NORTH WILDWOOD — Father Steven J. Vlahos, pastor of St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church has announced that the Orthodox Church will observe and celebrate Easter together with other Christian churches on Sunday, April 4.
Great Lent, a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, repentance, sacrifice, alms giving and preparation for Easter began for Orthodox Christians on Clean Monday, March 15.
During Holy Week from March 28 to April 4, the centuries-old rituals of Psalms, hymns, Gospel readings, prayers and drama of the Orthodox Christian Church recall the resurrection of Lazarus, the triumphal entrance of Jesus into the Holy City of Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday.
Other Holy Week observances include the remembrance of Jesus’ last mystical supper, His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane, His betrayal, arrest, trial, conviction, crucifixion, death and burial that culminate with Jesus’ joyous resurrection from the dead on the third day.
One of the most spiritually inspiring rituals is held on Holy Friday, April 2 evening when the congregation hold lighted candles and chant hymns of praise at the bier, Epitaphios of Jesus Christ. The mournful ritual of Jesus’ passion is transformed to the bright and joyful celebration at the midnight services on Easter Sunday, April 4, when the priest announces the resurrection of Jesus from the dead saying, “Christ has Risen,” to which the congregation responds, “Truly He has Risen!
Parish council members assisting the priest at the various rituals will be President William Mitchell, Vice President Evangelos Giouros, Secretary Nicholas Konides, Treasurer Nicholas Sakoulas and members: Gus Andy, Robert Dorishook, Spiros Kellis, Dr. Lester Katsanis, Peter Lazos, Antonios Koutsimiris, Dr. Nicholas Pappas and George Tsiartsionis.
Alexandra Boulageris, president of the Our Savior Ladies Philoptochos Society and Evelyn Boulageris are directing the floral decoration of the church.
The schedule of the worship services at the St. Demetrios Church, 321 St. Demetrios St. North Wildwood is as follows:
April 1
The Orthros Service of Holy Friday in chanted by anticipation at 7 p.m. This sacred ritual includes the reading of twelve gospel lessons and many hymns that recall and commemorate the trial and crucifixion and suffering passion of Jesus. The procession of the crucifixion cross of our Lord takes place at 8:30 p.m.
April 2 Holy Friday: The Vespers of Holy Friday at 3 p.m. recall the death, the un-nailing of the body, descent from the cross and burial of Jesus.
At the 7 p.m. Orthros Service of Holy Saturday conducted on Holy Friday the congregation will recall the burial of Jesus the chanting of the Hymns of Praise and conduct the procession of the entombed Savior. Blessed flowers from the bier of Jesus are distributed to the Christians at the conclusion of this worship service.
April 3 – Holy Saturday: The 9 a.m. Vesperal liturgy recalls the descent of Jesus to Hades and His preaching to the captives of Hell.
The Pre-Resurrection Vigil, is conducted at 11 p.m. followed by the Resurrection Orthros and Liturgy.
April 4—Easter Sunday: Commemoration of the resurrection of Jesus from the dead on the third day. Resurrection Orthros, Midnight, Divine Liturgy, 12:30 a.m., Holy Communion, 1:30 a.m.
After the Easter liturgy, the Parish Council serves dinner to the congregation in the Father Christides Memorial Auditorium.
The Resurrection Vesper Service of Love is chanted at 11 a.m. During this service, the gospel lesson is read in many languages signifying the universality of the Christian Church.
For information contact William Mitchell at (609) 465-7510 or Father Steven J. Vlahos (856) 424-2006, (856) 225-7289 or (609) 729-7041.
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