Great and Holy Lent

Fr. Mikhail's reflections are in Lavender

Fr. Deacon Thomas are in Black

Books for Lent are in Red

Helpful Websites are in Green

Recipes for Lent are in Blue

Project for children are in orange

Lenten family prayers and traditions are in Teal

Fr. Mikhail shared a spiritual review of the Great Holy Lenten purpose.

The Goal of Lent is Repentance, to direct and bring us to the Kingdom of God (New Life)

Old Way of Life (For many people today “Normal Life”) Life without God, which breeds immorality, violence, pride and ambition, Greed, Drunkeness, Obesity, Lying, Selfishness.

New Way of Life (Some think it is an “Abnormal Life”) Life of Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, Generosity, Faithfulness, Gentleness, Self Control.

Scripture 1Peter Chapter 4....

1. Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same purpose, because he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin,

2. so as to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.

3. For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries.

4. In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you;

5. but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

6. For the gospel has for this purpose been preached even to those who are dead, that though they are judged in the flesh as men, they may live in the spirit according to the will of God.

7. The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.

8. Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

9. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.

10. As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

11. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God; whoever serves is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

12. Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

13. but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

14. If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you.

15. Make sure that none of you suffers as a murderer, or thief, or evildoer, or a troublesome meddler;

16. but if anyone suffers as a Christian, he is not to be ashamed, but is to glorify God in this name.

17. For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

18. AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER ?

19. Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Galatians 5:19 - 25

¹⁹Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,

²⁰idolatry sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,

²¹envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.

²²But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

²³gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

²⁴Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

²⁵If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.

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Lenten Calendar

TRIODION PERIOD: Three weeks of preparation before Great Lent

The First Sunday of the Triodion: The Publican and the Pharisee (Humility)
The Second Sunday of the Triodion: The Prodigal Son (Return Home)
The Third Sunday of the Triodion: Sunday of the Last Judgement (Judgment)
The Fourth Sunday of the Triodion: Sunday of Forgiveness (Forgiveness)

GREAT AND HOLY LENT

The First Sunday of Lent: The Sunday of Orthodoxy
The Second Sunday of Lent: The Sunday of Saint Gregory Palamas
The Third Sunday of Lent: The Veneration of the Holy Cross
The Fourth Sunday of Lent: Feast of our Righteous Father John (Climacus) of Sinai, Author of The Ladder of Divine Ascent
The Fifth Sunday of Lent: Sunday of Saint Mary of Egypt

GREAT AND HOLY WEEK

The Saturday of the Holy and Righteous Friend of Christ, Lazarus
Palm Sunday: The Feast of the Entrance of Our Lord Jesus Christ Into Jerusalem
Bridegroom Services: Palm Sunday Evening Through Holy Wednesday
The Sacrament of Holy Unction: Holy Wednesday Evening
Great And Holy Thursday
Great and Holy Friday
Great and Holy Saturday

To Learn Practices of Great Lent.

1. Services of Great Lent in the Church

Ø Pre-sanctified Gift Liturgy

Ø Akaphist

Ø Great Cannon of St. Andre of Crete

Ø Great Holy Thursday ( 12 Passion Gospels)

Ø Great Holy Friday ( Holy Shroud)

Ø Great Holy Saturday ( Vespers with the Liturgy of St. Basil)

Ø Jerusalem Matins ( Prayer at the Tomb)

2. Practices

Ø Holy Scripture

Ø Confession

Ø Lenten Mission

Ø Prostrations

Ø Prayer of St. Ephrim

Ø Abstinence

Ø Sorokoyusty ( Preying for the Deceased)

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What is the symbolism of the #40?

The number 40 holds particular significance in the Bible and refers to a precise number, not just a long period of time. There are at least ten instances in the Old Testament and New Testament where 40 occurs, either in years or days, e.g. it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, Moses was on the mountain 40 days and 40 nights, the Israelites wandered 40 years, Jesus fasted in the wilderness for 40 days and was seen on the earth for 40 days after His crucifixion.

