Feast of the Annunciation in the East

This past Tuesday, Christians around the world celebrated the Feast of the Annunciation, honoring the moment when the angel Gabriel announced to the Virgin Mary that she would become the mother of Jesus. The Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, led a special prayer for peace at the Basilica of the Annunciation, setting the tone for a day of reflection and devotion. In Lebanon, this feast holds special significance as a public holiday.

Saint Rafka

On Sunday, Lebanese Christians honored the feast of Saint Rafka Ar-Rayès, a beloved Maronite saint known for her unwavering faith and resilience. In the village of Chananir, where her relics are venerated, the community came together for Mass, songs of praise, and a display of flowers and prayers. Despite facing great hardships, including blindness and paralysis, Saint Rafka’s devotion to God never wavered. Her canonization in 2001 serves as a reminder of her enduring legacy of love and courage.

Lent continues

As we journey through Lent, the Eastern Churches are deepening their spiritual practices in preparation for Easter. In the Byzantine tradition, the focus recently shifted to the Sunday of the Cross, a time to reflect on Christ’s triumph over death. The symbolic placement of the Cross in churches serves as a poignant reminder of the path to salvation and encourages believers to persevere through the Lenten season.

Meanwhile, the Armenian Churches observed the Sunday of the Economy, drawing inspiration from Jesus’ parable of the unfaithful steward. This day serves as a reminder to use earthly resources wisely for spiritual growth and salvation.