Latest news from St. Ann Melkite Church
- Pope Francis dies at 88
Statement of Kevin Cardinal Farrell, Camerlengo of the Holy Roman Church on the death of Pope Francis: “Dearest brothers and sisters, with deep sorrow I must announce the death of our Holy Father Francis. At 7:35 this morning, the Bishop of Rome, Francis, returned to the house of the Father. His entire life was dedicated… Read more: Pope Francis dies at 88 - The Lord’s Decent into Hell –a meditation
From An Ancient Homily on Holy Saturday: The Lord’s Decent Into Hell Something strange is happening – there is a great silence on earth today, a great silence and stillness. The whole earth keeps silence because the King is asleep. The earth trembled and is still because God has fallen asleep in the flesh and… Read more: The Lord’s Decent into Hell –a meditation - Great and Holy Saturday
In the tomb with the body and in Hades with the soul, in Paradise with the thief and on the throne with the Father and the Spirit, were You, O boundless Christ filling all things. — Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom - Great and Holy Friday
As we remember the Lord’s passion and death on the cross: “… He [Jesus] surrendered himself as a ransom to death by which we were held captive, sold into slavery under sin. Descending by the cross into Hades to fulfill all things in himself, he freed us from Death’s despair, and rose on the third… Read more: Great and Holy Friday - Great and Holy Thursday
A blessed, prayerful and powerful celebration of the Great and Holy Thursday to all! - Schedule for Great and Holy Week 2025
Here is the schedule for Great Lent and Holy Week The Proclamation of the Passion Gospels, Holy Thursday, April 17, at 5:30 p.m. The Descent from the Cross Service, Good Friday, April 18, at 12 noon The Epitaphios –Funeral Service of Christ, Good Friday, April 18, at 7:00 p.m. The Hajmet –Orthros of the Resurrection… Read more: Schedule for Great and Holy Week 2025 - Great and Holy Wednesday
- Great and Holy Tuesday
On Holy Tuesday the Byzantine Church calls to remembrance two parables, which are related to the Second Coming. The one is the parable of the Ten Virgins (Mt 25:1-3); the other the parable of the Talents (Mt 25:14-30). These parables deal with such subjects as spiritual vigilance, stewardship, accountability and judgement. - Great and Holy Monday
“I see Your bridal chamber completely engulfed with light, O my Savior, and I do not have a wedding garment to enter and enjoy Your brightness; fill the garment of my soul with light, and save me, O Lord, save me!” Exapostilarion, Matins of the Great Monday - Significance of Great and Holy Week
This week is full of beautiful and deeply significant days culminating in the celebration the Resurrection of Jesus from the dead. This brief sketch begins to open up the meaning we need.