Monastery News

One of the defining features of Lent is the penitent prayer of St. Ephraim. It is said at every weekday service, even at the smaller office of the hours. Of the three petitions that comprise this short prayer, this final one is the most important. As the parable of the Publican and Pharisee teaches us, we can have all the virtues, but if we do not see ourselves as sinners, we are spiritually dead. By stretching us to our limits, the season of Lent trains us to see ourselves as we really are—sinners.