During Clean Week, the faithful of Christ the Savior gathered each evening for the prayerful reading of the Great Canon of Repentance by St. Andrew of Crete. Composed in the 8th century, this deeply moving canon sets before us the sweeping history of salvation and calls each of us to examine our lives in the light of Scripture. St. Andrew masterfully weaves together the stories of the righteous and the fallen from both the Old and New Testaments, reminding us that their repentance and restoration must become our own. Through prostrations, prayer, and heartfelt reflection, we began Great Lent with humility and hope.

On Friday evening, the parish gathered for the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts, entering more deeply into the solemn beauty of the Lenten services. Receiving the Holy Mysteries strengthened the faithful for the journey ahead. Following the service, we were pleased to welcome Archpriest Gary Breton, who has recently retired to Millsboro, Delaware, and joined us for the first time at Christ the Savior. Parishioners then shared fellowship at a Lenten potluck meal, enjoying simple foods prepared in the spirit of the fast. The warmth of the meal and conversation reflected the quiet joy that accompanies our common struggle as we press forward toward Pascha together.