“Blessed is the serv-ant whom He shall find watching; but unworthy is he whom he shall find heedless.”

These words that come to us from the service of theBridegroom Matins remind us, not only that our Savior will one day return to us, but that we must prepare for His coming.

How can we adequatelyprepare for such an eventwhile living in a world that constantly encourages and tempts us to say to ourselves: "Not today...lifehas gotten in the way of Church?" Will it be of any suprise to us, and will we even notice when the cry rings out saying:

Behold, the Bride-groom comes in the middle of the night?

Better yet, what about the current invitation of our Lord:

Come to me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Matt 11:28)

Our Lord has given us salvation through His own life, death, and res-urrection. Although we do not need further proof of His love, He provides us with it time and time again for the reason that He wants nothing more than for us to come to Him with faith, and with love!

As we prepare for Hiscoming, may we strive withevery breath of life that He has given us until we experience the one perfect Pascha together in His Kingdom.

The Lenten Triodion

Before we celebrate Pascha, and before Great Lent even begins, we must prepare ourselves during the period of time that is referred to as the Lenten Triodion. The Gospel lessons for each Sunday not only provide us with an introduction to the virtues that we must practice in our lives, but an opportunity to reflect on whether or not we are living our lives in a way that pleases God.

The First Sunday of the Triodion commemorates the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke 18:9-14). The arrogant and accusatory prayers of the Pharisee in contrast to that of the Publican re-mind us to prepare for the Lord’s resurrection with humility.

The following Sunday calls to mind the theme of repentance in the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) who in com-ing to his senses, re-turned to his loving

father who loves us all unconditionally.

Charity is the theme of Judgement Sunday (Matt 25:31-46) “As you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.” (25:40) If we are all made in the Im-age of God, then we come closer to Him by helping one another!

Forgiveness Sunday (Matt. 6:14-21) is the final Sunday of the Tri-odion period. On that same evening as Great Lent begins with Clean Monday, a special ser-vice is held after Vespers where we line up and forgive one other.

What better pre-condition can there be, not only to receive God’s forgiveness, but to begin Great Lent!

The Lenten Triodion 1

The Publican &

Pharisee

2

The Prodigal Son 2

Judgment Sunday 3

Forgiveness Sunday 3

Sunday of Orthodoxy 4

St. Gregory Palamas 4

Sunday of the Holy 5

St. John Climacus 5

St. Mary of Egypt 6

Presanctified Liturgy 6

Great Compline 7

Akathist Hymn 7

Holy Week is Coming! 8

Inside this issue:

The Prayer of Saint Ephraim The Syrian

O Lord and Master of my life!

Take from me the spirit of sloth, faint-heartedness, lust for power, and idle talk.

But rather give me your servant the spirit of chastity, humility, pa-tience, and love.

Yes, Lord and King! Grant me to see my own errors and not to judge my brother, for You art blessed unto ages of ages. Amen.

~GREAT LENT~

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Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

This parable tells us about the prodigal son and the unconditional love of the father. God who is our Father also loves us unconditionally. Like the prodigal son, we often turn from God.The only way back is to return with with humble repentance.Repentance is a turning from sin and turning toward God. However, we must first see ourselves as we are.

While a great deal is often said about the prodigal son and his fa-ther in the parable, we often forget about his brother. He is much like the Pharisee that we read about last week who instead of re-flecting on himself, choses to dwell on the sins of his brother.

Dwelling on the sins of others is very dangerous. It leads to resentment which in turn distracts us from our own repentence. We should never forget that God’s love prevails over theboundaries that we place on ourselves and on one another.

Readings

Epistle: 2 Timothy 3:10-15

Gospel: Luke 18:9-14

In order to help prepare for the Great

Fast, there is no fasting this week!

The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee provides us with amessage that is both simple and powerful! If pride is the most dangerous sin, than Humility is laid before us as the first and most important virtue for our journey to heaven. We must also call upon God for His mercy and remain watchful that any spiritual gains we experience are by His grace and love.

The passage also tells us that Jesus shared this parable for those who trusted in solely themselves, their social status, or in their ac-complishments.

