Holy Week For Teens

Lazarus Saturday

Why did bringing Lazarus back to life seem like an impossible task? Describe the Jewish thought Meena Awad mentions when describing Lazarus’ dead body.

Jesus then arrives in Bethany and finds that Lazarus has been dead and buried for four days. There was an old Jewish thought that the soul of the departed would linger around its dead body for three days, but on the fourth day it would depart. Bringing Lazarus to life thus seemed an impossible task. As Jesus approached, Martha ran to Him and a fascinating conversation took place.

Describe the conversation that occurred between Martha and Jesus on Lazarus Saturday. What does this conversation demonstrate about Martha’s faith and understanding of who Jesus is?

Martha: "Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that whatever You ask of God, God will give You."Jesus: "Your brother will rise again."Martha: "I know that he will rise again in the resurrection at the last day."Jesus: "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?"Martha: "Yes, Lord I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is to come into the world."Martha clearly had great faith; in her initial statement she honestly believed that Jesus could have healed Lazarus if He had arrivedwhilst Lazarus was alive. Yet this statement is rather bitter sweet. While it shows the faith that Martha possessed, it also indicates that Martha still does not fully understand who Jesus is. When she says, "Whatever You ask of God, God will give You," Martha proves that she does not understand that Jesus is God! As God, He has full divine authority to act as He wills.

Meena Awad makes it clear that in Martha’s conversation with Jesus after Lazarus had died that Martha did not fully understand that Jesus was the one true God. What did Martha say that led us to this conclusion? How did Jesus respond to her? What major themes are reflected in Jesus’s response?

As mentioned above, this conversation is very intriguing. Allow me to take you into the depth of what is being said. Martha clearly had great faith; in her initial statement she honestly believed that Jesus could have healed Lazarus if He had arrivedwhilst Lazarus was alive. Yet this statement is rather bitter sweet. While it shows the faith that Martha possessed, it also indicates that Martha still does not fully understand who Jesus is. When she says, "Whatever You ask of God, God will give You," Martha proves that she does not understand that Jesus is God! As God, He has full divine authority to act as He wills. Jesus then replies with what proves to be a major theme across His life, ministry, death and resurrection: "I am the resurrection and the life." Jesus lovingly corrects Martha and in this one statement not only explains to her that He has power to raise the dead both in the last day and now, but also empowers Martha to believe that He is God!

How does Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead present clear evidence of his nature as both fully man and fully God?

This entire episode is very clear evidence of the true nature of Jesus Christ as full Man and fully God. Full Man in that He weeps and is sorrowful; emotions felt by a mortal. At the same time, the raising of Lazarus from the dead by His own authority highlights Jesus' divinity and shows He is full God.

Meena Awad mentions that though the importance of Lazarus Saturday is often overlooked, it is actually the reason the Jewish leaders became determined to kill Jesus. Why is this? How did the Jewish leaders feel and why?

The importance of Lazarus Saturday is often under-written. But in fact, it was due to the events of this day that the leaders of the Jewish nation became determined to kill Jesus. Over the three years of the Lord's ministry, people in the thousands followed Him, not only believing Him to be a great teacher but also the long awaitedMessiah. Jesus turned many to Him with His incredible yet tender words, His unprecedented physical presence and His unconditionally loving nature. But what made many believe that Jesus was unquestionably the Messiah was His ability to do amazing miracles and none was more amazing than the raising of Lazarus from the dead. Jesus Himself said. "Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the sake of the works themselves." If you didn't believe Jesus was the Messiah before He raised Lazarus from the dead, then you sure did after!

Is Lazarus Saturday a part of Holy Week? Give an answer both literally and liturgically. Provide a reason for your answer.

Lazarus Saturday acts as a bridge between the great lent and passion week. Traditionally the church used to fast the great lent directly after the feast of Epiphany (the baptism of Jesus), as is mentioned in the gospel of St Matthew 3:16 - 4: And Lazarus Saturday was always the day before Palm Sunday, as it was the last biblically noted thing He did before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem However, during the papacy of Pope Demetrius the 1st, 12th Patriarch of the see of Alexandria, it was decided, amongst other reasons, that certain preparation was needed before entering into Holy Week. Thus, the great lent was moved and joined to Holy week beginning at Lazarus Saturday. Liturgically, Lazarus Saturday is neither a part of Holy Week or lent but is awkwardly centered in between both seasons. The liturgical tune is neither in the repentant great lent tune, nor is it in the Joyful Palm Sunday tune or in the sad Holy Week tune, but in fact is in the normal Annual tune.

What is the aim of the service on Lazarus Saturday?

The aim of the service is to not only remind us of the incredible "Nature of the incarnate Logos" who is full man and full God, but it is also to wake us up from our spiritual death, hence certain responses as, "Hail to Lazarus whom He raised after four days; oh my Lord Jesus, raise my heart that was killed by the evil one".

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Palm Sunday Eve

Describe the Jewish tradition regarding a woman’s hair. What does Mary wiping the Lord’s feet with her hair symbolize?

In Jewish tradition, the hair of a woman was her pride. The reason women are told to cover their heads in church is to show humility before God, covering their glory as the Cherubim and Seraphim do whilst in the presence of God. So for Mary to wipe the Lord's feet with her hair was to totally humble herself before God.

In the midst of Mary’s act, Judas Iscariot asked an important question. What was this question? What were the intentions behind his question? How did the Lord answer him?

one. In the midst of this great act, Judas Iscariot, the one who would betray the Messiah, stood up and said aloud, "Why was this oil not sold for three hundred denarii and given to the poor?" Judas was a deceptive and cunning fox. He neithersaid that as an act of service nor out of love of the poor, but because he took care of the money box and would steal the money that was kept for the poor. The Lord, the Just Judge and discerner of all that is good, turned to Judas and rebuked him andsaid, "Let her alone; she has kept this for the day of My burial." Turning to all His disciples Jesus said, "For the poor you have with you always, but Me you do not have always."

The Lord mentions that when Mary poured the fragrant oil on His feet to prepare for His burial, there was both a metaphorical and literal interpretation of this act. Describe both.

Notice that Jesus mentions that Mary did this for His burial. Many sermons speak of this on a metaphorical level, but this is also quite literal. When Christ died, He was rushed to the tomb because the next day was the Sabbath and no work was to be done on that day. Those who buried Him hardly had any time to complete a traditional Jewish burial. Thus the anointing by Mary counted as the completion of the Lord's burial four days away from this event.

Mena Awaad mentions that the sight of Mary, Lazarus’ sister, pouring the fragrant oil on the feet of Christ was a scene that appealed to many of our senses. Describe the four senses that this scene appeals to. (Hint: the senses are sight, smell, touch, and sound).

This event truly is beautiful, for the entire scene appeals to many of our senses. Our eyes behold a loved one bowing down and worshiping God, and our hearts bow down with her. Our noses smell the pure and honest sacrifice made before the Creator of all. Our worshiping knees feel the weight of our bodies, while our spirits ascend with weightlessness to our Abba. Our ears rejoice as they hear the acceptance of this sacrifice from the Saviour's own mouth. Truly what a great act you have done O Mary of Bethany! May we learn to worship and honor our Lord as you have.

