If anyone be devout and love God,
Let him commence this radiant fast with joy!
If anyone be a wise servant,
Let him, rejoicing, enter into the school of repentance.

ADAM ATE THE FORBIDDEN FRUIT AND WAS DRIVEN FROM PARADISE.
HE SAT OUTSIDE, WEEPING BITTERLY:
WOE TO ME!  WHAT WILL BECOME OF ME, A WORTHLESS MAN?
I DISOBEYED ONE COMMAND OF MY MASTER, AND LOST EVERY GOOD THING!
HOLY PARADISE, PLANTED FOR ME BY GOD
AND CLOSED BY THE WEAKNESS OF EVE,
GRANT THAT I MAY ONCE AGAIN GAZE ON THE FLOWERS OF YOUR GARDENS!
THE SAVIOR SAID TO HIM:
I DO NOT WISH THE DEATH OF MY CREATION!
I DESIRE THAT ALL SHOULD BE SAVED
AND COME TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH,//

Note:  This is a homily delivered by Father Theophan Whitfield, of Saint Nicholas Orthodox Church in Salem Massachusetts, on the Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt.

The Who's Who of The Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete

Written by Protodeacon James Hughes

As we approach Great Lent, the time given to us specifically for repentance, the Church gives us a whole host of images to help us. St. John of
Kronstadt teaches that:

Taking Lent seriously

By Father Stephen Kostoff