Start of Triodion: Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee

The Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee marks the beginning of the Triodion, a period of preparation for Easter.

According to His Eminence Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe, the texts of the Triodion focus on prayer and repentance, preparing the faithful spiritually for the events of the life of Jesus Christ.

The parable of the Publican and the Pharisee teaches the value of humility and repentance for redemption from sin.

The Pharisee, full of pride, is contrasted with the Publican, who through his humble prayer achieves justification.

The Church, through the hymns and psalms of the Triodion, calls the faithful to repentance and limitation of egoism.

Jesus Christ, through the example of the Publican, underlines the correct spiritual orientation.

Metropolitan Seraphim of Zimbabwe also calls for prayer for peace in Ukraine, the Middle East, and for addressing climate change.