Holy Resurrection Armenian Apostolic Church 

Dear Faithful Parishioners and Friends

of Holy Resurrection ArmenianChurch,

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As we enter into the season of Great Lent, the Armenian Church presents

us with a great teaching from the Gospel according to Matthew. In it Jesus warns His listeners to be sincere in the practice of piety, especially when it comes to fasting, prayer and giving alms or donations for the poor. His message is also intended for us as His followers today. Jesus warns us notto use our pious actions as an occasion to judge or criticize or be resentful toward others. The way we practice our piety should be for our own spiritual uplifting and for enhancing our relationship with our Creator. It is especially important for us to check our attitude as we enter the season of Great Lent.

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As we practice our piety during Great Lent, the focus should be less on

what we do and more on how we do it. Great Lent is a time for us to reset our focus. It is a time for us to think about what is really important in life. It is a time to reconnect with our Creator and a time to become aware of our existence not only as physical creatures but as spiritual beings. I believe that the Church has given us to season of Great Lent as a time to unplug from the crazy, hectic pace of life. It is a time for us to reboot and to start to function normally, according to God's plan. Great Lent is a time intended for us to experience goodness in the life Our Creator has given us.

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So during this season of Great Lent, let us make efforts to adjust our

behavior and perform pious acts, not as an occasion to judge or criticize

others but rather as an opportunity to develop our own spiritual discipline, to bring honor to the Lord and to bring us closer to God, Our Creator.

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With blessings,

Der Sahak

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