Why is the church decorated in Palm branches on Palm Sunday eve? Describe why Palm branches are used.

The church is decorated in Palm branches for vespers in preparation for the coming of Christ. The reason Palm branches are used is because the gospel writers all speak of the local people cutting down leafy branches from trees and throwing them before the feet of Christ as He triumphantly entered into Jerusalem. The leafy branches that were used by the people were Palm branches, so the Church mimics this action and decorates the church with these same Palm branches.

The hymns that are chanted on Palm Sunday use a special tune. What is this tune?

The hymns and responses are chanted using a special festal and royal tune, the "Hosanna tune". During vespers (and matins the following morning), a procession is performed around the entire church with palms and an icon of the Lord's entry to Jerusalem.

Throughout the procession on Palm Sunday Eve, the special hymn “Evlogimenos” is chanted. What is the translation of this hymn? What prophecies does the translation of this hymn emphasize?

Throughout the processions and also during the liturgy, you will hear a special hymn being chanted known as "Evlogimenos" which is translated as, "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the Highest" and "Hosanna to the King of Israel." This is exactly what the people sang when they welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem. The hymn calls to mind the prophecies that the Messiah will come from the true lineage of the kings, from the bloodline of David. Thus, we praise the One whom the prophets spoke about, and the One who fulfills all they have prophesied.The concluding canon (Amen Alleluia) tells us to rejoice for the King is coming! It very briefly recounts the events of Palm Sunday to awaken our minds to the magnitude and significance of the next day.

What does the concluding canon (Amen Alleluia) on Palm Sunday tell us? What events does it recount and why?

The concluding canon (Amen Alleluia) tells us to rejoice for the King is coming! It very briefly recounts the events of Palm Sunday to awaken our minds to the magnitude and significance of the next day.

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Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday, as Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, He sent two disciples ahead of Him to a local village and told them to find something. What were they tasked with getting and bringing to Him? Why did this task seem strange?

Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem from Bethany. On the way He sent two disciples ahead of Him to a local village. He told them they would find a donkey, actually a colt, a baby donkey. He told them to bring it to Him and if anyone asks, "What are you doing with the donkey?" to say, "The Master has need of it." The disciples did so and when the owners asked what they were doing with the donkey, the disciples responded as Jesus instructed and took the donkey to Christ. This is a bit strange. The owner just let them take his donkey. Donkeys aren't cheap. And they definitely aren't just handed out for free. This causes us to believe that the owner of the donkey may have known Jesus and the two disciples who were sent. Some even say that this owner was the father of St Mark or maybe even St Mark himself, but this is just speculation, we don't really know for sure. But it would be pretty cool if it were true!

What happens as Jesus is entering Jerusalem on the donkey? What are people chanting? What is the translation of this chant?

So, the two disciples bring the donkey to Jesus, throw their clothes on it, and seat Him on the animal. Then an amazing thing takes place. As Jesus is entering into Jerusalem, all the people who had heard of Him came and welcomed Him. A large mass on His left, and a large mass on His right, all waving branches of Palm trees around and throwing their clothes on the floor in front of the colt. All are shouting "Hosanna!" "Hosanna!"means "save us now." "Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!'

Mena Awaad mentions that the literal translation of the phrase “Hosanna” is “save us”. What did the Jewish people need to be saved from? How was their idea of salvation different from Jesus’ idea of salvation? What would have happened had Jesus just saved the Jews in the way that they wanted to be saved?

Save us? Save you from what? … Well to say that Israel had a long history of captivity and national torment is an understatement. Whether it was the Egyptians, the Philistines, the Canaanites, the Assyrians, the Babylonians or the Greeks, the Israelites had it tough. And the period of Christ was no exception. This time, Israel was invaded by the Romans, who imposed both strict taxes and a strict rule of life on the Jewish nation. So the people were crying out for Jesus to save them from the reign of the Roman Empire. Ultimately they wanted an earthly King that would destroy their enemies and set them free from bondage. This is exactly what Jesus did, just not the way the people were expecting it. If He had just saved them from the Romans, given their history, the Jewish people would have just been captured or plagued by another nation some time further down the track, It would have been a temporary solution to an ongoing problem. So Christ saved them, and us, from the greater slavery. The slavery of sin! And the sting of death! Jesus very well could have saved them from the Romans, it was well in His Power to do so. But He wanted the whole world to be free from sin and joined to Him eternally, knowing perfectly well that the good news of this salvation would provide enough joy to get through any captivity by any earthly being, rather than a small amount of people being free from invasion for only a small period of time. Jesus's mission was much bigger than what the people understood. It is however really sad to see that many of the people who were crying out "Hosanna" cry out "Crucify Him" only five days later….

On the Jewish calendar, what day did the Lord enter Jerusalem? What is the significance of this day for the Jews? How was this day symbolic for Christ? (Hint: think of Christ as the lamb of God)

The Lord's triumphant entry into Jerusalem corresponds to the 10th of Nissan on the Jewish calendar, which is five days before the Passover. I was fascinated when I found out that it is the day the Jews bring the lambs they are going to sacrifice for the Passover into Jerusalem. How fitting it is that this is also the exact day and time that the Ultimate Sacrificial Lamb, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, enters Jerusalem. Around 1500 years earlier, just before the Jews were released from their slavery in Egypt, God commanded them to sacrifice a lamb. This lamb was a sign of release from bondage and sin, so when Christ came to save the Israelites they would recognize him and realize He is the Messiah.

During matins on Palm Sunday a great procession takes place. What is this procession known as? How many psalms and gospels are read during this procession?

In matins a great procession, known as the Procession of the Cross, takes place. In this procession, 12 psalms and gospels are read from various stations around the church. The same procession is done on the feast of the cross.

During the liturgy, on Palm Sunday, all four Gospels are read. Each Gospel gives a different but true perspective of Christ. Briefly describe the differences between each of the Gospels on Palm Sunday.

During the liturgy, readings are taken from each of the four Gospels each of which give a different but true perspective of Christ: Matthew quotes Old Testament prophecies to highlight that Christ is the Messiah and King; Mark shows that Christ is authoritative as the Son of God; Luke places emphasis on His ministry and redemption to all people as the Son of Man; and John highlights that through Him, the divine Son of God, we are granted eternal life. Thus by reading from the four gospels we receive a full account while reminding ourselves of these significant characteristics of Christ.

Directly after liturgy on Palm Sunday, a special funeral service is prayed and is known as the general funeral prayers. What is the purpose of the general funeral prayers?

Directly after the liturgy a special funeral service is prayed, known as the general funeral prayers. The entire congregation attends this service and at its conclusion, the priest sprinkles the congregation with the water which has been prayed over during the funeral service. This is because during Holy Week no funeral services areconducted. This is done so as not to detract from the focus of the week, the sufferings of Christ, and we do not share in any other grief.

