Dear Brothers and Sisters,
We joyfully remind you that on Monday, April 7, the Holy Church celebrates one of the Twelve Great Feasts—the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos. This day is dedicated to remembering that blessed moment when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary and announced the joyful news: She would become the mother of the Savior of the world, our Lord Jesus Christ.
The Annunciation is a feast that symbolizes the meeting of Heaven and Earth, marking the beginning of the fulfillment of God’s promise of the salvation of humanity. This day commemorates a pivotal moment in the history of our faith, a symbol of obedience and faith of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary, who humbly accepted the will of God, responding, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."
On this blessed day, we call on all of you to join the service in our church. The Divine Liturgy will begin at 9 AM. We invite each of you to experience the joy and grace of this festival.
We await you to together raise prayers and thanks to our Heavenly Father for His immeasurable gifts and His ceaseless love for us. May this feast remind us of the greatness of God's plan and of our calling to be a light to this world.
Fifth Sunday of Great Lent
St. Mary of Egypt
The sinful woman, upon hearing that the Saviour was in the house of Simon, came there with an alabaster box of ointment. Moving toward the feet of the Lord from behind Him, she started to cry and washed His feet with her tears, then w
iped them with her hair, kissed them and anointed them with myrrh (cf. Luke 7:36–39). She did not say anything; she only acted, and through her actions revealed a most tender love for the Lord. Because of this it was spoken of her: Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much (Luke 7:47). Oh, when will we talk less and act more, and through our actions witness our love for the Lord? You might say, “If He were here I would be ready now to do all for Him.” But He is here, invisible in His person, but visible in all Christians, most of all in the needy. Anoint the invisible Lord with loving prayer of the heart and mind; and, for His sake, do everything possible for the needy, and you will be doing this for God.
St. Theophan the Recluse
