GREAT LENT PARISH-WIDE READING PLAN

This reading plan is designed for the entire parish – individuals, families, catechumens, inquirers, and longtime Orthodox Christians.

Each week includes:                                                                                       You can read the Scriptures: 

► Primary Scripture readings                                                                  ► At home                                   
► A unifying theme                                                                                       ► In your prayer corner
► A short reflection                                                                                      ► With your family
► A parish-wide practice                                                                            ► Any time after Liturgy
► A simple prayer                                                                                           ► During your lunch break
                                    

Week    01

FORGIVENESS SUNDAY

Theme: Begin with a Clean Heart

Readings

  • Matthew 6: 14-21
  • Psalm 50
  • Romans 12

Reflection

Lent begins with forgiveness because nothing grows in a hardened heart. Forgiveness is the soil where prayer, fasting, and love take root.

Parish Practice  

Reach out to one person you need to forgive – or ask forgiveness from.

Prayer

Lord, soften my heart and teach me to forgive.

Week02

SUNDAY OF ORTHODOXY

Theme: Seeing God Clearly

Readings

  • John 1:43–51
  • Hebrews 11
  • Psalm 26

Reflection

Icons teach us that God became visible.

Lent invites us to see Christ more clearly — in Scripture, in prayer, in one another.

Parish Practice

Stand before an icon each day for one minute in silence.

Prayer

Lord, open my eyes to see Your presence.

 

Week03

ST. GREGORY PALAMAS

Theme: The Light of Christ in the Heart

Readings

  • Mark 2:1–12
  • Psalm 36
  • 2 Corinthians 4

Reflection

The light of Christ is not far away — it shines in the human heart.

Lent is a time to clear away what dims that light.

Parish Practice

Pray the Jesus Prayer for 2 minutes each day.

Prayer

Lord, let Your light shine in my heart.

Week04

THE CROSS

Theme: Strength for the Journey

Readings

  • Mark 8:34–38
  • Psalm 22
  • Philippians 2

Reflection

The Cross stands in the middle of Lent to strengthen us.

It reminds us that love is stronger than suffering.

Parish Practice

Make the sign of the Cross intentionally throughout the day.

Prayer

Lord, give me strength to carry my cross with love.

Week05

ST. JOHN CLIMACUS

Theme: One Step at a Time

Readings

  • Mark 9:17–31
  • Psalm 121
  • James 4

Reflection

The Ladder of Divine Ascent is not climbed in leaps — but in small, faithful steps.

Lent is not about perfection, but direction.

Parish Practice

Choose one virtue to practice this week (patience, humility, kindness).

Prayer

Lord, help me take one step closer to You.

Week06

ST. MARY OF EGYPT

Theme: No One Is Too Far Gone

Readings

  • Mark 10:32–45
  • Psalm 103
  • Isaiah 55

Reflection

St. Mary’s life shows that grace is stronger than sin.

Lent is a season of return — for every one of us.

Parish Practice

Spend 5 minutes in silence each day, simply saying, “Lord, have mercy.”

Prayer

Lord, bring me home to You.

Week07

PALM SUNDAY

Theme: The King Who Comes in Peace

Readings

  • John 12:1–18
  • Psalm 118
  • Zechariah 9

Reflection

Christ enters Jerusalem with humility and peace.

He comes not to conquer nations, but to conquer death — and to bring peace to our hearts.

Parish Practice

Place a branch or palm near your prayer corner.

Prayer

Lord, enter my heart with Your peace.