Dear and faithful Orthodox Christians,
We have entered together into the sacred time of Holy Week, and begin to hear the Scripture readings and hymns of the holy Passion of Our Saviour. In the Matins of Holy Monday we chanted, “Our Saviour said to His Apostles along the way, ‘behold, we go up to Jerusalem, and the Son of man shall be delivered up, as it is written concerning Him.’ Come therefore, with minds purified, let us go with Him.”
Throughout Great Lent, having prepared ourselves through fasting, confession, almsgiving, prayers, and good works, we stand as the ten Virgins in the parable, watching intently for the Bridegroom who comes in the middle of the night. And so, each night of this week, let us keep Vigil in our homes, in our Churches, and in our hearts, patiently attending with prayer the coming of Our Lord. Let us keep watch, guarding ourselves, and together go up with Christ to Jerusalem commemorating His saving Passion, sacrifice upon the Cross, and holy Burial. That we may be found to be faithful servants, and that He may open to us the doors to enter the mystical Wedding Feast.
I would ask each of us to pray for one another, and for our beloved Metropolitan Andrew, that together we may experience a soul profiting Holy Week, receive enlightenment through the hearing of the Scriptures, and share together in the light of His holy Resurrection from the dead.
Metropolitan Andrew sends his love and episcopal blessing to all of us that we have a blessed Holy Week.
With prayers, in Christ,
Father Anthony