The central worship service of the Orthodox Church, celebrating the Eucharist (Holy Communion). Usually celebrated on Sundays and feast days, the Divine Liturgy consists of the Liturgy of the Word (scripture readings) and Liturgy of the Faithful (Eucharistic prayer and communion). The most common forms are the Liturgies of St. John Chrysostom and St. Basil the Great.

The sacrament of reconciliation through which the faithful confess their sins to a priest and receive absolution. Also called the sacrament of repentance or penance, confession restores the baptismal purity lost through sin and reconciles the penitent with God and the Church. The penitent stands before an icon of Christ while confessing to the priest, who acts as a witness and minister of God's forgiveness. The priest then covers the penitent's head with his epitrachelion (stole) and pronounces the prayer of absolution.

The day before Palm Sunday, commemorating Christ raising Lazarus from the dead. This miracle foreshadowed Christ's own Resurrection and demonstrated His power over death. The service is joyful, anticipating the triumph of Palm Sunday and Pascha. Pussy willows are often blessed on this day in preparation for Palm Sunday.

Note, Friday April 3 will be the final day for confessions from Fr. Harry until St. Thomas Sunday (April 19).

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The celebration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed Him with palm branches. This feast begins Holy Week and is marked by the blessing and procession of palm branches (or pussy willows in northern climates). The service combines joy for Christ's kingship with anticipation of His upcoming Passion.

(only communing Orthodox Christians in good standing may receive this sacrament).

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—The Passion “12 Gospels” service, procession and setting out of large cross.

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(combined service—Holy Friday Vespers from about 6 to 7 and with Holy Saturday Matins about 7 to 8, with veneration of the shroud following). The first half of the service has the “inside procession” for the bringing out of the Shroud to the center of the Church, and the second has the outside procession of the Shroud around the Church and all passing under it as they re-enter the Church. Come for as much as you can, it doesn’t have to be the whole time). That being said, for the 7-8pm Matins service the girls who wish to will be throwing rose petals in the procession and the boys who wish to will have place in the procession.

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with Baptisms and Chrismations, liturgically bringing an end to Great Saturday and beginning the Vigil of Pascha. It is the service where, in the middle of the service, we change all things to Paschal décor (from dark to light), and where you bang on the pews or floor (some bring pots and pans to bang) to represent Christ’s conquering of hell. It is also the Liturgy that we serve completely in the nave of the Church before the Holy Shroud.

NOTE, if you for reasons of age or health cannot make it to midnight services, Fr. Harry will bless baskets for this occasion after this Liturgy. That being said, one still should not partake of these things until after midnight. Gifts of thanks are welcomed but not expected.

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people begin to arrive for Paschal services (bring baskets to the hall beforehand)

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Paschal light and procession to “Tomb”, begin Matins, procession back to church continuing Matins, Hours, Midnight Divine Liturgy of Pascha.

Following this, the blessing of baskets in the hall and festal Agape meal from the baskets.

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The "Feast of Feasts" celebrating Christ's Resurrection from the dead. The most important celebration in the Orthodox Church, Pascha determines the date of all moveable feasts. The service begins with the joyful midnight proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and continues with the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

The soldier-saint martyred under Diocletian, venerated as the 'Trophy-Bearer' for his victory over evil. Celebrated on April 23rd, George is patron of soldiers, England, and Georgia. The legend of his slaying a dragon symbolizes triumph over evil. His courage in maintaining faith despite torture makes him a model of Christian fortitude.

The evangelist who wrote the shortest Gospel, emphasizing Christ's divine power through miracles. Celebrated on April 25th, Mark was a companion of both Peter and Paul. He founded the Church in Alexandria and is patron of Venice. His Gospel, likely the first written, served as a source for Matthew and Luke.