May 23 min read

Pascha 2024 A.D.

Updated: May 5

Holy Thursday

Thursday 2nd May 2024 @ 7pm

The evening began with the entrance prayers sung by Metropolitan Raffaele. He then read the epistle amongst the people before returning to the altar.

Arch Deacon Michele Alberto read the Gospel according to St Matthew, which spoke of Jesus preparing for the last supper and Mary Magdelena anointing Jesus with fragrant oil from an alabaster jar.

Bishop-Elect Mark presented his homily, reminding us to take joy in the Eucharist - it’s power to connect and preserve in these times of need, and how important it is for our lives as Christians.

Next, the new Holy Unction oil was blessed. It was created throughout the year, adding different flowers, herbs, spices, and woods with each season to gently fragrance the oil. After it was blessed, it was added to the collection of oils from previous years since the Metropolitan was elected bishop. This was used to anoint the clergy and the congregation.

The bishop then went on to wash the feet of the clergy, just as Jesus had done in preparation for the Last Supper. After washing each foot of the clergy, Metropolitan Raffaele’s feet were washed and dried by Fr Mark.

The liturgy continued with the bringing and blessing of the gifts, lead by Fr Mark and Arch Deacon Michele Alberto. Communion was shared by the clergy and given to the people, before it was returned to the altar of reproach.

It was then that Metropolitan Raffaele read the final Gospel, telling of how Peter denied Jesus thrice before the cawing of the crow on the morning of His crusifixion. At the conclusion, everyone left the church in silence, prepared to return tomorrow for our Good Friday prayers.

Homily Video: Holy Thursday

Photo Gallery: Holy Thursday

Good Friday

Friday 3rd May 2024 @ 7pm

The clergy entered in silence and prostrated themselves in front of the altar and cross of The Lord. Metropolitan Raffaele chanted a solemn prayer before the liturgy of evening prayers began.

The solemn service continued with Fr. Mark reading from the Letter of St. Paul to the Corinthians, and then Metropolitan Raffaele reading from the Gospel according to St. Mark. After he spoke of Jesus taking his last breath, everyone prostrated on the floor in silence. Then the Gospel continued, telling of the women taking Jesus' body to the tomb.

Metropolitan Raffaele presented a homily reminding us of the love of a mother for her son - the same love that Mother Mary showed for her Son Jesus. He spoke of the symbolism of the cross as the sign of death and sorrow, but that it also reminds us of our salvation through the love and healing of our Lord.

Fr. Matthew removed the stol from the icon of Jesus on the cross before removing the nails and shrouding His body in a white cloth. Metropolitan Raffaele picked up the cross, carrying it around the altar three times while Arch Deacon Michele Alberto censed his path. Then the relics of the True Cross were taken in a procession to the four corners of the church before being venerated by the congregation.

As the morning prayers began, Fr. Matthew prepared the Epitaphios with oil and perfume before the clergy took it on a procession around the church and outside, proclaiming the Lord's name to the world. Upon returning inside, the morning prayers were concluded and the people were invited to venerate the epitaphios before departing, ready to return tomorrow to await the Lord's resurrection.

Homily Video: Good Friday

Photo Gallery: Good Friday

Holy Saturday & Pascha

Saturday 4th May 2024 @ 10:45pm

The people arrived as Metropolitan Raffaele and Fr Mark read from the Acts of The Apostles. It told stories of the events and experiences of the apostles of Christ after he had risen.

This was followed by the Paschal Canon, punctuated with proclamations of “Christ is Risen from the dead”. Arch Deacon Michele Alberto censed the altar, and then the lights were dimmed and the people waited in darkness for the resurrection of the Lord.

Just after midnight, the clergy appeared, ringing bells as Arch Deacon Michele Alberto lit all the candles in the building. The Metropolitan Bishop’s trikarion candle was lit, and the congregation was invited to light their own paschal candles from the three flames.

Everyone processed outside.