Holy Friday

Posted in St. Aidan Community | Tagged , , , - by Rebecca

Today is considered a very strict fast day and for this day only of all the days of the year there is no celebration of the Divine Liturgy allowed.

Fri. Ap. 14: 4:30pm Vespers with the Shroud Veneration (approx. 2 hrs.) – at the 7th Ave. hall

“When You the Redeemer of all were placed in a tomb, All Hades’ powers quaked with fear. Its bars were broken its gates were smashed. Its mighty reign was ended, for the dead came forth alive from their tombs, casting off the bonds of their captivity. Adam was filled with Joy!”

Today we set up and venerate the shroud of Christ. It is appropriate to bring flowers, particularly red and white to decorate the tomb with. We sing “Nobel Joseph” then we wait together taking a little refreshment from our fasting before starting Matins.

Fri. Ap.14, 6:30 Matins with Praises & Procession with the Shroud (approx 2.5 hrs.)

– at the 7th Ave hall Do not lament me, O mother, seeing in the tomb, the Son conceived in the womb without seed, for I shall arise, and be glorified with eternal glory as God. I shall exalt all who magnify you in faith and in love.

We gather again before the shroud and sing Psalm 119 with verses in between describing the events of Holy Week. Then we take the Shroud of Christ and in procession circle once around the Church, finishing up with veneration of the shroud and the hymn “We worship Your Passion O Christ! We worship Your Passion O Christ! And Your Holy Resurrection.

As many as can manage, take a shift before the Tomb of Christ and read the Psalms throughout the night until the next morning’s Liturgy.

Tomorrow, Sat. Ap.15: 10:30am Vesp. Divine Liturgy of St. Basil & 15 O.T. readings (approx.. 2.5 hrs.)

– at the 7th Ave. hall

“Today, Hades cries out groaning; ‘I should not have accepted the Man born of Mary. He came and destroyed my power. He shattered the gates of brass. As God, He raised the souls that I had held captive.’ Glory to Your Cross and Resurrection, O Lord.”

Today is the bridge day, the day between the death of Christ on the cross and His glorious resurrection. Christ is not resting; death has no claim over Him. He enters into hell with His soul and blows it wide open freeing those captured there! The new life and restoration of man to God is accomplished! The colours in the Church are changed back to white from Lenten purple as we celebrate Christ’s victory over death! The vigil before the Tomb then continues with all who can taking a turn reading the Acts.

Sat. Ap. 15: 10:30 pm – Sun. 2:00 am Pascha!!! (approx. 3 ½ hr. service – Nocturns, Matins, Divine Liturgy) – at the 7th Ave hall

The light of Christ from the Altar to all holding candles and the triple victorious procession around the church as we shout out the victory proclamation…CHRIST IS RISEN!!! Rings out, and then downstairs to bless baskets and joyously break the fast together! We should make it home by around 2-3 am!