A word of sincere welcome…
is extended to all who joined with me and St. Michael’s or Holy Ascension communities to celebrate Easter. On behalf of these communities, I greet you in the name of the Risen Lord and hope that your visit was spiritually rewarding. Whether you came as a first-time visitor or as a friend from the past, know that we are happy you joined us and hope you will join us again. Please know you are always welcome. It is our prayer that you will be filled with the joy that comes from truly believing that Christ IS risen!
Singing With Enthusiasm
All are reminded that the Easter Tropar should be sung with “joyful enthusiasm.” It is not a funeral dirge! It is a hymn of victory! The pace should be “quick” and upbeat. It should reflect a certain “eagerness” to share the Good News of the Lord’s Resurrection. Resist the temptation to drag the tempo. This Tropar is our declaration of joy! Ask yourself: would strangers know I’m happy and excited when they hear me sing? Let us sing out with joy for truly
Christ IS Risen! Christos Voskrese!
GREETINGS:
I would extend a very special Easter Greetings to those who receive my Bulletin in the mail or by email. If you do, it probably means that you were unable to be with us to celebrate Easter. Please know that you were in my thoughts and prayers.
May God Bless Each of you and
Grant you health and happiness!
The ARTOS . . .
Is the special loaf of bread we bless on Easter and distribute on St. Thomas day. This loaf is meant to remind us that Christ, Who is truly the bread of life, is with us. Христос Воскрес!
REMEMBER . . .
Monday and Tuesday are “Splash” Days. Guys splash gals on Monday and on Tuesday the gals have their revenge. Silly? Perhaps, but a wonderful way to make our joy real. Christ IS Risen!
Standing In Prayer
All are reminded that it is our tradition To Stand in Prayer during the period from Easter to Pentecost, the next 50 days. We even stand for private prayer. Sitting is permitted if you are fatigued or elderly. It is not more pious to kneel! This tradition highlights our belief that we truly are the children of God, privileged to stand in His presence.
BRIGHT WEEK . . .
is the eight days that follow Easter. The last day, St. Thomas’s Day, is the Anti-Pasch. We celebrate Easter each day of Bright Week instead of only on the week-end. This tradition is a direct carryover of the Jewish Passover which is celebrated for eight days. During the period from Easter to Pentecost Sunday is counted as the first, not last, day of the week.
A Big Thank You!
Again I would thank all of those who, in any way, helped to make our Holy Week and our Easter celebrations truly holy and spiritual experiences. I am deeply aware that we worship as a community. Thank you for praying with me.
…. is extended to each and every person who took the time to remember me with Easter wishes and greetings. Your thoughtfulness is truly appreciated and cherished. Thank you for making me a part of your life. I pray that each of you may be blessed with health and happiness.
. . .is extended to all who generously donated for Easter flowers, allowing our worship space to be so beautifully decorated. Please know that your generosity has brought great joy to me and to many others.
. . . is also extended to all those who made a special effort to help with the singing during this sacred time. Your efforts are truly appreciated. Singing is a way to become truly involved in our worship and praise of God.
Special Thanks
…. is offered to Steve Pipta & Mike Christie for their help at the altar. Jobs well done!