In the evenings of the first four days of the Great Lent, His Eminence Vladimir read the Great Canon of St. Andrew of Crete, in the midst of numerous church-goers who came to make a good start of this elevating period of ascetic doing and prayer, for spiritual purification and ascension.
The faces of all believers expressed profound living of these solemn moments that have the power to move all those with vivid and pure faith into an upper space, detached from earthly thoughts and cares. And it is extremely inspiring that we can see very many young people among worshipers, which gives us hope to believe that people are building serious and responsible attitude and correct approach to the Great Lent, in the light of prayer and spiritual purification, as the Holy Fathers of the Church teach.
The Great Canon is read during the first four days of the First week of Great Lent, and on Thursday of the Fifth week of Great Lent. It is a conversation with one’s soul, it’s goal is to help believers gain true repentance and humility, in order to become closer to God and live in the light of the Holy Gospel.