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A Daily Account of the Solemn Services During Holy Week in the
Eastern Orthodox Church.
"For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how
that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures; and that He
was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the
Scriptures; and that He was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve; after
that, He was seen of above five thousand brethren at once."
1 Cor. 15:3-6
Approach to Holy Week
Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Church institutes the sanctity of the
whole calendar year of the Church. Its center of commemorations and
inspiration is Easter wherein the glorified Resurrection of Jesus Christ
is celebrated. Every Sunday is dedicated in the Eastern Orthodox Church
to the Resurrection of the Lord. One hundred days also are dedicated to
Easter, 50 before it for preparation, and another 50 after it for
commemorating the glorification of the Lord. Easter is considered the
"Feast of Feasts".
The 50 days before Easter, known as a part of the period of Triodion(1)
"three" + "odes" are the period for strengthening faith in the Lord. The
means are well-known to people of spiritual experience. They are
repentance, which means to change from indifference to full
devotion; prayer, which is considered the soul of faith, and
through which faith emerges from theory into life, and self-control,
which governs our relationships with our fellowman. These means are
practical indicators of our vivid faith in God. With this preparation we
are invited to enter the sanctuary of Holy Week, not as spectators, but
as participants in the commemoration and enactment of the divine Acts
that changed the world. A Christian must always be well-trained and
well-armed to fight against those who try to corrupt his spirit and take
away his freedom. The Christian must keep his own spiritual kingdom
intact and his freedom of religion and uprightness vivid in order to be
a part of the Kingdom of God, where the compassions of the Lord and His
Resurrection will be experienced. There is no other place where the
Kingdom of God can be expanded except the heart of man; and there is no
other gate whereby we can enter the Kingdom but that of "repentance".
This was the proclamation of the new era of Jesus Christ, who said,
"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand", Matthew 3:2.
The 50 days which follow Easter are signified by the Pentecostarion
(2) Gr. Pentikonta 50). They are dedicated to the spiritual
enjoyment of the participants in the deep belief that Almighty God is
our Companion in our everyday life and thoughts. It starts with the
celebration of the Lord's Resurrection. During this period, the Church
of Christ, which is His Mystical Body, was instituted and strengthened.
His disciples and Apostles were the witnesses of the appearances of the
Risen Lord; they were the recipients of the Holy Spirit, Who changed
completely their attitude of fear, Who made the Apostles into piercing
heralds and ambassadors of the New Message of salvation in the name of
Christ, the Savior. This was an experience, teaching and inspiration
they handed down as the treasure of the Christian Faith. Christians are
called to commemorate the same divine Events and to enact them in their
hearts and minds, based on the realization that "Christ is Risen".
The entire Christian confession is contained in the words "Christ is
Risen". St. Paul, referring to this fact, clearly and emphatically says:
"If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain
and your faith is in vain", I Corinthians 15:14. This is the reason
why, from the beginning, the Church of Christ set forth as the center of
its worship and faith the Resurrection of its Lord. From the earliest
days after Pentecost the Apostles designated "the first of the Sabbath"
of each week for the remembrance, of the Resurrection of our Lord. This
day was called the "Lord's Day" in the Revelation of John, who said:
"I was the Spirit on the Lord's day" (1:10). It was this
tradition which the writers and hynmologists of the Orthodox Church had
in mind when they wrote hymns and odes for eight consecutive Sundays
(Lord's days) having for their subject the Resurrection of Christ as the
basic belief of redemption and of worship. The fifth article of the
Ecumenical Creed of Faith, the Nicene Creed, refers to this belief, as
well.
The Resurrection of Christ, in relation to the Crucifixion, constitutes
the essence of the Christian Easter, which is the center of the
celebrations of worship of God in the Orthodox Church. Herein will be
presented the events and services of the Passion Week recorded in the
New Testament as they exist in the Eastern Orthodox Church today. The
Passion Week, from the triumphant entrance of our Lord into Jerusalem
until His Resurrection, contains a series of events in the life of
Christ the Savior linking prophecy with its fulfillment.
Daily
Observances of Holy Week
"In Remembrance of a Pledge of Resurrection"
Saturday Morning of St. Lazarus
(Saturday
before Palm Sunday; the service consists of Matins
[Morning Prayers] and the Divine Liturgy.)
