OBSERVING HOLY AND GREAT LENT
IN A TIME OF TRIAL FOR UKRAINE A Pastoral Reflection from the Orthodox Archdiocese of America As the Church enters the sacred season of Holy and Great Lent, we are reminded that the path of repentance, sacrifice, and prayer also calls us to remember those who suffer. In this time of conflict and hardship in Ukraine, the faithful are invited to unite their Lenten discipline with prayer for peace, justice, and the preservation of human life. 1. FASTING WITH COMPASSION The fast is not merely abstinence from food, but a turning of the heart toward God and toward our neighbor. During this Lent, we offer our fasting as an act of compassion for the people of Ukraine and for all who endure the sorrow of war. 2. REPENTANCE AND NATIONAL HEALING Lent calls every Christian to repentance. As we seek the healing of our own souls, we also pray for the healing of nations, asking that violence may cease and that truth and reconciliation may prevail. 3. SHARING IN THE CROSS The suffering of the innocent...