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The Gospel of Matthew tells us that the disciples were sent to get Jesus both a colt (a baby donkey) and a donkey. What prophecy does this fulfill? What does the donkey represent? What did the colt represent?

Well St John Chrysostom, as well as other Church Fathers, tell us that Jesus rode on both. This was to fulfill the prophecy spoken by Ezekiel the prophet, "Behold, your King is coming to you; He is just and having salvation, lowly and riding on a donkey, a colt, the foal of a donkey." The prophecy does not just speak of the Lord entering on a donkey, but on both. The donkey is often associated with the stubborn Jewish people who throughout history disobeyed God. Even at the time of Jesus many were stubborn toward Him. On the other hand, the colt on which no one had ever ridden represents the Gentiles, people to whom God had not yet revealed Himself yet who are humble, obedient and accepting of His Word, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Monday Eve

Meena Awad mentions that Monday eve is the night that the church takes us through various occasions where Jesus explicitly says that He will be killed. When did the first story of this occur? What does the Gospel recount about this story?

Monday eve is the night the church takes us through various occasions where Jesus explicitly says that He will be killed. The first story appears in the 1st hour of Monday eve. The Gospel tells us the story of a group of Greeks who wanted to meet Jesus. So the Greeks approached Phillip, who with Andrew went to Christ and told Him of the Greeks who wanted to meet Him. However, Jesus seemed distracted, and His response was quite strange to the disciples, almost as if His mind were somewhere else. Snapping out of His thoughts, Jesus tells the disciples that time is up. He is about to be glorified, but in order for this glorification to take place, He must first die. He says that if He were to stay on earth and not die then both He and us would be alone forever, but if He dies then He and us can live together forever!

In the Gospel of the 3rd and 9th hours we read the famous story of when Jesus asks His disciples “Who do men say that I am?” Recount this story. In what ways is the conversation between Jesus and His disciples much deeper than it appears?

In the Gospel of the 3rd and 9th hours we read the famous story when Jesus asks His disciples "Who do men say that I am?" and Simon Peter with his ever-famous confession of faith responds saying, “ You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.”This section of the story is discussed often in sermons and books, but the section that is generally overlooked is what Christ then says after: "the Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised the third day." This conversation between Jesus and HisDisciples is much deeper than it appears. This conversation took place in Caeserea Phillipi, north of Jerusalem. Caeserea Phillipi had a strong history of pagan worship, and still had it deeply rooted in their culture. At the time, Caesar Augustus declared himself a god and the son of a god, and many of the locals of Caeserea Phillipi were patrons of this idea. The locals built shrines and altars for Caesar and were diligent in their belief. Thus when Jesus asks "Who do men say that I am?" He is alluding to not only Caesar not being the son of god, but also pointing to Himself as the true Son of God. Peter's response is perfect. He says that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ, and the Son of the living God! This statement shows that Jesus is

On Monday Eve the Church Pascha service begins. What tune is the Pascha service in? Where is the Pascha service performed? Why is the Pascha service conducted differently than other services? What does this represent?

Church Pascha services begin this night. All the tunes are said in the sad mournful tune and the services are prayed without opening the sanctuary and are conducted entirely outside the choir section of the church. This is because the sanctuary represents Jerusalem and Christ suffered and was crucified outside of Jerusalem "therefore let us go forth to Him, outside the gate, bearing His reproach" (Hebrews 13:13). Around the church, black veils with crosses are hung up and placed on the lecterns.

Monday

On Monday, as Jesus journeys from Bethany to the temple in Jerusalem, He saw a fig tree. Upon inspection of the fig tree, He realized that there was no fruit. What did Jesus do when realizing that the fig tree did not bear any fruit? What was the fig tree meant to represent? Explain.

On Monday, Jesus journeys from Bethany, the place where He was staying, to the temple in Jerusalem. On the way He got hungry and in the distance He could see a fig tree that had leaves on it. Now the fig tree isn't like any other fruit tree. It only produces leaves when it has fruits so that it can cover and protect the fruits from the sun and predators such as birds. However, this was not the case. As Jesus came closer and inspected the tree and its leaves, He could not find any fruit. This didn'tmake Jesus very happy so he cursed the fig tree in front of all His disciples.The Jewish leaders had so much pride in knowing the laws and statutes of God that theyforgot the point of the law. They spent so much time focusing on how good they were because they knew the law that they forgot the God of the law. So while they had the appearance of, and spoke as those following the law, they did not bear any fruit from their knowledge of the law. Thus, like the fig tree, they bore the leaves and had the knowledge of the will of God, but they did not practice the statutes of God and therefore did not bear any fruit. They only had the appearance of bearing fruit. Nothing caused Jesus to become as angry as the pride and hypocrisy of the leaders. For if the leaders were behaving as they were, how were the people supposed to behave any differently? The fig tree with leaves but no fruit is a type of the Jewish leaders. Jesus in His incredible love does not curse or destroy the leaders, but the tree. For if the tree just reminded Him of the Jews and He reacted by destroying the tree, how much more angry was He with the Jews? But out of His incredible love for the Jews, he destroyed the tree in their place, as a sign for them. But they did not learn.

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On Monday, as the Lord entered into the temple, Jesus saw that the people turned the temple into a marketplace. What did Jesus say when he saw this? Meena Awad mentions that there are two clear points to take away from this story. List and explain both.

There are two clear points to take away from this story. First, our sometimes disregard for the holy places. One of the ways that many of us disrespect the holy places (the Church) is when we talk in church. Did you know that there is a churchcanon that says "No one shall talk and converse at the time of the prayers and the liturgy except on a subject of religion and the readings, wherein is salvation of souls; and they shall be silent at the hearing of the precepts of the Lord - Praise be toHim - until the liturgy is finished." - 4th Canon, Canons of Christodulus, Patriarch of Alexandria 1047 - 1077 AD). Secondly, not to value the praise of men over the praise of God. The Jewish leaders wanted to get rid of Jesus, not because He was wrong (as interpreters of the law, they knew the law and that He was right) but because He shamed and embarrassed them. They did not want people to think less of them. They desired the praise of the people more than the praise of God. This is clear.

Meena Awad mentions that many people think that it is fine for them to do as they please because God is merciful and kind and quick to forgive. What are the consequences of this mindset?

Many say that it is fine for them to do as they please because God is merciful and kind and quick to forgive and truly He is. But the Lord is a just judge! If you have done wrong, and have not repented then there will be a consequence, even if you claim to love God, for the Lord says, "As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten." - Rev 3:19

Meena Awad mentions that we sometimes get annoyed when those around us speak rumors or say nasty things concerning us. What advice did St. Macarius give to a young monk on how to live a good and holy life in this regard? Recount both the story and the advice given.

