful gave me food, I was thirsty and Heaven were those who did eat meat before . During Epistle: you gave me drink, I was a not follow His commands (they the following week, we do not 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2 stranger and you welcomed didn’t clothe the naked, feed fast on Wednesday and Friday Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46 me, I was naked and you the hungry, give drink to the (except for meat, of course).

Forgiveness Sunday: Cheesefare Sunday People tend to just make it about one another: Adam blamed Because God was (and is) will- eating an apple… yet, it’s so Eve, and Eve blamed the ing to forgive us of our tres- much more than that. Forgive- snake. Because they didn’t passes and sins, and did that ness Sunday is the day the want to submit to God and finally with His Crucifixion and Church remembers the disobe- be united with Him, He chose Resurrection, the Church de- dience and expulsion of Adam to let them go: they were cided to have this Sunday dedi- and Eve in the Garden of Eden. thus expelled from Paradise. cated not only to the disobedi- The disobedience was not fol- In His love for humankind, ence of Adam and Eve, but to lowing God’s command of not though, God could not see their forgiveness. We should eating from the Tree of Knowl- them (and us) being under remember that fasting and re- edge. The sin was not a matter the tyranny of the devil. pentance are two great steps of of eating an apple, or whatever That’s why He came in the Great Lent, so whoever par- Biblical Readings: fruit it might have been: the sin flesh to save us (as a prayer takes of those is one step closer was going against God’s com- says, “we confess the grace, to Christ and His Kingdom. Epistle: mand. What made it worse was we proclaim the mercy, we Romans 13:11-14:4 that Adam and Eve never asked do not conceal the benefi- Note: Last day of cheese products Gospel: forgiveness! They tried to blame cence!”) before Easter. Matthew 6:1-13

Clean Monday Clean Monday (Καθαρά ∆ευτέρα) begins with the Vespers of Forgiveness (held on Cheesefare Sunday evening). This Vespers service is a little different from most, with certain prayers being said at the end. They include the Prayer of the Προεστώς and the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian (see page 7). After these prayers, a very beautiful liturgical custom takes place. Starting from the highest ranking cleric to the last person in Church, everyone passes by and greets each other. They ask forgiveness from each other in preparation for Great Lent. This “greeting” is a wonderful way to begin Great Lent, in the spirit of forgiveness and Christian love.

Clean Monday is the first full day of fasting. It is a custom of certain monasteries and people to fast from everything (except water) for the first 3 days of Great Lent, to commune during the first Liturgy “Lord of the Powers, be of the Presanctified Gifts. It is important to note that fasting for each person is determined by their with us! For in times of spiritual father. Fasting and our participation in the services are ways for us to get closer to God. distress, we have no other help but You. On this night, Greek Orthodox Christians also participate in the “Koulouma” fellowship meal after the first Lord of the Powers, Compline service. have mercy on us!” Page 4 The journey begins: THE LENTEN TRIODION

1st Sunday of Lent: Sunday of Orthodoxy

The 1st Sunday of Lent is The Church declared this a To commemorate this great dedicated to something that heresy because Holy Com- day, Churches across the is close to our hearts: our munion is not a symbol, but world have a special service Orthodox Church! Spe- is the actual Body and that takes place at the end of cifically, it’s dedicated to the Blood of Christ! When a the Divine Liturgy. The Altar times where the Church person kisses an icon or the Boys and various others defeated iconoclasm. The Cross, they do not worship process around the Church heresy of iconoclasm was them, but venerate them (in with icons, showing that one started by Emperor Leo other words, show them “this is the Faith of the the Assyrian, which said that respect). The 7th Ecumenical Apostles! This is the Biblical Readings: icons should not be allowed Council, held in Nicaea, Faith of the Fathers! This in Churches. Iconoclasts declared that it is honorable is the Faith of the Ortho- Epistle: destroyed all kinds of icons, and right to declare our dox! This is the Faith on Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40 and said that Holy Com- Faith in such a way, depict- which has established the Gospel: John 1:43-51 munion and the Cross were ing our Lord, the Theotokos Universe!” May God bless the only valid kinds of icons. and the Saints in icons. our Church always!

