2025 PASCHA by Rev Christopher P Foustoukos
My dear brothers and sisters,
Today is the day of the Resurrection! Let us rejoice and be glad in it!
As we celebrate this Feast of the Resurrection, let us strive to make our daily lives an affirmation of the Resurrection. All of our actions and deeds ought to be a silent proclamation of the Risen Christ and His teachings. We must see each day as an opportunity to show others the brilliance of Christ’s victory over death. Too often, our commemoration of this life-giving and life-changing event is merely a once a year religious observance. It is much more then that! The Resurrection of the Lord must become for us a guide for our conduct and a way of life. Christ said, Behold I make all things new! Jesus has done this by His Resurrection from the grave. The Resurrection is our signpost to this newness of life. The Resurrection of Christ is an intricate and central part of our becoming a new creation in God. If the celebration of Christ’s return from the grave is merely a religious observance then the newness of life, the redemption of humanity, and the recalling of our ancestors from death will evade us and become meaningless. Let each of us quietly pray and joyfully proclaim that Christ has made us a new creation through the glory of His Resurrection.
I thank you for your sacrifice of time, talent and treasure this Great Lent by attending services, for singing and serving along with making donations for Pascha. Thank you for your agape for Christ and His Church.
With joy in the Risen Christ.....
+Father Chris
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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.