2/3/2004 THE FIRST SUNDAY OF LENT - SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY
- An article written by Fr Tihon,
Abbot of the Stavronikita Monastery on Mt Athos, was read, which explains
the necessity of the icon in the Orthodox faith, and its proper use.
- We venerate icons in order to show
that we accept that the Divine took on flesh, and the Son of God was
incarnate. The icon in no way takes the place of the Lord Himself. Just like
with photographs of loved ones, we love them and show respect for what they
depict. The icon is not simply a decoration, or a sentimental reminder of
Biblical events. It uses form and colour to convey heavenly things, and
guides us to the mystery of man’s deification.
- Icons, together with hymnography,
writings of Fathers, music, incense and architecture, draw all of our senses
to the worship of God. Our whole being, in its entirety, is called to
worship.
9/3/2004 GREAT LENT/ST GREGORY PALAMAS
- An overview of the Sundays of
Pre-Lent and Great Lent and their significance was given. These are, for
pre-Lent: Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee, Sunday of the Prodigal Son,
Meat-fare Sunday, Cheese-fare Sunday. For Great Lent: Sunday of Orthodoxy,
Sunday of St Gregory Palamas, Sunday of the Veneration of the Holy Cross,
Sunday of St John Climacus, Sunday of St Mary of Egypt.
- A special focus was given to St
Gregory Palamas, and the significance of his commemoration on the second
Sunday of Lent. St Gregory left an important position in the imperial court
to devote his life to Christ and become a monk. He is considered to be one
of the greatest Byzantine theologians, and the greatest expounder of
Orthodox spirituality and prayer.
- St Gregory defended Orthodoxy
against the heresy of Varlaam – a monk of the western Church, who spoke
out against hesychasm and noetic prayer (the practice of the ‘Jesus Prayer’),
the two vehicles by which Orthodox monks are united to God by grace.
16/3/2004 VIDEO NIGHT - BYZANTINE ICONOGRAPHY
23/3/2004 COFFEE NIGHT
30/3/2004 VIDEO NIGHT: JESUS (The life and passion of the
Lord)
13/4/2004 EASTER CELEBRATION (pizza night)
- Members of our youth enjoyed pizzas
and refreshments to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord. They also
participated in the traditional breaking of the red Easter eggs.
