Third Sunday of Great Lent
Veneration of the Holy Cross
Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me (Mark 8:34). It is impossible to follow the Lord as a crossbearer without a cross, and everyone who follows Him, unfailingly goes with a cross.
What is this cross? It is all sorts of inconveniences, burdens and sorrows—weighing heavily both internally and externally—along the path of conscientious fulfillment of the commandments of the Lord, in a life according to the spirit of His instructions and demands.
Such a cross is so much a part of a Christian that wherever there is a Christian, there is this cross, and where there is no such cross, there is no Christian. Abundant privileges and a life of pleasure do not suit a true Christian. His task is to cleanse and reform himself.
He is like a sick person, who needs cauterization, or amputation; how can this be without pain? He wants to tear himself away from the captivity of a strong enemy; but how can this be without struggle and wounds?
He must walk counter to all practices surrounding him; but how can he sustain this without inconvenience and constraint? Rejoice as you feel the cross upon yourself, for it is a sign that you are following the Lord on the path of salvation which leads to heaven. Endure a bit. The end is just around the corner, as well as the crowns!
St. Theophan the Recluse
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Great Lent is a time of profound spiritual purification, repentance, and renewal. One of the most important sacraments to which the Church calls the faithful during this period is the Sacrament of Holy Unction (Anointing with Oil). It was instituted for the healing of both soul and body and serves as an expression of God's mercy toward humanity.
What is the Sacrament of Holy Unction?
Holy Unction is administered to Christians for the healing of bodily and spiritual infirmities. During the service, priests offer special prayers and anoint the faithful with consecrated oil, invoking the grace of the Holy Spirit. This sacrament is based on the words of Holy Scripture: "Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they will be forgiven" (James 5:14-15).
Thus, Holy Unction is not only for physical healing but also for the remission of forgotten or unintentional sins, which may weigh upon the soul.
Why is Holy Unction especially important during Great Lent?
✔ Spiritual purification and repentance – This sacrament helps prepare for Confession and Communion, freeing the soul from sins that may have been forgotten.
✔ Healing of soul and body – Great Lent is a time of struggle against temptations, weaknesses, and illnesses, and the Church offers Holy Unction as a source of divine grace and support.
✔ Strengthening of faith – The prayers and grace of this sacrament bring comfort, inner peace, and strengthen the faithful in their Lenten journey.
Great Lent is a special path leading to the radiant Resurrection of Christ. The Church invites everyone to walk this path not only through fasting and prayer but also by participating in the salvific Sacraments. By receiving Holy Unction, we partake of God's grace, experience spiritual renewal, and strengthen our communion with Christ.
In our church, the Sacrament of Holy Unction will take place on the Feast of the 40 Martyrs of Sebaste, March 22, right after the Divine Liturgy.
We invite all who wish to participate with faith and prayer!
