On April 28, on Holy and Great Wednesday, when the Church commemorates the betrayal of Judas, our Parish held a service of the last Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts in this year. It was headed by our Rector, Archpriest Igor Tarasov.

Following the dismissal of the Liturgy the Rector preached a homily about the significance of this day of the Holy Week. He reflected upon the motives which led Judas to betray Christ. These motives, unfortunately, are common to all humans. Among the 12 Apostles one became a traitor. All of us may betray the Lord but we are called to be like eleven other Apostles, not like Judas. We should also remember that Judas was not successful in his pursuit to have a good life. He became disappointed and even hanged himself out of despair. Such is the outcome of betraying God.
Another important thing to learn from the Great Wednesday is that time is precious. On this day and during this Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts we recite the Prayer of St. Ephrem the Syrian and make prostrations for the last time before Pascha. We are done with that prayer and the prostrations. The time of Lent had ended and will return only next year if we live until that time. Thus we should use the time appropriately and use it to save our souls.