AN ORTHODOX ARCHEPISCOPAL BLESSING FOR THE BEGINNING OF LENT (MARCH 3RD)

Beloved Faithful in Christ, 

As we embark upon this holy season of Great Lent, I extend to you my archpastoral blessing, praying that the Lord will grant you strength in fasting, humility in repentance, constancy in prayer, and love unfeigned. May He bestow upon you an extra portion of longsuffering and patience, that you may endure all trials with the peace of Christ in your hearts. 

The Holy Church, in her wisdom, calls us now to ascetic labor, for as our Lord has taught us, "This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting" (Matthew 17:21). Let us, therefore, cleanse our hearts and minds, turning from sin and seeking the face of God, that we may be healed. Let us remember the words of the Psalmist: "Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me" (Psalm 51:10). And as we begin this fast, let us take to heart the admonition of St. John Chrysostom: 

"Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works! If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see an enemy, be reconciled to him. If you see a friend receiving honor, do not envy him. Let not the mouth only fast, but also the eye, and the ear, and the feet, and the hands, and all the members of our bodies."

Great Lent is the time of reconciliation, for as we chant in the Vespers of Forgiveness: "Let us begin the season of the Fast with rejoicing! Let us prepare ourselves for spiritual efforts! Let us purify our souls and cleanse our flesh! Let us abstain from every passion as we abstain from food, and let us rejoice in the virtues of the Spirit!" 

Therefore, my beloved flock, let us embrace this season not with gloom, but with joyful expectation, knowing that through the Cross we are led to the Resurrection. Let us fast not only from food, but from sin. Let us strive for meekness and patience, as the Apostle exhorts us: "Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). 

May the Lord, Who fasted in the wilderness for forty days, strengthen your resolve. May the Most Holy Theotokos intercede for you. And may the prayers of all the saints uphold you as you seek purity of heart and union with God. 

With paternal love and every blessing in Christ, 

Metropolitantan and Archbishop

++Rogelio of Manila and Luzon

The Holy Orthodox Catholic and Apostolic Church in the Philippines