The fifty days following Pascha until the Feast of Pentecost are known as the period of the Pentecostarion in the Orthodox Church. At the mid-point between these great feasts of Pascha and Pentecost, on the twenty-fifth day which is always a Wedneday, is one of the most beloved feasts for the most devout Orthodox Christians known quit simply as Mid-Pentecost. Mid-Pentecost is to the Pentecostarion what the Third Sunday of Great Lent which honors the Holy Cross is to the period of Great Lent. It is a day which helps us focus on the central theme of the entire period. Whereas the mid-point of Great Lent reminds us to bear up the Cross of Christ bravely so that we may daily die with Christ in … [Read more...]

On Tuesday of St. Thomas week we remember those Orthodox Christians from all ages who have died in faith, and in the hope of resurrection. There are indications of this commemoration in the sermons of the Fathers of the Church. The great Church father, St. John Chrysostom, for example, mentions it in his homily “On the Cemetery and the Cross.” In pre-Revolutionary Russia bars remained closed and alcoholic beverages were not sold until this Day of Rejoicing so that the joy people felt would be because of the Resurrection, and not an artificial joy brought on by alcohol. Today the Church remembers its faithful members at Liturgy, and koliva is offered in remembrance of those who have fallen … [Read more...]

Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! We celebrated a memorable Holy Week and Pascha this year, and here are some of the highlights. It truly was a Pascha to remember. We had visitors, including one that flew up to the top of the cross, and the joy of the Resurrection, and the love for all was palpable! Thank you to everyone who took photos or video, or who participated online! Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is Risen! … [Read more...]

Each Sunday in the Paschal Season is devoted to a particular theme. The broad theme of the Paschal season is water. Bright Week On Bright Monday, for example, it is traditional for Orthodox women to ‘sprinkle’ the men (especially the priest) with holy water. On Bright Tuesday, the men sprinkle the women. Bright Friday is devoted to the icon of the Theotokos of the Life-Giving Spring. This is dedicated to the miracles our Lord has shown, and continues to show, flowing from a fountain in a Church dedicated to the Theotokos. See more in the Feasts of Faith insert. This also recalls the miracles that will be commemorated for the rest of the Paschal season. Thomas Sunday Theme: Christ the … [Read more...]