2nd Sunday of Lent: St. Gregory Palamas

The city of Thessaloniki is ated, but the uncreated en- chief defenders at a time known for its many Saints. ergies of God are poured where heresy was threaten- One of them, the one to out throughout creation; ing the Church. whom the Cathedral is dedi- otherwise, humanity could We also read the Gospel of cated to, is celebrated this never have authentic com- Christ healing and forgiving the Sunday. St. Gregory Palamas munication with God. He sins of the paralytic. We see in was Archbishop of Thessa- reposed in the Lord in 1359. this Gospel reading that Christ loniki in the 14th century, As we celebrated the Sun- is not only a man, but the Biblical Readings: and defended the Faith day of Orthodoxy last week, God-Man who came to save against Barlaam the the Church decided to cele- us from corruption. He is the Epistle: Calabrian (who was against brate the memory of a man one to forgive our sins, and to Hebrews 1:10-2:3 monasticism). He taught who was dedicated to the bring us back to Paradise. Gospel: Mark 2:1-12 that divine grace is not cre- Faith and was one of its

3rd Sunday of Lent: Sunday of the Holy Cross In the middle of Great Lent, my sake and the gospel's Cross when the procession is the Church gives its faithful a will save it. For what finished: “Lord, save Your sign of victory, one that can does it profit a man, to people and bless Your in- bring strength to them in gain the whole world and heritance. Grant victory to this time of fasting. The forfeit his life?" our rulers over the enemy, Sunday of the Holy With us “bearing our and protect Your common- Cross is one that brings crosses” during Great Lent, wealth by the might of everything into perspective, we also come to venerate Your cross!” especially with the Gospel the Holy Cross of the Lord At the end of the Liturgy, the reading, the Lord saying to on this day. After the Doxol- Priest will give out the flowers all His disciples: ogy (or, in some Churches, by the Holy Cross to the peo- "If anyone wishes to at the end of the Divine Lit- ple as a blessing. Biblical Readings: come after me, let him urgy), the Priest and Altar Because of the commemoration of deny himself and take up Boys will process with the the Holy Cross today, the hymns are Epistle: his cross and follow me. Holy Cross (surrounded by much more happy, having a hint of Hebrews 4:14-5:6 For whoever would save beautiful flowers) in the “Resurrection” in them (e.g. the Gospel: his life will lose it; and Church. The entire Church Katavasies of the day sound like the Mark 8:34-38, 9:1 whoever loses his life for will chant the hymn of the Katavasies of Easter). Page 5

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

Many of our Saints, from the closer to God, and symbolically ways, each with the same re- time they were born to the climb to heaven. He had strug- sult. From praying and fasting, time they fell asleep in the Lord, gles, like any person does, but to going to Sunday School and lived lives that were dedicated he won over those struggles reading our Bibles, to going for to God. One of those Saints that the Devil put for him. Holy Communion every Sun- includes St. John “of the Lad- That’s why we celebrate his day, it’s about saying in our der”, who is commemorated on memory on this Sunday of own way, “thank you God the 4th Sunday of Lent. Lent: St. John is a perfect exam- for me waking up; for com- ple of how a person could be ing to Church; for my en- St. John St. John “of the Ladder” faithful all of their life, and be tire family; for my friends; was only 16 years old when he together with God in the King- for my teachers; that I have left Palestine and went to St. food and drink; that I have Biblical Readings: Catherine’s monastery (at Mt. dom of Heaven. His prayer and fasting got him so many people that care Sinai, Egypt). He lived there for closer to God, and had him to for me; thank you that I Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20 50 years, where he wrote his realize that love of God that have You to care for me, so Gospel: Mark 9:17-31 famous book, “The Ladder of only those together with God that You may guide me Divine Ascent”. This is a “spiritual can feel. Getting closer to God throughout my life, so I ladder”; Christians follow cer- can be done so many different tain rules so that they can get may enter Your Kingdom.” 5th Sunday of Lent: St. Mary of Egypt

When people think of Saints, the Being from Egypt, she decided ion, and then went to the desert majority see them as St. John “of that she wanted to see the to live for years in repentance. the Ladder” : a Saint is someone Holy Land and the Tomb of Years after, she was visited by a that is together with God all of Christ (also known as the Priest-monk, Zosimas (later a their lives, incapable of sin. Yet, Church of the Holy Sepulchre). As Saint in our Church). He gave they are so misguided. Saints are she went to enter the Church, her Holy Communion, and they regular human beings with pas- a force kept her outside. She discussed her trials and tribula- sions, that sinned throughout was unable to enter, while so tions. Although she suffered their lives. We see the same many others did. She realized much, she was so happy to be thing with St. Mary of Egypt, the that God had done this to have with Christ. Later that same Biblical Readings: Saint we commemorate on the her stop her sinning. She prom- day, she fell asleep in the Lord. 5th Sunday of Lent. ised to God that day she would Moral of today’s Sunday: It’s Epistle: St. Mary of Egypt was anything stop. She repented with a pure never too late to be reunited Hebrews 9:11-14 but a Saint throughout the first heart, and she was allowed to with God. He wants us to be in Gospel: Mark 10:32-45 part of her life. From a very enter. She went for Confes- His Loving Embrace. He will for- young age, she was a prostitute. sion, received Holy Commun- give us… all we have to do is ask.

