Holy Week does more than allow us to commemorate the

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1 Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church 501 West 27th Street Cheyenne, Wyoming (307) Inside this issue: Kαλό Πάσχα 1 Lazarus Saturday 2 Palm Sunday Evening 2 Holy Monday Holy Tuesday 3 Holy Wednesday Holy Thursday 4-5 Holy Friday 6-8 Holy Saturday 9 Sunday Morning 10 Agape Vespers 10 Homily of St John Chrysostom 11 Bright Week 12 I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this? + John 11: Holy Week does more than allow us to commemorate the events of the Passion and Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It provides us with an opportunity to witness them in a way that allows us to participate in them in the life of the Church. The readings that are taken from both Old and New Testaments, the hymns, liturgical processions, and the many commemorations allow us to see how our Lord's promise of salvation to the world was fullfilled through His mighty acts by which God Himself in the person of Jesus Christ grants us the forgiveness and remission of our sins by defeating sin and death. This is why from year to year, and in the age to come,we can truly have a good pascha! Having prepared for Holy Week over these last 40 days, let us encounter our Lord but one another with faith, and with love.

2 THE SERVICES OF HOLY WEEK LAZARUS SATURDAY An interlude between Great Lent and Holy Week, the Church names this day the Saturday of Lazarus in remembrance of the resurrection of Lazarus and its promise of universal resurrection for all men. The Church connects this celebration, by anticipation, with the Entrance of Christ into Jerusalem. Icon of The Raising of Lazarus Gospel :John 11:1-45 Icon of The Bridegroom Gospel :Matthew 21:18-43 PALM SUNDAY EVENING This evening s service calls to mind the beginning of Jesus suffering. The Gospel describes the plotting of the priests and elders to trap Jesus into convicting Himself as a religious heretic. Through parables, Jesus tells us of His coming betrayal, trial, conviction and execution by crucifixion. The hymns of this service commemorate two things: 1.) the prophetic figure of Joseph, who, while vir-tuous, nonetheless suffered unjustly at the hands of his brothers before being greatly rewarded; 2.) the parable of the fig tree, which in failing to bear fruit, became a symbol of fallen creation, and of our own lives, in which we also have failed to bear spiritual fruit. HOLY MONDAY EVENING This evening s theme is that of watchfulness, sobriety, and preparation, lest we be called unprepared before the awesome judgment seat of Christ to render an account for ourselves. The gospel reading contrasts the efforts of the Pharisees to trick and discredit Jesus with the forceful resistance which Christ mounts against their evil. The hymns remind us of the parable of the Ten Virgins, in which the faithful Christian is exhorted to vigilance. Icon of the Ten Virgins Gospel: Matthew 22:15-46; 23:1-39. Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 2

3 HOLY TUESDAY EVENING The need for true repentance is the concern of Tuesday evening s service. The transformation from a life of sin to a life of faith and obedience is exemplified for us in the person of the sinful woman who received the gift of forgiveness when she anointed Jesus with myrrh and washed His feet. Icon of St. Kassiani the Hymnographer Gospel: John 12:17-50 The highlight of this service is the hymn written in honor of this woman by St. Kassiani. The Gospel lesson foretells of the coming suffering of Christ and recalls His inner struggles and agony. HOLY WEDNESDAY EVENING The primary theme of Holy Wednesday is our need for the healing and forgiveness with God through Jesus Christ. We are reminded that healing is to be found, above all else, through our relationship with Jesus Christ. Icon of Christ healing the Blind Man In the Sacrament of Holy Unction, the faithful are anointed and thus, healed both physically and spiritually. They are also reconciled to God and one another so that they might receive the gift of the Holy Eucharist instituted by Christ at the Last Supper. Scripture readings are taken from: Epistle readings: James 5:10-16, Romans 15:1-7, I Corinthians 12: :1-8, II Corinthi-ans 1:8-11. Galatians 5:22-6:2, I Thessalonians 5: Gospel readings: Luke 10:25-37, Luke 19:1-10, Matthew 10:1 & 10:5-8, Matthew 8:14-23, Matthew 25:1-13, Matthew 15:21-28, and Mat-thew 9:9-13. Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 3