A 40-something time period, whether days, months, or years is ALWAYS a period of testing, trial, probation, or chastisement (but not judgment) and ends with a period of restoration, revival or renewal.

Thankfully, God is consistent, so the meaning of a number in Genesis remains the same all the way to the book of Revelation. Sometimes the spiritual significance is not revealed directly, but in the case of "40" and its many examples throughout the Bible, we can be certain of its importance and significance.

The Significance of the Number 40

I've been thinking about some examples in the Bible when the number 40 appears.

During the flood when Noah, his family and the animals were in the ark, "the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights." (Genesis 7: 12)

When Moses went up the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments on behalf of the Israelites, on which most of human laws are based, he was in the mountain for 40 days and 40 nights.

"When I was gone up into the mount to receive the tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant which the LORD made with you, then I abode in the mount forty days and forty nights, I neither did eat bread nor drink water:

"And the LORD delivered unto me two tables of stone written with the finger of God; and on them was written according to all the words, which the LORD spake with you in the mount out of the midst of the fire in the day of the assembly.

"And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights, that the LORD gave me the two tables of stone, even the tables of the covenant." (Deuteronomy 9: 9-11)

The Israelites were supposed to have wandered in the wilderness for 40 years before they came to the Promised Land.

"And the LORD's anger was kindled against Israel, and he made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation, that had done evil in the sight of the LORD, was consumed." (Numbers 32: 13)

In Psalm 95:

"Forty years long was I grieved with this generation, and said, It is a people that do err in their heart, and they have not known my ways." (Psalm 95: 10)

There is also the story of Jesus thus:

"Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred." (Matthew 4: 1-2)

The stories in the Bible can be read in two ways: as stories of events or as symbols and life maps. I tend to see the Bible as a life map with symbols and codes.

The number 40 seems to be a code. It represents a period of tests and trials we all go through. Would a God of Love want to put people through tests and trials? No! I believe these tests are symbolic of the mortal dream where we see ourselves as only flesh and blood humans struggling for survival. Life as a mortal is a series of tests until one awakens from the dream of mortality to the truth that one is Spirit.

The stories of the Israelites represents the human existence. They had had lots of demonstrations how their needs were being met by God. During their escape from Egypt, God parted the Red Sea so they could go through. According to the Bible, for six days a week, the Israelites received Manna (some kind of bread) from God to sustain them. Yet, they still found something to complain about. It was their lack of faith in God that kept them in the wilderness when they were so close to the Promised Land. The Bible says they were in the wilderness for 40 years. As I have said, the number 40 is a code. It could be they wandered for 40 years, less than 40, or a lot longer.

Let's take the example of Jesus who was led into the wilderness and stayed there 40 days and 40 nights, while he was tempted by the devil. (For the full story read Matthew 4: 1-11) "Wilderness" appears to be another code that represents a "dry period" in one's life. This "dry period" is the transition where one is letting go of human beliefs and trusting in Spirit/God as source.

If you've been so used to the human existence, depending on what your senses tell you, living as Spirit is a whole different ball game. You are trusting in a reality that you can't discern with the senses. The trials are really your human habits, senses and beliefs testing you. They will say,

"How can you trust in God for supply?"
"Look at you, you've got nothing and you're starving."
"Where is this God of yours?"
"Why would your powerful God want to see you suffer?"
"I don't see anything going on."
"Stop acting so stupid and come back to earth where you really belong!"

Let me just reiterate that the tests are not of God. God is ever present to wake you up from the dream of believing in only what you can see. But your senses could prevent you from realising His presence. Being unaware of God's presence is like being so close to a stream and dying of thirst.

The number 40 represents tests and trials, when you are still dreaming you are "only human" and having to do things the hard way, not the period the tests last. Depending on how fast you awaken, the period can last for weeks, months or years. But it's a test everyone goes through. Some people are too busy dreaming to even consider there is another way to be.

There are myriads of ways one can be tested.

You could be tested by illness; you have to wake up by realising God is all there is therefore you are already perfect.

You could be tested by the world that wants you to live according to its standards and beliefs; you have to wake up and realise that God's way is the only way.

