Pascha 2022
Pascha (Easter), the most glorious and radiant event in all of human history, commemorates the Resurrection of Christ. Pascha is the Feast of Feasts, the Triumph of Triumphs, and in the Orthodox Church, Pascha is not listed among the Twelve Great Feasts, but it stands individually above them all.
This Paschal Joy is the Triumph, which is enjoyed by our Lord, the Risen Christ, as well as by us all. Nearly 20 centuries have gone by since He died and rose from the dead. And yet, year after year, we follow Him step by step though all the stages of His suffering and death, in order that on the Festive Day, we call all people to exclaim in one jubilant voice: “Christ is Risen!” It is the Resurrected and Highly Exalted Christ who is present among us today. And if Pascha is to be associated with any single emotion of the human soul it is to be that of joy or gladness. “For this is the Day which the Lord has made, so let us be glad in it!”
We cannot enter upon the joys of Pascha without viewing those moments of wonder of the “chosen Disciples of Christ.” These Disciples though they fled from Him in the hours of His trial, waited in love and mingled in fear near His tomb. As with puzzled expressions and doubting steps they come today ever so slowly face to
face with the Risen Master. The Resurrection of Christ brought to them, as it brings to us, the gift of Eternal Life!
Jesus Christ, who was so cruelly insulted and tor- tured, He upon Whom they spat, mocked, derided and nailed to the Cross, He, Whom they killed by crucifixion, enters triumphantly into our midst today. Christ is Risen from the Dead! As through one man, sin and death had come into the world, so through another, the Risen Christ today, there came the Life of God, Eternal Life and immortality to the souls of humankind that life upon the face of the earth.
Pascha is the Day of the Resurrection. Let us be glo- rious in the splendor of the Festival and let us embrace one another. Let us speak also to those who hate us and in the spirit of the Resurrection let us forgive all things. And let us cry out: Christ is risen from the dead, by death He has tram- pled down death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.
Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
+ Fr Christopher P Foustoukos
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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.