April 2019 Events | St. Luke The Evangelist Orthodox Church

Agape Vespers And Egg Hunt

Sunday afternoon following Paschal Liturgy, the Agape Vespers service is celebrated. The
church is bright and alive and full of children anticipating the Pascha egg hunt. The congregation gathers together to hear readings from the four Gospels in different languages proclaiming that Christ is Risen. Following this is a procession proclaiming the Risen Christ.

The Gospel in various different languages.

The Gospel in English.

Fr. Paul leads the congregation on a procession around the church.

Scene from procession.

Group photo for the egg hunt.

Some Easter Eggs waiting for the children.

Look out here we come.

Scene from egg hunt.

Thanks to all who set up the egg hunt for the children.

Pascha – Saturday Night/Sunday Morning

Scene from Holy Week -
Holy Saturday Liturgy.

The handmaidens guard the tomb. The light from the tomb throws shadows on the ceiling of the church. All the
preparations have been for this night. The church is ready and the faithful have spent the day in strict fast. There is a
sense of anticipation in the air.

The church is darkened and the music selections sung by the choir are somber as during all of lent.

All lights in the church are extinquished and there is a total darkness. At midnight the flame
from a single candle appears at the altar. The priest brings forth the light of Christ
and gives it to the rest of the faithful.

Father Paul spreads the Light to the handmaidens and from there it spreads to all the congregation.

“Come Receive Ihe Light”

Fr. Paul leads the congregation in procession and proceeds around the church.

The entire congregation leaves the church in procession and proceeds around the church.

While they are doing this, the tomb is removed from the church, all the lights
are turned on, and all candles are lit once again symbolizing Christ’s resurrection.

Scene from the procession.

Upon finishing the procession around the church, the congregation
gathers at the closed front doors of the church.

The Priest knocks on the doors three times saying: Lift up your heads, O ye gates; and be ye lift up, ye
everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. And a voice asks: Who is this King of Glory? The priest answers: The
Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. The priest the knocks again saying: Lift up your heads, O ye gates; even
lift them up, ye everlasting doors; and the King of glory shall come in. And again the voice asks: Who is this King of Glory?
The priest then replies: The Lord of hosts, he is the King of Glory.

“Who is this King of Glory?”

The doors of the church are opened, the tomb has been removed,
the entire building is filled with light and it is now time to begin the joyous
Resurrection Service. The priest reenters followed by the congregation.

The entire tone of the service is changed. The dim interior of the church
is gone. The dark vestments and candle holders are also gone. The tomb and somber music
are also gone. The church is as bright as possible. The vestments are bright and the
singing joyous. It is the triumphal resurrection of Christ saving us from death and
granting us resurrection. Christ is risen! Glorify Him. The Hymn “Christ is Risen from
the Dead” is sung repeatedly with joy and power. The Cry of “Christ is risen” and the
response “Indeed he is risen.” fill the air. This is proclaimed in many different
languages.

OCA – Christ is Risen! / Indeed He is Risen!
Greek Diocese – Christ is Risen! / Truly He is Risen!
Greek –
Christos Anesti! / Aleithos Anesti!
Slavonic –
Christos Voskrese! / Voistinu Voskrese!
Arabic – Al-Masih-Qam! / Hakkan Qam!
Romanian – Christos E Anviat! / Adeverat Anviat!
Spanish – Christo Ha Resucitado! /
Verdaderamente, Ha Resucitado!
German – Christus ist Auferstanden! / Jawohl
Er ist Auferstanden
French – Le Christ est ressuscite! / En verite il est
resuscite!
Japanese – Harisutosu Siochatsu! / Makoto-ni Siochatsu

Scene from the service.

Fr. Paul reads the sermon of St. John Chrysostom welcoming all to the celebration.

At the conclusion of the service, the parishioners venerate the Arthos and receive a red egg. All are
invited to break the fast and break bread together.

Father Paul prays over the congregation and blesses the food.

Father Paul blesses the baskets laden with food.

Orthodox Christians as they are able, fast from all meat and dairy products for all of Holy Week and the
preceeding forty days of Lent. After the Paschal Liturgy a pot luck dinner is served and as you can imagine, some serious
eating goes on. The celebration lasts into the early hours of the morning.

Holy Week – Holy Saturday Liturgy

Holy Saturday Liturgy celebrates Christ’s descent into hell to free Adam
and Eve and all who lived and died in anticipation of the coming of Christ. Historically
this service was a time for new members to be chrismated into the church.

During this Vesper service, 15 different readings from the bible
are read. The readings all refer to resurrection.

Here Nick reads the 15th reading concerning the Three Holy
Youths and the Fiery Furnace.

The clergy and servers begin the service all dressed in their lenten colors. At the point when Christ raises out of hell, the covers are changed. The priest, deacon, and altar servers change their vestments from the somber dark colors of lent to white. The words “Let God arise,” are said. The altar cloths and candle holders
are also changed at this time.

