A characteristic feature of Lenten services is the use of the Old
Testament, normally absent from the daily cycle of worship. Lessons from
three books of the Bible are read daily throughout Lent: =Genesis= and
=Proverbs= at Vespers, =Isaiah= at the Sixth Hour. These readings
indicate that Lent is a =time of preparation=, a spiritual return to
the Old Testament, which announced and prepared the coming of Christ
and the inauguration in Him of a new life. The book of =Genesis= tells
us the story of Creation, Fall and the beginnings of the history of
salvation. =Proverbs= teach us the Wisdom of God as revealed to man and
leading him to repentance and renewal. Finally, =Isaiah= is the great
prophet of Redemption and Salvation, the announcer of the Kingdom
of God.