Today is Holy Friday, or Good Friday as it is often called in the west. Today is the most solemn of days – the strictest fasting day in the entire year. Beginning today at 9:00 a.m. we essentially live in the parish church, going home from time to time to rest. The schedule of services for this day is:

9:00 a.m. Royal Hours for Pascha
1:00 p.m. Vespers for Holy Saturday (Brining forth of the Burial Icon of Christ for Veneration of the Faithful)
6:00 p.m. Matins for Holy Saturday (Burial Service of Christ with Lamentations and Procession)

Please join us as your personal schedule allows – please join us not less than once today. We have many services so that everyone can attend at least some of the services. Please don't miss this day – it is important. Important for all of us as we keep watch with the Myrrh Bearing Women, Joseph, and Nicodemus as our Lord is taken down from the Cross, Buried, and begins His ascent into Hell, the captives of which have already anticipated their emancipation based on the preaching of St. John the Baptist there. When we are present in the parish church for the Divine Services we are mystical present at the actual historical/theological events that we commemorate. It is good to be with Christ in His glory on Pascha, but also important to be with Him on this most sober day of the year.