On this day the rising from the dead of St. Lazarus, the righteous
friend of Christ, is celebrated. Holy Week begins with the phrase:
"Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany", John 12:1.
His arrival coincided with the Jewish Passover. It started on the 15th
of the month of Nissan in commemoration of the freeing of the Hebrew
people under the leadership of Moses, from the slavery of the Egyptians
by the miraculous act of God. The Church relates preparation and
redemption to the events of this week.
Six days before the Passover a feast was given for Christ in Bethany of
Judea where Christ had stopped on His way to Jerusalem. Lazarus, His
friend, and his sisters were present. A short time earlier Christ had
risen Lazarus from the dead, thereby gaining the respect and faith of
the people, but also the hatred of the fanatics. The Church names this
day the "Saturday of Lazarus" in remembrance of the resurrection of
Lazarus and its promise of universal resurrection for all men. The
Church connects this celebration, by anticipation, with the Entrance of
Christ into Jerusalem: "We carry the Symbols of victory and cry Hosanna
in the highest".
The readings are Hebrews 12:28-13:8 and John 11:1-45.
"Blessed is He
that cometh in the Name of the Lord....."
Palm Sunday Morning
(Palm Sunday services is held in the morning and
consists of Matins [Morning Prayers] and the Divine
Liturgy.)
Palm Sunday celebrates the glorious and brilliant feast of the
Entrance of Jesus into Jerusalem. Zechariah had prophesied the entrance
of the Messiah into Jerusalem, saying: "Rejoice greatly ... O
daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King comes unto Thee; he is
just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon
a colt the foal of an ass", Zech. 9:9. The contemporary Jews
associated this prophecy with the expected Messiah. This action of
Christ testifies to His nature as Savior, but with the definite
declaration that His Kingdom: was not of this world. The news that
Christ was in Bethany provoked a general enthusiasm of acceptance, but
also of indignation among the High Priests, who had decided to kill
Christ. The main road leading to Jerusalem was covered with palm trees.
The multitudes, with palm branches in their hands, spread their cloaks
on the road as a show of respect, crying out-. "Hosanna to the
Son of David,- blessed is He that comes in the name of the Lord'.
All the actions and words of the people and,of Christ had a Messianic
meaning readily recognized by the Jews of that time. As usual, Christ
went immediately. to the Temple, where He prayed and taught. That
evening He departed for Bethany.
A custom of distributing branches of palms to the people in the Church
prevails to this day, commemorating the victory of Christ against the
evil powers.
The Epistle reading is Phil. 4:4-9, and the Gospel reading is John
12:1-18.
"Behold the Bridgegroom cometh in the
midst of the night...."
(The service is MATINS (3)[Morning Prayers] of Great Monday
aid is sung by anticipation on Palm Sunday evening.)
Monday of Holy Week (sung by anticipation now on Palm Sunday
Evening) commemorates the blessed and noble Joseph and the fig tree
which was cursed and withered by the Lord. The withering of the fig tree
was a miracle of special symbolism, since the tree had leaves, but no
fruit. It is symbolic of the many people who claim ethical and religious
identity, but who in reality have empty lives that yield no fruit. This
was also the case with some of the Pharisees of that period. Jesus
cursed the tree: "May no fruit ever come from you again!"
Matt. 21:19. The reference to the story of the virtuous Joseph of the
Old Testament (Genesis 37-41) is made only for contrast, since the life
of Joseph was a model of propriety and sincere observance of ethical
principles.
On this evening we begin with the Hymn of the Bridegroom, "Behold the
Bridegroom comes in the midst of the night... beware, therefore, O my
soul, lest thou be borne down in sleep..... and lest thou be shut out
from the Kingdom . . ." The canticle hymn also has a symbolic
exhortation: "I see thy bridal hall adorned, O my Savior, and I have no
wedding garment. . . O giver of Light, make radiant the vesture of my
soul and save me". At this time the solemn procession of the Icon of
Christ-Bridegroom takes place around the church. The people,
anticipating the sufferings of Christ, sing: "Thy sublime sufferings, on
this day, shine upon the world as a light of salvation".
