Orthodox Bishops in Germany have addressed the faithful through a pastoral letter, emphasizing the spiritual significance of Great Lent:
“Our world is marked by wars, crises, and injustices. Many people experience persecution, violence, and fear. During this time, we, as Christians, are called not only to pray for peace but also to act actively in its pursuit. The Lenten season reminds us that true peace is not merely the absence of weapons but a transformation of the heart.”
Fasting as Spiritual Warfare
Great Lent is a crucial time of spiritual preparation for the Resurrection of Christ, a season of repentance, prayer, and almsgiving. The faithful are invited to examine their lives, turn towards God, and embrace the call of the Church to draw nearer to the Lord through fasting, repentance, and acts of charity in a world filled with restlessness and uncertainty.
“Fasting is deeply rooted in the tradition of the Orthodox Church. It is more than simply abstaining from food—it is a spiritual struggle against the passions that separate us from God.”
“By detaching ourselves from excessive concerns about material things, we learn to focus on what is essential: God’s presence in our lives.”
Fasting as a Path to Repentance
Fasting is a path to repentance, bringing the soul closer to God.
“Lent is a time of return. It reminds us that we must always come before God and seek forgiveness. Man is weak and often falls, but God’s mercy is limitless.”
Solidarity with Those in Need
The bishops also called on the faithful not to forget the sick and refugees, emphasizing the Church’s mission to foster solidarity.
“The Church calls us to care especially for those in need: the sick, the refugees, the persecuted. Many of our brothers and sisters suffer from discrimination and persecution because of their faith. During Lent, we are called to pray for them, support them, and give them a voice.”
Prayer: The Soul of Fasting
During Great Lent, the prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian teaches love and humility, opening the heart to God and granting the strength to embrace the fast with joy and hope.
“Prayer is the soul of fasting. Without prayer, fasting is empty and meaningless. In this holy season, we are invited to deepen our prayer life, participate in the Church’s services, and, in silence, listen to the voice of God.”
Photo: Orthodoxe Bischofskonferenz in Deutschland / Facebook
Source: basilica.ro