A young monk once asked St Macarius the Great for some advice on how to live a good and holy life. St Macarius told him to go to the cemetery and rebuke and curse and throw stones at those in the graves. The young monk did so and returned. St Macarius then told him to go praise and speak highly to those in the graves. Again the young monk did so and returned. St Macarius then asked the young monk, "When you cursed and spoke roughly to them, what did they do?" The young monk replied, "Nothing." Then St Macarius said, "And when you spoke praise and complimented them, how did they react?" Again, the young monk said, "Nothing." Finally, St Macarius reached his point and told the young monk, "Go and do likewise; when people curse you, do nothing and when people praise you, do nothing."

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Tuesday Eve

On Tuesday Eve, the gospel of the 3rd hour begins with one person asking Jesus if only a few will enter heaven. How does Jesus respond to this question? What is the significance of his response in our lives?

The Gospel of the 3rd hour begins with one person asking Christ if only a few people will be saved. However Jesus turns and says to him, don't focus on numbers or if many will be saved or not, rather focus on how to be saved. Do not focus on who will be saved, but on how you will be saved, and to be saved we must enter through the narrow gate. To relate this to our world today, we often speak about why God isn't bringing everyone to our classes or youth to our meetings, and we fear that it is all unfruitful. However, we should rather speak of what we can do to bring these services to God. Throughout the bible we see God bringing salvation with the smallest amounts of people. So instead of explaining how to bring numbers to God, Jesus teaches how to bring our hearts to Him.

How does Jesus’ response to the question of if only a few will enter into heaven apply to our daily lives? Relate your answer to the idea of the wide and narrow gate.

I believe the narrow way spoken of by Christ can mean filtering out things that unconsciously harm us. We look around at the world today and wonder how certain people are able to do certain things, whether it's criminal offenses like violent and abusive behaviour, stealing, or even those "legal" sins which are very destructive to our salvation, such as pornography, drunkenness, and sexual acts. There is no doubt that at younger ages, you would have never even thought you were capable of doing such things! So what happened?Simply put, we need to put a filter on thethings that we allow to influence us and eventually dictates a way of life that does not necessarily suit as a Christian. Things like, friends, social media, TV shows etc indirectly dictates certain behaviour and moral values that we as Christian do not agree with yet over time what used to be foreign to our eyes and ears is now acceptable. Especially that some of these influences come in nicely wrapped up packages, for example a cool group of friends or a funny TV show or the popularity someone might get from the number of likes they have on a social media.You might ask what does this have to do with the narrow gate? I tell you it has everything… filtering these influences often comes at a price.. going along with a group of cool friends whom their words and actions far from glorifies God willcost me to be "unpopular." Not watching a TV show that I know will slowly change my Christian principles will come at the cost of being left out of a conversation at school. Today Christ warns us exactly about that saying: "Enter by the narrowgate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it" - Mat 7: 13-14. We note here that He gave us a warning about the numbers.

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During the Paschal Praise, the congregation chants “Kerielyson” or “Lord Have Mercy” 12 times after the litanies (before the chanting of Epouro). What is this chant reflective of? What is the traditional significance of the hymn Epouro?

You may notice that after the litanies the congregation chants "Kerieleyson" or "Lord have mercy" twelve times before "Epouro" or "O' King of Peace". It is said that the twelve Kerieleyson's are an additional means of cleansing ourselves spiritually from our sins in preparation for the great feast at the end of the week, the joyous Resurrection. Tradition also holds that the hymn "O' King of peace" was one of the hymns martyrs would sing while being persecuted and being put to death. The chant is particularly reflective and as such lets go home from this pascha service with a take home message that though Christ is going through this violent passion yet He is the King of peace and that He will give us His peace and forgive us our sins.

Tuesday

What do we commemorate on Tuesday that is not mentioned in the holy Gospels? How was this commemoration miraculous?

Although it is not mentioned in the hourly Gospels of Tuesday, today we commemorate Jesus and His disciples passing by the Fig tree, which Christ had cursed the previous day. As they passed it, they saw that it was completely withered away. "Now in the morning, as they passed by, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots." -Mark 11:21. This is quite miraculous, as the fig tree is not a small shrub, but is a large tree. So for the tree to be completely withered, after only one day, is entirely miraculous. Jesus' message however, is of much more importance then themiracle itself. The message continues from that of Monday's. On Monday we saw that God despises hypocrisy, pride and those who desire the praise of men above the praise of God.

Tuesday is the first day that Jesus begins prophesying about His death. Recount the gospel of the first hour on this day and how it fits this theme.

The Gospel of the first hour starts off with the Lord speaking very mysteriously to a crowd of people, telling them that He is going somewhere and where He is going no one is able to go with Him. Some of the people therefore thought that He was going to kill Himself!?! Jesus then, with full authority yet in His tender way, highlights thatthe people are so limited in their understanding, that they are from earth and He is from Heaven and that if they don't believe in Him, they will die in their sins. So the people ask Jesus, "Who are You?" It seems as though the people knew or at least suspected who Jesus was, but were not fully willing to believe it. How could they not know? Every prophecy ever spoken of by the prophets was being fulfilled by this incredible Man!

Meena Awad mentions that a common question that often crosses people’s mind is “Why didn’t He (Jesus) just say - I am Christ, the Savior of the world?” What was his response to this question? What example did he provide as evidence?

The same concept applies to Jesus. He could very well have just told the people that He was the Christ, the Messiah, but no one would have believed Him. So instead, He had to prove it! And He did! Every time He opened His mouth, every time He lifted His hands, every time He was sad and every time He smiled or laughed, He proved it in all His coming in and going out. He truly did prove that He was the Christ, the Son of the Living God! But the people still did not believe. Their heartswere hardened, hence Christ's mildly frustrated and truly saddened response,"Just what I have been saying to you from the beginning." Jesus then, knowing that they would not understand, tells them bluntly that He is from the "Father." So Jesus says again, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I amHe." Jesus is now beginning to be more detailed with His prophecy regarding His death. When He says that He must be lifted up, He is clearly building towards something, but the climax is not yet. Jesus said that He is from the "Father' but the people did not understand. While it may seem obvious to us now what Jesus was saying, you have to understand that back then, and in fact in the entire Old Testament, God was never referred to as Father! Thus, by Jesus saying He was from the Father was such a strange thing to them. They had never heard that word in its divine context before. Thus, while many wanted to follow Him, their limited human understanding held them back.

Meena Awad mentions that Jesus calling God “Father” was an indication that He was the son of God. How does Him calling God “Father” imply this? Refer to the old Jewish tradition in your answer.

Jesus then, knowing that they would not understand, tells them bluntly that He is from the "Father." So Jesus says again, "When you lift up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am He." Jesus is now beginning to be more detailed with His prophecy regarding His death. When He says that He must be lifted up, He is clearlybuilding towards something, but the climax is not yet. Jesus said that He is from the "Father" but the people did not understand. While it may seem obvious to us now what Jesus was saying, you have to understand that back then, and in fact inthe entire Old Testament, God was never referred to as Father! Thus, by Jesus saying He was from the Father was such a strange thing to them. They had never heard that word in its divine context before. Thus, while many wanted to follow Him,their limited human understanding held them back.

