On Saturday 16 February and Sunday 17 February we had services for the Sunday of the Publican and the Pharisee and the Afterfeast of the Meeting of the Lord.  This Sunday, the first Sunday of preparation for Great Lent, is so named for the appointed reading from the Holy Gospel (Luke 18:10-14).  At Divine Liturgy on Sunday prayers were offered for Orthodox Church unity and for peace in Ukraine.  Following the Sunday service a collection was taken up to benefit Orthodox Action, raising $188.00.