Preparing for Holy Week and Pascha - PLEASE READ

[Jeanie Potthoff]

Dear St. Seraphim Family,

For our newest members or for those that appreciate reminders, here is an overview of the Holy Week services, Pascha and the activities surrounding them.

Please look for flyers with more information concerning egg dyeing and volunteer opportunities or visit the SignUp.

Lazarus Saturday, April 4th

• Liturgy: 9:00 am
• Baptisms and Chrismations: 11 am 

Palm Sunday, April 5th

• Arrive at 9 am for the procession.

Please remember that palms are blessed and should be treated reverently. 

HOLY WEEK

Bridegroom Matins: The service typically lasts 1 1/2 hours

• Sunday: 6 pm
• Monday: 6:30 pm
• Tuesday: 6:30pm
• Wednesday: 6:30 pm

Hours & Presanctified Liturgy

• Wednesday: 6 am Hours, 6:30 am Presanctified Liturgy

Holy Thursday

• Vesperal Liturgy: 9:30 am
• Matins with Passion Gospel: 6:30 pm 

This Matins with the 12 Passion Gospels last 3 1/2 hours plus. It is traditional to kneel during the reading of each Gospel with a lit candle. After the last Gospel reading, some families leave their candle burning and take them home to light their prayer lamps. 

Holy Friday: Decorating of the tomb will take place after the Royal Hours. Please check the SignUp for more information. 

• Royal Hours: 8 am 
• Great Vespers: 3 pm. This service last 3 1/2 hours plus. There will be a procession (weather permitting) at the singing of Holy God at the end of the Great Doxology.
• Tip: If remaining for the 6:30 pm service, bring a snack to have between services. PB&Js with fruit are great. Don't forget water. We used to open our trunk and have our children (when small) sit in the trunk to eat.
• PLEASE REMEMBER THE PARISH HALL WILL BE CLOSED AND NOT OPEN AGAIN UNTIL TIME TO PLACE PASCHA BASKETS BEFORE THE 11:30 PM PASCHA SERVICE.

Vigil at the Tomb: Psalms are read Friday after Lamentations and throughout the night beside the Tomb until the Vesperal Liturgy begins on Saturday. The readings for Vigil at the Tomb will switch to Acts after the Vesperal Liturgy on Holy Saturday.

Please watch  for signup sheets in the Narthex.

Holy Saturday

• The Hours: 9 am 
• Vesperal Liturgy with the 15 Old Testament Prophecies: 9:3o am  
  • This service lasts 3 1/2 hours plus.
• After the Liturgy there will be bread and wind, then the reading of the Acts at the Tomb will resume.

Help is greatly needed to attach ribbons and flowers to the processional items and sweep the church. 

Please contact Kathryn Culbertson if you are able to help.

Please remember the Parish Hall will be closed and not opened again until time to place Pascha Baskets before the 11:30 pm Pascha service.

PASCHA: 11:30 pm 

• PARKING: Park Cities Presbyterian Church has graciously given us permission to use their parking lot. St. Seraphim will have parishioners directing parking, as well as helping guide the procession path during the service.
• Candles: For the procession will be on sale in the Narthex prior to the Pascha service
• Little ones: If your little will be sleeping, you can bring a pillow and a blanket. Please be mindful of our limited space and keep bedding to a minimum. Also, please remember, this is not playtime. 
• Pascha Baskets: Baskets should be placed in the Parish Hall prior to the Pascha service and will be blessed after liturgy. The Parish Hall will be locked during the service.
  • PLEASE BE MINDFUL AND CLEAN UP AFTER BREAKING THE FAST AND CELEBRATING WITH FRIENDS. 

• • ALSO, PLEASE REMEMBER OUR NEIGHBORS ARE SLEEPING; KEEP THE CELEBRATION INSIDE AND BE QUIET OUTSIDE. LITTLES SHOULD NOT BE ON THE PLAYGROUND.

Agape Vespers: Sunday April 12th at 1 pm. The Resurrection Gospel will be read in multiple languages. Please speak with Father Theophan if you speak another language and would like to read.

• Blessing of baskets after the Agape Vespers will be done outside. The Parish Hall will be closed. Everyone is invited to the Pascha Picnic .

Annual Pascha Picnic and Egg Hunt: 3 pm at Central Square Park (3050 Swiss Avenue, Dallas 75204). Bring a dish to share. Chairs and a blanket are also helpful. 

In Christ,

SSOC Parish Council

[Jeanie Potthoff]

Dear St. Seraphim Family,

Correction:

Holy Friday: Decorating of the tomb will take place after the Royal Hours. Please check the SignUp for more information. 

• Royal Hours: 8 am 
• Great Vespers: 3 pm. This service lasts approximately 2 hours
• Matins with Lamentations: 6:30 pm This service lasts 3 1/2 hours plus. There will be a procession (weather permitting) at the singing of Holy God at the end of the Doxology.