On Tuesday, the Gospel of the 11th hour, taken from the account of St. Matthew, starts off with Christ telling the famous parable of the talents. What is the moral of the parable? How can this parable be used to combat the idea that only the servants and priests of the church have God given gifts?

The Gospel of the eleventh hour, taken from the account of St Matthew, starts off with Christ telling His famous parable of the talents. The moral of this parable is: be ready! You do not know when the end will come! Do not waste your time! Do not be lazy! Use the gifts God has given you so that when you are to give account of your life on the Day of Judgement, you may have something good and Holy to present before the Just Judge, and He may find you worthy to see what no eye has seen and to hear what no ear has heard. Much contemplation on the parable of the talents has been told, and great messages have been learnt. How all are given gifts, and all are told to work with what they have been given. However, many people, both youth and adults, take this to mean that only the priests and servants of the church have these gifts, and only they have been called to serve. Origen, a second century Christian scholar says, "It is fitting not only for the Saviour to take up His Cross but also for us to carry it, doing compulsory service for our salvation."

Meena Awad mentions that we often think that the person with the most talents is more blessed or more capable than the person with the least. How is this thought incorrect? Provide 4 biblical examples to support your answer.

We often think that the person with the most talents was more blessed or capable than the person with the least, but history shows us otherwise. God so often, would bless and qualify those who were called rather then call those who are naturally gifted. God chose the stutterer Moses to be the greatest leader in Jewish history; the small fragile shepherd boy David to be a mighty warrior and the king of Israel. He chose Simon Peter, the denier of God, to convert thousands with a single sermon and He chose Saul the murderer and persecutor to be Paul the most active and influential apostle to the Gentile world.

Meena Awad mentions that even with the argument that sometimes people will believe that the weaker are blessed with more talents. How is this belief incorrect?

So what if God actually gives more to the weaker person, and less to the more capable? The action that pleased God in the parable was not that one doubled his share of talents and the other didn't, it was that one trusted in God rather than his own abilities. Often, the more capable are unable to trust in God like the less capable, that's why God often elects the weaker rather than the strong; those who are poor in spirit and humble in heart. What if God gives more talents to the weakerperson to cover his weaknesses, and in knowing this, and understanding the origin of these talents, the weaker person trusts more in God than any qualified person ever could. What if God gives fewer talents to the strong person, who in thinkingthemself capable to do all without God, fail! We are all weak, but what makes us truly strong is our ability to submit to God, and truly, only a person who trusts in God can do this!

On Tuesday, the Psalm “Pekethronos” or “Your Throne” is chanted. What tune is this psalm chanted in and during which hour of the Paschal praise? How is the tune of this hymn significant? What are we supposed to envision while chanting this hymn?

All of the hymns and chants of this week are beautiful but one in particular, chanted today, "Pekethronos" or "Your throne", the psalm of the 11th hour stands out. It is chanted in its special melody known as the "Shami" tune. Although at times it seems mournful, it is a royal tune which has many variations. While listening to the tune you feel at times it pushes your emotions down and makes you feel sad, while at other times you feel it is a playful and joyful tune. If you listen carefully you will notice that the tune builds up a few times before it anticlimaxes, time and time again, as it goes on and on, and as such we feel the truth behind the words - that God's throne is "forever and ever." We imagine our Lord sitting on His throne, judging the worldwith righteousness, justice and power.

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Wednesday Eve

On Wednesday Eve, the Lord speaks of the parable of the story of the marriage feast for the king’s son. Recount this story. What does each person or group of people in the parable represent?

The story goes that the son of the king was to get married and the king was set to hold a feast for him. So he sent out his servants to go and invite all the noble families, the rich, the politicians and all the rulers of the land. So the servants went out and invited everyone. But they would not come and they made excuses. They ignored the servants and went back to their farms and businesses. Worst of all, some even captured the servants, insulted and mistreated them, and even killed them. But when the king found out what the people had done to his servants, "he was furious". The king sent out his armies and destroyed those who murdered the king's servants and rejected the king's invitation. The feast was ready, but those who were invited were not worthy, so the king sent out other servants to go out to all the land and go and invite all they saw; all the bad and the good, the poor, the sick, all whom they saw. So the servants did so and the feast was filled with all kinds of people from all over the land. The king was happy. However, when he saw a man present who was not dressed appropriately, and the man was speechless as towhy he was dressed so inappropriately, the king orders that the man be bound and thrown out of the feast. The king represents God; the servants are all the prophets and holy men and women who came before Christ and taught of the Holy ways of God; the feast is the glorious kingdom of heaven and the partaking of the Bodyand Blood of Jesus Christ. The rich, the noble, and all those who were originally invited is a symbol of the Jewish people, who were the chosen people of God, but they rejected God and His Son Jesus Christ and the glorious kingdom of heaven, and they were lazy and made excuses and lost all that they were offered by God. The poor the sick and all those who accepted the invitation are the Gentiles, all the non-Jews who accepted the word of God and His glorious kingdom. However, not allwho attend the feast can stay and enjoy the feast as was the case with the man who was not wearing the wedding garment. In the days of Christ, wedding garments were handed out to the guests of the feast by those who stood by the entrances,thus if someone was not wearing a wedding garment, then they did not enter the feast from the entrances and were most likely not invited and thus tried to sneak in. The man who was cast out because he was not dressed appropriately represents all those believers who say they are Christian, but do not show any proof of this. Theyclaim to be Christians, but neither their words nor their actions testify of their apparent belief and thus they try and sneak in to Heaven by their own means. Therefore, even many who claim to be Christian will be thrown into "outer darkness."

On Wednesday Eve, another parable – the parable of the ten virgins – is mentioned. Recount this parable. What does each aspect of this parable represent?

Another parable mentioned this night is the parable of the ten virgins. Five virgins are wise and the other virgins are foolish. They all take lamps and prepare to go to a wedding feast, alluding to Judgment Day and the kingdom of Heaven. The wise took oil for their lamps, just in case they were going to wait a long time for the bridegroom to come, but the foolish did not prepare themselves for the delay. Alas, the bridegroom was delayed so all slept and relaxed. Then, all of a sudden, at midnight, while all were unaware, a loud call was heard and proclaimed that the bridegroomwas coming. The foolish looked at their lamps and realised that they had run out of oil, so they asked the wise for some oil, but they did not have enough to spare. The foolish had no choice but to go and buy oil for their lamps. The foolish then returned to the wedding feast and they found that everyone else had entered and only they were left outside in the dark. So the foolish knocked on the door. The bridegroom answered. The foolish said "Here we are friend, allow us into the feast! "But the bridegroom, looking at them in confusion says, "I do not know you." The foolish reply, "But we were invited." The bridegroom declares, "Then why didn't you come when you were summoned; assuredly I say to you I do not know you!" Once again the parable seems a little strange, but once explained, is very beautiful and has a very powerful message. The bridegroom is a symbol of Jesus, and the feast is the kingdom of heaven. The wise virgins are those who hear, and follow the word of God with all their hearts and practice good deeds. Thus, their lamps are full. The foolish are those who hear the word, claim to be Christians but do not have the works and actions to prove their belief. Thus, their lamps are empty.

