Great Lent is approaching fast. Sunday, March 1 is Cheesefare Sunday and is also known as Forgiveness Sunday.  Matthew 6:7-15 tells this quote from Christ: “And in praying do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors; And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.” Christ does not end with the prayer but continues, “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” In Matthew 18:22, our Savior warns us we should forgive even if the offence be committed seventy times seven times. Christ insists on mutual forgiveness between people as a precondition of God’s forgiveness. When someone asks forgiveness, we are to pardon the aggression willingly and honestly; If he does not ask for forgiveness, we are still to treat him kindly and not to speak ill of him, and always be ready to forgive him when he asks it. It is a reminder for us that if we are not ready and willing to forgive him, we are then assured that God will NOT forgive us. Thus we are being forewarned and should understand the importance of the prayer so familiar to all of us and how it must remind us each day of our attitude to others. The Lord is very patient, because He does not will that anyone should perish. In that same vein, please forgive me if I have offended anyone and my forgiveness extends to all. May you continue on a blessed journey to the great feast of Pascha.

For the first four days of Holy and Great Lent we conduct the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete. It is one of the most spiritually uplifting and inspiring in the Holy Tradition of our Church. The holy Canon is a "dialogue between St. Andrew and his soul." The ongoing theme is an urgent exhortation to change one's life or in other words to repent. Ink these Great Canon Services on your calendar and join us for these important services.

Our Annual Parish Meeting was held following Divine Liturgy on February 9. Our parishioners gathered together and lively deliberations and interesting views were discussed and everyone was encouraged to add their thoughts. A delicious lunch was served and the entire event was congenial and respectful and very enlightening. Father announced that we were ready to start painting the interior of the church. The project started on February 17 and is almost done. The work performance of the men doing this important and massive work are very professional and are doing an excellent job. Pictures are in the Photo Gallery. 

Happy Birthday to all those celebrating in the month of March: Rosemarie Petro on March 2; Sonya Finno on March 3; Lydia Bzik on March 9; Amy Kovalycsik Talley on March 11; Scott Cahayla on March 13; Robert M. Czech on March 14; Nicholas Kovalycsik on March 20; Genevieve Bobenko on March 22 and Chris Bzik, March 28. May God grant each of you Many Years!

On sale in the candle room, is the New Orthodox Prayer Book (St. Tikhon Press) for $20. It is filled with spiritually rewarding and unique prayers.

Helen Baron, our coordinator for the food pantry, wants to thank everyone for their generous support in supplying food and money in the past. However, the need is persistent so please continue your support and help re-stock the empty shelves. Please help now for the Easter season.

As a reminder, Daylight Saving Time Begins on March 8.