April 29, 2005
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Tonight’s service – This is what I am missing and I am really sad.
Please pray that I feel better soon. My boys are there now. Basil and Nicholas are serving in the altar with Fr. and I am so grateful to have my parents nearby to be able to take little Jonah. I am also really grateful that we have satellite TV and I have been able to watch services live from Greece. The services and people are amazing. The services are 6 hours long. The churches are packed and people stand all those hours attentive and reverent. I really loved seeing the procession through the streets of Athens and seeing hearing the Gospel proclaimed in the town square! It is amazing to see a whole country observe the Resurrection of Christ!
Orthodox Celebration of Great And Holy Friday
The Matins of Holy Saturday are held on Friday evening, and the service includes the Praises or Enkomia which are sung before the Epitaphios. The Enkomia are also known as the “Epitaphios Thrinos” or “Lamentations.” This is why the service is often referred to as the “Lamentations Service.”
Photo courtesy of John Thomas and the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Savoiur, Rye, NY.
At the Third Stasis when the verse “Eranan ton Tafon ai miroforoi mira lian proi elthousai-early in the morning the myrrh-bearers came to Thee and sprinkled myrrh upon Thy tomb” is sung the priest sprinkles the Epitaphios with rosewater, using the rantistirion (sprinkler). This verse is usually repeated three or more times. It has become the custom to sprinkle the people as well.
Photos courtesy of John Thomas and the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Savoiur, Rye, NY.
At the conclusion of the service, the faithful go in procession with the Epitaphios and often the entire structure that represents the Tomb of Christ around the Church chanting the Thrice-Holy hymn, in a similar manner to the traditional procession for a funeral.
Photos courtesy of John Thomas and the Greek Orthodox Church of Our Savoiur, Rye, NY.
It is customary for the clergy and people to hold candles during the singing of the Lamentations and at the procession of the Epitaphios. This practice is rooted in ancient Christian burial practices. Candles were lit in order to symbolize the victory of Christ over death, and to express as well the Church’s belief in the Resurrection.
The Scripture readings for the Matins service are: Ezekiel 37:1-14; I Corinthians 5:6-8; Galatians 3:13-14; and Matthew 27:62-66.
Taken from : http://www.goarch.org/en/special/lent/
Comments (4)
I’m so sorry you’re missing out on being at church. It’s neat that you can watch the live feed from Greece though! Blessings to you on this Holy Week
LOL! I am over on your blog writing to you!! : )
Thanks Jennie that is really sweet of you!
So sorry you are sick Agape! :( I pray the Lord meets you right at your home during this Holy Week even though you are unable to be at church. Praise God we can worship Him wherever we are in whatever condition we find ourselves in. :sunny: Hopefully, this part of your pregnancy will soon be over! :heartbeat: to you!~Sarah
Thank you Sarah you are so sweet! : )
I know what you mean and you are right it is just sad to miss the all the beauty of Good Friday and Holy Saturday the richness and realness is something that can’t be found just at home, not even watching it on TV. LOL :)
Tonight my children came back with flowers for me from Christ’s funeral bier. The children smelled of lovely incense and tomorrow the will receive Holy Communion that we have fasted for for 40 days. Thursday I did not get to kiss the feet of the Icon of Christ as he hung on the cross or hear the 12 gospels of Christ’s last days read. Wednesday I did not get to be anointed with Holy Oil for healing. And the list goes on and on. Truly this time of year is one of spiritual renewal that can’t be done alone. It must be done with other Christians reliving the life, death and Resurrection of Christ our Saviour. Tomorrow night I won’t here Christ Is Risen! proclaim from the altar and sung over and over again by all those present! I won’t hear the Pascha Homily of St. John Chrysostom that I yearn for every year and makes me so happy and full of hope that I cry tears of joy ! I won’t break bread with my fellow Christians and feast in celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. All these things are a part of my being and I am worse for not being able to partake. Trust me I am really irritable!! Also we have been talking about Pacha , Lent and Holy Week so much on Graceful Mothering that I am really yearning ! http://gracefulmothering.com/community/viewforum.php?f=3
Pray for me!