Great Lent at Saint Basil's Parish
JOIN WITH US THIS LENT!
The forty-day Great Fast (Lent) begins on Clean Monday, Feb. 24 (in 2020). Saint Basil's parish invites you to join with us in the observance of this holy season of repentance and renewal. Beside the fasting and almsgiving that each of us is called to practice, we invite you to participate in the liturgical services served here at St. Basil's, especially the Friday evening Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. If you have a question concerning faith, worship or the Christian way of living, or you would like to meet with the pastor, please contact Father Anthony (408) 871-0919 / pastor.stbasil@gmail.com.
See below for the list of the primary liturgies and holy services of Great Fast.
LITURGY OF THE PRESANCTIFIED
It is a liturgical service composed of Vespers (Evening prayers) and Holy Communion. A simple agape meal is served after the Liturgy, in the hall. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts will be served on the following Fridays at 7:30pm -
Feb. 28, March 6, 13, 20, 27 & April 3
LITURGICAL OFFICE OF THE SIXTH HOUR OF DIVINE PRAISE
The Sixth Hour (noon) is the hour at which our divine Savior, Jesus Christ, was hung upon the Cross for our salvation.This service (half-hour) will be served on Tuesdays and Friday of Great Fast at 12 Noon. Light refreshments will be available in the hall.
SOULS SATURDAYS
On these Saturdays we offer prayer for the souls of the departed. There are three "Souls Saturdays" during Lent: March 7 & 14, with memorial service (Great Panachida) at 9:30am; on Sat., March 21 a Divine Liturgy will be served for the souls of the departed @ 9:00am.
SPECIAL SUNDAYS OF GREAT FAST
- March 1st - SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY/First Sunday of Great Fast.
9:10am Matins Prayers & Confession preceding the 9:30am Divine Liturgy.
We celebrate the restoration of holy icons after the heretical iconoclastic period. Procession with holy icons. Bring an icon for the procession. If you have an icon that has not be blessed there will be a blessing of icons at the end of the Liturgy.
- March 15th - SUNDAY OF THE VENERATION OF THE HOLY CROSS/Third Sunday of Great Fast
9:10am Matins Prayers & Confession preceding the 9:30am Divine Liturgy.
We reverence the holy Cross the 'trophy' of our redemption. We will have a relic of the True Cross present for veneration. If you have a cross that has not be blessed there will be a blessing of crosses at the end of the Liturgy.
CONFESSIONS
- On the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of the month at 4:35pm (followed by Vespers at 5pm)
- On Sundays: Usually about 20 or 15 mins before Divine Liturgy
- On Fridays of Lent: at 7:00pm
- Before any Sceduled Liturgy or Holy Service about 15 mins before.
- If needed, you may schedule a time for Confession.
GREAT CANON of Saint Andrew of Crete
The Matins with the Canon of St Andrew is usually served on the Thursday of the 5th Week of Lent (or anticipated the evening before). At St. Basil's this year, the Canon will take place on Tuesday evening, March 24, at 7:30pm. The date is moved this year due to the Great Feast of the Annunciation of Christ occurring on March 25, with the post-festive day of the Synaxis of Archangel Gabriel on March 26
AKATHISTOS SATURDAY
- March 28 @ 9:30am Saturday Matins with the insertion of the Akathist Hymn to the all-holy Theotokos, the ever-virgin Mary.
LENTEN DAY OF RECOLLECTION - Day Retreat
- Saturday, March 21 - On Prayer and Developing a personal Rule of Prayer.
The day begins with Divine Liturgy at 9:00am, there will be two talks on prayer by Carmelite Father Robert Elias, opportunity for Confession, and Vespers. A free lunch is also included. There is no charge or need for registration. However, it would help us to know how many persons plan to attend especially in regard to the lunch. You may call Fr. Anthony at (408) 871-0919 or send him an email at pastor.stbasil@gmail.com.
