First Sunday of Lent – The Sunday of Orthodoxy

Today is Spring Time Change

Rosary starting around 9:30 am and Divine liturgy at 10:00 am.

First Sunday of Lent – The Sunday of Orthodoxy

The First Sunday of Lent in the Ukrainian Catholic Church is known as the Sunday of Orthodoxy. This day holds a special significance within the broader Eastern Christian tradition, particularly in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, and it marks the first Sunday of Great Lent.

Meaning Behind the Sunday of Orthodoxy:

1. Commemoration of the Triumph of Orthodoxy: The Sunday of Orthodoxy commemorates the restoration of the veneration of icons in the Eastern Christian tradition. This is a key event that occurred in the 9th century, during the Byzantine Empire, when the iconoclast controversy was finally resolved.

   • The Iconoclast Controversy: For a period, there was a significant dispute over the use of religious images, or icons, in worship. Some, known as iconoclasts, believed that veneration of icons was idolatrous, while others, known as iconophiles, defended the proper use of icons as sacred representations of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the saints.
   • In 843 AD, the controversy ended with the Second Council of Nicaea, which restored the proper veneration of icons in the Church. The first Sunday of Lent was chosen as a day to celebrate this victory of Orthodoxy, a victory for the proper use and veneration of holy images in worship.

2. Theological Significance: The Sunday of Orthodoxy is not just a commemoration of a historical event, but it also has deep theological significance. The day highlights the importance of theological truth and the proper expression of the faith, especially through the use of icons as a way to express the presence of the divine in the world. Icons are seen as windows to the divine and an essential part of the worship life of the Church.

   • The celebration emphasizes the doctrine of the Incarnation: Since God became human in Jesus Christ, it is appropriate to represent Him and His saints through images. These images remind the faithful of the reality of the Incarnation and help them to focus on the divine mysteries.

3. Liturgical Celebration:

   • Processions with Icons: In many Ukrainian Catholic churches, the Sunday of Orthodoxy is celebrated with a procession of icons. The faithful carry icons and walk through the church or around the church grounds. This symbolizes the triumph of Orthodox faith and the restoration of the veneration of sacred images.
   • Special Hymns and Prayers: The liturgy on the Sunday of Orthodoxy features special hymns that praise the victory of the Church’s teachings and the faith, emphasizing the role of the icons and the saints. One of the most well-known hymns is the “Triumph of Orthodoxy” hymn, which celebrates the restored veneration of icons.

4. Unity of the Church: The Sunday of Orthodoxy also stresses the unity of the Church. It is a reminder that the Orthodox faith, including the Ukrainian Catholic Church, stands firm on the essential truths of Christianity. The celebration of this day fosters a sense of spiritual unity and encourages the faithful to live according to the true teachings of Christ, as they are expressed through the Holy Scriptures, Church tradition, and sacred images.

5. A Time of Renewal: The Sunday of Orthodoxy is celebrated early in Lent, a time when the faithful are called to reflect on their faith and renew their commitment to living in accordance with God’s will. It is a reminder to focus on the true meaning of the season of Great Lent—repentance, prayer, fasting, and renewal of one’s relationship with God.

The Sunday of Orthodoxy in the Ukrainian Catholic Church:

For the Ukrainian Catholic Church, which follows the Byzantine Rite, the Sunday of Orthodoxy is a time to celebrate the richness of the Eastern Christian tradition. The use of icons is an important part of the Church’s worship, and this day highlights the Church’s role in preserving the Orthodox faith, both in terms of theological teaching and liturgical practice.

In conclusion, the First Sunday of Lent – The Sunday of Orthodoxy is a deeply meaningful day for the Ukrainian Catholic Church, marking the victory of truth and proper worship, the restoration of the veneration of icons, and a time for the faithful to recommit themselves to living out their faith in Christ. It is both a historical commemoration and a spiritual call to reflect on the fullness of the faith and the unity of the Church.