| Updated: Images of Pascha
Glorious and Holy Easter Sunday |
The word Easter refers to the season of the rising sun, to new life of spring. The same feast is called Passover, or Pascha by many nations. The Hebrew Passover (Pasach) was instituted to commemorate the deliverance of the people of Israel the night before their departure from Egypt. The angel of God destroyed the first-born of the Egyptians, but “passed over” the houses of the Israelites.
By God’s command, communicated by Moses, each Hebrew family was to slay a lamb without blemish and sprinkle its blood on the door frame. The lamb was to be roasted in the evening. No bones were to be broken, and it was to be eaten with unleavened bread. The same rite was to be repeated every year in a solemn ceremony on the eve of the feast, as it is still being done by Jewish people everywhere. Jesus observed it on the night before He died.
There is a significant link between the Christian Easter and the Jewish Passover since Christ died on Passover Day. The Jewish custom is also symbolic of Christ, “the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world” (John, 1:29). Hence the name and signification of the Hebrew Pasch was devoutly accepted and used by the Church.
Invitation to “Take light from the Light that never Fades” |
Procession outside begins |
Approaching the altar outside of the church |
Litany of Peace |
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“O Christ Our Savior, the angels in heaven sing a hymn of praise to your resurrection. As for us who dwell on earth, make us worthy to glorify You with pure hearts.” |
Proclaiming the Resurrection Christ Is Risen!!! |