An epistle of His Eminence, Metropolitan Konstantin of Zaraisk
To the priests, deacons, monastics and all the faithful
Of the Patriarchal Exarchate of Africa
Regarding the beginning of Great Lent
Dear fathers, brothers and sisters!
I congratulate you all on the approach of Great Lent.
Great Lent is a special time in the spiritual life of a Christian. This is a time of repentance, a time of prayer, a time to do good deeds. Therefore, I wish for all of you to spend this Lent working on ridding yourself of sins, on improving your life, on worthily preparing for the joyous feast of Christ’s Resurrection: Holy Pascha.
Great Lent starts with forgiveness. I give each of you my blessing to make an effort to reconcile with those with whom you are not at peace, to forgive everyone who has made you upset, to build good relations with your neighbors and to do good deeds.
I would like to remind you that Lent is an especially fitting time to read the Word of God. Those who are able should read at least one chapter of the New Testament each day of Great Lent.
At this time, it is also important, together with the Church, to pray to God using the words of St. Ephraim the Syrian’s prayer. Each petition of this prayer, as well as living in accordance with that for which we ask of Him, with God’s help, helps us achieve the goal of Lent: to become free of sins, which separate us from God and our neighbors, and, on the contrary, to fill our lives with good strivings, thoughts, feelings and deeds.
Pray to God, ask for forgiveness for your sins. Be at peace and joyous as you strive for union with God and your neighbors.
I invoke God’s blessing upon you.
The Metropolitan of Zaraisk, Konstantin
Patriarchal Exarch of Africa
of the Russian Orthodox Church
2 March 2025
