The Fourth Friday of Great Lent. The Ladder of Divine Ascent and Moral Improvement
By Fr. Stephen Freeman, April 11, 2016 The Fourth Sunday of Great Lent in the Orthodox Church, is dedicated to St. John Climacus, the author of the ancient work, The Ladder of Divine Ascent. It is a classic work describing “steps” within the life of the struggling ascetic. There is an icon associated with this work, picturing monastics climbing the rungs of a ladder to heaven, battling demons who are trying
— WE WELCOME ALL OUR VISITORS —
Visitation of His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America on the Occasion of the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, Sunday of Saint John Climacus
Brothers & Sisters,
We are pleased to announce that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros of America will be the main celebrant of the Archierarchical Divine Liturgy of the Fourth Sunday of Great Lent, the Sunday of Saint John Climacus, March 22, 2026.
His Eminence will be in Washington to attend the American Hellenic Institute’s (AHI) 52nd Anniversary Hellenic Heritage Achievement & National Public Service Awards Dinner on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at the Capitol Hilton. This marks the first time His Eminence will attend and offer formal remarks at this awards dinner.
AHI President Nick Larigakis has said, “We are deeply honored that His Eminence Archbishop Elpidophoros will join us for this special evening and deliver remarks at our anniversary dinner. His spiritual leadership and steadfast commitment to Hellenism and Orthodoxy in America elevate this celebration in a deeply meaningful way.”
We are also pleased to announce that Father Bill and Presvytera Emily Bartz will be with us and we are overjoyed to have them back again, so soon. Father Bill will con-celebrate.
It is always a great honor and privilege to receive His Eminence and we ask you to please make every effort to join us in worship and receive the blessing of our spiritual father, Archbishop Elpidophoros of America.
Orthros: 8:30 AM; Archierarchical Divine Liturgy: 10:00 AM.
We hope to see you all!
The Clergy and Parish Council of Saint Sophia Cathedral
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Saint Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral is incorporated as a non-profit under the DC Law and governed by its Bylaws which are available HERE or by contacting Pete Panagiotopoulos, Cathedral Administrator at 202-838-1553 or via email at ptpoulos@saintsophiadc.com.
The Bylaws incorporate the Uniform Parish Regulations and are available by clicking HERE.