Monachos.net eNewsletter - 11 / 24 February 2008

[Monachos.net eNewsletter]

The Monachos.net eNewsletter
11 / 24 February 2008
Sunday of the Prodigal Son

Dear readers and friends of Monachos.net,

The past two months have seen many changes at Monachos.net, including a updated design to the site and layout for its pages. The patristics library is always expanding, and has recently included the publication of over 20 new documents. Our Discussion Community forum, which recently surpassed 42,000 posts, has also undergone a 'face lift', including the addition of many new features.

But at this time of year the focus turns toward the period of the Great Fast, which begins in only a few weeks' time. For several years, Monachos.net has made available a large collection of Orthodox Lenten resources, and we do so again this year. News on specific resources for Great Lent itself will follow once the Fast begins; but readers may like to be aware that a large number of pre-Lenten resources are also offered -- such as a reflection on this Sunday's focus on the Prodigal Son. You are invited to take advantage of the many pre-Lenten resources available on the web site, some of which we highlight below.

HIGHLIGHTS OF NEW MATERIALS ON MONACHOS.NET:

____Pre-Lenten Resources____
http://www.monachos.net/library/Great_and_Holy_Lent

The main area for pre-Lenten materials, containing introductions to the Lenten season, prayers, readings, and reflections on the various pre-Lenten themed Sundays. This area also contains materials for the Great Fast itself, in anticipation of its arrival.


____"All to no purpose have I left my true home...": Reflections on the Sunday of the Prodigal Son ____
http://www.monachos.net/library/Sunday_of_the_Prodigal_Son

This Sunday's theme of the Prodigal Son is treated in a text that reflects on the hymnography of the day. In particular, the theme of exile, so central to the spirit of Lent, is explored through the first-person hymns of the Prodigal in the Church's texts.


____Akathist of Thanksgiving, in Praise of God's Creation, by Metropolitan Tryphon____
http://www.monachos.net/library/Akathist_of_Thanksgiving

Not directly connected to our pre-Lenten offerings, we have recently published on-line this new translation of the akathist by Metropolitan Tryphon. This new translation is in traditional English style, and represents a remarkable reflection on the beauty and joy of creation by one who experienced tremendous suffering.


As ever, we thank you for your support and patronage of the Monachos.net web site on Orthodoxy through patristic, monastic and liturgical study.