St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church celebrates Holy Week beginning Sunday

Florida - St. Ignatius Antiochian Orthodox Church, located at 75 North Main St. in the Village of Florida, will celebrate Palm Sunday this coming Sunday, April 20. The Church will then host Holy Week services from Monday through Saturday and Easter or “Pascha” on Sunday, April 27. “Instead of Easter,” said Rev. Fr. George Kevorkian, pastor of St. Ignatius, “we use the Greek word “Pascha” which means passover, and reminds us that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ allows us to pass over from death to new life.” Kevorkian explained that this year’s celebration is five weeks later than the Western Easter, which was celebrated on March 23. “This difference occurs,” he said, “because the Orthodox Church uses the older Julian calendar, established in 46 BC, as opposed to the newer Gregorian Calendar, established in the 16th Century and used by the Western churches.” The difference in calendars causes the dates to sometimes be one week apart, sometimes occur on the same day, and occasionally to be as much as five weeks apart. Since March 10, Orthodox Christians have been observing the season of “The Great Fast.” “This is a time when we are expected to distance ourselves from certain foods and other material distractions that would separate us from God, and to work on becoming closer to God in preparation for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ,” Kevorkian said. “As we get closer to Pascha, the frequency of worship services increases, so that we will celebrate thirteen distinct services during Holy Week, which extends from Palm Sunday through Pascha. The services during Holy Week allow us to relive all of the events in the life of Jesus Christ during this week, which led to His crucifixion and resurrection on the third day. One cannot really describe the beauty and majesty of the celebrations during Orthodox Holy Week. One must come and see and experience them.” St. Ignatius will celebrate Palm Sunday with Matins at 9 a.m. and Liturgy at 10 a.m. followed by an outdoor procession of palms. On Pascha (Easter), April 27, there will be Agape Vespers with Gospel readings in multiple languages at 11 a.m. A complete schedule of Holy Week services is available at the church. For schedules or additional information, call 201-400-0854.