The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete (Mary of Egypt Standing)
During the fifth week of Great Lent, the Orthodox Church celebrates a special and deeply penitential service — the reading of the Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete, which is often called “The Standing of Mary of Egypt.” This is one of the most moving and powerful services of the entire Lenten period, calling each person to sincere repentance and a rethinking of one’s life.
The Great Canon was written by Saint Andrew, Archbishop of Crete, in the 7th–8th centuries.
This canon is unique in its depth and scope: it consists of numerous troparia in which the author speaks to his own soul, calling it to repentance. The text of the canon recalls events from Holy Scripture — both examples of sin and falling, and examples of repentance and spiritual renewal.
A special feature of the service during the fifth week is that the canon is read in its entirety, unlike the first four days of Great Lent when it is divided into parts. Along with the canon, the Life of Saint Mary of Egypt is also read — a great ascetic who, through deep repentance, completely changed her life and attained holiness. This is why the service is called “The Standing of Mary.”
This service has a special prayerful atmosphere: the faithful stand in church for a long time, listening to the words of the canon, making prostrations, and focusing on their inner spiritual state. It is not just a remembrance of sins, but a living appeal to God with a plea for mercy, forgiveness, and renewal of the soul.
Saint Mary of Egypt is a vivid example that there is no sin that cannot be forgiven through sincere repentance. Her life testifies that no matter how far a person has strayed from God, they can always return if they have the determination to change.
The Great Canon of Saint Andrew of Crete reminds us that repentance is not a one-time action, but a constant state of the heart. This service calls each of us to look deeply into our soul, recognize our faults, and turn to God with hope.
May participation in this service become for us a spiritual turning point, help purify our hearts, strengthen our faith, and inspire us to continue the journey of Great Lent with renewed zeal, preparing to meet the radiant Resurrection of Christ.
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Saint Vladimir’s Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral
2000 Tecumseh Rd E
Windsor, ON N8W 1E2
Canada