The Gospel reading during this service is Matthew 21:18-43. It mentions
that "the chief priests and the elders of the people came up
to him as he was teaching, and said. 'By what authority are you
doing these things, and who gave you this authority?"' v. 23. They
sought to have Christ accuse Himself in answering this question.
"Both watch
and pray......."
Great Holy and Monday Morning
(The
service is Matins of Tuesday morning sung by anticipation
Monday evening.)
Tuesday of Holy Week (sung by anticipation now Monday evening)
commemorates the parable of the Ten Virgins, Mtt. 25:1-13. Ethical
preparation and wakefulness are the foundations of vivid faith. The
parable of the Ten Virgins is developed around the theme of the
Bridegroom: "Why are Thou heedless, O my soul? . . . Work most
diligently with the talent which has been confided to thee; both watch
and pray". The hymnologist reminds us, "I do not possess a torch aflame
with virtue, and the foolish virgin I imitate when it is the time for
action"; and, "Into the splendor of thy saints, how can I, who am
unholy, enter?" The exhortation is given: "Come Ye faithful, let us work
earnestly for the Master . . . increase our talent of grace ... Wisdom
through good works".
The Gospel is Matthew 22:15-23 through 23:39; 24:26 through 26:2.
"When he came to himself......he came to his
father......."
Great Holy Tuesday Evening
(The service is Matins of Wednesday morning sung by anticipation
on Tuesday evening.)
On Wednesday of Holy Week (sung by anticipation now on Tuesday
evening) it has been ordained by the Holy Fathers of the Church that
commemoration should be made of the anointing of Christ with myrrh by
the woman in the house of Simon, the leper, in Bethany. Repentance was
the mission of the prophets. It would be an apt one-word title for the
Bible, because "repentance" was the mission of our Lord. This
woman who demonstrated her repentance and her warm faith toward our Lord
still presents to us the aroma of her virtue for imitation today.
On this evening is sung the beautiful "Hymn of Cassiane", probably a
work of Patriarch Photius. It begins: "The woman who had fallen into
many sins recognized thy Godhead, O Lord; Woe to me, saith she; receive
the sources of my tears, O Thou who doth gather into clouds the water of
the sea. Who can trace out the multitude of my sins and the abysses of
my misdeeds? "O Thou whose mercy is unbounded".
The Gospel reading is John 12:17-50.
"The light of
Christ shineth for all......."
Great Holy and Wednesday Morning
(The Divine
Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts)
The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is celebrated on this day for the
last time during Lent. This very ancient Liturgy is a Vesper Service,
with the Holy Gifts presanctified in the Liturgy on the previous Sunday.
This Liturgy is offered every Wednesday and Friday during Lent so that
the people may receive Holy Communion. This Liturgy is solemn, and
reflects the grandeur and simplicity of the early Church. During Lent no
other Liturgy is held except on Saturday, Sunday and March 25, when the
Liturgies of St. Basil (on Sundays) and St. Chrysostom are officiated.
"Anointing him
sick with oil in the name of the Lord....."
Great Holy Wednesday Evening
(The Mystirion of Unction)
The sacred ceremony of the Mysterion of the Holy Unction takes place
on this Wednesday evening, following an old custom. It is the evening of
repentance, confession and the remission of sins by the Lord, preparing
the faithful to receive Holy Communion, usually the next day, Holy
Thursday morning. Holy Unction is the Mysterion for cleansing sins and
renewing the body and the spirit of the faithful. Holy Unction is one of
the seven Sacraments of the Church, and it has its origin in the
practice of the early Church as recorded in the Epistle of James
(5:14-15). At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with
Holy Oil, the visible carrier of the Grace of God.
"Let no fear
separate you from Me....."
Great Holy Wednesday Evening
(The service is Matins of Thursday morning sung by anticipation
Wednesday evening.)
The Orthros of Thursday morning is sung by anticipation Wednesday
evening. In many Orthodox churches, however, this service is sung at its
designated Thursday morning time, before the Vespers and Divine Liturgy.
"On Thursday in Holy Week (now Wednesday evening or Thursday morning)
the Holy Fathers, who had well-ordained things, handed down to us
successively from the Holy Apostles and the Sacred Gospels to celebrate
four Events: the washing of the disciples' feet, the institution of the
Holy Eucharist, the Marvelous Prayer, the betrayal".