Wednesday

When discussing whether or not the Pharisees and the chief priests should arrest Jesus on Wednesday, which priest spoke out? What did he say about Jesus? What was the agreement that the Jews and the Romans had already set in place? How did Jesus interfere with this understanding?

As mentioned before, the nation of the Jews was occupied by Roman rule. However, the Romans did not rule over the Jewish spiritual life, and in fact they let them be. In spite of this, the Jews were warned that if any of their practices interfered with Roman law or civil calm, then they would rid Judaism from the nation, and wouldhave full Roman law and religion imposed upon them. Thus, the Chief priests and Pharisees did not want to cause uproar by imprisoning Jesus. Then one of the priests speaks out. It is here that we are introduced to Caiaphas, the high priest for the year. Caiaphas says that it is good for one man to die, than for the whole nation to fall in complete subjection to Rome. The section that brings to mind many questions is the following verse, "Now this he (Caiaphas) did not do by his own authority; but being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the nation.". John 11:51 It is clear that Caiaphas is plotting against Jesus. He is without a doubt going against Jesus. So how can what he said be prophecy? How can God speak through a man that is trying to destroy the Son of God? Doesn't the gift of prophecy come from God? The answer: Yes he did prophecy, yes heis going against Jesus, and yes the gift of prophecy comes from God, but God still respects the office of the high priest. The personal faults and evils of the office holder do not diminish the grace of the office itself. So Caiaphas is truly prophesying.Yet, while Caiaphas is speaking about the death of Christ saving the Jewish people from the full power of the Romans, God's meaning is that the death of Christ will save all people from the full power of sin and death.

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Meena Awad mentions that the church was very wise in its choosings of its readings for Wednesday. What two distinct stories are recounted on Wednesday and during which hour of the Paschal Praise are they recounted? What is the church trying to show by pairing these two distinct stories together?

The church is very wise in its choosing of the readings for this day. At first glance, putting the story of when Mary of Bethany (the sister of Martha and Lazarus) anoints the head of Jesus (6th hour Gospel) in the middle of three accounts of Judas' betrayal of Jesus (1st 3rd and 9th hour Gospels) is a little strange. Nonetheless, after deeper observation we see that it is very relevant. The church is trying to show that, just as Mary of Bethany had an opportunity to repent, so also did Judas. Judas very well could have repented on the spot and changed his ways that were leading to his destruction, he even could have repented after he committed his crimes, but he didn't. Thus the church is telling us not to be like Judas. Not that we must never sin again, because we are human and God knows that we are weak, but when God presents an opportunity to come to Him then we should take it with both hands. Weshould bow down before the feet of Christ with a repentant heart as Mary did, rather than harden our hearts and widen our conscience and ignore the messages from God as Judas did. Even after we sin we must turn back to God and repent, never losing hope and knowing very well that God will accept us, just as He did with Mary.

Thursday Eve

Recount the story told in the gospel of John in the 1st hour on Thursday Eve. How is this story different from the previous times that he has told it?

In the Gospel of the 1st hour, taken from St John's Gospel, Jesus once again tells of His upcoming death, but this time is a bit different. Instead of mentioning that He will be delivered, betrayed or lifted up, He mentions that no one is able to take His life, only when He decides to die will He die. This is very accurately seen at the 9th hour of Good Friday. When Christ was on the cross, He decided when it was time to die saying, "it is finished! and bowing His head, He gave up His spirit." - John 19:30. This verse clearly is a fulfillment of the words spoken of by Jesus in this 1st hour Gospel of Thursday eve. It is a statement highlighting the divinity of Jesus as the Christ, the only begotten Son of God. It is here that we see the sacrificial heart of Christ. Jesus, in trying to comfort His disciples of the upcoming events, tells His disciples that He is going to die, but it will be out of His own will and authority, and for their benefit. It is in the sacrificial heart of Christ to die for the salvation of the whole world, but this is once again rejected in the minds of the disciples.

Describe how the Gospel of St. Mark told in the 3rd hour of Thursday Eve attempts to compare Mary of Bethany with Judas Iscariot?

The church, in the Gospel of the 3rd hour, according to St Mark, tries to contrast the heart of Mary of Bethany, with Judas Iscariot. Mary, who hadn't been anywhere near as close to Jesus as Judas was, had neither seen anywhere near as many miracles, nor heard Him speak as often, how was she so easily able to accept Christ, while Judas could not? During Judas' years as a disciple, he received many things from the Lord, yet his love for money, for the materialistic, and his lust for the world, failed him, while Mary knew Christ by the purity of her heart and the love that was inside of her. This is the loving heart.

What is evident about the way that Christ felt towards the Jews in the Gospels of the 3rd and 6th hours on Thursday Eve?

It is in the Gospels of the 3rd and 6th hours that we see the frustration of Christ toward the unbelieving Jews. After years of unquestionable proofs, life changing miracles, and divine words, the Jews are still unbelieving. Perhaps many of them did believe, maybe some genuinely wanted more proof, maybe the raising of Lazarus from the dead after four days wasn't enough or the creation of a man's eyes wasn't enough, or feeding over five thousand people with five loaves and two fish wasn't enough, but if they weren't enough then what else would convince them?

Meena Awad mentions that the Fathers believed that there was more than enough proof to prove that He was the son of God to the Jews. In what ways is this true? What was the Jews’ motivation in not believing in Jesus?

The Fathers believe that there was more than enough proof! And the only reason the Jews, in particular the elders, did not turn to Jesus is because their hearts were hardened. The Jewish elders knew the law and the prophets and should have recognised that Jesus was accomplishing all things, but they hardened their hearts, just as Pharaoh did with Moses. They were afraid that they would lose their status. They were afraid that if He was the Messiah, then all of what He said about them being hypocrites and them turning people away from God was true. It is however noted in the gospel of St John that there were certain Pharisees who did believe in Jesus "but they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue; for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God"-John12:42-43.

Meena Awad mentions that the Psalm of the 3rd hour holds particular importance to events concerning Thursday Eve and Judas’ betrayal. What tune is this Psalm prayed in? What other hymn is played in this tune? What is this psalm called and what is its literal translation? Describe the significance of this hymn.

The Psalm of the 3rd hour is of particular importance. It is in the same "shami" royal tune as "Pekethronos". The Psalm is called "Av etchinon"- Psalm 55:21 and translates to, "your words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords." The psalm is sung to highlight the deceptive person of Judas. Whilst his lips were singing and praising Christ, his heart was set on destroying the One that loved him with all His heart.

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Thursday

During the Passover celebration that takes place on Thursday, Jesus becomes troubled and makes it known to his disciples that one of them will betray Him. How did the rest of the disciples find out who was going to betray Jesus? Recount the story.

