An invitation to conversion. It was made by the ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I in the "Catechesis for the start of the Holy and Great Lent of 2008". For the Orthodox Church, the Lenten time, which prepares to the most important feast that is Easter, began on Sunday 9th March. "Certainly writes Bartholomew in the Lenten reflection , contemporary man does not feel at ease as he listens to this invitation to conversion, because he is used to the lifestyle he follows and does not want to questions his own behaviour. Actually questioning his own behaviour raises in man a feeling of insecurity, because he thinks it would endanger the mindset into which he has looked for a safe shelter". Conversion comments the Patriarch means "the decision to cease sinful actions and habits" and demands "a change of mentality". But it is not "something that deprives us of the joy of living". "Those who are converted all the time always make progress, always happy for their new targets". "They become wiser and wiser, more and more understanding, higher and friends of Christ’s". (continued)
