GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF IN THE TORONTO: YOUTH DEPARTMENT ORTHODOX CHURCH

Our Journey in Christ: Perfect Love to an Imperfect World Holy Week... Dear Brothers and Sisters in John the Theologian tells us death) and perfect it. about the love of God in the Christ, The world was asking to be saved 2 Bible: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only- then; we, too, ask to be saved today. All of our liturgical worship Greetings in the Name of our begotten Son, that those who believe in Him will not perish is centred around this amazing Lord Jesus Christ! week of the Death and Resurrec- 2 but will have everlasting tion of Jesus Christ. Through the life.” (John 3:16) services of this week, especially the When we think of “love”, many Jesus Christ came as Perfect Paschal Divine Liturgy, I pray we all things come to mind. We think get closer to God and realize His of our parents, our siblings and Palm Sunday 3 love for all of humanity. Night (Orthros of relatives. Various pictures come So we can all better live the events ) to mind; however, one that many people don’t think of at of the Death and Resurrection of Holy Monday 3 first is that of the Person who Jesus Christ, this PDF file has been Night (Orthros of showed ultimate love, Jesus prepared for you all. It speaks Christ. about what we commemorate ) every day of Holy Week. I hope Our Lord did not have to come Holy Tuesday 3 that it helps to guide your steps to earth. He did not have to be and makes you realize that Jesus Night (Orthros of born in that cave in Bethlehem, “was crucified for Holy ) go through all the trials and us” («Εσταυρώθης δι’ηµάς»). tribulations of a human being’s 4-5 life, of being arrested, tried, In Christ, Services crucified and die a most horrible death. All of these things show Tim Prattas us that extreme humility that Youth Director Holy Thursday 5-6 God went through for human- God and Perfect Man, having Services ity. Yet, Jesus did this all to never sinned, to take an imper- Greek Orthodox Metropolis show this perfect love. St. fect world (marred by sin and

Holy Friday Ser- 6-7 vices A Few Words on Great ... Di- 8 For the past five weeks, we have iconoclasts (people who were fast during . St. John vine Liturgy been immersed in the spirit of against using ), specifically of the Ladder is commemorated Great Lent. This is the time when the 7th Ecumenical Council. The on the Fourth Sunday of Lent, the Church prepares us for the Second Week commemorates while St. Mary of Egypt is com- Paschal Services 8-9 events of Holy Week. the memory of St. Gregory memorated on the Fifth Sunday We celebrate a certain event or Palamas, who defended Ortho- of Lent. Saint during each week during doxy against Barlaam the Great Lent. On the First Week, Calabrian. The Third Week is More information on these Saints Icons of Holy Week 10 we celebrate the Sunday of Or- called “Cross-Adoring Sunday,” can be found at: thodoxy, which reminds us of the and we look to the Cross of triumph of the Church over the Christ to give us strength in our http://www.goarch.org/en/ourfaith/ articles/article8126.asp Page 2 Holy Week in the Orthodox Church

Lazarus Saturday — “ I Am the Resurrection and the Life” The of St. John tells us eral Resurrection (when all the rather, He shows everyone that a few days before this people who passed away will that He is “the Resurrection Saturday, Jesus was informed be brought back to life, and be and the Life,” (John 11:25) by that his friend, Lazarus, was judged at the Second Coming). commanding Lazarus to come very ill. Jesus did not rush to out of the tomb. People initially Lazarus, but waited for him to After this encounter, Jesus didn’t believe; yet, in moments pass away. went to see Lazarus’ tomb. It is everyone saw Lazarus come here we find the shortest verse out from the tomb! This mira- Four days after Lazarus’ death, in the Bible: “Jesus wept.” (John cle shows us that Jesus is also Jesus appeared at the house of 11:35) This shows us that Jesus God, having power over the Lazarus. Upon his arrival, Mary was a human being: He had living and the dead. and Martha (Lazarus’ sisters) emotions, just like everyone met Him and asked Him why else, and He felt the pain of a From this day until Thomas Sun- The Bible readings for the He didn’t save their brother. friend being lost. day, we do not commemorate day are: Even though they said this, they memorials (µνηµόσυνα) in Church. : Hebrews 12:28-13:8 still believed that they would Yet, Jesus does not cry like Gospel: John 11:1-45 see Lazarus again at the Gen- those who have no hope;

