GREAT AND HOLY WEEK: The Holy Sunday of PASCHA

My beloved brothers and sisters in Christ Our Only True Lord, God, and Savior,

CHRIST IS IN OUR MIDST! HE WAS, IS, AND EVER SHALL BE.

Great and Holy Week: The Holy Sunday of PASCHA

(The service is Orthros (Matins) and Divine Liturgy
of Sunday morning chanted Holy Saturday Midnight
(50 days services).

On PASCHA SUNDAY (Holy Saturday midnight), the Life-Giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is celebrated. Before midnight, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros (Matins) of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The Priest takes light from the vigil light resting on the holy Altar Table and gives it to the Orthodox faithful, who are holding candles. The priest chants: "Come ye and receive light from the Unwaning Light, and glorify Christ, Who arose from the dead," and all the people join him in chanting this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Orthodox Christian holds the Paschal candle as a symbol of his vivid, profound faith IN THE RESURRECTION OF JESUS CHRIST AS SAVIOR. In many churches, THE PRIEST LEADS THE PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE CHURCH, WHERE HE READS THE GOSPEL OR THE RESURRECTION, which refers to the Angel’s statement: "HE IS RISEN; HE IS NOT HERE" (Mark 16:18).

Then comes the breathless moment as the faithful Orthodox Christians wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection, which they joini him in chanting, repeatedly: "CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, BY DEATH TRAMPLING UPON DEATH, AND HAS BESTOWED LIFE UPON THOSE IN THE TOMBS." From this moment, the entire service takes on a joyous Paschal atmosphere. The hymns of the Odes and Praises of Resurrection which follow are of superb meaning and expression. The faithful confess, "It is the Day of Resurrection, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ is risen from the dead." By this hymn, they admit that love of one’s fellowman is the solid foundation of the faith in the Resurrection of Christ.

The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostomos is then officiated. At the end of the Divine Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of Saint John Chrysostomos is recited, which calls upon the faithful Christians to "Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no one be fearful of death, for the death of the Savior has set us free… O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is Thy victory? CHRIST IS RISEN AND THOU ART OVERTHROWN. TO HIM BE GLORY AND POWER FRO MALL AGES TO ALL AGES. AMEN.

The Holy Scriptures are read: The Epistle is taken from Acts 1:1-8 and the Holy Gospel according to Saint John 1:1-17.

HOLY PASCHA AFTERNOON AGAPE VESPERS
20
"Peace be unto you…"

Pascha Sunday Afternoon, the faithful Orthodox Christians gather once more for prayer with lighted candles. All chant the hymn, "Christ is Risen," the Pascha salutation which is answered, "Truly He is Risen!" They sing, "The dark shadows of the Law have passed away by the coming of grace," and standing in exaltation, they exclaim, "Who is so great a God as our God?"

The Holy Gospel according to Saint John 20: 19-25 is read in various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the universe without discrimination. The FRUIT OF FAITH IN THE RESURRECTION OF THE LORD IS AGAPE IN HIS NAME; THEREFORE, THIS DAY IS CALLED "SUNDAY OF AGAPE" (LOVE FEAST), A DAY DEDICATED TO CHRISTIAN PRINCIPLES, ESPECIALLY TO FORGIVENESS AND AGAPE. At this time, Orthodox Christians seek to end misunderstandings and arguments among those with whom they may be at odds. The Holy Apostle Paul firmly interprets the Resurrection of Christ, saying, if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The Orthodox Church also states in its Creed, "THE THIRD DAY HE ROSE AGAIN."

A LIVING FAITH

Remembrance of the Events of the Last Week [Great and Holy Week) in the life of Jesus Christ has a practical appeal to the heart of the Orthodox Christian believer. One’s beliefs constitute his being; the more our beliefs are true and firm, the more purposeful meaning life has. The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ strengthens and illuminates our beliefs; this is our being. It is not only a belief in a historical fact which took place in a certain place and time, but it is marvelous in its nature. The Resurrection of our Lord, God, and Savior Jesus Christ in relation to His Crucifixion and Mystic Supper continue to be present in the mind and heart of the believer as a fact, as well as the Source of "THE POWER FROM ABOVE," FOR WHICH THE BELIEVER PRAYS. Assurance of a personal participation in the enactment of the same events in the life of Chris becomes AN UNFADED HAPPINESS FOR THE ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN.

This is the divine inheritance that the Church of Christ keeps as its treasure and solid foundation. The goal of a member of the Orthodox Church IS TO KEEP HIS/HER FAITH LIVING AND WORKING IN HIS EVERYDAY LIFE AND RELATIONS WITH OTHERS. The Christin will be recognized and identified as the friend and disciple of Jesus Christ. His/her beliefs will be like the flag which flies from the top of the centermost of his/her own ship, sailing to its divine destiny. The flag’s inscription bears the assurance that "CHRIST IS RISEN, INDEED."

A TRULY BLESSED PASCHA AND ANASTASI (RESURRECTION)!

____________
"Glory Be To GOD
For
All Things!"
Saint John Chrysostomos
+ + +

With sincere agape in His Life-Giving and Glorious Resurrection,
The sinner and unworthy servant of God
+ Father George