Holy Pascha 2022 A.D.

Admin
Apr 16, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Jan 19

THE METROPOLIS OF THE ORTHODOX CHURCH IN AUSTRALIA INVITES ALL TO COME AND PRAY WITH US DURING HOLY WEEK TO REDISCOVER THE ANCIENT LITURGICAL PRACTICES AND MEDITATIONS IN ENGLISH!!!

A WARM WELCOME TO ALL FROM AN ANCIENT TIME MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL FROM HE WHO INCARNATED HIMSELF IN ALL OUR HUMANITY. HE WHO IS THE FATHER ALMIGHTY LOVES EACH INDIVIDUAL AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY BESTOWES GRACE UPON US TO DRAW NEAR WHEN OVERCOME BY DOUBT AND FLOODED BY OPINIONS OF THOSE WHO ARE AFRAID OF FREEDOM; TO EACH ONE OF US HE CALLS TO RISE AGAIN ON WINGS OF PRAYER!

COME AS YOU ARE – THAT’S HOW HE LOVES YOU AND THAT’S HOW HE WANTS YOU!!!

Come join us for Holy Pascha which is the Feast of feasts!

The Pascal Triduum services held at the Good Shepherd convent chapel: All Welcome!!!

Address:

St Heliers Street

Abbotsford

(next to the Abbotsford Convent)

Bells rang as the evening’s liturgy began. The altar was set with Da Vince’s last supper, relics and candles, which were lit as Metropolitan Raffaele solemnly gave the blessing. The gospel and cross were carried in a procession around the altar, and the gospel was read as our deacon sensed. Then the Deacon chanted from the Gospel according to Luke.

The unction oils were returned to the vat and the new oil was blessed. The new oil was added to the vat and stored under the altar.

Next, Father Mark washed the feet of the clergy. Then the Divine Liturgy continued. The gifts were brought to the altar as Metropolitan Raffaele sang Hallelujah to Our Lord. The gifts were transformed and shared by the clergy and congregation. Then the altar was covered and we processed to the altar of repose and the next part of the gospel was read.

Father Mark’s homily reflected on the power of true Divine Love, before everyone was invited to sit quietly in mindful prayer together.

Father Mark’s Homily

https://youtu.be/yLPrAblG7uk

Photo Gallery

Solemn bells and incense smoke filled the church as the congregation were called to Good Friday’s vigil prayers.

The altar was blessed and sensed as the clergy sung beautiful prayers. The pro minion was chanted in remembrance of Jesus’s belongings being divided by casting lots. Fr Mark read from Corinthians as the clergy sat in contemplation behind the altar. Then Fr Matthew read from the Gospel of St Luke, which spoke of the legal proceedings leading to Barabas’ release and the humiliation and crucifixion of Jesus.

Fr Matthew’s homily reminded us to remember the true meaning of Easter and reflected on how some of the more modern traditions are rooted in religious miracles.

Jesus was taken down from the cross and taken around the altar in a solemn procession. The epitaph was then taken to the tomb, anointed with the new unction oil and covered with flowers. Funeral prayers were offered by the clergy as Deacon Epiphanios sensed the perfumed epitaph.

The epitaph was next lifted and the congregation followed in a procession around the church and outside, before returning to its resting place in the tomb. And finally the remaining unction oil was used to anoint the congregation.

Father Matthew’s Homily

The Burial Service

https://youtu.be/ndvtfmAYUmo

The Procession of the Epitaphios

https://youtu.be/LIRn6pIU6Zc

Photo Gallery

With a darkened altar, The Acts of The Apostles were read and interpreted by Metropolitan Raffaele. Then vigil prayers were offered in chant and song by the clergy. Afterwards, the lights were dimmed and the congregation sat in darkness, awaiting Christ’s resurrection.

A single chime announced the resurrection of Christ. And then more chimes. And then even more, with many tones. Fr Matthew began lighting candles and the darkness was pushed back as the Light of Christ illuminated our hearts and the church. The Paschal trikerion was lit, and the congregation lit their candles from it, and they went outside in a procession. Metropolitan Raffaele read from the Gospel and in symbolism of breaking open the tomb, knocked loudly on the door with his staff. And the congregation entered a fully lit church.

Once inside, fr Mark read from The Acts of the Apostles, and then Metropolitan Raffaele read from the Gospel of John before presenting his homily. He then sprinkled holy water on the congregation.

Next the mysteries were transfigured to the sounds of beautiful singing and chanting from the clergy. Then communion was shared by the clergy and with the congregation. Metropolitan Raffaele blessed the coloured eggs before anointing everyone and giving everybody a blessed egg. Finally, agape was shared amongst the people and much merriment and joyous conversation were had.