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Published
by the Greek Orthodox
Archdiocese of America, April 2, 2004
All Christians Worldwide Celebrate
Easter April 11
Archbishop Demetrios Exhorts Orthodox Christians
To “Witness To The Power Of The Resurrection
To Transform Lives And To Save Souls”
New York, NY -
PASCHA (Easter) will be celebrated by all
Christian traditions worldwide on April 11.
In his Paschal Encyclical to Orthodox Christians,
His Eminence Archbishop Demetrios, spiritual
leader of 1.5 million Greek Orthodox Christians in
America and Chairman of the Standing Conference of
Canonical Orthodox Bishops representing over 6
million Orthodox Christians in the Americas, says:
"As Orthodox Christians we are blessed with a
beautiful Paschal tradition, by which we properly
celebrate the triumph over evil, sin, and death.
We observe the Feast of Feasts in all the splendor
and glory that it is due. …. In the midst of our
joy, however, we must acknowledge that the
celebratory ethos of Pascha stands in marked
contrast with the culture of 'celebration' found
in our modern world.
This is why our celebration of the great and
glorious Resurrection of our Lord must radiate
truth and life to the ends of the earth. … Yes,
our observance of Pascha is a joyful commemoration
of the victory of Christ, but it is also our
witness to the world of the power of the
Resurrection to transform lives and to save souls.
All of humanity must see among us the cause of
true celebration. Through our worship and prayer,
peoples of all nations must hear us acknowledge
Jesus Christ as both King and Lord of all that is
seen and unseen. Through our jubilant testimony,
they must be offered the invitation to partake of
new life in Him, and they should see in our
continued witness and ministry throughout the year
a joy that is not sustained by the pleasures and
amusements of this world but by the presence of
our Risen Lord."
Archbishop Demetrios will officiate at Holy Week
services in Greek Orthodox parishes in the
metropolitan area including: Palm Sunday Liturgy
at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Hempstead, NY; St.
Demetrios, Jamaica, Bridegroom Service, Sunday
evening; Transfiguration Church, Corona, NY,
Bridegroom Service, Monday evening; Kimisis Tis
Theotokou Church, Brooklyn, NY, Bridegroom
Service, Tuesday evening; Service of the Washing
of the Feet, Wednesday evening, St. Demetrios
Cathedral, Astoria, NY; Vesperal Divine Liturgy,
St. Paul Chapel, Archdiocese, Thursday morning;
Holy Passion, Thursday evening, St. Nicholas,
Flushing, NY; Apokathelosis Service, St. Michael's
Home, Yonkers, Friday morning; Holy Saturday
Morning Liturgy, St. Paraskevi, Greenlawn; Good
Friday Lamentations and Epitaphios, as well as
Resurrection Services Saturday, at the
Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy Trinity (319
East 74th St. New York City). Good Friday services
will begin at 8:00 p.m. and Resurrection Service
and Liturgy Saturday evening at 11:00 p.m.
The Resurrection Service will be broadcast live
from the Archdiocesan Cathedral of the Holy
Trinity on television and the Internet from 11:30
p.m. to 1:30 a.m. On Saturday evening at 11:30 it
will be carried by: NATIONAL GREEK TELEVISION (NGTV)
–Time Warner Digital 509, ANTENNA SATELLITE NORTH
AMERICA, INTERNET: Cathedral and Archdiocese
Websites 11:30 - 2:30 a.m. http://www.thecathedral.goarch.org
SERVICES OF HOLY WEEK
The centuries-old religious services which recall
the Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of
Christ are conducted each morning and evening
throughout Holy Week in Orthodox Christian
Churches of over 6 million faithful in the
Americas including, Greek, Russian, Romanian,
Antiochian, Bulgarian, Carpatho-Russian, Albanian,
Serbian and Ukrainian parishes.
On PALM SUNDAY during the Divine Liturgy, palms
are blessed and distributed to the faithful
commemorating Christ’s entrance into Jerusalem.
On PALM SUNDAY EVENING, as well as on the evenings
of Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, the
faithful gather for the Nymphios or Bridegroom
Services that include readings, hymns, and
commemorations that anticipate the Passion of
Christ.
On HOLY WEDNESDAY, the faithful are anointed with
the Sacrament of Holy Unction, blessed oil, which
cleanses, renews and strengthens both spiritually
and physically.
On HOLY THURSDAY MORNING, a Divine Liturgy is held
and communion given in commemoration of the
institution of the Eucharist by Christ.
On HOLY THURSDAY EVENING, the Service of Holy
Passion takes place, during which the Twelve
Lessons of the Gospel are read. After the Fifth
Gospel a solemn litany begins. A large crucifix is
carried in a procession led by the clergy as the
mournful hymn of Crucifixion is sung.
On GOOD FRIDAY AFTERNOON, the Vespers of the
Descent from the Cross-are offered. The Body of
Christ is taken down from the Cross, wrapped in
white linen and is prepared for burial.
On GOOD FRIDAY EVENING, the Lamentations are sung
during the Epitaphios Service, which symbolizes
the burial of Christ.
On HOLY SATURDAY EVENING, the Easter Resurrection
Service begins with Matins at 11 p.m. At midnight,
the Church is completely darkened and the faithful
wait in joyous expectation for the Bishop or
priest to come forth carrying a white candle,
chanting, "Come, Receive the Light, the Light of
the Resurrection". The light is passed to the
congregation until the Church is aglow with
candlelight. A procession of altar boys, choir,
chanters and clergy joined by the people move
outdoors where the Gospel proclaiming the
Resurrection of Christ is read. The triumphant
hymn, "Christos Anesti, Christ is Risen" is
joyfully sung by the faithful. At the conclusion
of the Resurrection Liturgy, red Easter eggs are
distributed to the congregation, which symbolize
the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
On EASTER SUNDAY, the Vespers of AGAPE (Love) is
celebrated during which the Holy Gospel narrating
the appearance of the Risen Lord to His disciples
is read in several languages emphasizing the
universality of the Gospel message.
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