4 Holy Wednesday continued... PRAYER OF ANNOINTING O Holy Father, Physician of souls and bodies, Who didst send Thine only-begotten Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, to heal every infirmity and deliver from death: Heal Thou, also, Thy servants from the ills of the body and soul which do hinder them, and quicken them, by the Grace of Thy Christ; through the prayers of our most Holy Lady, the Birth-Giver of God and Ever Virgin Mary; through the intercession of the honorable bodiless Powers of Heaven; through the power of the Precious and Life- Giving Cross; through the protection of the honorable, glorious, Prophet and Forerunner John the Baptist; of the holy, glorious and righteous Martyrs; of our righteous and Godbearing Fathers; of the holy and healing unmercenaries Cosmas and Damian, Cyrus and John, Thaleleus and Tryfon, Panteleimon and Hermolaus, Samson and Diomidis, Mokius and Aniketos; of the holy and righteous ancestors of God, Joachim and Anna; and of all the Saints. For Thou art the Fountain of healing, O God, our God, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and to the ages of ages. Amen. HOLY THURSDAY MORNING On the night when He was betrayed, or rather when He gave Himself up for the life of the world, He took bread in His holy, pure, and blameless hands, gave thanks, blessed, sanctified, broke, and gave it to His holy disciples and apostles saying... Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom Icon of the Last Supper Gospel: Matthew 26:2-20, John 13:3-17, Matthew 26:21-39, Luke 22:43-45, and Matthew 26:40-27:2. On Holy Thursday morning, we ascend Mt. Zion with Christ and the Twelve disciples, and enter into the upper room. There we witness the awesome moment when, at the Last Supper, Christ abolishes the ritual practice of the Old Covenant and establishes the New Covenant, prophesied by the prophet Jeremiah, through the Sacrament of Holy Communion. The faithful receive Holy Communion at that Holiest of Liturgy of the year. Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 4

5 ICON OF THE LAST SUPPER Christ is the central figure at the table. Saint John the Evangelist is seated at Christ s right; as the youngest of the disciples he is depicted as beardless. Judas Iscariot the Betrayer is the fifth figure from Christ s right is depicted dipping his hand into the bowl (Matthew 26:20-25). HOLY THURSDAY EVENING Icon of the Crucifixion After the reading of the fifth Gospel comes the procession with the Crucifix around the church, while the priest chants the Antiphon: In this service, we commemorate the undeserved suffering of Jesus Christ, endured for our sake, so that we might be reconciled anew to God our Father. The Gospel readings witness for us the betrayal and arrest of Jesus, his trial and conviction, and finally his passion, his torture, crucifixion and death at the hands of a sinful humanity. This evening s service also includes the procession representing Christ carrying His own cross along what is known as the Via Dolorosa (the way of sorrows), and ends when we see before us the King of Glory crucified. The Gospel lessons for this service are taken from: Today is hung upon the Tree, He Who did hang the land in the midst of the waters. A Crown of thorns crowns Him Who is King of Angels. He is wrapped about with the purple of mockery Who wrapped the Heavens with clouds. He received buffetings Who freed Adam in Jordan. He was trans-fixed with nails Who is the Bridegroom of the Church. He was pierced with a spear Who is the Son of the Virgin. We worship Thy Passion, O Christ. Show also unto us thy glorious Resurrection. 1.) John 13:31-18:1 2.) John 18: ) Matthew 26: ) John 18:28-19:16 5.) Matthew 27:3-32* 6.) Mark 15: ) Matthew 27: ) Luke 23: ) John 19: ) Mark 15: ) John 19: ) Matthew 27:62-66 Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 5

6 ICON OF THE CRUCIFIXION The icon of the Crucifixion depicts Christ nailed to the Cross. His right side is pierced and from the wound flows blood and water. At the foot of the Cross is a skull. Golgotha, the Mount on which Christ was crucified, means the place of the skull. Tradition tells us that the Cross of Christ stood over the grave of our forefather Adam. On the top bar of the Cross is the inscription I.N.B.I., the initials for the Greek words meaning Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. To the left of Christ, the Theotokos and St. Mary Magdalene are often pictured as well; the youthful St. John the Beloved Disciple and St. Longinus the Centurion (Mark 15:39) are shown to the right if they are depicted. In addition to this icon, Orthodox churches process with and display a large wooden Crucifix with an image of Christ attached. At the Vespers on Friday, the image of Christ is removed from the Cross and wrapped in a new white cloth. Another icon, one that depicts the Body of Christ removed from the Cross appears on the Epitaphios that is carried and placed on the tomb during this service. HOLY FRIDAY AFTERNOON In this service, we again witnesses the undeserved suffering that our Lord endured. What is also remembered is the faithfulness and love of Joseph of Arimathea who removed Christ s body from the cross, wrapped it in clean linen, and carried it to his own unused tomb for burial. Scripture readings for this service are taken from: I Corinthians 1:18-2:2, Matthew 27:1-38, Luke 23:39-43, Matthew 27:39-54, John 19:31-37, and Matthew 27: The icon of The Apokathilosis Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 6

