Icon of the Publican and the Pharisee

“He who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” - Mathew 23:12

This past Sunday marked our entrance into the Triodion period where we physically, spiritually, and mentally begin to prepare ourselves for the journey ahead. We must have always in our mind the stance of the Publican before the LORD as our hymns boldly proclaim;

“Understanding, O my soul, the difference between the Publican and the Pharisee, hate the proud words of the one, and eagerly imitate the contrite prayer of the other, crying aloud: God be merciful to me a sinner and have pity on me.”