A WARM WELCOME TO ALL FROM AN ANCIENT TIME MADE AVAILABLE TO ALL FROM HE WHO INCARNATED HIMSELF IN ALL OUR HUMANITY. HE WHO IS THE FATHER ALMIGHTY LOVES EACH INDIVIDUAL AND WHOLEHEARTEDLY BESTOWES GRACE UPON US TO DRAW NEAR WHEN OVERCOME BY DOUBT AND FLOODED BY OPINIONS OF THOSE WHO ARE AFRAID OF FREEDOM; TO EACH ONE OF US HE CALLS TO RISE AGAIN ON WINGS OF PRAYER!
COME AS YOU ARE – THAT’S HOW HE LOVES YOU AND THAT’S HOW HE WANTS YOU!!!
Come join us for Holy Pascha which is the Feast of feasts.
Holy Thursday
Commemorating the Lord’s Supper in which New Sacred Chrism oil was sanctified.
The early morning sorrows service followed.
Thursday 25th April 2019
7:30PM THE DIVINE LITURGY
The liturgy began with the opening prayers and the Liturgy of the Catechumens. The Gospel of St Luke was read by Archdeacon Matthew and a homily on the Holy Eucharist was given by Mitered Archpresbyter Mark.
Following this, Archbishop Raffaele washed the feet of his clergy. He then presented Mitered Archpresbyter Mark with a metal cross, a golden blessing cross and permission to perform the rite of St Mark, to celebrate the beginning of his third year as a priest.
After communion, and once the Divine Liturgy had concluded, the Matins of Holy Friday Morning was celebrated.
Great Friday: The Passion of Jesus Christ
Commemorating the Lord’s death in the flesh at which the cross (a true relic thereof) and shroud will be venerated in the context of the
Vigil Prayers and lamentations
Friday 26th April 2019
7:30PM THE BURIAL SERVICE
The service began with the opening prayers of the All Night Vigil. Father Mark did some readings before the Gospel according to St Mark was read by Archbishop Raffaele. The Archbishop gave his homily on the dangers of turning away from the True Faith, and how Jesus will always search us out and invite us into his heart.
After this heart-felt homily, the Holy Cross was processed around the church. This was particularly special as this cross has relics from the True Cross embedded within it. The congregation were invited to venerate the cross after this solemn procession.
This was followed by the Burial Service where the Epitaphios of Jesus was anointed with Holy Chrism oil and covered with flowers. Then, a procession of the congregation, lead by Archdeacon Matthew, accompanied the Epitaphios around the building, from the altar to the centre of church. The Epitaphios was then shrouded and the people were invited to venerate it as Archbishop Raffaele sang lamentations. After some final prayers, the congregation were anointed with the newly blessed Chrism oil.
Great and Holy Saturday: Pascha
Commemorating the Lord’s resurrection in the flesh. The service included the reading of the Acts of the Apostles, the proclamation of the resurrection and the lighting of candles, the Divine Liturgy, Paschal Eucharist and Agape.
Saturday 27th April 2019
10:00PM THE PASCHAL SERVICE
The evening began with the reading of The Acts of The Apostles. This was followed by the Midnight Office where prayers of joyous expectation were prayed in anticipation of Jesus's resurrection. Following this, all the lights in the church were switched off and the people sat in darkness, awaiting the rebirth of Christ.
Just after the midnight hour, a bell was sounded as Archdeacon Matthew lit candles symbolising the resurrection of Christ. Archbishop Raffaele proclaimed 'Christ is Risen' and the congregation lit their own candles from the Trikirion (the three pronged candle symbolising the Holy Trinity of the Lord).
Next, everyone went outside where the Holy Gospel of the Resurrection was proclaimed and Archbishop Raffaele sang the great hymn 'Christ is Risen from the dead'. He banged on the door three times with his staff, and the people returned inside to a fully illuminated church.
Thus commenced Morning Prayers and the Divine Liturgy, where the Gospel was read and Archbishop Raffaele preached his homily. Paschal Eucharist was prepared and Holy Communion was given to the people.
After the liturgy, the community, together with the clergy, celebrated the Resurrection of Christ with agape and wine in the visitors centre of the church.
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