As followers of Jesus Christ, our fulfillment can only be found by being obedient to Him. This means that we are called not to beobedient to our own will but to God's will for our lives.

Obedience must coincide with humility. This is especially importantto remember as we live in a world that views humility as a sign of weakness. On the contrary; if we humble ourselves before God and surrender our will to His, we will experience true strength!

After all, If we are to prepare for the resurrection of Christ, and to rise with Him on the last day, we must do everything possible in order to be exalted by God remembering that “those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted!” (Matt 23:12; Luke 14:11)

Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Readings

1 Corinthians 6:12-20

Gospel: Luke 15:11-32

Regular Fasting is resumed for

this week

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Judgment Sunday: Meatfare Sunday

If obedience leads to humility, and humility to our being exalted by God, then pride leads to our being expelled from His presence. For this reason, Forgiveness Sunday is a time for us to remember the disobedience, and expulsion of Adam and Eve from paradise. The sin of the first couple was not necessarily eating the fruit of the tree. Instead it was through their disobedience that sin and death entered the world. And, to make matters worse, they didn’t ask for forgiveness from God or from each other!

This lesson on forgiveness comes the day before Clean Monday, the first day of Great Lent. We must forgive one another! Why else would God say so? May we ask the Lord to "forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us." Our Lord made it very clear that forgiving others is a pre-condition to receiving His forgiveness. It’s also the proper way to begin Great Lent!

Clean Monday Clean Monday begins with Forgiveness Vespers (held on Sunday evening). This service includes prayers that are specific to the beginning of Lent as well as the Prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian. After this takes place, from the highest ranking cleric to the last

person in Church, everyone passes by, greeting one another, asking

for forgiveness from each other. At this point Great Lent has begun!

Readings

Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:8-9:2

Gospel: Matthew 25:31-46

Start cleaning out your fridge! This

is the final week where meat is al-

lowed.

This Sunday is unique in the sense that we commemorate an event that has not yet happened! Judgement Sunday calls to mind what our Lord has promised concerning the fulfillment of time that will take place at the end of days. As we state in the Nicene Creed: “Hewill come again to judge the living and the dead, and His Kingdom will have no end.”

But what is the criteria to enter into the Kingdom? As it is stated in the parable of the Last Judgment, our Lord will say: “I was hun-gry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was na-ked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”

This is why Jesus shared this parable towards the end of his earthly ministry—He wants us to know that we are to love one another in a way that goes beyond our own understanding of charity or what it means to simply be a nice person. Instead we are challenged to seeChrist in every person, and to minister to them as is they were the Lord himself.

This parable is often thought of as frightening and negative. How-ever, it’s more so a reminder of God’s love and mercy, and that we still have time to put our faith into action!

Forgiveness Sunday: Cheesefare Sunday

Readings

Romans 13:11-14:4

Gospel: Matthew 6:1-13

During this week, there is no fast-

ing from milk, cheese, eggs &

other dairy products

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1st Sunday of Lent: Sunday of Orthodoxy

This Sunday commemorates the life of St. Gregory Palamas (14th century). The Church dedicates this Sunday to St. Gregory for his faith, theological knowledge, virtuous life, miracles, and his efforts to clarify the orthodox teaching on the subject of Hesychasm (from the Greek, meaning quiet.)

If last week reminded us of the sanctity of earthly matter, this week reminds us of the potential for the sanctity and holiness of every person who pursues salvation.

Hesychasm was a discipline of prayer that was taught by monks on Mt. Athos beginning in the 14th century. It was comprised of ascetic practices that sought to help one arrive at the vision of the divine light.

Gregory was known for his efforts to explain the difference be-tween the correct teaching and this theory by means of what is re-ferred to as the “arsenal” of the Orthodox Faith. This arsenal of faith consists of the Holy Scriptures, our Holy Fathers and the traditions of the Church that guide us to salvation!

This Sunday serves as a reminder that Orthodox asceticism (prayer and fasting) are practices of Lent that all Orthodox Christians can practice according to their own abilities.