The Gospel reading is St. Luke 22:1-39.
"Do this in
remembrance of Me......."
Great Holy Thursday Morning
(The service is the Vespers and Divine Liturgy of Thursday evening
which is sung in the morning by anticipation.)
Jesus drew His last breath of freedom on this Thursday night. Christ
knew all the incidents which were about to take place, and called to Him
His Apostles in order to institute the Holy Eucharist for them and for
the Church forever. At the end of March, with the full moon as a
brilliant lantern in the sky and the weather, mild, the people, in
Jerusalem enjoyed the beginning of spring. In this, atmosphere, Christ
presented Bread and Wine as the Elements of His Very Body and His Very
Blood; they are the Precious Gifts which have been left as His perpetual
Presence in the Church. The institution of the Holy Eucharist and its
re-enactment through the centuries, both as a sacrifice and sacred
ceremony (Mysterion), is the life giving remembrance which, along with
the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ, constitutes the basis of
salvation for the Christian.
Then followed the incidents of dramatic closing moments of Christ's
life. After the washing of His Apostles' feet, He pointed out the
betrayer, inaugurated the Eucharist, and pronounced the new commandment
of love for one another. He spoke to them words of comfort, promising
the descent of the Holy Spirit to complete man's union with Christ. His
departure, Christ said, would bring to them and the world joy. Christ
took His Apostles out in the mild night where He could see face-to-face
His co-workers in the bright light of the full moon. In this spiritual
mood and physical setting, Jesus withdrew to pray. After this agony of
the "bloody sweat" came the kiss of Judas and His arrest. He thus
became the source of spiritual and physical freedom for mankind.
The Divine Liturgy of St. Basil is officiated on this day. The readings
are: 2 Cor. 11:23-32; Mtt 26-2-28; Jn. 13:3-17; Mtt 26:21-39; Lk.
22:43-44; Mtt 26:40-75; Mtt 27-1-2. During this Liturgy the priest
prepares the "Amnos", the Holy Communion, which is kept throughout the
whole year to be given the faithful in times of sickness. The Body and
Blood of Christ is present in the Church during the entire year and
throughout the ages. On this day, with greater feeling than ever,
Christians come for Holy Communion singing: "Receive me Today, O Son of
God, as a partaker of Thy Mystic Feast; for I will not speak of the
Mystery to Thine enemies, I will not kiss Thee as did Judas, but as the
thief I will confess Thee. Lord, remember me when I comest to Thy
Kingdom."
"We worship
Thy passion, O Christ......"
Great Holy Thursday Evening
(The service of the HOLY PASSION of our Lord Jesus Christ. The
service is Matins of Friday morning sung by anticipation Thursday
evening.)
Good Friday celebrates the holy, saving and awesome Passion of
Christ. To take away our sins, Christ willingly endured the spittings,
scourgings, buffetings, scorn, mocking and the purple robe; the reed,
sponge, vinegar, nails, spear and, above all, the Cross and Death. The
confession from the cross of the penitent thief, crucified with Christ,
is celebrated. This service is long, but its content is dramatic and
deeply moving for the devout Christian. Participation in the prayers and
the historical sequence of the events, as related in the Gospels and
hymns, provides a vivid foundation for the great events yet to come.
Following are the references of the "Twelve Gospel" readings of this
service:
1. St. John 13:31 thru Ch. 18,1
2. St. John 18:1-29
3. St. Matthew 26:57-75
4. St. John 18:28 thru Ch. 19:16
5. St. Matthew 27:3-32
6. St. Mark 15:16-32
7. St. Matthew 27:33-54
8. St. Luke 23:32-49
9. St. John 19:38-42
10. St. Mark 15:43-47
11. St. John 19:38-42
12. St. Matthew 27:62-66
These readings
relate the last instructions of Christ to His disciples, the prophecy of
the drama of the Cross, the dramatic prayer of Christ and His new
commandment. The day should be devoted to reading the "Gospel of the
Testament" of Christ which He left for all men. The Church services
during Holy Week re-enact the events of this Gospel.