7 As the priest proclaims the Gospel, And Joseph took the body, and wrapped it in a clean linen shroud, and laid it in his own new tomb he removes the Body of Christ from the Cross, wrap it in a new white cloth and takes it to the altar. The priest then chants the hymn: When Joseph of Arimathea took You, the Life of all, now dead, down from the Cross, he buried You in fine linen, after anointing You with myrrh. He yearned with desire, humbly contained by awe, rejoicing, he cried out to You: Glory to Your condescension, O merciful God! On Holy Friday afternoon, the priest removes Christ from the Cross and wraps Him in a white cloth. The priest then carries the Epitaphios, the cloth on which the Body of Christ is painted or embroidered, around the church before placing it inside the Sepulcher, a carved bier which symbolizes the Tomb of Christ. HOLY FRIDAY EVENING The icon of the Lamentations at the tomb On Holy Friday evening, the theme is Christ s descent into Hades during which the Gospel of repentance and reconciliation with God is shared with those who died before Christ s saving dispensation in the flesh. The service begins with lamentations sung as we stand before the tomb of Christ commemorating His unjust punishment and the shedding of His innocent blood. It's important to remember that the service ends on a note of joy and hope, with the reading of the Prophet Ezekiel in which he describes his vision of our resurrection yet to come. In the midst of despair, we are reminded that there is hope, and that not even death can separate us from the unfailing love and power of God. Scripture readings for this ser-vice are taken from: Ezekiel 37:1-14, I Corinthians 5:6-8, Galatians 3:13-14, Matthew 27: Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 7

8 Young girls representing the myrrh bearing women adorn the tomb of Christ with rose pedals during the lamentations THE LAMENTATIONS On Holy Friday evening, we sing the Orthros of Holy Saturday, consisting of psalms, hymns and readings that deal with the death of Christ. During Orthros, the congregation will join in chanting the Lamentations that praise the the Lord and relate to His ultimate triumph over death. At the third Stasis of the Lamentations, when the verse Early in the morning, the myrrh-bearing women came to sprinkle fragrant myrrh on thy grave 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 Church and the people as well. Once the lamentations are complete, it is also customary for the priest to lead the faithful in procession around the outside of the Church while members carry the kouvouklion (the tomb of Christ). The priest will recite litanies at the four corners of the Church. When the people enter the Church once again, they will pass underneath the kouvouklion! After they do this, they will venerate the gospel while being sprinkled with rosewater by the priest who greets them saying kali anastasi! Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 8

9 HOLY SATURDAY MORNING On Holy Saturday morning, a Vesperal Divine Liturgy is celebrated. This first Resurrectional Liturgy commemorates the souls that were first liberated from upon Christ s descent into Hades. Our Lord s triumph over death is proclaimed in the hymns and readings from the Old and New Testament. There is also a strong theme of baptism presented in this liturgy, on account that in the ancient Church, the catechumens would oncw be baptized on this evenin of Pascha. Gospel: Matthew 28:1-20. During the scattering of Bay leaves, the priest and faithful will chant: Arise, O God, Judge the earth, for Thou shalt have an inheritance among all the nations... One of the more unique elements of this service is the scattering of bay leaves that represent the rubble from the empty tomb that were left behind by Christ, and discovered by the women who went to anoint His body. Their unwavering devotion was rewarded when they became the first to learn about Christ s triumph over evil and death, and to share the joy of His Resurrection! Scripture readings for this service are taken from: Romans 6:3-11 and Matthew 28:1-20. HOLY SATURDAY EVENING The church will once again become dark to remind us of the despair and defeat experienced before Christ s victory over the Enemy of our salvation. But we're reminded: "Come receive light from the unending light, and glorify Christ, who risen from the dead." Icon of Christ liberating the captives from Hades At midnight, a single light will emerges from the altar representing the victory of Christ over death. As the light is passed from person to person, the darkness will be pushed back around the church, and it will begin to disapear. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." (John 1:5) Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 9

10 HOLY SUNDAY MORNING The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior will be proclaimed in joyful song and triumphant procession. Once the vigil candles are lit throughout the Church, a short procession will take place, and the priest will read the resurrection story from the Gospel of Mark (16:1-8) and lead the faithful in singing the Resurrection Hymn: Christ is risen from the dead, trampling death by death, and to those in the tombs bestowing life. Icon of the women finding the empty tomb Following the Orthros service, they will then celebrate the Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom! AGAPE VESPERS This service is held in the afternoon on the day of Pascha. The Gospel lesson (John 20:19-25) depicts the first appearance of the risen Lord to his disciples. It is recited in as many languages that are known by the members of the congregation. It symbolizes the fact that that the Good News of the resurrection of our Lord is proclaimed without discrimination to all the nations of the world. With this in mind, it is also encouraged that we as Orthodox Christians should be charitable, loving, and forgive one anther! Small children and elderly people who were not able to attend the evening service are encouraged to attend Agape Vespers. Faithful who attend this service may once again light their Paschal candles from the Resurrection service from the night before. Red eggs may also be distributed to the congregation at the end of the service as a special blessing. It is also customary to bring bells, and other noise makers when singing Christ is Risen! After this service, people will continue the celebration of the Resurrection in their homes. Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 10

