GREAT AND HOLY PASCHA – April 19, 2009

The celebration of Christ’s Resurrection begins with the Nocturns which end just before midnight on Saturday. The shroud is removed from the tomb and placed upon the altar until the Feast of Ascension.The Matins of Pascha begin at midnight with a procession around the church three times. The priest and faithful reenter the church singing the triumphant troparion of Pascha: “Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!” After the Matins service, the Divine Liturgy is served.