Also known as the “First Liturgy of Pascha,” in truth, this is first service of Pascha. The vesperal hymns are those of Resurrection: Hades weeps with regret, wondering how he could have taken this Man, who turned out to be God. The beautiful doxasticon hymn tells us that Christ has spent this Great Sabbath in the tomb, resting from His work. The Old Testament readings prophecy of the Resurrection, and reach their pinnacle with the singing of Psalm 81: “Arise, O God, and judge the earth!” as the priest scatters flower petals throughout the church. St. Matthew’s account of the Resurrection is proclaimed, and the Cherubic Hymn is from the Liturgy of St. James: “Let all mortal flesh keep silence.”
Tag: Saint John Chrysostom
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 first signs of hope as we begin to sing hymns of the Resurrection.
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 the faithful.
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 purchased our salvation.
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 will not betray Christ with a kiss like Judas, but rather imitate the Good Thief.
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 will not betray Christ with a kiss like Judas, but rather imitate the Good Thief.
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 of Judas, who betrayed Christ for the sake of wealth.
This is the second of the “Bridegroom Services.” Holy Tuesday is dedicated to the parable of the ten virgins. Through this parable, we are reminded to imitate the wise virgins, who trimmed their lamps and were prepared for the coming of the Bridegroom, while the foolish virgins wasted their time and the door was shut in their faces. There is still time to repent and change our way of life.