Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt – April 6, 2025

On the Fifth Sunday of Great Lent, the faithful of St. Vladimir Orthodox Church in Trenton, NJ, under the pastoral leadership of Fr. Volodymyr Chaikivskyy, were deeply blessed to welcome Mother Abbess Christophora of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Ellwood City, PA.

Mother Christophora joined the community for the Divine Liturgy, prayerfully commemorating the Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt. Her presence brought comfort and spiritual encouragement, especially in light of the recent repose of Matushka Mary Shafran, who fell asleep in the Lord on March 31, 2025. With pastoral sensitivity and motherly warmth, Mother Christophora offered words of solace to the parish family in their time of mourning.

Following the Liturgy, Mother Christophora delivered a heartfelt Lenten reflection, reminding all present that we are like a "lump of clay being fashioned into Christ." She encouraged each person to recognize the unique gifts God has given them and to work in synergy with the Lord to grow those talents for the life of the Church. “You may think what you offer is small,” she said, “but it is not. Come to Divine Liturgy. Help where it is needed, no matter how simple it seems to you.”

The faithful, including many catechumens, found her words deeply inspiring and were uplifted by the opportunity to speak with her personally. Her joyful conversations with younger parishioners were especially memorable.

We give thanks for the ongoing relationship between St. Vladimir Church and Holy Transfiguration Monastery, and for the gift of Mother Christophora’s spiritual guidance.

Glory to God for all things!