Christ is Risen!
Photo is from the week after Pascha called Bright Week, when the Royal Doors remain fully open. The unblocked view of the altar symbolizes the open door of Christ’s empty tomb as well as the rent veil of the Jewish Temple, which was divinely torn apart at the moment Christ died. The Artos (recalling Christ, the Bread of Life) is blessed, and stands covered, in a place of honour during Bright Week and is later cut up and distributed to the faithful on Thomas Sunday, the Sunday after Pascha.
Today is the Sunday of the Holy Myrrh-Bearers!
The third Sunday of Holy Pascha is designated as the Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers. These courageous and steadfast women disciples of the Lord followed Jesus Christ throughout His ministry… providing and caring for Him and His followers (St. Mark 15:41). They remained faithful to Him during the dangerous times of His arrest, crucifixion, and burial. On account of the preparation for the Sabbath, the initial burial preparations were incomplete and brief. As soon as the Sabbath passed, the women speedily returned, bringing precious myrrh and ointment to anoint His body. It was still dark and very early in the morning, when they arrived at the tomb. Christ’s Resurrection was revealed by an angel, and they were given the honour to announce the glad tidings to the apostles. Because of this, the Myrrhbearing Women, especially St. Mary Magdalene, are sometimes referred to as Equal to the Apostles.
The Holy Myrrhbearers represent all that’s good in our Christian faith.
They are the spiritual-embodiment of Faith, Hope and Love!
Let God Arise Paschal Stichera (About the Holy-Myrrhbearers) – Circa-the Pandemic. A Parish’s beautiful Virtual Orthodox Choir sings ancient Znamenny Chant, arr. H. Benigsen
Memory Eternal Joanna!