The Lenten Spring Has Come

It is said that the Ancient Church lived from Pascha to Pascha. Pascha, as Easter is traditionally known among Eastern Christians, still lies at the center of the church year for Orthodox believers here in Central Kentucky. Part of what makes Pascha so special in the hearts and minds of Orthodox Christians is the incredible preparatory season leading up to Holy Week and Easter, known as Great Lent. The 40-day lenten fast, also known as the “Great Fast,” calls believers not only to fast and abstain from various foods, but also to lean in to deeper prayer, almsgiving, and acts of mercy. Moreover, Great Lent reminds Orthodox Christians of their supreme vocation to be people of prayer–both at home and in church. The full 2016 St. Athanasius Lenten Calendar features extended opportunities during Lent for divine services, retreat, and service.

Special lenten events to note (outside of the weekly Presanctified Liturgies on Wednesdays and Fridays and the weekend services): 

• March 13 (Sun), 5pm: Forgiveness Sunday Vespers
• March 14-18: Clean Week (1st Week of Lent)
• March 20 (Sun), 5pm: Pan-Orthodoxy Kentucky Triumph of Orthodoxy Vespers (hosted at St. Athanasius this year)
• March 24 & 25: Services for the Great Feast of the Annunciation
• March 26 (Sat): Pan-Orthodox Lenten Retreat with Fr. Michael Oleksa
• April 4-7: Youth Group Monastery Retreat in PA
• April 23: Lazarus Saturday services & activities
• April 24: Palm Sunday services
• April 25-30: Holy Week services & activities
• May 1: Great & Holy PASCHA services & picnic
• May 2: St. Athanasius Day (Paschal Liturgy & Celebration)