Special Services 1: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

During Great Lent, it is a rule of Liturgies during Great Lent are service. the Church that Divine Liturgies on Sundays (the Liturgy of St. This service, called the “Liturgy can not be held during the week. Basil the Great), on Saturday of the Presanctified Gifts” is A lot of people wonder why that (the Liturgy of St. John Chry- done during the time of Ves- is… sostom), and on the feastday of pers. Firstly, it is a Vespers Well, if the Divine Liturgy is the Annunciation (March 25th). service until the two readings supposed to be a happy occa- However, since the Church finish; after that, we read Com- sion (celebrating the Resurrec- sees it important for its faithful munion prayers and the faithful tion of our Lord Jesus Christ), to participate in the Sacrament receive Christ at the appropri- and Great Lent is a time of of Holy Communion as often ate time (just like at Liturgy). χαρµολύπη (“joyous sorrow”), as possible, it created a This Liturgy is usually cele- “Let my prayer rise as when the faithful are awaiting “Liturgy” with consecrated brated on Wednesdays in our incense before You, our Lord’s Passion, it is not Bread and Wine (i.e. it’s all Churches (and, in some the lifting up of my seen as “” to celebrate ready the Body and Blood of Churches, also on Fridays). The hands as an evening during a time of sorrow. Christ, taken from the past last Presanctified Liturgy of the sacrifice!” The only time when the Sunday’s Liturgy), to be given year is celebrated on Holy (Psalm 140:2) Church would celebrate Divine to the people during a night Wednesday. Page 6 The journey begins: THE LENTEN TRIODION

Special Services 2: Great Compline

Compline service is a The Service of Great hymn of the evening: service which is held at Compline is a service Lord of the Powers, be the end of the day. It that has many beloved with us! For in times of takes place after dinner hymns and prayers of distress, we have no other (hence the Greek name Great Lent. This service help but You! Lord of the of the service, is called Great Compline Powers, have mercy on us! Απόδειπνος). Any other because it is longer… It is a great way to keep time of the year, people much longer (where our fast in perspective, and hold the Office of Small Small Compline is about to ask for God’s great Compline. Since it is the 15-20 minutes, this ser- mercy in this time of spiri- He who dwells in the end of the day, it deals vice is approximately 1 secret place of the Most tual struggle. High shall abide under with thanking God for hour). The theology in This service is usually the shadow of the Al- the day that passed, and the prayers and hymns, chanted in monasteries every mighty. I will say of the to ask Him for help dur- however, is fantastic. The evening. In the parishes, it is Lord, “He is my refuge ing the coming night, so contents of this service usually chanted on the first and my fortress; my God are about the same as in Him I will trust.” that all temptation might day of Great Lent, Clean - Excerpts of Psalm 91, read be averted from the peo- Small Compline, with a Monday; other than that, during Great Compline ple, and that they might stress on the theme of every parish usually has set rise to praise His Name repentance (µετάνοια, days of the week that it is again. In Lent, though, “changing one’s mind”) celebrated on.. things are a little differ- and salvation. This is defi- ent. nitely shown in the main

Special Services 3: Salutations to the Theotokos The first 5 Fridays of Great Constantinople safe from Each stasis deals with some- Lent are marked with a very the invaders), the people did thing unique. The first deals beloved service of the Or- not sit during the service. with the Annunciation of the thodox faithful, dedicated to This Canon speaks of the Theotokos, and her concep- the Theotokos. The Saluta- Mother of God as the “living tion of Christ. The second tions of the Theotokos, to- and abundant fountain”, our one deals with the Birth of gether with a supplicatory “Mother and Queen”, and Christ, and the events sur- canon (a group of like- the “Virgin Bride of God”. rounding that event. The third sounding hymns), are incor- In the canon, the first 2 deals with the New Creation porated to the Small Com- hymns begin with the fa- and how we lift our minds to pline service (this is the only mous, “Υπεραγία Θεοτόκε, the Omnipresent God. The time of the week the Small σώσον ηµάς”, or “O Holy fourth deals with the Theoto- Τη Υπερμάχω στρατηγώ Compline is officiated). If we Mother of God, intercede kos being our protector, and τα νικητήρια, Ως wanted to get to know the for us.” The climax of the how we are unable to praise λυτρωθείσα των δεινών Mother of God a little bet- service takes place when the God sufficiently for the bless- ευχαριστήρια, ter, all we have to do is Bishop or Priest comes and ings He has given us. Αναγράφω Σοι η Πόλις listen to the hymns of this recites the “Salutations” (or No one knows who exactly Σου, Θεοτόκε. Αλλ’ώς service—it’s like her biogra- Χαιρετισµοί) in front of the wrote the , but one έχουσα το κράτος phy, “in poem form”. icon of the Theotokos thing is for sure: it is a won- απροσμάχητον, Εκ This service is also called (placed on the soleas of the derful way to give honor to παντοίων με κινδύνων the “Akathist Church). On the first 4 Fri- our Lord’s Mother, and (by ελευθέρωσον. Ίνα Hymn” ( Ακάθιστος days, each respective stasis grace) our Mother. κράζω Σοι, Χαίρε Νύμφη Ύµνος), because when it (or section) is recited, while Every stanza starts with the Ανύμφευτε. (Κοντάκιον) was written (as thanks to the entire Akathist Hymn is Archangel Gabriel’s greeting, God for keeping the City of recited on the fifth Friday. “Rejoice!” («Χαίρε»). Page 7