During the celebration Jesus becomes disturbed and troubled. When His disciples start to question Him He tells them, "One of you will betray Me." The disciples are shocked and are completely lost for words. All they can ask is, "is it I, is it I Lord?" There was one resting on the chest of Jesus, John, known as John the Beloved and one of Christ's closest followers. Simon Peter, seeing John resting on the Lord, gets John's attention and asks him to question the Lord on who will betray Him. John does so and asks the Lord. Jesus then replies and quietly tells John, "It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it." - John13:26. The Master then dips a piece of bread and hands it to Judas Iscariot, who eats it and looks up to Jesus. Jesus looking back tells him, "What you do, do quickly." At that point the devil took over Judas's heart and he went to betray the Lord.

What is the modern day comparison that Meena Awad draws in order to put Jesus washing His disciples’ feet in context?

Let's say you go on a church camp, and your priest takes you on a bush walk, but not just any bush walk, a hard, grueling journey that exhausts every fiber in your body; high mountains, steep slopes, small cave areas, large bush lands, and worst of all it has been raining the whole week,so every single time you take a step, you sink up to your knees in mud! An hour into the walk you start to really work up a sweat and by the time you finish you are covered in mud, drenched in sweat and are so tired and sore that every muscle, ligament and fiber below your neck is numb. You finally finish the walk and return to the campsite and you all collapse on the floor. Every single one of you is absolutely starving, exhausted, and stink, but you are all way too tired to go and take a shower or to get up and go to bed, and just when you are about to totally give up and set up camp on the floor for the night, your priest, the head of your church and one of the most powerful and influential people in your life, without saying a word gets up, prepares food for everyone and then, beyond any comprehension, gets down on his hands and knees and washes the feet of every single one of you! The priest, despite having walked the same trip as you, despite being just as tired as you, and despite that he clearly has a much higher status and rank than you, has humbled himself and washed your stinky, muddy feet and for the sole purpose of his incredible love for you! The warmth that fills your body, that clear feeling of love that overflows from the priest's hands to your heart is overwhelming. How awesome is it that the hands which baptized you, or that give you Holy Communion, are the same hands that are washing you clean.

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What do the fathers interpret as the washing of the disciples’s feet a symbol of? Describe why it would represent this sacrament.

The fathers also interpreted the washing of the feet as a symbol of confession. Jesus says that "He who is bathed needs only to wash his feet, but is completely clean." - John 13:10. Those who have been bathed are those who have been baptized. Thus those who are baptized only need to have confession to be clean in God's eyes. And in a deep desire for all to be clean in His eyes, He commands His disciples to "Go and do likewise!"

Which prayer, traditionally prayed in Hebrew, did Jesus pray during the first liturgy?

Now it says in the Gospels that Jesus broke bread and prayed. Prayed? What did Jesus pray?Not many people know this, but Jesus prayed a prayer that all Jews pray before they eat the Passover. It is a prayer in Hebrew that is still prayed till today, and is translated as such: "Blessed are You O Lord our God, King of the universe, who brings forth bread from the earth."

How does Jesus foretell his death and Resurrection during the first liturgy?

And here is a goosebump moment. In this prayer, Jesus foretells His death and Resurrection… through a prayer that Jews have been praying for thousands of years, in a section of the prayer that had an unknown double meaning that was overlooked for generations, and was never understood until that point in time. Remember that throughout the ministry of Jesus, He taught, "I am the Bread of Life?" In saying this prayer, Jesus is prophesying that He would be broken and put to death and buried in the earth, in a tomb, and He, the Bread of life would be raised from the tomb of the earth and live again.

What other prayer did Jesus pray during the first liturgy that the Jews would commonly pray?

Combination of Q 4-6: What are the three distinct prayers that Meena Awad explicitly mentions were prayed in the first liturgy? Describe each of the three prayers in detail.

Meena Awad mentions that the liturgical service on Thursday begins with the raising of incense. He mentions that the raising of incense is performed for two reasons. What are these reasons?

Liturgically speaking, Thursday is a very busy day. The day begins in the sanctuary with the first hour being prayed with a raising of incense service. The raising of incense is performed for two reasons; firstly to highlight the readings of the day, as many readings refer to Old Testament sacrifices and raising of incense, and secondly, the liturgy is going to be celebrated later in the day, and it is necessary for a raising of incense service to be performed before the liturgy is celebrated.

On Thursday, during the first hour of the day, the chant “Judas” is sung. What liturgical message is the church sending with this chant? What psalm is chanting immediately after? What message does this psalm highlight?

Various hymns are sung during the first hour of this day. However, the most stand out is the chant "Judas". This is one of the strongest liturgical messages performed by the church. Whilst this chant is sung, the deacons in disgust at the betrayal of Judas, perform a reverse procession around the church. In times of celebratory processions, the deacons would walk out of the altar and process around the church in an anti-clockwise motion. However, during this procession, as a sign of the church's rejection of Judas' acts, it processes around the church in a clockwise motion, with all participants walking backwards around the church once then returning back to their places. All the instruments that are played are played inside out portraying the rejection of Judah's shameful act, and the tune of the chant itself evokes emotions of disgust and bitterness. The church then again chants the psalm "Avetchinon" - Psalm 55:21, as it did the previous night, to further highlight its rejection of the acts of Judas.

What tune is the liturgy of the blessing of the water (Lakan) prayed in? What gospel is read during this liturgy? What does the priest do during this liturgy that is distinguishable? What is the significance of this?

At the conclusion of the 9th hour the priest and deacons all change into their liturgical vestments and begin the liturgy of the blessing of the water (Lakan). The service involves many litanies and prayers for both those in the church and the whole world. The entire service is prayed in the annual tune and is not in the sad mournful tune. After the blessing of the water is completed the gospel is read. It is the reading of when Christ washes the feet of His disciples. You will notice that at the point when the deacon reads concerning Jesus, "rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself." The priest will likewise take a towel or a long piece of material and gird his waist, with it he will wet the tip in the water that was just prayed on and will do the sign of the cross on the feet of the entire congregation present. The idea of this liturgy is to wash the feet of the congregation who are the Disciples of Christ, as Jesus washed the feet of His 12 disciples and said, "go do likewise".

Meena Awad mentions that after the completion of the liturgy of the blessing of the water, the sanctuary is opened and the priests and deacons pray the first celebration of the liturgy that occurs at the last supper. Which parts of the liturgy are skipped during this celebration? What tune is this liturgy prayed in? What should be prayed during the distribution of the Holy Communion?

After the completion of the liturgy of the blessing of the water, the veil of the sanctuary is opened and the priest and deacons ascend to the altar to begin the liturgy in commemoration of the first celebration of the liturgy by Christ with His disciples at the last supper, which takes place on this day. The liturgy is prayed in the annual tune, however various sections that refer to Christ's death, resurrection and ascension are skipped as given we are in passion week, we have not reached the death or resurrection or ascension of Christ yet. For example, the readings of the Catholicon epistle as well as the Acts and the synaxarion are not read. During the distribution of the Holy Communion, Psalm 150 should not be prayed, but instead, the church begins the prayers of the 11th. Since the distribution of the Holy Body and Sacred blood of Christ is taking place, the whole church should be standing throughout all the readings, even though it would usually be permitted to sit during these times.