After the reading of the fifth Gospel comes the procession with the
Crucifix around the church, while the priest chants the 15th antiphon:
"Today is hung upon the Tree, He Who did hang the land in the midst of
the waters. A Crown of thorns crowns Him Who is King of Angels. He is
wrapped about with the purple of mockery Who wrapped the Heavens with
clouds. He received buffetings Who freed Adam in Jordan. He was
transfixed with nails Who is the Bridegroom of the Church. He was
pierced with a spear Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Thy
Passion, O Christ. Show also unto us thy glorious Resurrection".
During the Procession, the faithful Christian kneels and prays for his
spiritual welfare, imitating the thief on the Cross who confessed his
faith and devotion to Christ. He then approaches and reverently kisses
the Crucifix.
"They cast
lots upon my besture......."
Good Friday Morning
According to the Hebrew custom, the "Royal Hours", four in number, are
read at this time. These services consist of hymns, psalms, and readings
from the Old and New Testaments, all related prophetically and ethically
to the Person of Christ. In some churches the "Hours" are read in the
afternoon, before the Vesper services.
"Father
forgive them for they know not what they do......."
Good Friday Morning
(The
service is Vespers sung on Friday afternoon)
The Vespers of Friday afternoon are a continuation of the Royal
Hours. During this service, the removal of the Body of Christ from the
Cross is commemorated with a sense of mourning for the terrible events
which took place. Once more, excerpts from the Old Testament are read
together with hymns, and again the entire story is related, followed by
the removal from the Cross and the wrapping of the Body of Christ with a
white sheet as did Joseph of Arimathea. Apostle Paul, interpreting the
dreadful event, exhorts the Church: "For the word of the cross is
folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved
it is the power of God . . . we preach Christ crucified
. . . the power of God and the wisdom of God", 1 Cor. 1: 18f.
As the priest reads the Gospel, and taking the body, Joseph
wrapped it in a white cloth", he removes the Body of Christ from the
Cross, wraps It in a white cloth and takes It to the altar. The priest
then chants a mourning hymn: "When Joseph of Arimathea took Thee, the
life of all, down from the Tree dead, he buried Thee with myrrh and fine
linen . . . rejoicing. Glory to Thy humiliation, O Master, who clothest
Thyself with light as it were with a garment". The priest then carries
the cloth on which the Body of Christ is painted or embroidered around
the church before placing It inside the Sepulcher, a carved bier which
symbolizes the Tomb of Christ. We are reminded that during Christ's
entombment He descends into Hades to free the dead of the ages before
His Incarnation.
The Gospel readings which relate these events are: Matt. 27:1-38; Lk.
23:29-43; Matt. 27:29-54; Jn. 19:31-37; Matt. 27:55-61. Good Friday is
the only day in the year on which the Divine Liturgy is not officiated.
Today the devoted Christian ponders in his heart the deep meaning of the
Seven Last Words of Christ uttered on the Cross, the first Divine Pulpit
of Christianity.
"Do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves"
Good Friday Evening - The Lamentation
(The
service is Matins of Saturday morning sung by anticipation Friday
evening.)
It consists of psalms, hymns and readings, dealing with the death of
Christ, in contrast to His divinity, and in expectation of His
Resurrection. One of the hymns relates: "He who holds all things is
raised up on the Cross and all creation laments to see Him hang naked on
the Tree". The thoughtful, and well-written Odes,, sung by the
choir, compare the Compassion of God and the cruelty of man; the Might
of God and the moral weakness of man. The Odes picture all
Creation trembling when witnessing its Creator hung by His own
creatures: "Creation was moved . . . with intense astonishment when it
beheld Thee hung in Golgotha". The Odes remind us of the vision
of Isaiah, who saw Christ, "the unwaning light of the manifestation",
and cried aloud, "The dead indeed shall arise and all those on earth
shall rejoice". During this service the Body of Christ is carried in
procession around the church. In some parishes the entire
flower-bedecked Sepulcher, symbolizing the Tomb, is carried in the
procession.
The entire congregation joins in singing the, three parts of the "Hymns
of Praise" (there are approximately 300 hymns, but only a few are sung).
After these hymns are sung, the priest sprinkles the Sepulcher and the
whole congregation with fragrant water. There is a simultaneous praise
of both the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ with their purpose of
the redemption of man. We no longer lament the sufferings of the
Crucified One; we now lament chiefly for our own sins because we are far
from God. So these services should have a rather personal meaning of
repentance and of strong faith in God.