“We’re Here…”: The walk of Great Lent plan of salvation will almost prepare to receive Him as comes to a close with the be brought to fruition. the One who destroyed services of Lazarus Satur- death and the Devil with day. From these services, Holy Week in Greek is His awesome Resurrection. we can tell that we have called Μεγάλη Εβδοµάδα, Let us not betray Him, but approached the end of this meaning “Great Week.” be like the myrrh-bearing very long journey, together It’s not called this because women, to risk everything with Christ. The following it has more hours or days to get to Him and hear the day, , will be than any other week of the good news that “Christ is year, but because of the marked with the cries of Risen!” “Hosanna in the Highest! salvific events to take place Blessed is He who comes in then. Holy Week is marked with strict «Ιδού, ο Νυµφίος έρχεται εν the Name of the Lord!” fasting, so we may show our τω µέσω της νυκτός, και Let us, then, prepare our- “joyful sorrow” (joyful, because µακάριος ο δούλος ον from the people of Jerusa- selves to receive our Lord our Lord will be resurrected; sor- ευρήσει γρηγορούντα...» lem; only a few days later, as the Crucified One for row, because He will die inno- - Hymn from the the same people will cry, our souls, because He was cently, to save our souls). Nymphios Service “Crucify Him!” and the crucified for us all. Let us

Prayers of the Triodion Prayers during Matins From nightfall my spirit is awake for you, O God, for your commands are light upon the earth. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Learn justice, inhabitants of the earth. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Jealousy will seize an untaught people, and now fire devours their adversar- ies. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia. Bring evils upon them, O Lord, bring evils upon them, the glorious ones of the earth. Alleluia, Alleluia, Alleluia.

Main Prayer of the Great Compline 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.

Prayers during Vespers and Matins Heavenly King, establish our rulers: strengthen the faith: calm the nations: make the world peaceful: guard well this holy church: assign our brothers and sisters who have gone before us to the tents of the righteous, and accept us in repentance and confession, as you are good and love mankind.

The Prayer of Saint Ephraim The Syrian Lord and Master of my life, do not give me a spirit of sloth, idle curiosity, love of power and useless chatter. Rather accord to me, your servant, a spirit of sobriety, humility, patience and love. Yes, Lord and King, grant me to see my own faults and not to condemn my brother; for you are blessed to the ages of ages. Amen. Icons of the Triodion

GREEK ORTHODOX Κυριακή της Χαναναίας (πρό του METROPOLIS OF Τριωδίου) TORONTO Sunday of the Canaanite Woman (CANADA): (before the Triodion) YOUTH DEPARTMENT Κυριακή της Ορθοδοξίας (1η Κυριακή των Νηστειών) 1 Patriarch Bartholomew Way Sunday of Orthodoxy Toronto, Ontario M4H 1C6 (1st Sunday of Lent) Phone: 416-429-5757 Fax: 416-429-4588 E-mail: [email protected] Κυριακή του Τελώνου και Φαρισαίου Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee

Αγ. Γρηγόριος Παλαµάς (2η Κυριακή των Νηστειών) St. Gregory Palamas (2nd Sunday of Go to our Website for Lent) more Information! www.gocanada.org/ Youth Κυριακή του Ασώτου Υιού Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Κυριακή της Σταυροπροσκυνήσεως (3η Κυριακή των Νηστειών) Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross (3rd Sunday of Lent)

Κυριακή της Κρίσεως (Απόκρεω) Judgment Sunday (Meatfare)

Αγ. Ιωάννης Κλήµακος - (4η Κυριακή των Νηστειών) St. (4th Sun- day of Lent)

Κυριακή της Συγχωρήσεως (Τυροφάγου) Forgiveness Sunday (Cheesefare)

Αγ. Μαρία η Αιγυπτία (5η Κυριακή των Νηστειών) St. Mary of Egypt (5th Sunday of Lent)