The Gospel reading.

Fr. Paul instructs the congregation.

Following the Liturgy, parishioners venerate the icon of Christ and the Eucharist is extended into an agape meal consisting of wine, bread, fruit, dates, figs, and nuts.

Vigil

Following the Lamentations on Friday night, parishioners volunteer to stand watch and
“guard” the tomb of our Lord. This vigil lasts for 24 hours until the Pashcal services
the following night. The church remains open during this time for visitors to come and
worship before the tomb. The mood is that of a present-day wake. Bible verses are read
during this time.

Friday Evening The Lamentations

Before the service begins we see some of our handmaidens standing guard at the tomb.

As the name suggests the service is a mournful one lamenting the death
of Christ. Psalm 119 “Blessed are those who walk in the law of the Lord.” is chanted by
the priest. The refrains are sung by the congregation, “O Life, how can You die?”.
During the singing of the 9th ode of the Canon, the priest blesses the congregation with
rose water as rose petals are scattered around the church.

Scene from the service.

Father Paul blesses the congregation with Rose Water while the handmaidens scatter rose petals.

Scene from the service

During the service, the shroud is removed from the tomb and four men
along with the priest, choir and entire congregation make a procession around the entire
exterior of the church while the “Hymn of Noble Joseph” is sung. They return to the church
to hear the reading Ezekiel about the valley of the dry bones. The service ends with the
veneration of the shroud and the distribution of flowers. Immediately following this
service the vigil of the tomb begins and continues all the way up to Saturday morning.

Scene from the procession.

Parishioners reenter the church venerating the Gospel and passing under the burial shroud.

The burial cloth is returned to the tomb.

The reading of The Prophecy of Ezekiel.

Father Paul teaches about the service.

Parishioners venerate Christ in the tomb and receive flowers from the tomb.

Friday Afternoon Procession With The Burial Shroud

A beam of light shown thru the window near where the burial shroud lay on the altar.

The beam of light in front of the altar.

Here Father Paul reads the Gospel.

Procession with the burial shroud.

Burial Shroud is placed in the tomb.

Parishioner venerates the Burial Shroud.

Thursday Evening – The Passion Gospels

Father Paul and Deacon
prepare for the readings of the Passion Gospels .

Passion Gospel Service – This is one of the most important and
solemn Holy Week services. It is a remembrance and an entrance into the suffering and death of Christ. The priest and deacons,
standing in the center of the church reads the words of the apostles who witnessed the events.

Scene from the service.

Scene from Holy Week -
Reading Of The Passion Gospels.

During the fifth reading, the priest
processes with the Cross carried his shoulder as he chants, “He who hung the earth upon the waters is now being hung on the cross.”
As Simon carried the cross for Christ during his walk to the crucifixion, the priest now carries the cross. In doing so here
presents the entire congregation.

Scene from the service.

At the point of the sixth Gospel when “He yielded up the spirit” is
read, the priest places a wreath over the cross.” (This is the moment
in the scripture reading when Christ died).

Following the placing of the wreath, the hymn “The Wise Thief” is sung in remembrance of the thief who was crucified
with Christ and accepted Him while on the cross.

At the conclusion of the service parishioners venerate the cross.

Thursday Morning – Mystical Supper Liturgy

Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil – This service relives the Lord’s
Supper and betrayal by Judas. The hymn “Of Your Mystical Supper, O Son of God” is
sung throughout the service. At the conclusion of the service, breakfast is served as
an agape meal.

Wednesday Holy Unction Service

Icon of Christ with the Oil of Holy
Unction .

Sacrament of Holy Unction – The Church is called the Body of Christ.
We are members of the Body through our Baptism, Chrismation, Confession, and Holy
Communion. As the sinful woman anointed Christ, we are also anointed with the oil of
healing, so we can go with Christ to the Cross, suffer, die, and be resurrected with
Him. Here the Gospel is read.

Father Paul prays over the Holy Oil.

Parishioners receive prayers of special
healing .

During the service all who are in need of special healing gather together in the center of the church. The
priest prays over them and reads the Prayer of Absolution. Epistle and Gospel lessons regarding healing are read. “The prayer
of the faithful will save the sick.” (James 5:15) We prepare for this service by prayer and fasting from noon.

Father Paul anoints parishioner with the
Oil of Holy Unction .

At the conclusion of the service, the faithful are
anointed with the sacrament of Holy Unction. The priest anointes each of the faithful
with the oil of healing on various parts of the body: forehead, eyes, ears, mouth,
chest, palm, and the back of each hand. These areas are associated with the senses of
smell, hearing, taste, and touch. The neck or chest is anointed for breath and for
the heart.

