On Saturday 31 January and Sunday 1 February we had services for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee, the first day on which the Lenten Triodion is used.  A greater than usual number of people gathered on both Saturday night and Sunday morning.  Although our parish deacon Father Martin Naef was absent, travelling abroad for work, we were joined for Divine Liturgy by a dear friend of the parish, Protodeacon German Polorotov, now assigned to the Gold Coast-Tweed Heads parish of our Diocese.  In his sermon the rector spoke of the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee (Luke  18: 10-14), emphasising the importance of emulating the best characteristics of both - the humility of the Publican and the righteousness of the Pharisee - whilst avoiding both sin and foolish pride.  Many stayed afterwards for a cup of tea and company.