You could be tested by poverty; you have to wake up and realise that God is supply.

It seems stupid that we have to go through tests but they are not tests as such. We are simply waking up to the truth of reality, that life is God. As you become aware of the God presence in you and in all, you have access to Real Power. Then we can live as we are meant to live without struggling, sickness or death; for that which is Perfection and Love is Infinite Life and Infinite Joy.

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Books for Lent

Lent Begins at Home by Pat & Rosemary Ryan

Family Prayers and Activities

Lent is for Children by Julie Kelemen

Stories Activities Prayers

40 Ways for 40 Days by Liguori Publications

A Family Guide through Lent

Lent & Easter in the Domestic Church by Catherine & Peter Fournier

Activities to Celebrate Catholic Liturgical Seasons

The Lent - Easter Book by Joan Marie Arbogast

Living and Celebrating our Catholic Customs and Traditions

A Family Journey with Jesus through Lent by Angela M. Burrin

Prayers & Activities for Each Day

Saints for Young Readers for Every Day by Pauline Kids Books and Media

Stories for the Saints of the Day

A Family Centered Way of the Cross by Michael Diebold

The Way of the Cross for Teens by Therese Johnson Borchard

Walking with Jesus through Calvary

Mary's Way of the Cross by Irma Pfeifer

Walking with the Mother of Jesus

John Paul II's Biblical Way of the Cross by Amy Welborn & Michael Dubruiel

The Glory of the Cross by The Word among us

Daily meditations for Lent

Daybreaks by John Shea

Daily Reflections for Lent and Easter

Not Without Parables by Catherine de Hueck Doherty

Stories of Yesterday, Today and Eternity

God's Gift of Reconiliation by Loyola Press

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HELPFUL WEBSITES

Akathist Hymns (http://www.byzantines.net/liturgy/akathist.htm)

GodsGift.LoyolaPress.com

Liguori.org

WAU.ORG (Word among us)

avemariapress.com

CatholicCompany.com

Ignatius.com

geocities.com

catholicmom.com

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Lenten Recipes

Refried Beans -

1 – 1lb. bag dry pinto beans (2 ½ c.)

1 tsp. salt

1 ½ c. chopped onion (1 large)

3 cloves minced garlic

2 tsp. ground cumin

¼ tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. marjoram

2 tsp. paprika

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional)

3 tbsp. olive oil

Cover beans with water (2 inches above bean level). Soak overnight OR bring to a boil, turn heat off, cover and let sit 1 hour.

1. Bring beans and water to a boil, cook at a simmer, partially covered for one hour or until well-done. Check water level while cooking. Drain off excess water into a container in case you need extra liquid while mashing.

2. Mash beans with a potato masher. Add more “bean juice” if you need a moister refried bean consistency.

3. Heat olive oil in a frying pan. Add onions, garlic and seasonings. Cook over low heat until onions are translucent.

4. Add mixture to the beans and mix well.

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Black Beans & Rice

2 15 oz. cans black beans, drained

1 c. chopped onion

2 bay leaves

4 cloves garlic

1 tbsp. cilantro (optional)

14 oz. can diced tomatoes

1 c. frozen corn

½ tsp. cumin

½ tsp. chili powder

1 c. rice

¼ c. shredded jack cheese (optional)

Prepare rice according to package directions. While that is cooking, sauté onions, garlic, and bay leaves in a skillet with a little oil. Add black beans, cilantro, tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, and corn. Simmer until heated through and flavors meld. Serve beans over hot cooked rice. Garnish with shredded jack cheese, if desired.

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Califlower Broccoli Bake-

1 1/2 crowns of broccoli

1 head califlower

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 cup milk

1 T mayo

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

Pre cook the veggies until slightly tender. Drain. Put in a baking dish. Mix together remaining ingredients. Pour over veggies. Top with buttered bread crumbs or fried onions. Bake 350 F for 30-40 minutes until golden and bubbling.

