The Lenten Fast
We are now in the season of Great Lent. During this “Season of repentance,” Orthodox Christians prepare for the week of our Lord’s Passion & Resurrection through an intensified life of prayer, fasting (abstaining from certain foods & activity), and almsgiving (charitable works of mercy). We do this to reorient ourselves to God in areas we may have strayed, and to be vigilant in prayer, that we might more fully partake of the joy of our Lord’s holy resurrection.
During this time, there are beautiful and unique services of devotion to God, several days each week (most Wednesdays, Fridays and and Saturdays). Be sure to check our calendar for the full order of services and parish activities.
Upcoming Events
An Evening with St. John Chrysostom:A presentation of the Saint’s writings from Dr. David’s “Sing to Your Soul” Series
by Drs. David and Mary Ford
of St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary
South Canaan, PA
Wednesday March 29th @ about 7:30 P.M. (following the Evening Service at 6:00 P.M., with light refreshments)
Drs. David and Mary Ford have been teaching at St. Tikhon’s Orthodox Seminary in South Canaan, PA, for 32 years. Dr. David teaches Church History, and Dr. Mary teaches in the area of New Testament Studies.
Through the years they have given many presentations on the Orthodox understanding of marriage and family life. And several times they’ve led workshops and retreats on this theme.
Some of their books reflect their love for this theme. Their first book, written jointly, is called Marriage as a Path to Holiness: Lives of Married Saints. This book, besides presenting the lives of about 180 married Saints, also has a 35-page introduction which gives, in a nutshell, the Orthodox understanding of marriage.
Dr. David’s first book written by himself is called Women and Men in the Early Church: The Vision of St. John Chrysostom (also published by St. Tikhon’s Monastery Press). This book includes this illustrious Saint’s wonderfully high and beautiful understanding of marriage and family life.
Dr. David was raised in Wilmington, Delaware. He earned a B.A. in History at Colgate University, an M.Div. Degree from Oral Roberts University, and a Ph.D. in Church History and Historical Theology.
Dr. Mary was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. She earned her B.A. in English at Hollins College, and her Ph.D. in New Testament Studies at the University of Kent, in Canterbury, England.
They are the parents of one child, Mrs. Emmelia Svetlana Potteiger, who is married to Mr. Brandon Potteiger. They live in Carlisle, PA, and thus far have one child, Winsley Elizabeth Potteiger, who is three years old. They attend Holy Apostles Orthodox Church (OCA) in Mechanicsburg, PA.
St. John the Baptist Orthodox Church 