My Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

In the blink of an eye, we have entered the second month of this calendar year. We have been spared, to date, from both a brutally cold and snow filled winter. The days are growing longer as we look toward a change in season. This year, the beginning of the second month of the year marks the beginning of the Triodion period in the life of the the Church.

The Triodion is the pre-Lenten period, beginning February 1, marking our preparation for the Great Fast. We are given this opportunity to step back and evaluate how we intend to participate in the Fast for our spiritual benefit. As the seasons change, so is this period a change in season which will ultimately lead us to the event that opens to us the doors of Paradise.

St Porphyrios offers insight on how we might look at this season change. “Make a new start every day with new resolutions, new enthusiasm and love, prayer and silence.” His admonition is a blueprint not only leading us to Great Lent, but one that is intended to be followed throughout the Fast.

Adding to this season change, on February 23 we will begin our journey to Pascha with the beginning of the Fast. When we consider this journey, the words of St John Chrysostom prove beneficial: “Do you fast? Give me proof of it by your works. If you see a poor man, take pity on him. If you see a friend being honored, do not envy him. Do not let only your mouth fast, but also the eye and the ear and the feet and the hands and all the members of our bodies.”

As we embark of this change of seasons and our journey, I pray the words of these Saints be embedded within us to encourage our recognition of the profound importance of this time for our spiritual growth. May our Loving Lord guide us to every good thing that leads us to Him and our salvation.

In His Service,

+Fr. Mario