Brought to you by the Religious Education Committee
Holy Week: The Parables
By: Fr. Aristidis Ariz
Bridegroom Orthros Services
Beginning on the evening of Palm Sunday and continuing through the evening of Holy Tuesday, the Orthodox Church observes a special service known as the Service of the Bridegroom. Read More...
Each of us are given talents from God. Reflect on your own talents and list ways to use your talents for the glory of God; to fill your own lamps with oil.
The fig tree had many leaves but no fruit. Jesus meant the synagogue but could we use the fig tree as a metaphor for our lives? As we approach Holy Week, find ways to increase prayers, fasting, repentance, studying the Holy Scriptures and participation in the Sacraments offered to prepare yourself for the fruit of the Resurrection.
Review Galatians 5:13-26. How can the fruits of the Spirit grow within you, especially during Holy Week to prepare for Christ’s Resurrection?
We know there will be a time (we don’t know when) we stand before God, Are we prepared to be judged before God at this moment?
Have we/how often have we gone to the Sacrament of confession?
Are we forgiven without being repentant for our sins?
In the Lord’s Prayer we pray to God “Forgive us our trespasses and we forgive those who trespass against us” how have we forgive ? Is this the same way we want to be forgiven?
On the afternoon or evening of Great and Holy Wednesday, the Sacrament or Mystery of Holy Unction is conducted in Orthodox parishes. The Sacrament of Holy Unction is offered for the healing of soul and body and for forgiveness of sins. At the conclusion of the service of the Sacrament, the body is anointed with oil, and the grace of God, which heals infirmities of soul and body, is called down upon each person. Read More...
Great and Holy Thursday
On Holy Thursday four events are commemorated: the washing of the disciples' feet, the institution of the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist at the Last Supper, the agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, and the betrayal of Christ by Judas. Read More...
We are called to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow him. How do we do this in today’s time? Why is this difficult for us to do? How can we find the courage and support needed to accomplish this?
We ready scripturally, “Through the cross joy has come to all the world.” How does our suffering become transformed into Joy?
Great and Holy Friday
The Orthodox Church commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. This commemoration begins on Thursday evening concludes with a Vespers on Friday afternoon that observes the un-nailing of Christ from the Cross and the placement of His body in the tomb. This is a Day of Silence and solitude. Read More...
What does the Kouvouklion represent? Why do we usually process with it outside
and why do we go under it as we enter the church?
What lessons do we learn from these poetic hymns?
Why did Christ have to be crucified, be buried, descend into Hades? Why did he do this for us? How does the answers to these strengthen our relationship?
Great and Holy Saturday
On Great and Holy Saturday, the Orthodox Church commemorates the burial of Christ and His descent into Hades. It is the day between the Crucifixion of our Lord and His glorious Resurrection. Holy Saturday morning is the first announcement of the Resurrection. The priest celebrates by throwing pay leaves and flowers chanting, “Arise, O God.” Read More...
On Holy and Great Saturday our focus is on Christ descending Into hades and the tomb of Christ but not a normal grave but a life giving tomb as a source of power, victory, and liberation. What is our understanding and thinking of death of our earthly lives?
What are some of the eternal truths we have come to Learn through this week and on this day?
