Lent ends on Lazarus Saturday, a week before Pascha. And after the feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, Passion Week begins - a very special time when we remember how the Lord endures terrible sufferings for us in order to save us, and in the end is resurrected.
The most beautiful church I have visited in my entire life, the Holy Trinity Church of Karoulia on Mount Athos, 20 years ago.
How many times have I stood before Her image, Her lamp, and had nothing at all to say to Her. Emptiness, nothing, all, eyes, all tears.
A word did not come out of my parched lips. Word from my troubled mind.
It is then that pain locks you in, that freezes you in the heaviest winter of your heart.
Silence, blank gaze, paralyzed heart.
When you are in pain you don't speak, you are silent and your screams are so loud that they are not heard.
I have seen lips pulsate without speaking. Voices hoarse without saying a word. The whole man becomes eyes, the whole body a scream, a voice without sound.
Silence, body in prayer, in standby...
How many times have I prayed in this absolute silence. On those cold floors of solitude on nights that seemed unforgettable.
The only company is the icon of the Virgin Mary, a hug, a caress of Mother, a warm hug and a sound in the ear "shhhhhhh.......
This is the Virgin Mary, who hears the prayers of the silent, who even though you do not speak knows what you are saying, who without explaining knows what you feel and understands you.
To this mother of silence I prayed and today, we all prayed, even those who did not go to church.
The only company is the icon of the Virgin Mary, a hug, a caress of Mother, a warm hug and a sound in the ear "shhhhhhh.......h
This is the Virgin Mary, who hears the prayers of the silent, who even though you do not speak knows what you are saying, who without explaining knows what you feel and understands you.
To this mother of silence I prayed and today, we all prayed, even those who did not go to church.
St. Joseph the Hesychast
