Spiritual Message

Dear Parishioners & Friends of Panagia,

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FORGIVENESS – HUMBLY, TRUTHFULLY AND HONESTLY 

Beloved in the Lord,

Today we stand at the threshold of Clean Monday, the blessed beginning of Great Lent — the holy journey that leads us to the radiant Resurrection of our Lord.

This day is called “Clean” not because we have already become pure, but because we begin again. The Church, like a loving mother, places before us a new start. No matter how distracted we have been, how burdened we feel, or how far we may have wandered in heart, today Christ opens the door and says once more: “Follow Me.”

Great Lent is not about diet. It is not a season of gloomy restriction. It is a return — a return to the heart, a return to prayer, a return to the truth of who we are: children of God.

We fast so that we may hunger for God. We pray so that our hearts may awaken.
We forgive so that we may be free.

If we begin Lent without forgiveness, we build on sand. Clean Monday invites us first to cleanse the heart to let go of grudges, resentments, and silent judgments. As we ask God for mercy, we must also extend mercy. The measure we use will be the measure given to us.

This holy season is a journey from the head to the heart. It is not about external performance, but inward transformation. Even small steps matter. A little more prayer. A little more silence. A little more patience. A little more kindness. God multiplies even the smallest offering when it is given with sincerity.

Do not be afraid of the struggle. The struggle itself is blessed. Lent reminds us that we are not called to comfort, but to communion — not to indulgence, but to illumination.

Let us begin with hope. Let us begin with humility. Let us begin together. Beloved in the Lord. May this Great Lent be for each of us a time of healing for wounded souls. A time of reconciliation in our families. A time of renewed love for the Church. A time of deeper union with Christ

As we step onto this sacred path, may the Lord cleanse our minds, soften our hearts, and strengthen our resolve, so that when we arrive at Holy Pascha, we may not simply celebrate the Resurrection — but experience it within ourselves.

Καλή και ευλογημένη Σαρακοστή. A blessed and fruitful Great Lent to you all.

+Fr. Elias Drossos

Protopresbyter

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