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February 26, 2012

Parish Mini-Retreat: Sunday, February 26

Archimandrite Maximos (Weimar), Abot of the Holy Cross Monastery (ROCOR) in Setaukett, NY, together with Hieromonk Silouan and Hierodeacon Parthenios were guests the Cathedral parish and led us a Pre-Lent Mini-retreat, including concelebrating the Divine Liturgy with our Dean, Archimandrite Christopher and Cathedral clergy, where Fr. Maximos served as Protos and offered homily

After the Liturgy a bountiful meal was prepared by the Family of Nugzar Pertenava in memory of their departed family members in Georgia.

A presentation in the form of a educational dialogue was facilitated by Fr. Parthenios with Fr. Maximos, Fr. Silouan and Reader John. After the presentation and Q&A an Ice Cream Sundae/Wine and Cheese social was organized by Elizabeth and Richard Wright and Jaana Hinkkanen.

Click to visit the Homepage of Holy Cross Monastery

Vespers with the Rite of Forgiveness was served by Archimandrite Christopher at 3pm, and our neighbor, Archpriest David Kossey of St. Mary's Church on E. 7th Street joined us.

The Church was full, and the joyfulness of this celebration extended to all present.

Here is a reaction to presentation by parishioner our Sara Paulson on our Facebook page:

Many thanks to The Fathers from Brotherhood of the Holy Cross. What moved me was the clear picture of the firm resolve needed to see/love God through the nous.....which is only possible to access through prayer and communion.....and how any anger or lack of forgiveness in our hearts blocks us from prayer, from seeing/loving God (and others) as they are.....and reverts our mindset to that of the slave (wanting to avoid punishment) or the servant (wanting gifts). Thank God for such an inspiring and totally humbling talk today! You guys rock out and God bless everyone in your community and may they also have a Blessed Lent this year with a firm resolve to pray and learn to love without pride or guile.

Click to visit the Homepage of Holy Cross Monastery