Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church: First Sunday of Lent-The Sunday of Orthodoxy (John 1:43-52)

This Sunday commemorates the return of the Icons into the churches, according to the  decision of the Seventh Ecumenical Synod (787). The Church determined that this celebration would take place each year on the first Sunday of Lent, as the Sunday of

Orthodoxy, starting March 11, 843. On this Sunday every year the triumph of the faith of  Orthodoxy is celebrated with ceremony. The Icon of Christ, according to St. John Damascus, is a distinct affirmation and a reminder of the fact of His Incarnation, which has a vital significance for the salvation of the faithful, an affirmation which prevails to this day in the Orthodox Church. The celebration of the day includes the procession with the Icon of Christ around the inside of the church with pomp and reverence. The Sunday of Orthodoxy calls upon the people to rededicate themselves to the deep meaning of their faith and to declare in unison, “One Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all”.

Saint Anthony Greek Orthodox Church, 778 South Rosemead Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 449-6943 or visit www.saint-anthonys.org.