Palm Sunday It’s not everyday that people usually enters triumphantly into People waved palm branches resurrect from the dead; that’s a city he has captured; yet, on that day, to symbolize that why, right after the resurrec- Jesus entered hum- their Messiah had come. For tion of Lazarus, people all over bly, riding a donkey. This ful- this reason, we also bless palm Jerusalem were interested to filled an Old Testament proph- branches at our Churches on see Jesus and hear His message. ecy which said, “Rejoice this day. The Bishop or Priest greatly, O Daughter of Zion! distributes them to all the faith- Six days before the , Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! ful after the Divine Liturgy, to Jesus entered Jerusalem. People See, your king comes to you, remember this very important were awaiting a Messiah (which righteous and having salvation, feastday in the Church. literally means, “the Anointed gentle and riding on a donkey, One”) to free them from the on a colt, the foal of a don- The Bible readings for the Romans and all their oppres- key.” (Zechariah 9:9) It is a custom to eat fish on this day are: sors. Someone with power day. Epistle: Philippians 4:4-9 Gospel: John 12:1-18

“What’s up with the Days?” On Palm Sunday evening begin these days all mixed up? So next time you see a service the services of Holy Week. during Holy Week, remember Some people, though, get con- Well, the answer to this is that that the commemoration of fused because they see it says no one really knows when the that event starts from the night “ of Holy Mon- services changed from their before and continues to the proper times to 12 hours ear- day” (Όρθρος της Μεγάλης lier. We believe that this next day. ∆ευτέρας). It’s important to probably happened during the Hope this helps. know that these services used Turkish Occupation when to take place on the morning Christian worship was not after we commemorate them. allowed and thus, most of the Therefore, the service we have services were moved to the on Palm Sunday evening actually evening for reason of remaining took place on Holy Monday morning. So why do we have hidden. Page 3

Palm Sunday Night (Orthros of Holy Monday) On Palm Sunday night, we be- slave out of jealousy (because that might not like us; gin the services of the Bride- his father loved Joseph the did it, so did Jesus and count- groom (οι Ακολουθίες του most). Joseph was not aban- less others. doned by God, though; he rose Νυµφίου). We remember that We also remember our Lord’s the Church is the Bride of to become the assistant to the Pharaoh in Egypt! During a words in the Gospel, specifi- Christ. On all Bridegroom cally the “cursing of the fig services, the faithful venerate famine throughout the world, Joseph’s brothers came and tree”. This story tells us that the of the Bridegroom the fig tree had leaves on it but Christ (see right). asked for food from Egypt. After many events, Joseph re- no fruit... it was alive, looked On Palm Sunday night and Holy vealed his identity to his broth- good and proper, but bore no Monday morning, we com- ers, and forgave them. This fruit. In other words in the Gospel of Matins: eyes of Christ it was useless. memorate the memory of the story shows all of us that if we Matthew 21:14-43 righteous Joseph, who we find believe that God will save us Are we like this, only leaves in the Old Testament (the en- (as Joseph did), we have noth- but no fruit? We must always tire story is in Genesis 37-50). ing to fear. It also shows us ask ourselves this question to Joseph’s brothers sold him as a that we should forgive people progress in our spiritual lives.

Holy Monday Night (Orthros of Holy Tuesday) Jesus always liked to talk in ding: we are all invited with our tonight’s service is very beauti- Parables. These parables are baptism, and continue to be ful and sums up the entire mes- stories where people can un- invited throughout our lives. sage: derstand a bigger meaning in a Yet, it is our choice to accept shorter story. On Holy Mon- this invitation. God wants us all Your bridal chamber, O my day night, we remember the to be members of His King- Saviour, I see all adorned, Parable of the 10 Virgins. Jesus dom, and we pray that we can but I have no garment so shows us with this parable that be always ready. We should that I may enter it. Make we must always be ready for always remember that entering bright the mantle of my His Coming, because we might Paradise is a gift from God, and soul, O Giver of light, and miss the entrance to Paradise. it is not a right.; consequently, save me! He relates Paradise to a “bridal we should thank God for this Gospel of Matins: chamber”: in other words, a blessing. Matthew wedding. There are many peo- A that is associated with 22:15-23:39 ple that are invited to this wed-

