My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

It seems like we just celebrated the new year, yet an entire month has passed. The Triodion period this year begins on the second Sunday of the month. This is the liturgical period that prepares us for and carries us through the Great Fast which will begin on March 3. Keeping that in mind, it would be prudent of us to look to this preparation period and the upcoming fast, and consider how we approach it.

Allow me the opportunity to offer two suggestions. First, simplifying our life and looking to repentance would allow us the opportunity to place a greater emphasis on our walk through the Great Fast. By scaling back on the things that seem important in this world, we can focus on the things that are important for the world to come. St Isaac the Syrian writes, “This life has been given to you for repentance; do not waste it in vain pursuits.” Let us all take the first step in not wasting our life in vain pursuits by simplifying.

Second, so much emphasis during the Great Fast is centered around the intake of food. Fasting is far more than restricting our diet. We are called to attend the divine services specific to the fast period, increase the time we spend studying scripture and the fathers and even being more cognizant of our interactions with each other. St John Chrysostom offers the following: “You fast from food, but you allow yourself to listen to many vain and worldly things. You should also fast with your ears. You should fast from listening to things that people say about your brothers and sisters, to lies about others, especially gossip, rumors or harsh words that harm others. Besides fasting with your mouth, you must fast by not saying anything that could harm anyone else. After all, what good is it for you to abstain from meat if you devour your brother?”

As we approach the Triodion and the Great Fast, please consider the above offering. Simplify, seek repentance and participate in every aspect of the fast. Allow this fast period to become a new experience for the salvation of our souls.

May our Lord strengthen and guides us so we may truly be ready for His return.

In His Service,

+Fr. Mario