Preparing for Pascha

Resurrection

April 1, 2022

 

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”

John 16:33

 

Dear St. John’s Parishioners,

As we enter the closing weeks of Great Lent, I pray that this season has been one of growth and renewal as we prepare to celebrate Pascha. So much in our world seems uncertain and chaotic. We’re all painfully aware of our divisions, of the horrific violence of war, of the desperation of so many who long for some glimmer of hope. The world suffers in the shadow of sin and death, and as our Lord said, there is tribulation, suffering and hardship. So, in the face of all of this, how do we respond to Christ telling us to “be of good cheer?”

What we celebrate each year at Pascha is nothing less than God’s intervention in His creation, to bring about the transformation of all things. By His death, Christ destroys death. By His resurrection, He gives life to all who turn to Him. The world suffering under sin, death, and the evil powers, has indeed been overcome by the One through whom all things were made. The Paschal Mystery is that Christ “is making all things new.” This is the Faith of the Church. This is the promise of the Gospel. This is why we can take Christ’s words to heart, “Be of good cheer,” because we know how the story ends. We know that Christ has the last word, even in the face of suffering and tribulation.

I invite you all to set aside time in your schedules to attend as many Holy Week services as possible, that together we might walk the Way of the Cross and arrive at Pascha with renewed strength and faith. Please find the schedule of services attached. Following the Agape Service on Pascha Sunday, April 24, we will share in a feast of roast lamb. The lamb will be provided, but please plan on bringing a side dish or dessert to share.

This year, may we find ourselves living more deeply into the meaning of the Paschal Greeting, as we proclaim with thanksgiving:

Christos Anesti! Alithos Anesti! Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!

 

Faithfully in Christ,

Fr. David


Image is from Holy Trinity Orthodox Church, Butte, MT, Fresco Project. Visit at https://www.holytrinitybutte.org/fresco

  

 

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