Holy Tuesday Night (Orthros of Holy Wednesday): Who is Kassianey and Who is the Sinful Woman? On Holy Tuesday night (the This is completely wrong. St. know when they were written. Orthros of Holy Wednesday), the Kassianey the Nun is the famous “Hymn of Kassianey” is author of this hymn. The St. Kassianey wrote about 50 chanted. This hymn stems back to next we hear is that sometime (about 30 of which are currently the 9th century, and is one of the after 843, she founded a mon- used in the Eastern Orthodox lit- most beautiful hymns of the year. astery in Constantinople and urgy). It is deep in theological meaning, became its first abbess. Her Having said this, the identity of the showing repentance for sins and a hymns are generally believed to sinful woman is unknown. We do pledge to be together with God come from this period; some not know who she was; we only from this time forth. believe that her secular verse know of the great act she did. She had been written earlier, on Gospel of Matins: Even so, there is some confusion humbled herself in front of the Sav- the grounds that it would have ior and begged for forgiveness. She John 12:17-50 as to the people described in this been "improper" for a nun to hymn. Some people think that changed her ways so that she can write a list of people she hated, have eternal life. Kassianey is the sinful woman. etc. However, we simply don't Page 4 Holy Week in the Orthodox Church

Holy Wednesday Morning: The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts During Great Lent, the Church case, it is celebrated Wednes- We call the pieces of Bread that has ordained that Divine Litur- day morning—see page 2 for an become the Body of Christ “the gies can not be celebrated dur- explanation of the days). Lamb”, since St. John the Baptist ing the week, but only on Sat- said Jesus is the “Lamb of God, urdays and Sundays. There was This Liturgy is actually a who comes to take away the sins service, with prayers for Holy a problem, though: Christians of the world.” (John 1:29) wanted to commune more Communion at the end. often during Great Lent! So, This is the last Presanctified the Church came up with a Liturgy of the year. It is impor- Note: Some Churches do not solution: they would conse- tant to remember that Jesus have Presanctified Liturgy crate two “Lambs” on the pre- insisted we go for Holy Com- today. ceding Sunday. We use one munion as often as we can, Gospel of the “Lamb” during Holy Commun- because the people “… who Presanctified: ion, and use the second “Lamb” eat My Flesh and drink My Matthew 26:6-16 during the Liturgy of the Pre- Blood, I will live in them and sanctified Gifts, usually on they will live in Me.” (John Wednesday nights (but, in this 6:56)

Holy Wednesday Afternoon: The Sacrament of Holy Unction Every Sacrament has its roots This Sacrament can be con- At the service’s completion, all in the Word of God, the Bible. ducted on any day of the year. the faithful come and receive We find the roots of the Sacra- However, the Church has or- the blessing of the Holy Oil, ment of Holy Unction in the dained for this Sacrament to be being anointed by the Priest or Epistle of James: “Is anyone done every Holy Wednesday . Bishop, “for healing of soul and among you sick? Let him call body.” for the Presbyters of the In this service, 7 Epistle read- Church, and let them pray over ings, 7 Gospel readings, and 7 This Sacrament does not re- him, him with oil in Prayers are read. This is be- place Holy Confession, but it is the Name of the Lord.” (James cause this Sacrament used to a great way for all to get pre- take place over a seven-day pared for Holy Communion on 5:14) period (and not that it was Sunday. In the past, this Sacrament was done by seven priests, as some done in the context of the people say). Divine Liturgy; today, however, it is done as a separate service.

The Biblical Readings of the Sacrament of Holy Unction 1st Epistle: 4th Epistle: James 5:10-16 2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1 7th Gospel: 1st Gospel: 4th Gospel: Matthew 9:9-13 Luke 10:25-37 Matthew 8:14-23 of the 5th Epistle: Sacrament of Holy Oil 2nd Epistle: 2 Corinthians 1:8-11 As you alone, O Christ, are Romans 15:1-7 5th Gospel: quick to help, quickly show 2nd Gospel: Matthew 25:1-14 your visitation from high to Luke 19:1-11 6th Epistle: your servants who are suffer- Galatians 5:22-6:2 ing; free them from diseases 3rd Epistle: 6th Gospel: and bitter pains; raise them up 1Corinthians 12:27-13:7 Matthew 15:14-29 to praise you and glorify you 3rd Gospel: unceasingly; at the prayers of Matthew 10:1, 5-8 7th Epistle: the Mother of God, only Lover 1 Thessalonians 5:14-24 of mankind. Page 5

