"This is a religiously themed post, so if that isn't your cup of tea, I understand and ask that you just ignore it. I will destroy with extreme prejudice any comments of a derogatory or inflammatory nature that are added to it. Consider yourself warned."

I was appalled today after seeing the video of the altercation between Armenian Orthodox and Greek Orthodox monks at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. What is even more disturbing is the reason behind it, and the position of the Patriarchs involved.

The Holy Sepulcher belongs to the Church, not to any Jurisdiction in it, just as Christ belongs to the Church, not any jurisdiction in it. I am appalled that men who have set themselves apart from the world to pray for it would treat each other with such disregard.

I am scandalized by the fact that the Hierarch of Greece's response amounted to "We didn't start it." I don't care who started it. I demand a formal apology and request for forgiveness from the Hierarchs of Armenia and Greece, on behalf of their Churches for the shame and scandal that has been laid at the door of every Orthodox Christian in the world by the actions of those under their omophorion.

We are the Church of the Saints, and although we might have our differences, our great example of how we treat each other is always the Icon of Sts Peter and Paul sharing the kiss of peace.

And it seems like it came out of nowhere.

I have not been one to look forward to Great and Holy Lent; it is a time of hard work and abstinence. Not that these two things are bad, on the contrary they are the very essence of what is good and right.

Don''t get me wrong, I understand and appreciate the "reason for the season" as it were, and when Holy Lent is over I feel the pangs of regret that I must wait another full year to experience the services.

But as time passes the memories of the beauty and profound truth I experience fade; I begin to forget who I am, and what I am here for. Thankfully, each year I welcome Holy Lent with a little more fervor, and a little more love... and most importantly with a more complete memory.

A memory that is filled with the sights, sounds and smells of repentance, redemption and miracles. A memory that exists to remind me that I was meant to shine brighter than the stars; that my heart is an abyss deeper than any ocean and is filled with rooms and caves that have never been illumined by love and true understanding.

But in this season of contemplation and repentance I am given the light to fill these rooms, a light that dispels every dark fear and lie that threatens to destroy me utterly. In the radiance of this light I am made whole, beautiful and complete.

Great Lent comes, and once again I am saved.