Pascha 2012
My Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
Pascha is the feast of feasts. The light has prevailed. Death is overcome. The clear sky gently envelops the earth. Our frail hearts can hardly contain the flow of life seeking to transform our pain into joy, to reduce our bitter defeats and failures to laughable, insignificant trivialities.
Christ has descended to the abyss of death, so that we may ascend to eternal life in His presence. The New Adam has redeemed the fallen creation with a second recreation of the world, forcing life to emanate from death. Yesterday, we were fallen and today we rise. We were divided, and now we are one. We are one with creation, one with the world, one with Him. We were broken to pieces, and Pascha 2012 now we have become whole. Whole with each other, vibrating with life in our oneness with all. We hated, and now we love. We despaired in our solitude, and now we rejoice in the fellowship of love. The distorted shattered image of ourselves has been restored to its original icon, pulsating with the bright colors of life. Christ is risen, and our fears are drowned in the miracle of new life. Christ is risen, and we are infatuated with bliss. Christ is risen, and we have reclaimed our dead among the living. Let us embrace one another and remain forever united in His Life and Love.
My heartfelt gratitude to Father Kerry, the chanters, members of the Parish Council, the Philoptochos, Men’s Club, PTA, the youth of our parish, the many generous parishioners who made donations so that we could solemnly celebrate the joyous feast of Christ’s Resurrection and all the faithful who attended the many services of Great Lent and Pascha....may the risen Christ bless you and your families with love, joy, peace and good health... Christ is Risen!
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Explanation of Hymns Following the Gospel
Apolytikion
The Apolytikion, or “dismissal hymn,” is a short Orthodox hymn that summarizes the meaning of a feast day or honors the saint of the day. Sung at Vespers, Matins, and the Divine Liturgy, it reflects the spiritual theme of the celebration.
Kontakion
A Kontakion is a short Orthodox hymn or “poetic sermon” that reflects the meaning of a feast or sacred theme. Originating in the Byzantine era, it was once a longer hymn, though today only its opening verses are typically sung in worship.
Sunday Worship Services (live streaming on 1st Sunday of the month only)
Orthros at 8:00 am
Divine Liturgy at 9:00 am
Memorial Service follows the conclusion of the Divine Liturgy
Special Liturgical Services & Commemorations
Service of Proskomide
The Proskomide, or Office of Oblation, is the preparation service for Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy. Parishioners may submit names of the living and departed for commemoration by the priest during the service. Please provide names to the sexton in the narthex before Orthros begins.
Artoklasia
Artoklasia, meaning “breaking of bread,” is a special thanksgiving service offered on feast days or family occasions. Celebrated at the end of Divine Liturgy or Great Vespers, it commemorates Christ’s blessing of the five loaves that fed the five thousand. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule an Artoklasia.
Memorial Services & Kollyva
Kollyva, a blessed offering of boiled wheat, is prepared for Memorial Services in remembrance of the departed, especially the 40-day memorial. A Trisagion is a shorter memorial prayer service offered in church or at the gravesite without Kollyva. Please contact the church office at 978-531-0777 to schedule a Memorial Service.
Kollyva for Mercy Meals
Kollyva for the Mercy Meal following a funeral may be ordered through a parishioner volunteer. Please contact Niki at 978-578-7292for information or orders.