+ BARTHOLOMEWBy God’s mercy Archbishop of Constantinople-New Romeand Ecumenical PatriarchTo the Plenitude of the ChurchMay the Grace and Peace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with youTogether with our Prayer, Blessing and Forgiveness* * *With the grace of God, the giver of all gifts, we have once again arrived at Holy and Great Lent, the arena of ascetical struggle, in order to purify ourselves with the Lord’s assistance