Holy Week and Easter Sunday

 

This year Holy Week was fully celebrated at St. Mary through many moving and special services, which commemorated the dramatic events leading to the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

On April 18, Great and Holy Thursday, the Divine Liturgy was celebrated in the evening, then the "Washing of the Feet" ceremony was held, which re-enacts Christ's humble service to his 12 disciples during the Last Supper. Der Hovsep celebrated "Gark Vodnlvai" with the children at the altar St. Mary Church. It was followed by a brief reception hosted by Jermen Hallajian in memory of her Parents, and the moving service of the Betrayal and Passion of our Lord (Khavaroom).

The Order of the Crucifixion of Christ and the Order of the Entombment of the Lord were held on Great and Holy Friday, April 19. Thank you to Asanet Hatchikoghlu for decorating Christ's tomb. 

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On Easter Eve, Saturday, April 20, the Badarak was preceded by Vespers and the Scriptural readings. Der Hovsep celebrated the Divine Liturgy with the beautiful lilies donated by our many generous parishioners who decorated the sanctuary, followed by the traditional Home Blessing in the Church Hall, and a hospitality table hosted by the Parish Council. 

Easter Sunday, the Feast of Glorious Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ was on April 21. It began with a Morning Service and Badarak celebrated by Fr. Hovsep, and attended by hundreds of people. The blessing of the four corners of the world, Antasdan service took place at the conclusion of the Badarak. It was followed by lunch and egg-cracking games in the Church Hall with a beautiful reception table hosted by the St. Mary Shnorhali School. 

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We thanked everyone who contributed to the Easter Lilies and Yughakin Donations.
To see the list of names click here.