Dear Friends,

Today is known as the Sunday of the Catechumens. This Sunday concludes a week long period of fasting and penitential prayer. There are a couple of explanations regarding this special fast, which falls two weeks before the beginning of Great Lent.

Our tradition informs us that St. Gregory the Enlightener, having converted King Trdat to Christianity (301 AD) and prior to commencing his work of baptizing the Armenian nation, established this week of extreme fasting to prepare the people to receive the holy sacrament of baptism. A “catechumen” is one who is learning about the faith in preparation for baptism.

The other explanation is tied to the commemoration of the Prophet Jonah, which takes place on Friday of the Fast of the Catechumens. At vespers the complete book of Jonah is read. Jonah’s message was one of deep repentance. God called him to go to the land of Nineveh and preach to the people there that they must turn from their wicked self-centered ways and serve the living God.

At first Jonah tries to shirk his responsibilities and runs away from God by getting on a ship sailing for a distant land. A great sea storm arises and disturbs his flight. The story tells us that Jonah is thrown into the sea and consumed by a large fish. It is in the belly of the fish that Jonah prays one of the most powerful prayers of repentance.

His prayers are heard and God saves Jonah. Jonah fulfils his mission and to his astonishment the people of Nineveh heed his words, repent of their sins, conduct a severe fast and are saved.

Thus this week of fasting in our calendar is sometimes referred to as the Fast of Nineveh. The fasting of the Ninevites reminds us that Great Lent is just around the corner and that we need to start thinking about what we’re going to be giving up. Jonah’s time spent in the fish is also viewed by the Church as a type or prophecy regarding our Lord Jesus’ burial following His crucifixion.

Although all of us have been baptized (most as infants), the theme of catechumens (catechumenate) is relevant for us in as much as we need to be studying the faith, namely by prayerfully reading the Bible and other spiritual writers. During Great Lent we all become in a sense catechumens, that is students of the gospel.

Finally, I want to thank all of you who have come to worship this day as I celebrate my final holy Badarak before departing for Holy Etchmiadzin; and to celebrate with me during the luncheon this afternoon.

+ + + + +

With prayers.
Hayr Simeon
February 8, 2009