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Vegetarian Chili

1 cup chopped carrot
1 cup chopped red bell pepper
1 cup chopped green pepper
1 cup chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic, finely chopped (I always use jarred minced garlic because I hate the way the smell gets in my fingernails)
1 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
3 cups chopped ripe tomatoes or 1 28 oz. can plum tomatoes with juice
2 tablespoons chopped canned chipotle chilies (sometimes I just use either fresh or chopped canned jalepenos-not as "special" but you make due with what you got)
1 can (16 oz.) red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (16 oz) cannellini, rinsed and drained
1 can (16 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
salt to taste

for serving: shredded lettuce, non fat yogurt

I just throw everything in the crock pot except he chili powder and cumin. I add that like a half hour before serving. Let kids add lettuce and a dollop of yogurt. If you are not worried about fat, perhaps some shredded cheese.

If you don't like the crock pot, saute the carrots, red and green pepper, onion, and garlic in about a T. of olive oil in a big pot. Then add the rest and simmer for about 45 minutes.

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Seafood Salad

1 and ½ pound of imitation crab meat (cut into bite-sized chunks)

1 pound salad shrimp

1 cup chopped celery

¼ cup mayonnaise

¾ cup sour cream

Juice of 1 and ½ lemons

¼ teaspoon celery seed

¼ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper

1/8 teaspoon granulated garlic

½ teaspoon kosher salt

In a large bowl toss all the ingredients till everything is evenly coated.

That’s it.

The amounts of all the ingredients can certainly be modified to satisfy the taste of the chef. They are just rough estimates

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Pumpkin Pancakes

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 tbsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

2 tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

2 eggs

1 ¾ cups milk

3 tbsp. melted butter

½ cup canned pumpkin

Sift together the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar and pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, and milk. Add the melted butter and pumpkin to the wet ingredients and whisk all together. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until blended.

Heat griddle on medium high heat. Pour ¼ cup of batter for each pancake. When they bubble on top (usually 2 ½ minutes) flip over and cook the other side.

Yield: 20 pancakes

Eggplant – Tomato Casserole

1 medium eggplant

3 eggs, beaten

2 tbsp. butter

1 small chopped onion

½ cup breadcrumbs

2 large tomatoes, sliced

Oregano, basil, parsley, pepper

1 cup grated cheddar cheese

¼ cup parmesan cheese

-Peel and slice the eggplant.

-Place slices in a pan, cover with boiling water, cover and cook 15 – 20 minutes.

-Drain well.

-Mash eggplant, mix in beaten eggs, melted butter, herbs, onion & breadcrumbs.

-Grease a 1 ½ qt. baking dish.

-Cover bottom with ½ of tomato slices and ½ cup of grated cheese.

-Spoon in eggplant mixture.

-Spread evenly and top with remaining tomato, cheese and top with parmesan cheese.

-Sprinkle with a little paprika (if desired).

-Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes.

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Apple Cheddar Quiche

(4 servings)

2 apples diced
1 partially baked 10" pie shell
3 eggs
1/2 c. cottage cheese
1 t. sugar
dash salt
3 T. butter
1 c. grated sharp cheddar
2 egg yolks
1 1/2 c. half & half
1/4 t. cinnamon

In a medium frypan sauté apples in butter for 5 minutes. Place in the pie shell; top with cheddar cheese.

In a mixing bowl beat together the eggs, egg yolks, cottage cheese, and half & half. Pour over the apples and cheese. Combine the sugar, cinnamon and salt; sprinkle over the top.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 30-45 minutes, until the custard is firm.

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Butternut Squash Soup
Recipe yields approximately 12 cups of soup.

3 pounds of butternut squash-peeled, seeded, & cubed
2 large onions-peeled & chopped
2 large carrots-peeled & chopped
2 large red bell peppers-seeded & cubed
3 large white potatoes peeled & cubed
2/3 cup uncooked white rice
2 tablespoons of garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard powder
1 1/2 teaspoon curry powder
2 cups orange juice
1/3 cup lemon juice
1 cup honey
6 cups of chicken stock* ( maybe more or less )

TO BE ADDED LATER:
1 quart heavy cream ( maybe more )
optional salt to taste if desired

* The chicken stock could be made from bouillon cubes, if homemade or canned stock is not available.