St. John Orthodox Chapel Acquires A Bell

Monday And Tuesday- Bridgegroom Services

On Holy Monday there is a Bridegroom Service – Bridegroom Services
instruct us in our faith, as does all the preparation for Holy Week. Even more they
help us to make Holy Week more than simply a ritual that tells a story. The Bridegroom
Services help us to enter into the story, the life of Jesus Christ, and live it.

On Monday night, the priest represents Christ and the congregation
represents the bride waiting for the bridegroom. As the virgins were called to be
vigilant and prepared for the coming of the bridegroom lest they be shut out of the
bridal chamber; let us be likewise vigilant and prepared, lest we be shut out of the
eternal kingdom. – Matthew 25: 1-13

Monday’s Gospel Lesson

Monday’s Gospel lesson is Matthew 22: 15-46 and 23: 1-30. “Woe unto
you Scribes and Pharisees, Hypocrites”

Scene from Tuesday - Bridgegroom
Service.

Tuesday’s Bridegroom Service with the procession of the hymn of St.
Cassian describes the life and conversion of the sinful woman who anointed Christ. The
congregation is blessed with rose water. The rose water is symbolic of the sweet
smelling myrrh with which the sinful woman anointed Christ. The scriptures tell us that
the whole room was filled with the scent of myrrh. Once again it is important to
understand that this is simply not a play being reenacted, but rather we are attempting
to enter the life of Christ.

The symbolic acts in the services draw us unto the life of Christ. Through these acts we venerate the
individuals that these acts depict.

Tuesday’s Gospel Lesson

John 12:17-50 “The hour has come for the son to be glorified.”

Palm Sunday

On Palm Sunday We experience Christ’s triumphal entrance into Jerusalem by processing around the church
holding palm and pussy willow branches as symbols of Christ’s ability to overcome death by raising Lazarus. Here Fr. Paul
delivers his sermon.

The Great Entrance.

The hymn of Palm Sunday proclaims the children holding the emblems of
victory singing, “Hosanna blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.” Here our children sang the hymn under the direction
of Protinica Michelle.

After Father Paul blessed the palms and pussy willow branches, he blessed the parishioners.

Following the Liturgy the entire congregation processed around the church. Here our handmaidens prepared to
pass out the palms and branches to the parishioners.

The choir followed by the clergy and then the parishioners leave the building.

Scene from the procession.

Food For The Christian Soul Visits The Shrimp House

This month our Food For The Christian Soul Ministry visited The Shrimp House in keeping with lent.

Over 20 gathered together for food and fellowship.

Scene from dinner.

Laurie won the door prize.

One of the house specialties – Lobster Mac and Cheese.

King Crab Leg.

Scallops. Our thanks again to Matt for a well arranged dinner.

Spring Cleanup

This Saturday parishioners gathered together to set up the church following the installation of our new
carpet and to do spring cleaning in anticipation of Pascha. During the cleanup Fr. Paul was available to hear
confessions.

Candle stands were cleaned and polished.

Woodwork was waxed.

Windows were washed and various other projects were completed. We had one of the biggest turnouts ever
for this cleanup and we would like to thank all those that gave up their Saturday to beautify God’s Church.

Presentation On Martha And Mary House

This Sunday we received as a special guest to our parish Ms. Laura Paulus. Laura is the Executive
Director and the Housemother of St. Mary & Martha Maternity House for Pregnant women who choose life here in Chicago. She
spoke to us downstairs during coffee hour about the good work of St. Mary and Martha.
The Martha and Mary Maternity House is an Orthodox Christian Maternity Home for pregnant women in need of support. We thank
Laura for taking the time to speak to us.

St. Lukes Hosts Combined Pre-sanctified Liturgy

This week St. Luke Parish hosted the combined Pre-sanctified Liturgy.

Protinica Michelle directs the choir.

One of the Old Testament Readings.

On Wednesdays during Lent the Presanctified Liturgy is celebrated. The
word Presanctified refers to Holy Communion which has been consecrated on the Sunday
before and distributed at the Presanctified Liturgy. One of the special features of this
liturgy is the solemn blessing with a single lighted candle by the Priest who announces
“The Light of Christ illumines all!” The faithful make a prostration.

Scene from the service.

Rev. Vasyl Sendeha gave the homily.

Group photo of the clergy.

A lenten meal was served.

Scene from the dinner.

Garden Center Visit For April

Fr. John began our visit with the story of Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Crowds gather around Him, covering the road with palm leaves and shouting “Blessed is He who is coming in the name of the Lord!”.

Ace helped out by giving the residents candles to hold while we prayed the Lord’s Prayer together.

Fr. John answering questions from Tim and Rusty.

Special treat of soda and cheese crackers ended our visit.

Bishop Paul, Ordination, And Sunday Of The Cross

St. Luke was blessed to have His Grace, Bishop Paul spend the weekend with us. The weekend began with
the Akathist Service to the Virgin on Friday evening.