Holy Wednesday Night (Orthros of Holy Thursday)

After the Sacrament of Holy we want to be like Him. 3. The Prayer at Geth- Unction, some Churches have semane: Jesus prayed for the Matins of Holy Thursday. 2. The Last and Mystical His disciples and the entire Today, we commemorate four Supper: This is when Jesus world, in the so-called gave to His disciples His events: Αρχιερατική Προσευχή life-saving Body and Blood. (the “Hierarchical Prayer”). 1. The Washing of the He said to them, “Take, Jesus shows us that we Feet: Before Jesus was eat, this is My Body...Drink should always be vigilant betrayed, He met with His of it all of you, this is My when it comes to our spiri- disciples for one final Sup- Blood… Do this in remem- tual life. Gospel Readings of per. Before supper, it was brance of Me.” Jesus shows Service: customary for the host of us that we should go for 4. The Betrayal: Jesus is John 13:3-11 and the dinner to wash the feet Holy Communion as often betrayed by Judas to the John 13:12-17 of His guests; this is what as possible. This is also Jewish authorities, and the Jesus did. He showed His when Jesus shows Judas will sad events of the week humility, and showed us betray Him, and Peter will begin. that we must be humble if deny Him.

The Service of the Washing of the Feet The service of the Washing of the open air in the middle of will ask the faithful to wash the Feet on Holy Wednesday the village. This service is also their feet. This humble gesture evening is very ancient, and is done in Jerusalem in various by the priest reminds him (and common to both East and Churches. all of us) of the humility of West. This service has its roots Jesus Christ, and His words: in the Bible, with Jesus washing In this service, the Bishop “Whoever wants to be a leader the feet of His disciples before would gird himself with an among you must be your ser- the Last and Mystical Supper apron and wash the feet of the vant, and whoever wants to be

(see John13:3-11). This service priests at the service (the place first must be the slave of is usually practiced in some of the Bishop is taken by the all.” (Mark 10:43-44) Gospel Readings of cathedral Churches and monas- Superior/Abbot when in the Service: teries. On the Greek island of setting of a Monastery). Please Note that this service is not John 13:3-11 and Patmos, the monks of the mon- usually not practiced in our John 13:12-17 astery of St. John the Theolo- When this service is done in Churches in Canada. gian perform the ceremony in the Church, usually the Priest

The Liturgy of Holy Thursday (Holy Thursday Morning)

This Vesperal Liturgy of St. Something unique takes place The amazing miracle that hap- Basil the Great is done on Holy during this Divine Liturgy, pens here is that the Holy Thursday morning, in anticipa- though. Don’t you ever won- Communion does not “ruin” tion of the events of the eve- der how the Priest has Holy after being in the Artoforion for ning (i.e. the mocking, crucifix- Communion in those “extreme a year! ion and death of Jesus Christ.) situations,” like when someone Some of the same hymns are is dying in the hospital? Well… Each year, a new piece is put in chanted, as we chanted for the during this Liturgy, we find the for emergency cases. Matins service. People com- Priest consecrates a second mune the Body and Blood of “Lamb”. The Body of Christ is Christ at the time we always then immersed into the Blood Divine Liturgy Gospel: do; after the Liturgy, the Priest of Christ. It is then placed in Matthew 26:2-20; John does not commune anyone the Artoforion (Αρτοφόριον) so 13:3-17; Matthew until Holy Saturday morning. that the Holy Communion will 26:21-39; Luke 22:43- be kept safe all year! 44; & Matthew 26:40- 27:5 Page 6 Holy Week in the Orthodox Church