Readings

Hebrews 11:24-26, 32-40

Gospel: John 1:43-51

Great Lent finds its origins when catechumens would prepare for baptism for the Easter Vigil. Perhaps we can see a relationship be-tween the catechumens of the early Church who struggled and per-severed for their salvation, and the many sacrifices that were made by the defenders of icons that led to the seventh ecumenical council in 787 and the “Triumph of Orthodoxy” in the year 843?

At the end of either Great Vespers or the Divine Liturgy, aprocession of icons takes place around the Church. The Sunday ofOrthodoxy reminds us to re-dedicate ourselves to our faith whilewe declare in unison, "One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all".

What has been passed down to us should never be taken lightly. As Great Lent begins will we follow in the footsteps of those who have gone before us by defending our faith which has established the universe, as we pursue our own salvation inJesus Christ?

2nd Sunday of Lent: St. Gregory Palamas

Readings

Hebrews 1:10-2:3

Gospel: Mark 2:1-12

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3rd Sunday of Lent: Sunday of the Holy Cross

This Sunday commemorates St. John of the Ladder (6th century) who was an ascetic and writer on the spiritual life as a monk and abbot of Sinai Monastery. St. John began living the monastic life at the age of 16. He wrote a book called The Ladder of the Divine Ascent which is composed of 30 chapters containing steps on how to live a faithful and pious life.

The themes that dominate the book are repentance and devotion to Christ, along with teachings on the virtues and passions. These steps of the ladder are to be practiced by the Christian especially during this period of the Great Lent. Each step leading to the top of the ladder, is the essence of living a true Christian life.

Readings

Hebrews 4:14-5:6

Gospel: Mark 8:34-38, 9:1

It's helpful to have a sign of inspiration and victory in the middle ofGreat Lent. The Sunday of the Holy Cross also helps put our effortsof prayer and fasting into perspective as we are told: "If anyone wishes to come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

At the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Priest and Altar Boys will pro-cess with the Holy Cross which sits in a tray surrounded by flowers and greanery throughout the Church. After the Priest returns to the Solea, the people will chant the hymn of the Holy Cross: Save O Lord Your people and bless Your inheritance. Grant victory to the faithful, against the adversaries of the faith, and protect your people, by the power of Your cross.

At the end of the Liturgy, the Priest will give out the flowers (often daffodils) as the people venerate the Holy Cross!

4th Sunday of Lent: St. John of the Ladder

Readings

Epistle: Hebrews 6:13-20

Gospel: Mark 9:17-31

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4th Sunday of Lent: St. Mary of Egypt

During Great Lent, the Divine Liturgy can not be held during the week. At the same time however, it is necessary to participate in the Sacrament of Holy Communion as often as possible. This is why a “Liturgy” with consecrated Bread and Wine (which was conse-crated during the previous Sunday) is given to the faithful.

While there have been different forms of the “Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts,” throughout the history of the Church, what we now practice is attributed many saints such as James the Brother of our Lord, Basil the Great, Epiphanios of Cyprus, Gregory the Dialo-gist.

The service is associated with Vespers and is typically celebrated on Wednesdays in our Churches (even though it can be celebrated on any day except for Saturday and Sunday). The last Presanctified Liturgy of the year will take place on Holy Wednesday.

Readings

Hebrews 9:11-14

Gospel: Mark 10:32-45

On the Sunday before we enter Holy Week, the Church again re-minds us of our need to repent by commemorating St. Mary of Egypt. She lived her early life as a harlot in Egypt until one day she decided that she wanted to follow a group of pilgrims to the Holy Land. As she entered a Church there, something prevented her from doing so. She realized that God had done this so that she would change her life. She repented with a pure heart. Only then was she was allowed to enter. She later Confessed her sins and re-ceived Holy Communion. She would not receive the sacraments of the Church let alone see another person for another 47 years until she encountered St. Zosima in the desert who we see depicted in the icon giving her Holy Communion before she fell asleep in the Lord.