Christians observe Good Friday with fasting, prayer, cleanliness,
self-examination, confession and good works, in humility and, repentance
so that the Grace of the Cross might descend upon them.
The Gospel reading is Matthew 27:62-66.
"Arise, O God,
and judge Thou the earth......."
Great Holy Saturday Morning
(The service is Vespers and Divine Liturgy of
Saturday evening sung by anticipation Saturday morning.)
Psalms are read and Resurrection hymns are sung which tell of
Christ's descent into Hades. "Today Hades cried out groaning" is the
hymn's description of the resurrection of Adam and the conquering of
death. Thus this day's celebration is called "First Resurrection". Most
of the readings of this day are from the Old Testament on the prophesies
and promise of the conquering of death. On this day the Divine Liturgy
of St. Basil is officiated. Apostle Paul exhorts the faithful: "We
were buried, therefore, with him by baptism unto death, so we, too,
might walk in newness of life", Romans 4:6.
After the reading of the Epistle, the priest follows the custom of
tossing of laurel, saying: "Arise, O God, and judge Thou the earth: for
Thou shall take all heathen to Thine inheritance". The Cherubic hymn of
this day is: "Let all mortal flesh keep silence and stand with fear and
trembling......", a thoughtful hymn of adoration and exaltation. The
Divine Liturgy ends with the Communion Hymn: "So the Lord awaked as one
out of sleep, and He is risen to save us".
The readings are from Romans 6:3-11 and Matthew 28:1-20.
The Holy
Sunday of Easter
(The
service is Matins and Divine Liturgy of Sunday morning sung
Saturday midnight. With this service the Pentecostarion starts. (50
days services) ).
On Easter Sunday (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 of the
Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from
the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles.
The priest sings: "Come ye and receive light from the unwaning life,
and. glorify Christ, who arose from the dead", and all the people join
him in singing this hymn again and again. From this moment, every
Christian holds the Easter candle as a symbol of his vivid, deep 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
which refers to the Angels statement: "He is Risen; He is not here",
Mark 16:1-8.
Then comes the breathless moment as the people wait for the priest to
start the hymn of Resurrection, which they join him in singing,
repeatedly: "Christ has 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 Easter atmosphere. The hymns of the
Odes and Praises of Resurrection which follow are of superb
meaning and expression. The people confess, "It is the Day of
Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak
to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry,
Christ has arisen 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 St. John Chrysostom is then officiated. At the end
of the Liturgy, a part of the marvelous festival sermon of St.
Chrysostom is read, which calls upon the people 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 from all ages to all ages".
The readings are Acts 1: 1-8 and John 1: I- 1 7.
"Peace be unto
you........"
Easter Sunday Afternoon Vespers
Easter Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for prayer with
lighted candles. All sing the hymn, "Christ is Risen from the Dead". The
people greet one another joyously, saying: "Christ is Risen", the Easter
salutation which is answered, "Truly He is Risen". They sing, "the dark
shadows of the Law has passed away by the coming of grace", and standing
in exaltation they exclaim, "Who is so great a God as our God?"
The Gospel according to 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
love in His Name; therefore, this day is called "Sunday of Agape" (love
feast), a day dedicated to Christian principles, especially to
forgiveness and charity. At this time, Christians seek to end
misunderstanding and arguments among those whom they may be at odds.
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 Cor. 15:14. The Church also states in its Creed, "The
Third day He rose again".
A Living Faith
Remembrance of the events of the last week in the life of Jesus Christ
has a practical appeal to the heart of the 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 Christ
strengthens and illuminates our beliefs; this is our being. It is not
only a belief in an historical fact which took place in a certain place
and time, but it is marvelous in its nature. The Resurrection of Christ
in relation to His Crucifixion and Mystic Supper continue to be present
in the mind 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 Christ
becomes an unfaded happiness for the 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 Church is to
keep his faith living and working in his everyday life and relations
with others. The Christian will be recognized and identified as the
friend and disciple of Jesus Christ. His beliefs will be like the flag
which flies from the top of the centermost of his own ship, sailing to
its divine destiny. The flag's inscription bears the assurance that
"Christ is Risen, Indeed".