Holy Thursday (Orthros of Holy Friday ) The service on Holy Thursday earth upon the waters is Jesus will soon be victorious night is one of the longest ser- hung upon a Tree. He who over death with His Resur- vices of the year. The Holy is King of the Angels is ar- rection, and through His Service of the Passion(Η rayed in a . death we receive life. Ακολουθία των Παθών) is a He who wraps the heaven We have good examples for us service filled with beautiful in clouds is wrapped in to follow tonight: Panagia, St. John hymnography and 12 mocking purple. He who the Evangelist and the other people that depict the various events freed Adam in the Jordan by the Cross of Christ —They of the Christ. receives a blow on the face. The Bridegroom of the weren’t afraid of them being After the first hymns are Church is transfixed with close to Christ in the face of the chanted, the Priest reads the nails. The Son of the Virgin adversary; Joseph of Arimathea — first Gospel, which is called is pierced by a lance. We He did not fear his companions, The Gospel of the Cove- worship your Sufferings, O but “took courage and went to nant. During this Gospel, Jesus Christ. Show us also your Pilate” (Mark 15:43); the Good shares with us what we must Theif — He repented for his sins, glorious Resurrection. do as Christians. He also prays asking for the mercy of God and

to the Father during the so- receiving the Kingdom of God. called “Hierarchical Prayer” (Η Following the , peo- We also have bad examples: Αρχιερατική Προσευχή). The ple come up and venerate the Judas, the Chief Priests, and Pilate Gospel finishes with Jesus and Crucified Christ. are all people we should not be His disciples in the valley of This service has the definite like, in that they rejected God. Kidron, right before Judas notion of bitter- χαρµολύπη, Let us pray that we also have the comes to betray Him. sweet joy: We are very sad repentance of St. Peter the Apos- because our God has died. We After this Gospel, various tle, who repented and “cried believe that Jesus Christ was hymns are chanted by the peo- bitterly” for his sin of denying not a phantom, or only Man: ple, and Gospels are read that Christ. Let us emulate Simon of He was fully God, He came describe Jesus’ betrayal, His Cyrene, helping Christ with His trial by the Chief Priests and to earth and died on the Cross to Golgotha. Pilate, and then His Crucifixion. Cross, so that we may live. He did not have to die, but He After the Fifth Gospel, the loved us so much, He did. As With this, the night’s service is over. Priest carries out a large Cruci- we think of the things He went fix (usually found behind the through (that they spit on Him, Table), to the following they mocked Him, they beat Hymn (the 15th Antiphon): Him, they crucified Him, and By your precious blood Today he who hung the they pierced Him). Even with you have redeemed us this, we are very joyous that from the curse of the law; nailed to the Cross and pierced by the Holy Friday Morning (The Royal Hours) lance, you have become a source of immortality In the Orthodox Church, we Christ during His Passion). 9th Hour: Jesus’ commission for all. Our Saviour, have a certain part of worship Here’s what is remembered to Panagia and St. John the glory to you. that is called “The Liturgy of each Hour: Divine; Death of Christ; events the Hours.” They are chanted thereafter (John 19:23-37) every single day, usually by 1st Hour: Judas’ death; Pilate members of the monastic com- and Jesus; the mocking of Christ; Crucifixion and death of munity. On Holy Friday, This service is usually done every though, we have all Churches Christ (Matthew 27:1-56) Holy Friday morning, or Holy chanting the service of the 3rd Hour: Mocking Jesus; Friday afternoon right before Royal Hours. They are called Crucifixion and death of Jesus Great Vespers (also called the “Royal Hours”, because they (Mark 15:16-32) Αποκαθήλωσις) . are different from the regular service of the Hours (in that, 6th Hour: Crucifixion of they remember what hap- Christ; the Thief on the Cross; pened, hour by hour, to Jesus Jesus’ death (Luke 23:32-49) Page 7

Holy Friday Vespers (The Αποκαθήλωσις) On Holy Friday afternoon, we death of Jesus—it includes decorated with various flowers gather in Church for the Ves- Matthew 27:1-38, Luke 23:39- the night before). After the pers called The Service of 43, Matthew 27:39-54, John service is over, the people will Αποκαθήλωσις. During this 19:31-37, and Matthew 27:55- come and venerate the service, various hymns are 61). Επιτάφιο with respect, keeping chanted about Jesus’ death. in mind that this is our Lord’s Various Bible readings are read Towards the conclusion of the tomb. after the “Thanksgiving of the Gospel reading, the Bishop or Lighting of the Lamps” (also Priest, acting as Joseph of Ari- Holy Friday is the only day of the year we can not celebrate a Di- known as Φώς Ιλαρόν). They mathea, will take the Body of vine Liturgy. This is so because a all discuss the suffering and Christ off the Cross. After this, Divine Liturgy is a happy occasion, death of Jesus. They include the Bishop or Priest will take and this is the saddest day of the Exodus 33:11-23, Job 42:12-17, out the Επιτάφιο (an icon de- The noble Joseph, taking down year; it would not be appropriate, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, 1 Corin- picting Jesus being taken down your most pure Body from the therefore, to celebrate a Divine thians 1:18-2:2, and the Gospel off the Cross) and put it into Tree, wrapped it in a clean reading (which is a collection of the grave of Christ (called a Liturgy on this day. shroud with sweet spices and readings on the crucifixion and κουβούκλιο, which will be laid it for burial in a new grave.

