After the Paschal Vigil, our Pascha baskets are brought out for blessing (the origin of the “easter” basket) filled with the things we have fasted from for the last 40 days. These baskets have been carefully prepared and include several foods with a traditionally symbolic significance. Sweet bread is always included, leavened with yeast. This is a symbol of the New Covenant; the Jews made unleavened bread, and we, the Children of the New Covenant, make leavened bread. The braided form of this bread is a display of the Trinity. Pascha Cheese is a figure of all the sweetness of the Kingdom, and  remind us of the earthly gifts that come from God. Pascha cheese is normally included, and … [Read more...]

2021 Arizona Mission Conference Fri. June 11 - Sun. June 13,  2021 Charting Uncharted Waters mission planting, growth, and development in the days to come   This year’s Missions Conference will be incredible, dynamic, and interactive! His Beatitude, Metropolitan Jonah, is our special guest and keynote speaker. Don’t miss this chance to get to know him and interact in this exclusive opportunity. Everyone at this year’s conference has started a mission from scratch and grown it into a full vibrant parish with a close community. We’ll be interacting and preparing for the days to come talking to real experts in church growth. We'll be setting a course for future activity, so we need you … [Read more...]