"Arise, O God, and judge Thou the earth..."

(The divine service is Vespers [Esperinos] and Divine Liturgy of Saturday evening chanted by anticipation, on Saturday morning.)

Psalms are read and Resurrection hymns are chanted which tell of Christ's Descent into Hades. "Today Hades cried out groaning" is the hymn' description of the resurrection of Adam and the conquering of death. Thus this day's celebration is called "First Resurrection." Most of the readings of this day are from the Old Testament on the prophecies and promise of the conquering of death. On this day, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great is officiated. The Holy Apostle Paul exhorts the faithful: "We were buried, therefore, with Him by baptism unto death, so we, too, might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

The Mysterion (Sacrament) is a sacred action in which, while the body is anointed with holy oil, the Grace which heals infirmities of soul and body is called down upon a sick person (Longer Catechism p. 65). It is performed by a gathering of Presbyters (Priests), ideally seven in number; however, it can be performed by a lesser number and even by a single Priest.

We worship Thy Passion, O Christ..."

(The divine service of the Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The divine Orthros (Matins) of Friday morning chanted by anticipation, on Thursday evening.)

Great and Holy Friday celebrates the holy, saving and awesome Passion of Christ God. To take away our sins, Our Lord Jesus Christ willingly endured spitting, scourging, buffeting, scorn, mocking, and purple robe; the reed, sponge, vinegar, nails, spear, and above all, the Cross and Death. The confession from the cross of the penitent thief, crucified with Christ, is celebrated. This divine service is long, but its content is dramatic and deeply moving for the devout Christian. Participation in the prayers and the historical sequence of the events, as related in the Gospels and hymns, provides a vivid foundation for the great events yet to come. Following are the references of the "Twelve Gospel" readings of this holy service.

"Behold the Bridegroom Cometh in the Midst of the Night..."

(The divine service is Matins [Morning Prayers] of Great and Holy Monday and chanted

by anticipation on Palm Sunday evening.)

Monday of Great and Holy Week (is chanted by anticipation, now Palm Sunday Evening) commemorates the blessed and noble Joseph and the fig tree which was cursed and withered by the Lord. The withering of the fig tree was a miracle of special symbolism since the tree had leaves, but not fruit. It is symbolic of the many people who claim ethical and religious identity, but who in reality have empty lives that yield no fruit. This was also the case with some of the Pharisees of that period. Jesus cursed the tree: "May no fruit ever come from you again" (St. Matthew 21:19). The reference to the story of the virtuous Joseph of the Old Testament (Genesis 37-41) is made only for contrast since the life of Joseph was a model of propriety and sincere observance of ethical principles.

THE CROSS OF CHRIST IS THE LIFE-GIVING TREE

"Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me" (St. Matthew 16:24).

"Μεθ' ημών ο Θεός... ("God is with us...")

There is nothing that anyone can say that is more reassuring and comforting to one who is experiencing this most profound human grief than to be reminded that truly God is with us at all times and in all places.

As your priest, I am here to tell you we shall overcome. We are God's children who He loves. Wherever we are and wherever we go, God is there. There is no place where God is not.