Notice how the Gospel lesson on this day reminds us that we are getting closer to Palm Sunday and that Christ is preparing His dis-ciples for when He will leave them. He instructs them to minister to the faithful – not as rulers but as servants. Christ knew that ambition and pride can easily get in the way of our purpose and mission. Like Christ, we are to serve and not to be served! To be first in the kingdom of heaven, we must be come a servant to all.

Special Services: Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

“Let my prayer rise as incense before

You, the lifting up of my hands as an

evening sacrifice!” (Psalm 140:2)

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Great Compline

The first five Fridays during Great Lent are dedicated to the The-otokos. The Salutations of the Theotokos, combined with a suppli-catory canon of hymns, are incorporated to the Small Compline service (this is the only time of the week the Small Compline is officiated).

The service is also called the “Akathist Hymn” because when Con-stantinople was being attacked by it’s enemies, those who asked for her prayers would remain standing.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to get to know the Mother of God in a more intimate way when all we have to do is listen andreflect on the events of her life!

The Canon speaks to the characteristics of the Theotokos as our Holy Mother and Queen who intercedes for us on our behalf.

The service reaches its high point when the Priest comes out to recite the salutations while sensing her icon.

Every stanza deals with something unique about how we have been effected by her life – the events surrounding the conception and birth of our Lord, how salvation has come into the world through her, and how we are able to ascend to God through her life and intercessions.

What a wonderful gift we have been given to prepare, not only for Holy Week, but for salvation itself with the one who first attained it!

“Lord of the Powers, be with us; for in times of distress, we have no other help but you. Lord of the Powers, have mercy on us.”

Compline is a service which is held at the end of the day—typically after dinner (hence the name Απόδειπνος). In this service we thank God for the day that passed, and we ask Him to help us ward off any form of evil or temptation from within us throughout the coming night that could harm us or distract us from God.

The service that we participate in during Great Lent is called GreatCompline because it is longer than the small compline that Ortho-dox Christians might pray at home throughout the year.

The contents of this service are similar to that of Small Compline, with a greater emphasis on the theme of repentance.

Great Compline is usually chanted in monasteries every evening. However in parishes, it is usually chanted on the first day of Great Lent, Clean Monday, and on the Mondays that follow throughout the season.

Akathist Hymn/Salutations to the Theotokos

“Awed by the beauty of your virginity, and the radiance of your purity, Gabriel stood amazed and cried to you, 0 Theotokos: What words of praise shall I offer you? By what name shall I call you? As I ponder this I hesitate. And so as commanded I cry to you: Rejoice, you Who are full of grace! “

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Our Parish Council

Father Jason Dickey - Proistamenos

His Eminence Metropolitan Isaiah of Denver

Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Denver

www.denver.goarch.org

Saints Constantine and Helen is the spiritual home for Orthodox Christians in Cheyenne with a mission and purpose to not only strive for our own salvation, but for the salvation of every person in Jesus Christ. This is how we share the Good News of Jesus Christ, and preserve the pure and undefiled faith as it has been handed down to the apostles by the Lord himself who commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded.” (Matthew 28:18)

Whether you are looking for a spiritual home, or you are currently a parishioner of Saints Constantine and Helen, join us for worship. If you have any questions about the Orthodox Faith, our ministries, or upcoming events, please feel free to contact us.

Great Lent will eventually come to a close with the services of Lazarus Saturday, and with Palm

Sunday. Should we not be there to greet our Lord when he comes into Jerusalem, may He revive us

for just a few moments so that we can rise like Lazarus and experience the fulfillment of our salvation

in Jesus Christ!

The Traditions of Great Lent that lead us into Holy Week are here to help us prepare, not only for

another Holy Week but for the one and perfect Pascha that will take place when Christ comes again.

May we be at peace with ourselves, with God, and with one another as we continue to prepare for the

return of our Bridegroom—Jesus Christ so that we may enter into His Kingdom together with faith,

love, and thanksgiving!

Holy Week is coming!

Worship Schedule Sunday:

Orthros (Matins) 8:30 am Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

Weekdays: Divine Liturgy 9:30 am

Please see our Monthly Calendar for our Feast Day Schedule or visit us online at www.orthodoxcheyenne.org