The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts

Throughout the entire Lent, it is imperative that we give at least one evening to attend the Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts with the spiritual experience it implies - that of total fasting, that of transformation of at least one day into a real expectation of judgement and joy. No reference to conditions of life, lack of time , etc., are acceptable at this point, for if we do only that which easily 'fit' into the conditions of our lives, the very notion of lenten efforts becomes absolutely meaningless. Not only in the 20th century, but in fact since Adam and Eve, 'this world' was always an obstacle to the fulfilment of God's demands. There is, therefore, nothing new or special about our modern 'way of life'. Ultimately it all depends again on whether or not take our religion seriously, and if we do, eight or ten additional evenings a year at church are truly a minimal effort.

Alexander Schmemann - Great Lent, St. Vladimir's Seminary Press, 1990