Bp. Vasily Welcomes the Faithful to Lent

Photo: dowoca.org

SAN FRANCISCO, CA — His Grace Bp. Vasily of the Diocese of the West has issued a pastoral letter to clergy, monastics, and the faithful, welcoming the faithful to the beginning of Great Lent. In his message, the bishop emphasizes that this forty-day season is a time for spiritual renewal, repentance, and deepening one’s relationship with Christ.

Drawing on the example of Prophet Elijah, who fasted on Mt. Horeb and encountered God in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12), Bp. Vasily reminds believers that Lent is meant for cleansing the heart and preparing to witness Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. He quotes Venerable Theodore the Studite: “On Mount Horeb, Elijah was cleansed by fasting and saw God: let us also cleanse our hearts by fasting and we shall see Christ.”

The bishop encourages the faithful to fast, pray, attend the Divine Services, and partake of the Holy Eucharist at the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts. He also stresses compassion for neighbors, calling attention to the spiritual importance of love in fasting.

Previously, the UOJ reported that Metr. Saba issued a 2026 Great Lent message. 

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