For generations, the tradition of Mission Vespers has been a cherished part of the Lenten journey for American Orthodox Christians, bringing together the faithful from neighboring parishes on Sunday evenings for prayer, reflection, and fellowship. These services mark the transition back to the solemnity of the Lenten weekdays, featuring powerful prokeimenon verses, penitential troparia, the Prayer of St. Ephraim, a sermon from a visiting speaker, and a shared meal. The host parish provides a simple Lenten supper, offering time for conversation and encouragement as we journey together toward Pascha.
This year, our deanery has once again selected three host locations to continue the pilot project begun last year to revive this beloved practice. This Sunday, March 8, at 5:00 p.m., we have the blessing of hosting at our church in Irvona. In keeping with tradition, we will offer a simple selection of soups, bread, salad, and a few Lenten desserts prepared by our parish’s excellent cooks. A sign-up sheet can be found here.
We hope many of you will be able to join us and welcome our neighbors from throughout the deanery for prayer and fellowship.
As a reminder, we will celebrate the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts tonight at 6:00 p.m. in Madera, followed by a Lenten potluck. On Friday, the same schedule will be observed in Irvona. Confessions will be heard before both services beginning at 5:00 p.m. Our full and up-to-date schedule is always available at orthodoxclearfield.org.
Thank you for making plans to join us this week, and especially next Sunday evening. Good strength to all of you as we continue our journey through Great Lent.