Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today
The Pharisees were an ancient and outstanding sect among the Jews known for their diligent observance of the outward matters of the Law. Although, according to the word of our Lord, they "did all their works to be seen of men" (Matt. 23:5), and were hypocrites (ibid. 23: 13, 14, 15, etc.), because of the apparent holiness of their lives they were thought by all to be righteous, and separate from others, which is what the name Pharisee means. On the other hand, Publicans, collectors of the royal taxes, committed many injustices and extortions for filthy lucre's sake, and all held them to be sinners and unjust. It was therefore according to common opinion that the Lord Jesus in His parable signified a virtuous person by a Pharisee, and a sinner by a Publican, to teach His disciples the harm of pride and the profit of humble-mindedness.
Since the chief weapon for virtue is humility, and the greatest hindrance to it is pride, the divine Fathers have set these three weeks before the Forty-day Fast as a preparation for the spiritual struggles of virtue. This present week they have called Harbinger, since it declares that the Fast is approaching; and they set humility as the foundation for all our spiritual labors by appointing that the parable of the Publican and the Pharisee be read today, even before the Fast begins, to teach, through the vaunting of the Pharisee, that the foul smoke of self-esteem and the stench of boasting drives away the grace of the Spirit, strips man of all his virtue, and casts him into the pits of Hades; and, through the repentance and contrite prayer of the Publican, that humility confers upon the sinner forgiveness of all his wicked deeds and raises him up to the greatest heights.
All foods are allowed the week that follows this Sunday.
As we are gradually returning to church services, we want to have more of you actively participate in the liturgy and the other church services by being a Reader for the Epistles, Psalms, and other prayers offered during the services. You can choose to read in Greek or English.
Faith in the time of Covid-19 by Elpidophoros Lambriniadis, Archbishop of America. The archdiocese has published a collection of homilies and pastoral messages offered by His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros during Great Lent last year. These messages help us understand the church’s thoughts during this very difficult time of the pandemic. You can learn more and order the book on the 
In Thy Presence by Lev Gillet. In this book Fr. Gillet offers beautiful meditations on selected bible readings and turns them into one- or two-page everyday conversations between God and his beloved children. The message of this book is calming, with passages that are easy on your mind – and that just might help you sleep more peacefully!
Sacred Symbols That Speak by Anthony M. Coniaris. In this two-volume set, Fr. Coniaris brings to life the sacred symbols through which Orthodox Christians celebrate their faith. In twelve brief chapters and clear prose, he examines the spiritual meaning of symbols such as aroma, kneeling, and silence; the sacraments; as well as the Pantocrator and the Great Feasts of the church.
Pictures of God by John Kosmas Skinas. A photo journal written for children in grades 1-4, this sturdy, colorful volume describes icons from around the world. Beginning readers will find it easy to understand – and adults reading it aloud with younger children will be surprised to learn a lot too!