Holy Saturday Orthros (Holy Friday Night) The Orthros of Holy Saturday Our anticipation of Jesus’ Res- concludes with the Priest giving is the first significant change to urrection is also coupled to- the flowers of the κουβούκλιο the mood of the week. Until gether with hymns of Praises in of the Επιτάφιο as a blessing to now, we have seen the overall this service (called the the people. mood being that of “sorrow”; Eγκώµια—they are described with tonight’s service, however, below), and the procession of We go to our homes tonight we start to see the mood the Επιτάφιος takes place after with this feeling of “joyful an- change to that of “joyful an- the Great Doxology. ticipation,” ticipation.” This Saturday is called the “most-blessed Sab- After the procession, the Priest bath,” because “He will rise takes the Επιτάφιος inside the Biblical Readings: again on the third Altar. Biblical readings prepar- Ezekiel 37, day!” (Kontakion of Holy Satur- ing us for the Resurrection of 1 Corinthians 5:6-8 day) Christ are read, and the service Galatians 3:13-14

Matthew 27:62-66

What are the Εγκώµια; The Εγκώµια are chants that ness all of creation feels with we should magnify the one many Orthodox Christians the death of its Savior. “Life, who grants life, you, that look forward to chanting dur- how can you perish, stretched your hands wide ing Holy Week. They are iden- or how dwell in a tomb? upon the Cross, broke and tified with the Orthros of Holy Yet the royal hall of Death smashed the might and Saturday (Holy Friday night). you now bring to nought, power of the foe.” They are separated into three and from Hades’ realm you sections, and chanted by the raise the dead again” is the These hymns are usually chanted Priest and the People together. first chant of the Εγκώµια (the in Greek, but a great translation is translation of the well-known available at: The theme of these chants “Η Ζωή εν Τάφω”). We also (which are about 300, but we glorify our Lord for giving us http://web.ukonline.co.uk/ephrem/ only chant a few) reflect the life with His death and Resur- theme of the week: joyful HWSat-M.htm. rection: “It is right indeed sorrow. They reflect the sad- Page 8 Holy Week in the Orthodox Church

Holy Saturday Divine Liturgy (Holy Saturday Morning) Holy Saturday morning is the 62:1-5; Genesis 22:1-18; Isaiah remembered their acceptance of last day of the fast for Holy 61:1-10; 4 Kings 4:8-37; Isaiah Christ’s wonderful gift, which is Week. It is a day of joyous 63:11-19, 64:1-5; Jeremiah called the Kingdom of God. anticipation, but also one of 38:31-34; Daniel 3:1-88. reflection, prayer and prepara- Everyone chooses to be a ser- tion for the great feast of our After the Epistle, the Priest and vant of God, a child of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. the people chant the hymn, Kingdom, an emulator of Truth “Arise O God, judge the earth! and Love. Our baptism is the We commemorate our Lord’s For You shall have an inheri- first step in this journey called descent into Hades and pre- tance among the nations!” At “Christian living.” Some people pare to celebrate His Resurrec- this hymn, the priest goes say that they are “saved” at tion; we can see this in the around the Church and throws their baptism; however, this is hymns that are chanted, ex- flowers to everyone, as a joyful partly true. It is a fact that being pressing the “groaning of Ha- reminder that the Resurrection in Christ’s embrace gives us des” and rejoicing of the Heav- of our Lord is about to take freedom and salvation; yet, this ens. place. The Gospel recalls the must be done throughout events of the Resurrection of our lives. If it is only done for The service that is done this our Lord, and the Liturgy takes a while, and we decide to leave morning is the Vesperal Divine place. Christ at a certain age, how can Liturgy of St. Basil the Great. we say we are with Him? Going The service begins as a regular In the past, this was a special to Church, partaking the Sacra- Vespers. At the Entrance for day for the catechumens of the ments, and being a Christian the “Thanksgiving of the Light- Church. Catechumens were will continue to save us ing of the Lamps” (Η people that were learning throughout our lives. Finally, Επιλύχνιος Ευχαριστία, or about the Faith, but were not our salvation will be complete Read- “Φώς Ιλαρόν”), we are told to baptized Christians. On Holy at the Second and Glorious ings of Vesperal Liturgy: read 15 prophecies to do with Saturday, catechumens would Coming of our Lord Jesus the Resurrection (wow...that’s be baptized by the Bishop of Christ, when (we pray) we will Epistle: Romans 6:3-11 a lot of prophecies!); however, the diocese. That is why the all be called by our Lord: “O for practical reasons, we usu- Resurrection of Christ is not good and faithful servant, enter Gospel: Matthew ally read only three or five. The just the general defeat of death into the joy of your Lord.” 28:1-20 15 prophecies are as follows: and the Devil by Jesus Christ, Genesis 1:1-13; Isaiah 60:1-16; bringing everyone once again to With these thoughts, we enter Τον Κύριον υµνείτε και Exodus 12:1-12; Jonah 1-4; their original home (which is Holy Saturday night and the Res- υπερηψούτε εις πάντας τους Joshua 5:10-15; Exodus 13:20- Paradise), but it is also some- urrection of Christ.

