BEHOLD: THE BRIDEGROOM COMES IN THE MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT!

[ACCESS HOLY WEEK SERVICE TEXTS HERE]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

We have now taken the first steps into Jerusalem with our Lord Jesus Christ. Just as he walked closely with his disciples in the final days leading up to his betrayal, passion, and crucifixion, so also does he invite us to do the same with him, year after year, until he shall return again.

Here are a few practical notes and reminders for your consideration, which may assist you this week. Most are applicable throughout the year. First, however, is a note about Holy Confession, which we will be offering on a walk-in basis on Holy Monday, from 5:00–7:00 p.m., and on Holy Tuesday from 12:00–2:00 p.m., and again from 5:00–7:00 p.m.

HOLY CONFESSION

Holy Confession is one of the great gifts of our Lord Jesus Christ to his Church. It is a means by which we repair our tarnished or even broken communion with him. Like a doctor's office, it is a place where we come to tell our ailments and habits to the Physician, for diagnosis, advice, and healing.

When preparing for Holy Confession, we must examine our conscience, and consider its standing before the greatest commandments: that of loving God with our whole being, and that of loving our neighbor as ourselves. We may read the Decalogue (Ten Commandments) and Beatitudes (from Christ's sermon on the mount) to aid this examination. It can be very helpful to prepare a simple, written list to bring with us.

When the time comes to make our confession, we should do so simply, in a humble and straightforward manner. There is no need for explanation or giving context. If needed, the confessor may ask clarifying questions. There may be some counsel given, and advice for how to maintain spiritual health. Finally, the priest will offer, with great joy for the one who has come to be unburdened, the prayers pronouncing God's forgiveness.

HOLY UNCTION

Not part of the order of services of Holy Week, the sacrament of Holy Unction is, nevertheless, customarily offered on the Wednesday of Holy Week. It is a supplement to our fasting, almsgiving, and confession, an act of repentance, forgiveness, and healing. As a sacrament of the Church, the Holy Oil is only applied to those who are members of the Orthodox Faith. Since we do have many catechumens, inquirers, and visitors to this service who are not Orthodox, we have the custom of offering them anointing, instead, with the holy oil from the vigil lamp that burns in front of the relic of St. Nektarios. Please note that the oil of Holy Unction is not sent home with the faithful. If anyone is homebound and in need of Holy Unction, our clergy will be happy to arrange for a visitation.

SERVICE ORDER

In Holy Week, the order of services is advanced by half a day. In other words, the Orthros (early morning service) is offered the evening before; Vespers (the evening service) is offered in the morning. The "Bridegroom" service is simply Orthros.

Many people do not attend Orthros services when they are offered regularly throughout the year, and so when Holy Week arrives and Orthros is in the evening, they are unaccustomed to its order. One thing in particular to note about Orthros is the reading of the Hexapsalm ("Six Psalms") towards the beginning of the service. These are read in complete stillness, with the faithful standing. There is to be no movement—no speaking, no lighting candles, no venerating icons or relics, and not even making the sign of the Cross—during the reading. If you arrive during the reading of the Hexapsalm, remain where you are until it is finished.

OFFERING INCENSE

If moving about the temple when incense is being offered, it is best to pause and step aside until the deacon or priest has moved on from that area. This is a solemn moment in the services. The customary posture when incense is being offered is to bow the head or to bow slightly at the waist. We do not make the sign of the Cross when this is happening, as we are receiving a blessing. Many people have the practice of watching the deacon or priest as he goes throughout the temple offering incense. This is not necessary; we simply bow slightly as he passes us, and resume our usual posture.

THE GREAT ENTRANCE

In the course of the Divine Liturgy, the transfer of the prepared gifts to the Holy Table is called the "Great Entrance". When this is taking place, the clergy are carrying bread and wine that have not yet been sanctified. It is customary for the faithful to bow their heads slightly or to bow slightly at the waist when this procession is taking place. It is not proper to kneel or prostrate oneself fully during this procession. In the service of the Presanctified Gifts, when this procession takes place, it is with the sanctified gifts—the Body and Blood of Christ—and it is then that it is customary to kneel or prostrate.

DRESS

Our custom of dress navigates two poles: dressing simply and offering God our best. Our appearance should be neither haphazard nor showy; nothing should draw the attention of others to us. Some people are coming to services from work and do not have time to go home and change. Others cannot afford what some might consider appropriate clothing. For some, it is unthinkable to come to church without dressing in fine garments. Some women insist on covering their heads, and they are free to do so, as are those who do not observe this custom. In general, it is considered disrespectful to for the legs to be exposed above the knee, and for the upper body to be exposed. The point is to be modest in all things, and to not pay attention to what others wear.

STANDING AND SITTING

The default posture for Christian worship is standing. Those who are unable to stand are free to sit, as are all who need to rest. There are times when it is particularly important to be standing: the reading of the Gospel, the offering of incense, the presence of the Holy Gifts, when receiving a blessing from the priest, etc. There are times when the congregation will be invited by the priest to sit, with a simple hand gesture, and there are other times that the congregation will receive verbal instruction to sit (for the reading of encyclicals, the passing of a tray for collection, etc.). In general, please follow any instruction from the priest with regard to sitting or standing. If visiting a different parish or monastery, follow the custom observed there. When in doubt, stand; when in need, sit.

VENERATING SACRED OBJECTS

It is customary for the faithful to venerate holy icons, relics, and objects by bowing in front of them and then kissing them. If you intend to kiss such objects, please refrain from wearing lipstick or lip balm, as they mar these objects and, in many cases, cause irreparable damage. For the same reason, if oil is accessible for anointing, please do not allow it to drip on or otherwise touch sacred objects.

CROWDS

Holy Week draws the largest crowds of the ecclesiastical year. This means that parking, seating, and moving around in the church can sometimes prove more challenging than normal. We can all do our part by being joyful for the abundant attendance, and making way and space for one another as we gather around our Lord.