Saint Nicholas

The vesperal hymns of this service speak of judgment. We are reminded to be prepared, as death could take us at any time, and we pray that we will never hear the Lord say to us the fearful words, “I do not know you.” Instead, we are encouraged to become rich in good deeds and […]

In this, the third "Bridegroom Service," we make remembrance of the harlot who anointed Jesus’ feet with expensive ointment, and His rebuke of the greedy Judas, who was obsessed with money. Let us imitate the woman, who poured out fountains of tears and confessed her sins to the Master; let us run from the ways […]

This sacrament, instituted in the Epistle of St. James, is celebrated  during Holy Week in some Orthodox traditions to strengthen the faithful as we enter into the day of Christ’s death. The oil of mercy, which is traditionally blessed by seven priests, is given to effect healing and forgiveness of sins. Holy Unction is a […]

On Holy Thursday, we remember the institution of the Eucharist. Judas is also exposed as a “son of vipers” as he betrays the Lord. The lengthy Gospel reading at the Divine Liturgy brings us through the Mystical Supper, the arrest of Jesus, and the denial of Peter. During this service we repeatedly pray that we […]

Known as the "12 Gospels Service" or the "Passion Service." In what is perhaps the most intense service of Holy Week, we read the twelve Gospel accounts of Christ’s Passion and Crucifixion. Interspersed with hymns that reach a climax with the procession of the Cross, we venerate the Wood on which the Lord suffered and […]

The Eucharist is not celebrated on Holy Friday, as Christ said: "When the Bridegroom has gone, then they will fast." It is traditional to eat and drink nothing on this day. At the Royal Hours, we listen to selections from the Passion Gospels, together with reflective psalmody and hymns.

The Eucharist is not celebrated on Holy Friday, as Christ said: "When the Bridegroom has gone, then they will fast." It is traditional to eat and drink nothing on this day. At the Royal Hours, we listen to selections from the Passion Gospels, together with reflective psalmody and hymns.

The Eucharist is not celebrated on Holy Friday, as Christ said: "When the Bridegroom has gone, then they will fast." It is traditional to eat and drink nothing on this day. At the Royal Hours, we listen to selections from the Passion Gospels, together with reflective psalmody and hymns.

The Eucharist is not celebrated on Holy Friday, as Christ said: "When the Bridegroom has gone, then they will fast." It is traditional to eat and drink nothing on this day. At the Royal Hours, we listen to selections from the Passion Gospels, together with reflective psalmody and hymns.

Also known as the "Un-nailing Service." In this most dramatic service, we commemorate the burial of Christ. The icon of the Lord is removed from the Cross, wrapped in a shroud, and symbolically entombed on the altar. The epitaphios or plaschanitsa, a special icon representing the tomb of Christ, is carried out and venerated by […]

Also known as the "Lamentations Service," we join the Mother of God at the tomb as she weeps for her Son. Christ’s body, symbolically in the form of the epitaphios or plaschanitsa, is carried around the church in solemn procession. This is the Lord’s funeral service. Yet even in this dark hour, we see the […]

Participants keep vigil at the Lord's tomb throughout the night, taking turns reading from the Psalms.