Sunday, April 17

Ten Tips for Holy Week and Pascha...


1. Make participation at the Services a priority.
2. In our homes we should strive to “keep out the world” and enter into the peace, solemnity, and theology of the events of the last days of our Lord.
3. Be sure to read the last chapters of the Holy Gospels that speak of the Passion, Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ.
4. If you are visiting another parish and wish to receive Communion, make sure that the priest knows who you are and that you are prepared. This should be done in advance by phone, email, or any other way.
5. Last year’s palms and pussy willows should be placed outside in an area to decay where they will not be disturbed. They are holy and should not be simply thrown out with the garbage.
6. Before venerating Holy Objects, such as the Cross, the Chalice, Icons, or the Winding-Sheet, make sure to wipe off your lipstick or chapstick. Reminder: we do not kiss the face of our Lord, His Mother, or the Saints; in-stead kiss the hands or feet.
7. If you haven’t yet made your Confession during Great Lent, try to make it during the beginning of Holy Week. Speak with your priest to arrange a time.
8. Try to make amends with those we may be upset with or those who are upset with us, so that on Pascha we can joyfully sing, “Let us call brothers, even those that hate us, and forgive all by the Resurrection!”
9. Try to stay after the “Midnight Service” on Pascha morning for the blessing of baskets and festive meal. Let us share in the joy of the Lord’s Resurrection with fellowship and love.
10. During Bright Week, sing or read the Paschal Hours instead of your “normal” morning and evening prayers. Let the joy of praising the Lord’s Resurrection accompany you throughout Bright Week, the Paschal season, and your whole life.

Taken from Fr John's Sunday Bulletin

4 comments:

Maria said...

That is my favorite verse out of the whole Paschal canon, "Let us say, O brethren, even to those that hate us, let us forgive all things, on the Resurrection. And let us cry, Christ is risen from the dead, by death hath He trampled down death, and on those in the graves hath He bestowed life."

Irene said...

Thanks for sharing.

Is there a post out there about Tips for Holy Week with little ones?

my 3 are about the same ages as yours. This will be our 3rd Holy Week and Pacha and I'm still not sure how to prepare my kiddos (and myself for the evening services with them in tow)

MamaBirdEmma said...

Hi Irene!

Thank you for the suggestion! I have begun working on a list and I hope to have it ready for tomorrow.

Irene said...

hurray! thanks

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