11 THE PASCHAL HOMILY OF SAINT JOHN CHRYSOSTOM If you are devout and love God, enjoy this beautiful and radiant festival. If you are a grateful servant, enter, rejoicing, into the joy of your Lord. If you followed the fast, receive your payment now. If you worked from the first hour, receive today your just reward. If you came after the third hour, you are welcomed to celebrate. If you arrived after the sixth hour, have no doubt; for you suffer no loss. If you delayed until the ninth hour, come near with no cause to hesitate. If you arrived even at the eleventh hour, do not be fearful of the lateness; for the Lord is generous and accepts the last as He does the first. He gives rest to him of the eleventh hour, as to him who worked from the first hour. He shows mercy to the last and attends to the first. To the one is given and to the other is granted. He accepts the works and welcomes the volition. He honors the act and praises the intention. All of you, therefore, enter into the joy of our Lord; both first and last, receive your reward. You rich and poor, with one another dance. You who are abstinent and you who are indolent, honor this day. You who have fasted and you who have not fasted, be glad today. The table is richly laden; all of you, feast sumptuously. The calf is plentiful; let no one depart hungry. All of you partake of the banquet of faith. All of you enjoy the wealth of goodness. Let no one deplore his poverty, for the Universal Kingdom has been revealed. Let no one lament for transgressions, because forgiveness has dawned from the Tomb. Let no one fear death, for the death of the Savior has set us free. He subdued it when it took hold of Him. He despoiled Hades when He descended into Hades. He embittered it as it tasted of His flesh. And anticipating this, Isaiah cried out, Hades was embittered when it encountered You below. It was embittered, for it was abolished. It was embittered, for it was mocked. It was embittered, for it was mortified. It was embittered, for it was dethroned. It was embittered, for it was enchained. It received a body and came upon God. It received earth and met up with heaven. It received what it saw and stumbled upon what it did not see. Death, where is your sting? Hades, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown. Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen. Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life rules. Christ is risen, and not one is to be found dead in the tomb. For Christ rising from the dead has become the first to awaken among those who are asleep. To Him be the glory and the power to the ages of ages. Amen. Kalo Pascha Saints Constantine & Helen Greek Orthodox Church Page 11

12 BRIGHT WEEK Bright Week (or Renewal Week) begins on Pascha Sunday and ends with the following Sunday of Thomas. The name probably originates from the ancient tradition of baptizing catechumens during Pascha. To this day, we still refer to those who have just been baptized as the newly illumined. The newly baptized in ancient times would wear white for an entire week until they would receive what we still call ablutions or ceremonial washing of the oils of baptism. Because Bright Week is one continuous day, we should be in continuous praise of God as if it were the eighth day of creation. Because of this continuous paschal celebration, there should be no fasting this week! This is a time of renewal for all Orthodox Christians! It is a time for the faithful to bear spiritual fruit and generate new virtues for our onstant illumination in our risen Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! The services of Bright Week are done with joy. The Royal Doors will remain open. This view of the altar symbolizes the open door of Christ's empty tomb as well as the veil of the Jewish Temple was torn apart at the moment Christ died for us. The Gospel of John and the Book of Acts are read as well. Saints Constantine and Helen is the spiritual home for Orthodox Christians of Cheyenne Wyoming whose mission and purpose is not only to strive for salvation in Jesus Christ, but the salvation of every person who seeks the truth. In doing so, we preserve not only the evan-gelical nature of the Church, but the pure and undefiled faith as it has been handed down to the apostles by the Lord himself who commands us all to go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and Holy Spirit and teaching them to obey all that I have com-manded. - Matthew 28:18 Whether you are looking for a spiritual home, or you are currently a parishioner of Saints Constantine and Helen, join us for worship. If you have any questions about the Orthodox Faith, our ministries, or upcoming events, please feel free to contact us. Sunday: Orthros (Matins) Divine Liturgy 8:30am 9:30 am Weekday Services: Divine Liturgy 9:30am please see our church calendar for our feastday schedule!