Palm Sunday

Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Palm branches are blessed and distributed. Fish is permitted today, so join us for the luncheon after Liturgy.

The first of the Bridegroom services, named for the hymn "Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight" - a call to spiritual watchfulness.

The beloved Hymn of Kassiani, composed by a 9th-century Byzantine nun, is sung from the perspective of the sinful woman who anointed Christ's feet - a powerful meditation on repentance.

Holy Unction is the sacrament of healing for body and soul. The faithful are anointed with holy oil at both services - all are encouraged to come forward.

The morning Liturgy commemorates the Last Supper. In the evening, the Twelve Passion Gospels recount Christ's betrayal, trial, and crucifixion. Candles are distributed.

The most solemn day of the year. At Vespers, Christ's body is placed on the Epitaphios (burial shroud). In the evening, the Lamentations are chanted and the Epitaphios is carried in procession.

The morning Liturgy includes the first proclamation of the Resurrection - the dark vestments change to white. Late that night, the faithful gather in the darkened church for the Paschal Vigil.

At midnight, the Paschal fire spreads from candle to candle as we proclaim "Christ is Risen!" The Agape Vespers later that morning features the Gospel read in multiple languages. Bring your red eggs and Pascha dishes for the picnic! Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!