I'm still a bit punchy from a long night and not much sleep. Once again I was completely wired when we got home and couldn't get right to sleep.
Here are my Paschal memories:
Dark church with just a few candles lit,. The only sounds are quiet whispers and the chanting of the psalms. I was so tired before church I thought I just wouldn't make it through the night. I actually had a little panic of "What am I doing?? Why didn't I just stay home this year." The services starts in almost complete darkness. Only one or two candles are lit... the only light is coming from up in the balcony for the choir. The Midnight office begins at 11:30pm:
"Isaiah saw the never-setting light of Thy
compassionate manifestation to us as God, O Christ.
Rising early from the night he cried out:
'The dead shall arise.
Those in the tombs shall awake.
All those on earth shall greatly rejoice!'"
The incense smells like myrrh. I wonder if they have changed it or if this the first time I've noticed it. Then one by one the candles are lit and we begin the procession outside the church and into the world. Timothy has fallen asleep and, again this year, he stays inside sleeping on the pew. It so cold outside my teeth chatter between solemn singing. When we get back to the doors of the church there's the long wait for everyone to catch up while we continue to sing the processional hymn. Finally, we begin.... Father first, then the Altar servers with him, and finally everyone:
Christ is Risen from the dead,
Trampling down death by death
and among those in the tomb bestowing life!
The doors are pounded three times and opened. We enter the church which has been transformed into the brightest of days. All Lenten purple is gone and replaced with festive white, all the candles are lit, and all lights on.
"Now all is filled with light:
heaven and earth and the lower regions.
Let all creation celebrate the rising of Christ.
In Him we are established."
All sleepiness has vanished from me. The bells on the censor no longer sound lonely in the dark, but joy and celebration. Father cries out as he censes us:
Christ is Risen!
and we call back
Indeed! He is Risen!
He does this in several languages and it is done throughout the Paschal service by both him and the deacons. Timothy sleeps through it all, along with several other children, decked out in their Easter finery. Then comes the Paschal sermon of St. John Chrysostom which is read in every Orthodox church at the Paschal Matins service.
"If any man be devout and love God, let him enjoy this fair and radiant triumphal feast. If any man be a wise servant, let him rejoicing enter into the joy of his Lord."
This year I am able to read along in my service booklet. It really is a lovely sermon, I commend it to anyone who has not read it in its entirety before. Between the Midnight office, Matins of Pascha and Divine Liturgy we wind up around 2:45. The sleepy children awakened in time to receive Eucharist and final blessings.
Downstairs we stand with our baskets (laden with non-fasting foods), awaiting a blessing and then we dig in, each table enjoying an Agape meal together. Ours is an odd mixture of fried chicken, kielbasa, chicken meatballs, Challah bread, port, and chocolate. Even at that hour, it taste good. Once again home close to 4am and I can't sleep. I am way too excited. I want to wake all the sleepers, knock on all the doors and proclaim.
Christ Is Risen
Indeed He is Risen!
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Ancient Faith Radio
Apr. 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
I've waited to read your post today. You brought tears to my eyes.
Thank you so much for sharing.
~In Him
Julie/Joyful Day