Put the first sixteen ingredients into a pot. Add enough chicken stock ( about six cups ) to cover all of the ingredients by about 2 inches above. Cook until everything is well cooked** ( including the rice ). Put everything into a blender and purée it. Put the puréed mixture back into the pot with
1 quart ( or more if needed ) of heavy cream and gently stir until it is well blended. Heat and serve. Salt to taste if desired. ENJOY!

** It is important to periodically skim the top of the soup while it is cooking --- just enough to take off the film from the bubbling top.

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Cream of Carrot Soup
Recipe yields approximately 10 cups of soup.

10 large carrots-peeled and sliced*
3 ribs of celery-NO LEAVES-washed and cut*
2 large onions-peeled & cut into pieces*
2 large white potatoes peeled & cubed*
2/3 cup uncooked white rice
1 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
2 tablespoons chopped dry tarragon
3/4 cup honey
6 cups of chicken stock** ( maybe more or less )

TO BE ADDED LATER:
1 quart heavy cream ( maybe more )
optional salt to taste if desired

Put the first nine ingredients into a pot. Add enough chicken stock ( about six cups ) to cover all of the ingredients by about 2 inches. Cook until everything is well cooked*** ( including the rice ). Put everything into a blender and purée it. Put the puréed mixture back into the pot with 1 quart, or more if needed, of heavy cream and gently stir until it is well blended. Heat and serve. Salt to taste if desired. ENJOY!

* Approx 1" pieces.

** The chicken stock could be made from bouillon cubes if homemade or canned stock is not available.

*** It is important to periodically skim the top of the soup while it is cooking --- just enough to take off the film from the bubbling top!

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Peanut Sauce

3 parts Creamy Peanut Butter
2 parts Peanut Oil
2 parts Honey
2 parts Vinegar
2 parts Hot Sauce
3/4 parts Soy Sauce

*Optional:
Powdered Ginger
Salt to taste

Cream together by hand 3 parts Creamy Peanut Butter and 2 parts Peanut Oil until you have a smooth creamy consistency.

Blend together by hand 2 parts Honey and 2 parts Vinegar stirring into a uniform consistency; then blend this into the peanut butter cream above, once again achieving a uniform creamy consistency. Add 2 parts Hot Sauce and 3/4 parts Soy Sauce, again blending into a creamy consistency. * Powdered Ginger and Salt may be added to taste but I do not recommend them.

Pour over pasta of your choice

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CONGEALED CRANBERRY WALDORF SALAD
One of the recipes for the Food Network taping at The Cranbury Inn

1 pkg (6oz) Raspberry Jello™
3/4 cup hot water
1 can(16oz) whole berry cranberry sauce
1 cup finely chopped celery
1 cup finely chopped red apple including the skin
1 cup finely chopped walnuts

Finely chop the tender, center stalks of a bunch of celery; red apple with the skin on; and shelled walnuts. Begin to boil the water. Open a 16oz can of whole berry cranberry sauce; place it in a large bowl; break it up with a fork or spoon; whisk it and set it aside.

In another bowl, dissolve the Jello™ in three quarters (3/4) of a cup of hot water. Stir constantly for two (2) minutes to completely dissolve & thoroughly mix the Jello. Pour the dissolved Jello over the broken-up cranberry sauce. Stir thoroughly, scrapping the sides, to completely dissolve the cranberry sauce. Refrigerate the mixture until it is slightly congealed.

When the mixture is slightly congealed, remove it from the refrigerator and fold in the finely chopped celery, apples, & walnuts. Fold until it is an evenly distributed mixture. Place the mixture in your favorite mold, large or individual, or a square pan. Return it to the refrigerator to 'set until firm'. Unmold onto a lettuce-covered plate.

Serve as a condiment with Ham, Pork, or Poultry.

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CRANBERRY RELISH
One of the recipes for the Food Network taping at The Cranbury Inn

One (1) lb.

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