Paschaltide

A few notes about the time beginning with Bright Monday, which lasts until Pentecost. We call this season Paschaltide. During this time there a few changes in our Orthodox life:

1. No prostrations or kneeling. While the season of Lenten repentance is exactly the time for kneeling and prostrations, we now rejoice in the dignity restored to us by grace in the Resurrection. Don’t worry… the gift of kneeling will be restored to us again at the Kneeling Vespers of Pentecost.

2. Fasting. No fasting at all this week! Even after we return to fasting the week after, it is generous. Every Wednesday and Friday (understood as ‘little Lents’ throughout the year) still permits us wine and oil. The Saint Tikhon’s calendars in the bookstore show this clearly.

3. Paschal Hours. During this week until Thomas Sunday, all of your personal prayers are to be replaced with reciting the Paschal Hours. Darrel has made some beautiful copies of this and they will be available on the back table tonight and tomorrow to take home (unless you’ve kept yours from last year). Even after this we do not say the prayer ‘O Heavenly King’ through until Pentecost. Instead, we say or sing ‘Christ is Risen’ three times. This allows us to continue to walk in the Resurrection, while eagerly awaiting the coming gift of the Holy Spirit as we continue our liturgical journey.

Truly He is Risen!