αιώνας. 15:19; Sophonias 3:8a, 9-15; 3 thing very personal. It was Kings 17:8-24; Isaiah 61:10-11, the day that each Christian

Why the Red Easter Eggs? After the Resurrection of Christ, St. Mary Magdalene went to Rome. Tradi- tion teaches that when Mary first met the Roman emperor, Tiberius Caesar, she held a plain egg in her hand and greeted him with the words, “Christ is risen!” Tiberius exclaimed: “How can someone rise from the dead? This is hard to believe. It is just as likely that Christ rose from the dead as it is that the egg you are holding will turn red.” Even as he spoke, the egg turned a brilliant red! She then preached the good news of Jesus Christ to the em- peror and the imperial household.

Mary Magdalene told Tiberius all that Pontius Pilate and the leaders of the Jews had done to the Savior, and preached the Good News to all! Now you know why we crack dozens of eggs at Easter! Page 9

The Holy Feast of Pascha (Holy Saturday Night)

This Feastday is the most impor- hymns are the exact same ones tant in the entire Church calen- chant the hymn that is so be- we chanted Holy Friday eve- loved by all: “Christ is risen dar. We remember that it is this ning. At about 11:40 p.m., the day that our Lord and Savior Jesus from the dead, trampling down lights are all shut off in the death by His death, and be- Christ brought us “from death to Church and the Priest comes life and from the earth to stowing life to those in the out with one lit candle. He tombs!” After this, the Festal Heaven” (1st Katavasia of joyously proclaims: “Come Easter). His conquering death and Orthros and Divine Liturgy are receive the light, from the un- chanted, all hymns so joyful of the Devil gives all of humanity the waning Light, and glorify Christ chance to becomes citizens of His the Resurrection of Christ. who is risen from the dead!” eternal Kingdom. We rejoice in At the end of the Resurrec- the Resurrection, and always The Church becomes illumi- tional Liturgy, the Catechetical remember the love of God pre- nated and all proceed outside Homily of St. John Chrysostom sent in our lives on this feastday. (led by the Priest) for the Gos- is read (see below), followed The service of the Holy Feast pel reading to proclaim the by the blessing of the Easter of Pascha begins at about Resurrection of Christ (Mark eggs. At the end of the Liturgy, 10:30-11:00 p.m. with the 16:1-8). these red Easter eggs are given chanting of the . These After this Gospel, all Christians to the faithful.

