Holy Week & Pascha (Easter Sunday)
15-19 April 2009
 

Sacrament of Holy Unction
Wednesday, 15 April 2009

The faithful bring clothes, icons and crosses to be blessed.		During the service, seven Epistles and seven Gospels are read.		Reading one of the Holy Gospel readings over some of the faithful.
		At the end of the service, a prayer is traditionally read over one of the people present.

Divine Liturgy w/ Blessing of the Bread & Wine for Paşti
Thursday, 16 April 2009

The Epistle readings.		The Great Entrance.		The cantors leading the responses.
The bread and wine used for making the "paşti" is blessed at the end of the Liturgy.

Reading of the Twelve Gospels
Thursday, 16 April 2009

Twelve Gospels are read concerning the passion of Christ.		The faithful kneel for the readings.		Fr. Horaţiu reading one of the Gospels.
A candle is put out after each Gospel reading.				Fr. Romey reading one of the Gospels.
		The Cross & icon depicting Christ's crucifixion.

Vespers w/ Laying of Christ in the Tomb
Friday, 17 April 2009

The Epitaph, depicting Christ being taken down from the cross, is placed in the tomb.				The Gospel & the Cross are also placed in the tomb for veneration.

Lamentations Service (Prohodul)
Friday, 17 April 2009

The Lamentations (funeral) service is celebrated.		The procession prepares to go around the church.
		Upon returning to the entrance, everyone passes under the Epitaph, symbolizing entering into the grave with Christ.		The clergy wait for the Epitaph to be returned to the tomb.
"...So they went and made the tomb secure, sealing the stone and setting the guard."		The faithful come forward in a quiet church to venerate the tomb.

Resurrection Matins
Sunday, 19 April 2009

The Paschal Candle is lit in the dark church.		"Come receive the light from the never-ending Light..."		Faithful light their candles.
		The procession begins to make its way around the church...		...singing "The angels in heaven, O Christ our Savior, sing you Resurrection...
...May we who dwell on earth glorify you with pure hearts."				Everyone gathers at the entrance before entering the church.
The Holy Gospel announcing the empty tomb is proclaimed.				"Let God arise; let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from Him!"
		"Open the gates you princes and let the King of Glory enter in!"		The clergy and faithful return to a brightly-lit church.
Parish cantors singing the Paschal Canon.
Fr. Horaţiu blesses the baskets with Holy Water.		The faithful come forward to be anointed with Holy Oil at the end of the service.

Resurrection Divine Liturgy
Sunday, 19 April 2009

Later that morning, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated.		"Wisdom! Arise!"		The cantors read the Epistle.
"And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."		"Take, eat, this is My Body which is broken for you for the forgiveness of sins."		The choir leads the responses under the direction of Theo Vingarzan.
The faithful receive Holy Communion.				CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH, AND TO THOSE IN THE TOMBS BESTOWING LIFE!
As they come forward to be anointed with holy oil, people are greeted with the Paschal greeting "Christ is Risen! / Hristos a Inviat!"				And they respond "Truly He is risen! / Adevarat a inviat!"
Following the service, the ladies of the parish prepared pastries for the reception in the hall...		...including colored eggs too!		Fr. Horaţiu blesses the food.
		The Comşa family are among those who keep the tradition of wearing traditional Romanian costumes in celebration.