V. Rev. Angelo Estrada-Rea's 10th Anniv. of Repose (+2016)
Abp. Mark's Namesday
Fast: fish, wine, & oil
26
Apr
Sunday
Mat. Irene Rachko's 6th Anniv. of Repose (+2020)
27
Apr
Monday
Rev. Dn. James Carpenter's Birthday
28
Apr
Tuesday
Rev. Mircea & Mat. Jamie Airinei's 25th Wedding Anniv. (2001)
V. Rev. Stephen Vernak's 19th Anniv. of Ordination (2007)
29
Apr
Wednesday
V. Rev. Stephen Vernak's Birthday
Mat. Mary Reynolds' Birthday
Rev. James Chuta's 19th Anniv. of Ordination (2007)
1
May
Friday
V. Rev. Basil Gambal's 57th Anniv. of Repose (+1969)
2
May
Saturday
V. Rev. Victor Gorodenchuk's 22nd Anniv. of Ordination (2004)
Lazarus Saturday
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.
Palm Sunday
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.
St. Tikhon of Moscow
The Patriarch of Moscow who led the Russian Orthodox Church through the Communist persecution. Celebrated on April 7th, Tikhon was elected Patriarch in 1917 and courageously opposed Soviet attempts to control the Church. He defended Orthodox faith and clergy during the most difficult period of Russian Church history. He represents faithful leadership under persecution.
Holy Ordination
The sacrament of ordination to the threefold ministry of bishop, priest, or deacon. Ordinations take place during the Divine Liturgy, with deacons ordained after the consecration of the gifts, priests after the Great Entrance, and bishops after the Little Entrance. The bishop lays hands on the ordinand while the people sing "Axios!" ("He is worthy!"). Through ordination, the Holy Spirit grants the grace needed for ministry. Only men may be ordained, and bishops must be celibate monastics, while priests and deacons may be married before ordination.
Mystical Supper
The Last Supper of Christ with His disciples on Holy Thursday, when He instituted the Eucharist. Christ washed the disciples' feet, gave them His Body and Blood under the forms of bread and wine, and delivered His farewell discourse. This meal established the central sacrament of the Church and exemplified humble service. The Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil is celebrated.
Crucifixion of Christ
The commemoration of Christ's death on the Cross on Holy Friday. The Church observes this solemn day with the Royal Hours, Vespers with the procession of the Epitaphios (burial shroud), and Matins of Holy Saturday. This is a strict fast day. The services emphasize Christ's voluntary suffering for our salvation and His victory over death through death.
Pascha
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.
Holy Matrimony
The sacrament of marriage, uniting a man and woman in lifelong union blessed by God. The Orthodox wedding service consists of two parts: the Betrothal (exchange of rings) and the Crowning (placement of crowns on the couple's heads). The crowns symbolize both the glory and martyrdom of marriage, as well as the couple's status as king and queen of their domestic church. The couple drinks from the common cup and processes around the analogion three times. Marriage is understood as an icon of Christ's union with the Church.
Great Martyr George
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.
Apostle Mark
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.