God Speaks from the Cross: Lenten Series Leads Faithful into the Heart of Christ’s Passion

Forgiveness that Sets Us Free

The first presenter, Fr. Julian Bilyj, reflected on the words of Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” and “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise.” He spoke deeply about forgiveness—how essential it is both to forgive and to be forgiven. At the same time, he acknowledged how difficult it can be to forgive when we have been deeply hurt, especially when it is hard to see the humanity in someone who has caused us great pain. Yet, as he reminded us, life becomes lighter and more peaceful when we embrace forgiveness as Christ taught, trusting that His mercy is stronger than any sin or wound.

Fr. Julian invited participants to examine the grudges, resentments, and memories they still carry, and to bring them to the Crucified Lord in prayer. In doing so, we begin to experience the freedom of the good thief, who heard the promise of Paradise even in his final moments.

Mary’s Compassion and Our Suffering

The second evening was led by Fr. Orion Wiebe, who continued reflecting on Christ’s words from the Cross: “Woman, here is your son… here is your mother” and “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” Father Orion also prepared a booklet titled “Compassion and Suffering,” incorporating prayers from the Great Compline of Great and Holy Friday. Through this, he invited participants to enter into Mary’s journey at the Cross, her suffering, her pain, her devotion, and her faithful service.

Witnessing the death of her only Son was not merely experiencing loss; she endured the agony of seeing Him mocked, beaten, tortured, and ridiculed. Truly, her heart was pierced by His suffering, but she offered it for the salvation of the world. Fr. Orion encouraged everyone to unite their own pain with Mary’s faith, to stand with her beneath the Cross, and to believe that God can transform even the darkest moments into a path of grace. In this way, our own suffering, entrusted to God, can become redemptive for us and for others.

Thirst, Fulfilment, and Surrender

The third presentation was given by Fr. Gabriel Haber, OSBM, who reflected on the final words of Christ: “I am thirsty” – the longing of God; “It is finished” – the fulfilment of salvation; and “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit”, the mystery of trust. He invited all present to stand at the foot of the Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, to spiritually enter into His suffering and to recognise His ultimate self-gift.

Participants were encouraged to bring their wounds, fears, struggles, and questions to the Crucified Christ, who thirsts for each person’s love and conversion. In meditating on “It is finished,” they contemplated the completeness of Christ’s saving work, while “Into Your hands” opened a path to deeper surrender in times of uncertainty, weakness, and trial. Fr. Gabriel reminded everyone that God is Love, Light, and Truth, and that entrusting our lives into the Father’s hands, just as Jesus did, becomes the source of real peace and hope.

Gathering the Faithful In Person and Online

This year’s Eparchial Lenten Series drew together many faithful from across the Eparchy and beyond, both offline and online. Parishioners, clergy, religious, and families gathered at St. Basil’s Cultural Centre, while others joined via livestream from their homes, parishes, and communities. In this way, the Church stood spiritually together at the foot of the Cross, united in prayer and reflection on the Passion of Christ.

We are grateful to all who helped organise and support this initiative, as well as to every person who participated, shared the links, and invited others. As an Eparchy, we are deeply thankful for the opportunity to organise this Lenten series and to share God’s Word in a way that reaches people wherever they are—whether in the pews or online. We hope that the words spoken from the Cross will continue to echo in hearts long after Lent, leading us to deeper faith, forgiveness, and trust in the Risen Lord.