The week of April 16, 2006 marked Holy Week for Orthodox Christians worldwide. Presanctified Services were held on Monday evening. Wednesday evening the Service of Holy Unction took place with Father John anointing all those in attendance. On Holy Thursday, the Twelve Passion Gospels were read. Friday, April 21 was Good Friday. Towards the end of the Good Friday Vespers faithful and children process around the church as Father carries the burial shroud. The children of the parish carry symbols of Christ's crucifixion such as the crown of thorns, purple cloth, sponge, spear, dice, nails, etc. Saturday, April 22, Holy Saturday was celebrated. The church was open from morning until Holy Saturday Resurrection Matins for faithful to visit the tomb of Christ. During the Resurrection Matins at night, the burial shroud is lifted and placed on the altar where it will remain for 40 days. Because of the poor weather this year Father and the faithful could not process outside so they went downstairs and processed in the basement of the church. Father knocked on the doors and proclaimed CHRIST IS RISEN! As the faithful sand in jubilation. The holiest of Holydays in the Orthodox Church was celebrated on Sunday, April 23rd. A tradition in our church is the blessing of Easter Baskets. Easter Baskets are filled with Paska (a special round baked bread), kielbasi, ham, butter lamb, horseradish, hrutka (sweet cheese), easter eggs as well as any other items faithful may want blessed.
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Holy Thurday Good Friday Procession Children of the Parish Praying at the Grave
Tomb of Christ Easter Sunday Gospel
Father John blesses Easter baskets downstairs while faithful look on. The baskets were blessed in the church basement this year due to rain. Usually the baskets are blessed on the back lawn of the church.