This is the nature of our heavenly calling: we have been given the right to the throne of Christ, to be enthroned at His side. And this is no less than what He promises us in the book of Revelation (Apocalypse): "To him who conquers will I grant to sit with Me and My throne, as I Myself conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne: (Revelation 3:21). Do you hear what He says? "With Me, and My throne, as though we were one. The throne, then, is the symbol of our glory together with the glory of Christ. When we consider the glory of Christ, let us remember the glory that God has also prepared for us.

God "is seated on a high and exalted throne" (Isaiah 6:1). But neither sits down nor stands up. These are postures for bodily beings. Neither can God be encompassed or enclosed by a throne, because the Divinity cannot be circumscribed by limits. These things, however, are the expressions of an unalterable truth, namely: that God is permanently, unshakably established in absolute power, peace and serenity. Through the "likeness" of the throne, God tells us: "Don't worry. I am the Eternal and permanent. See how stable, and assured, and comfortable I am on this throne. See how peaceful and serene I am, sitting here ready to listen to you. I'm in no hurry. I won't get tired. I won't protest, or get up and leave you here alone. I'm sitting here, and patiently waiting for you, my child.

The experience of Holy and Great Lent is a spiritual journey whose purpose is to transfer us from one spiritual state to another, a dynamic passage. For this reason the church commences Lent with the great penitential Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete. This penitential lamentation conveys to us the scope and depth of sin, shaking the soul with despair, repentance, and hope.

"Brethren, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us have no self-conceit, no provoking of one another, no envy of one another. Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Look to yourself, lest you too be tempted. Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ." (Epistle Lesson from Cheese -Fare Saturday)

The general order and spirit of this time are beautifully expressed in the services and the Lenten Typikon. You have only to immerse yourself in it and to follow the external discipline as much as your strength allows; in this way you will fulfill all that is necessary. Your main concern should be to concentrate your life on God. In order to do this, you must, as far as possible, withdraw from worldly distractions, worldly occupations.

By the grace of God, we have now entered the period of the Triodion, which will lead us by stages to the heart of the ecclesiastical year. The next four weeks will be a preparation for Great Lent, and ultimately for Holy and Great Week, when we shall suffer and be buried with the Lord. After that, together with all the saints and all creation, we will joyfully celebrate the Lord's glorious Resurrection, along with our own spiritual renewal.