Friday Eve

On the first hour of Friday Eve, Jesus embarks on the sermon known as the “Farewell Discourse.” Meena Awad mentions one of the most important parts of the sermon where Jesus commands the people to “love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” Why does this commandment seem like a contradiction to some people? What specific words distinguish this particular commandment? Explain.

As beautiful as this command is, to some, it seems to be a contradiction. Jesus speaks of a new commandment, but loving one another is not a new commandment at all? When Jesus was approached by the lawyer in Luke chapter 10, the lawyer asked Him, "What shall I do to inherit eternal life?" so Jesus says, "What is written in the law? What is your understanding of it?" the lawyer then replies, " You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind' and ' your neighbor as yourself.'" To which Jesus responds, "You have answered rightly; do this and you will live."…How could it possibly have been in the Law? Did Jesus make a mistake? No! Not at all! The key difference is in what manner we ought to love one another… "Love one another, AS I HAVE LOVED YOU." These words, "as I have loved you," add a whole new dimension to love. When Jesus was abandoned He still loved those who abandoned Him, when Jesus was reviled He still loved those who were reviling Him. When He was mocked and yelled at, falsely accused, wrongfully judged, betrayed, beaten, spat on, whipped, even whilst He was crucified He still loved those who were doing wrong to Him. Loving those who love you is easy, "for even the sinners love those who love them" but to love your enemies, and to do good to those who hate you….that is something completely unheard of.

At the final hours of Jesus' life, He went to the garden of Gethsemane to pray with His disciples. Describe what happens at the garden.

As the final hours of Jesus' life approached, after He had finished with His disciples, He went to the garden of Gethsemane. Christ would often retreat with His disciples to this garden for prayer. Once Jesus gets to the garden He tells Hisdisciples to stay and wait while He took Peter, James and John, and journeyed further into the garden, where "He began to be sorrowful and deeply distressed." He says to them, "My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, even to death." He then asks them to stay in a certain place and to "watch." Jesus withdrew from them; only a stone throw away, i.e. a short distance, then, out of the absolute overwhelming sorrow He was feeling, collapses and bowing Himself down He begins to pray. Looking up to His Father He reasons and says "O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will." After He had prayed Jesus went to see His disciples to check on them and perhaps find some comfort. He finds them asleep. He turns to Peter and says, "Could you not watch with Me for one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing but the flesh is weak." Jesus for a second time leaves the three disciples to go back and pray, and again reasons with the Father, "O My Father, if this cup cannot pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done." Again Jesus, after He has prayed returns to Peter, James and John, and again for the second time finds them asleep. Jesus again returns and prays the same words more earnestly. Then according to the gospel of St Luke, "an angel appeared to Him from heaven, strengthening Him." The sorrow and emotional torment of the painstaking nightmare of carrying the sins of the world took a huge emotional toll on Jesus, which translated to a physical phenomenon that caused Him to sweat "great drops of blood." Finally Jesus had concluded His prayer, and for the third time He found His disciples "sleeping and resting," yet this time He tells them not only to pray, but to "rise and pray"-Luke 22:46 because it was approaching the end and "the Son of Man is being betrayed into the hands of sinners." - Mark 14:41

Apocalypse Saturday

What do we say with the prophet Hosea and St. Paul on Apocalypse Saturday?

After His crucifixion, Christ conquered death and we say with the prophet Hosea and with St Paul, "Death is swallowed up in victory. O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?"

Describe the moment in which Satan was defeated and found that Jesus had full power over his own life on Apocalypse Saturday?

After the fall of Adam and Eve, God closed the gates of paradise. To reopen them, the lord has to be incarnate and become Man; He had to die and bridge the gap between heaven and earth. The moment Jesus died on the cross, having paid the price of our sins and having won salvation for us, Satan came to retrieve His soul, for at that time, when someone would die, they would descend to hades no matter how they lived their life. Thus there were many righteous people who had descended to hades. However , when Satan went to retrieve the soul of Jesus, he found that he was the son of God and that he could come and go as he pleased, and at that point Satan realized that God had defeated him, for Jesus truly was Christ, the son of God! Hence the Lord, with full authority and all power, freed the souls of the righteous that were in Hades and thus conquered death, defeated Satan, and opened the gates of Paradise for those who love him.

What two tunes do we pray in on Apocalypse Saturday? Why do we use two separate tunes on this day?

Liturgically speaking, this is a very strange yet beautiful day. Since Jesus died we are sad but because we remember that He will rise we are happy. Thus all the tunes on this day are partly sad and mournful and partly happy and joyous. After the burial on Good Friday while the curtains are closed the congregation begins to recite the psalms and stops at the final psalm without reading it. Thus the night of Joyous Saturday begins with the chanting of Psalm 151 as though we are continuing the service of Good Friday.

What special readings are read on Apocalypse Saturday and who are they recounted by?

The night involves many liturgical activities including many readings of prayers recited by biblical figures such as Hannah the mother of Samuel and St Mary the Mother of God when the Lord was incarnate inside of her. There are many readings in the night that are only heard on this night that are very beautiful. The bulk of these readings come from the Deuterocanonical books. These are books that are included in Orthodox bibles but are not counted in the more commonly printed other bibles. Beautiful stories such as Susana, Daniel and the idol, and many others that are all types of Christ, that is stories or historical figures that symbolize or remind us of things that Christ did, are included. The night then goes on to the reading of the entire book of Revelation. Hence where we get the name "Apocalypse Saturday". Throughout this night the priest present is praying over oil that has seven lit cotton balls on top. At the conclusion of the reading of the book of Revelation the entire congregation is anointed with this oil.

Easter Sunday

Meena Awad mentions that the liturgy on Easter Sunday begins with the raising of incense. What is chanted during the raising of the incense? When else is this tune chanted? What tune is the liturgy prayed in?

The liturgy begins with the raising of incense. All tunes of this night are chanted in the festive joyful tune. In the raising of incense a hymn known as “the seven tunes” is chanted. This hymn is only sung on Easter, Christmas and the feast of Epiphany (the baptism of Christ). It is a tune that recounts all the seasons of the church and reminds us of the journey we have taken spiritually throughout the year.

What Jewish tradition does the re-enactment of the opening of the burial represent? What does the handkerchief symbolize?

Notice that St John is clear in His Gospel about the location of the Lord’s burial linen and handkerchief: “And he saw the linen cloths lying there, and the handkerchief that had been around his head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself.”- John 20:7. It was common practice in Jewish culture that when one would leave the dinner table, they would either scrunch up their handkerchief and put it on the plate or with the other linen. However, if they were to return they would fold the handkerchief and leave it outside the plate. All that Christ ever did had a great symbolic meaning. This was a symbol of His return to earth, not only His return as the resurrected Messiah, but His glorious second coming on which He will ride on the clouds of heaven and draw to himself those that pleased him since the beginning.