The study of Holy Scripture is essential to the successfulness of our Lenten Journey; so vital in fact that St. Epiphanius of Cyprus wrote, “Ignorance of the Scriptures is self treason.” In other words, if we forsake the reading (study) of Scripture, we are actually planning our own demise! Therefore, at the very least, it is imperative that we read the appointed lessons and texts for the day.

On the church calendar you will find readings for each day of the year. During Great Lent selections from the Old Testament Books of Genesis, Proverbs and Isaiah are read. These readings are usually short and do not take up much time, yet the spiritual benefit and wealth they contain is phenomenal! They can help us acquire spiritual understanding along many dimensions. 

It is also advisable to read a few Psalms each day; both in connection with your private rule of prayer (pravilo), and separately. Nowhere else can we find such a concentration of prayerfulness, repentance, and a thirst for God, than in the Psalter.

In addition to Holy Scripture, reading other religious books, such as the Lives of Saints, Church History, Orthodox Spirituality, etc, or even the literary classics is also greatly encouraged. Spiritual gems such as “The Way of a Pilgrim” or Fr. Schmemann’s, “Great Lent,” are also wonderful Lenten reads; since these books take us from our daily life to a higher level of awareness and feed the soul.