“We were made for the sky, to live eternally with God – Lenten retreats at our parish

“We were created for heaven to dwell eternally with God” – these words formed the theme of the recent Lenten Retreat led at our parish by Father Petro Shumelda.

On April 4 the Retreat began with the service of Vespers, after which Father Petro delivered his sermon, sharing his reflections with the faithful and the clergy.

On April 5 our parish celebrated the Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts followed by another Retreat sermon. Afterward, the clergy and the faithful prayed the Parastas (Sorokousty) for deceased family members.

Our parish choir greatly embellished this year’s Retreat, singing the Vespers using the compositions of Roman Hurko that created a special prayerful atmosphere.

The Retreat ended on Sunday, April 7 with final sermons given during all Divine Liturgies. The Pastor thanked Father Petro for his deep and meaningful preaching and for the opportunity of spiritual renewal during the Great Fast.

We encourage you to listen to the Retreat sermons – audio recordings below (in Ukrainian):


 


Sermon 1


 Sermon 2




Sermon 3



Sermon 4