Looking Ahead to Holy Week & Pascha
April 8 – 16, 2023
On Lazarus Saturday (April 8), we enter into the special and sacred time of Holy Week and Pascha. Each and every one of us is called to truly “lay aside all earthly cares,” i.e., all activities and concerns that distract from the great mystery which is happening for us and to us. It must be an experience that transcends the fulfilling of an annual religious obligation or custom. It is more than a beautiful “tableau” which emotionally uplifts us.
Holy Week and Pascha must make present a power which affects everything in our lives — self perception, relationships with others, the world around us, our callings in life, our possessions, our bodies and physical health, and finally our own impending deaths — “the power of God unto salvation for everyone who has faith” (Romans 1:16).
Practically Speaking
For us to properly lay aside all earthly cares, experience shows that prayerful preparation is helpful. Some questions we might want to ask ourselves:
- Have I marked up my personal and work calendars so that I won’t accidentally schedule a conflict between my family, work, and church commitments?
- Have I finished my taxes and other “big” projects that compete for my mental space?
- Have I made peace with anyone that I’ve offended?
- Can I do extra chores around my home or projects at work to give a little extra space to Holy Week?
- Have I remembered to formally request Great and Holy Friday (April 14) off work? Even in today’s secular age, every employer understands and has a policy to accommodate this sentence: “Hi, Orthodox Good Friday is April 14 this year. I’d like to take a day off for religious reasons.”
- How can I avoid the stress and “rushing around” that sometimes accompanies the Great Sabbath (Holy Saturday, April 15)? It is good for us to be involved in the work of our hands as we prepare for the great night of Pascha, and the schedule allows for what is necessary. With preparation and forethought, can I avoid the kind of stress and anxiety that I know can separate me from the experience of the Passion?
Planning Ahead
Sun. April 9:
9:30 am Divine Liturgy of Palm Sunday
6:30 pm Bridegroom Matins
Mon. April 10:
6:30 pm Bridegroom Matins
Tue. April 11:
9:30 am Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
6:30 pm Bridegroom Matins
Wed. April 12:
9:30 am Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
6:30 pm Matins of Great Thursday
Thu. April 13:
9:30 am Vespers and Divine Liturgy
6:30 pm Great Friday Matins: 12 Gospels
Fri. April 14:
9:30 am Royal Hours
4:00 pm Vespers of the Deposition (This service is particularly “child friendly”)
6:30 pm Great Saturday Matins (with procession)
Sat. April 15:
9:30 am Vespers and Divine Liturgy
11:30 pm Midnight Office. At midnight, Paschal Procession and Matins, Paschal Divine Liturgy
CHRIST IS RISEN! INDEED, HE IS RISEN!
Sun. April 16:
1:00 pm Paschal Vespers
Wed. April 19:
6:00 pm Paschal Vespers
Thu. April 20:
9:30 am Paschal Divine Liturgy