The Catechetical Homily of St. John Chrysostom Is anyone devout and loves God, let them enjoy this fair and shining festival. Is anyone a grateful servant, let them enter into the joy of his Lord. Have any wearied themselves with , let them now enjoy their payment. Has anyone laboured since the first hour, let them today receive their due. Did any come after the third hour, let them feast with gratitude. Did any arrive after sixth hour, let them not hesitate: for there is no penalty. Did any delay until after the ninth hour, let them approach without hesitating. Did any arrive only for the eleventh hour, them not fear because of their lateness: for the Lord is generous Χριστός Ανέστη εκ and receives the last as the first: he gives rest to the worker of the eleventh hour as to those of the first. He has pity on the νεκρών, θανάτω θάνατον latter, he cares for the former. He gives to the one, he is generous to the other. He accepts the work done, he welcomes the πατήσας, και τοις εν τοις intention. He honours the achievement, he praises the purpose. Therefore all of you enter into the joy of our Lord: first and µ νήµ ασι ζωήν last, enjoy your reward. Rich and poor dance together. Sober and slothful honour the day. Fasters and non-fasters be glad χαρισάµενος. today. The table is full, all of you enjoy yourselves. The calf is fatted let none go away hungry. All of you enjoy the banquet of the faith. All of you enjoy the richness of his goodness. Let no one grieve at their poverty: for the kingdom for all has been Christ is Risen from the revealed. Let no one bewail their faults: for forgiveness has risen from the tomb. Let no one fear death: for the Saviour’s death dead, trampling down has freed us. By enduring it he quenched it. He who descended into Hell has despoiled Hell. He embittered it when it tasted death by His death, and his flesh as Isaias proclaimed in prophecy, ‘Death’, he said, ‘was embittered when it met you there below’. Embittered, for it bestowing life to those was destroyed. Embittered, for it was mocked Embittered, for it was slain. Embittered for it was wiped out. Embittered, for it was bound fast. It received a body, and came face to face with God. It received earth, and met heaven. It received what it in the tombs! saw, and fell through what it did not see. Where, death, is your sting? Where hell, is your victory? Christ has risen and you are abolished! Christ has risen and the demons have fallen! Christ has risen, and Angels rejoice! Christ has risen, and life has found freedom! Christ has risen, and there is no corpse in the grave! For Christ, being raised from the dead, has become the first fruits of those who sleep. To him be glory and might to the ages of ages. Amen.

The Vespers of Agape (Ο Εσπερινός της Αγάπης) With the celebration of the Resur- chant the famous “δοξαστικόν” of and bestowing life to those in rection finishing into the early the Resurrection, which is to be the tombs’. hours of the morning, the Church repeated every single Sunday until finishes Holy Week with a Ves- the Ascension (i.e., in 40 days). At the end of the service, all are pers service. This Vespers is called The day of Resurrection; let us given red Easter eggs (of the “The Vespers of Agape” (Ο be radiant for the festival, and same that were blessed the previ- Εσπερινός της Αγάπης). In this let us embrace one another. ous night) as a blessing. Vespers, we also read the Gospel Let us say, brethren, even to reading (which is John 20:19-25) those that hate us, ‘Let us for- If Easter falls on or after April in various languages, which is give all things on the Resurrec- 23rd, we also commemorate at done by the Priest and the people. tion’, and so let us cry, ‘Christ this Vespers service the memory is risen from the dead, tram- of St. George the Great Martyr. At the end of the service, we pling down death by His death Icons of Holy Week

GREEK ORTHODOX METROPOLIS OF Σάββατο του Λαζάρου TORONTO: Lazarus Saturday YOUTH DEPARTMENT

Μεγάλη Πέµπτη: «Ελκόµενος επί Σταυρού» 1 Patriarch Bartholomew Way Holy Thursday: Simon of Cyrene Toronto, Ontario M4H 1C6 helping Christ carry His Cross Phone: 416-429-5757 Fax: 416-429-4588 E-mail: [email protected] Κυριακή των Βαίων Palm Sunday

Μεγάλη Πέµπτη: Η Go to our Website for Σταύρωσις more Information! Holy Thursday: The www.gocanada.org/Youth Crucifixion

Μεγάλη ∆ευτέρα-Τρίτη-Τετάρτη: O Νυµφίος Holy Monday-Tuesday- Wednesday: The Bridegroom Μεγάλη Παρασκευή: Ο Επιτάφιος Θρήνος Holy Friday: The Lamentations

Μεγάλη Τετάρτη: Του Νιπτήρος Holy Wednesday—The Washing of the Feet Μέγα Σάββατο: Η Είς Άδου Κάθοδος Holy Saturday: The Descent into Hades

Μεγάλη Τετάρτη—Του Μυστικού ∆είπνου Holy Wednesday—The Last and Mystical Supper

Κυριακή του Πάσχα: «Ούκ έστιν ώδε» Sunday of Pascha: “He is not here”