Easter
Sermon
"IF ANY BE
PIOUS AND A LOVER OF GOD, let him take part in this fair and radiant
festival. If any be an honest servant, let him come in and rejoice in
the joy of his Lord. If any have wearied himself with fasting, let him
take part now in the recompense. If any have worked from the first hour,
let him receive to-day his just dues. If any have arrived at the sixth,
in no wise feast with thankfulness. If any have arrived at the sixth, in
no wise let him be in doubt; in no way shall he suffer loss. If any
arrive only at the eleventh, let him not be fearful for his slowness.
For the Master is munificent, and receives the last even as the first.
He giveth rest to him of the eleventh, even as to him who has wrought
from the first hour. And He is merciful to the last, and provides for
the first. And to this one He gives, and to that one He shews kindness.
And He receives their labours, and acknowledges the purpose. And he
honours the action and praises the intention.
Wherefore enter y all into the joy of our Lord, and let the first and
the second take part in the reward. Ye rich and ye poor, join hands
together. Ye strong and ye heedless, do honor to this day. Ye who fast
and ye who fast not, be glad to-day. The table is full: do ye all fare
sumptuously. The calf is ample: let no one go forth unsatisfied.
Let all take part in the banquet of Faith. Let all take part in the
wealth of Righteousness. Let no one lament for poverty, for the Kingdom
is made manifest for all. Let no one bewail transgressions, for
forgiveness has dawned from the tomb. Let no one be fearful of Death,
for the death of the Savior has set us free. He has quenched it by being
subdued by it.
He Who came down into Hades, despoiled Hades; and Hades was embittered
when it tasted of His Flesh. Isaiah, anticipating this cried and said:
Hades was embittered when below it met Thee face to face. It was
embittered for it war rendered void. It was embittered for it was
mocked. It was embittered for it was slain. It was embittered for it was
despoiled. It was embittered for it was fettered. It received a Body,
and encountered God. It received mortal dust, and met Heaven face to
face. It received what it saw, and fell whither it saw not.
O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is thy victory? Christ is
risen and thou are overthrown. Christ is risen and the demons have
fallen. Christ is risen and the Angels rejoice. Christ is risen and
there is none dead in the tomb. For Christ is raised from the dead, and
become the first-fruits of them that slept. To Him be glory and power
from all Ages to all ages. Amen."
St. John Chrysostom
NOTES
1.Triodion is a book consisting of services for the movable
feasts from the Sunday of "the Pharisee and the Publican" (the tenth
Sunday preceding Easter) through the "Great Saturday of Holy Week."
Following is a list of the Sundays beginning with the tenth Sunday
preceding Easter Sunday: l0th-Sunday of The Pharisee and the Publican;
9thSunday of the Prodical Son; 8th-Carnival Sunday; 7th-Sunday of Cheese
Fare; 6th-First Sunday of Fast (of Orthodoxy); 5th-Second Sunday of Fast
(of Gregory Archbishop of Thessalonica); 4th-Third Sunday of Fast (The
Adoration of the Cross); 3rd-Sunday of Fast (of St. John, the Author of
the Climax); 2nd-Fifth Sunday of Fast (of St. Mary of Egypt); Ist-Palm
Sunday.
2. Pentecostarion is the book which includes the services of the
other movable feasts from the Sunday of Holy Easter to the feast of
Pentecost. A list of the Sundays following Easter Sunday; Ist-Easter
Sunday; 2nd Sunday of St. Thomas the Apostle; 3rd-Sunday of the
Myrrh-Bearers; 4th-Sunday of the Paralytic; 5th-Sunday of the Samaritan
Woman; 6th-Sunday of the Blind Man; Ascension Day (Thursday); 7th-Sunday
of the 318 Holy Fathers, 8th-Sunday of the Pentecost; (9th-Sunday of All
Saints).
3. Matins - The order of a Matin: the Priest starts, "Blessed be
our God always. . .", Trisagion, Six Psalms. (3,37,62,87,102,142).
Aktenia -Alleluia four times - Troparion - Sessional Verses - Readings
from the Gospel - 50th Psalm - Triodion (3 Odes) - Canticle - Praises -
Doxology - Supplications - Recitatives - Trisagion - Dismissal Prayer.
