April 2, 2025
Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As Holy Week approaches, we are preparing for many exciting opportunities to commemorate the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ upon the Cross, and to celebrate in His triumphant Resurrection. One important way that we can participate begins on the evening of Great and Holy Friday.
After the service of Lamentations, having laid the plaschanitsa (also called an epitaphios, which depicts the body of Christ as ready for burial) in the tomb, we are to stand vigil at that tomb, awaiting our Risen Lord and keeping watch over His precious body. It is customary to read the Psalms before the tomb, from the conclusion of Lamentations up until the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday, which will be celebrated at Holy Myrrhbearers at 10:00am on April 19th. After this Liturgy, it is then proper to read from the Acts of the Apostles,
from then on until the Paschal Nocturns on Saturday evening. What this means is that there will be plenty of opportunity for us to all volunteer our time, so that we might read Holy Scripture before the blessed tomb of our Lord.
A sign-up sheet, divvying up the time in 1-hour increments, has been prepared and will be posted in the Parish Hall. Please strongly consider signing up for a slot, as this is a precious opportunity to participate in the Liturgical beauty of our Faith.
Thank you, in advance, for your commitment to this important liturgical ministry.
Do not hesitate to reach out to me with any questions.
