Orthodox Christian Church | 1150 Leishman Ave. New Kensington, PA | 724-335-9988 | info@saintgeorgeorthodox.org

We look forward to seeing you at our Holy Week services:

PALM SUNDAY – APRIL 1

9:00 a.m. Matins and Blessing of Palms
10:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy followed by a luncheon hosted by the church school families

THEME: The triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem before His voluntary death is recalled. Carrying palm branches, the faithful join in procession around the outside of the church in recognition of this historic event.

7:00 p.m. Bridegroom Service

THEME: The commemoration of the noble Joseph and the Gospel account of the fig tree that withered remind us that our lives are intended to produce ripe fruit.

GREAT MONDAY – APRIL 2

7:00 p.m. Bridegroom Service

THEME: The account of the wise and foolish virgins reminds us of the need to be watchful at all times expecting the arrival of Christ.

GREAT TUESDAY – APRIL 3

7:00 p.m. Bridegroom Service

THEME: The anointing of Christ by the woman at Bethany reminds us of our sinfulness and our need for humility and mercy. The hymn of St. Cassiani calls us to pursue a spirit of reflection and repentance.

GREAT WEDNESDAY – APRIL 4

7:00 p.m. Sacrament of HOLY UNCTION

THEME: The Sacrament of Holy Unction is celebrated for the healing of our souls and bodies. The themes of the seven Epistle and Gospel readings are: repentance, forgiveness, and healing.

GREAT AND HOLY THURSDAY – APRIL 5

9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

THEME: The Mystical Supper of Christ with His disciples is remembered as He offers the Mystery of His Body and Blood for our salvation. He commands us ‘do this in memory of Me’.

7:00 p.m. The Service of the Passion Gospels

THEME: The passion and death of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ is read from twelve Gospel accounts. The life giving Cross is placed in the center of the church for our contemplation and veneration.

GREAT AND HOLY FRIDAY – APRIL 6

9:30 a.m. The Royal Hours & Vespers, and the decorating of the Tomb

Commemorating the removal of the Holy Body from the Cross by Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus.

7:00 p.m. Orthros with the Lamentations of the Theotokos

THEME: The life giving death on the Cross of Our Savior Jesus Christ, the removal of His sacred body and the placing in the tomb are commemorated. As we relive these events we are reminded that the most beloved One has given over His very life for our sake. The sacred shroud and decorated bier are carried in funeral procession around the outside of the church as we relive the burial of our Lord.

GREAT AND HOLY SATURDAY – APRIL 7

9:30 a.m. Divine Liturgy

THEME: The tomb of Our Lord is our focus as we realize the death and burial of Christ and anxiously anticipate the joy of His Resurrection. The morning is one of both sorrow and joy. During the Liturgy we scatter bay leaves and rose petals, ancient signs of victory and the return of a king, to acknowledge Christ’s victory over death.

10:30 p.m. Rush Procession and Resurrection Matins

THE GREAT AND GLORIOUS PASCHA – APRIL 8

MIDNIGHT PASCHAL DIVINE LITURGY

THEME: The Glorious Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the sign of universal life. The ‘true light’ is offered and a candle lit procession makes its way around the church reminding us that the Light has overthrown the darkness. Blessed red eggs are offered as a sign of new life. The Paschal exclamation ‘Christ Is Risen’ is offered and exchanged. The Paschal Liturgy is celebrated in the light filled church as if in the light giving tomb of the Resurrection.

12:00 p.m. Agape Vespers of the Resurrection

Theme: The Joyous Resurrection of Christ is announced and celebrated with the reading of the Resurrection Gospel in many languages.