(Movable date)

 

Pascha is from the ancient Hebrew word meaning Passover. While it is essentially the same holiday as Easter, it is noteworthy that Orthodox Christians still refer to it as Pascha, thereby signifying Christianity’s roots in Judaism. In Christ, however, this Passover refers to His triumph over death and our promise of eternal life.

 

Pascha is THE most important Holy Day of the year. As such, it requires much mental, physical, and spiritual preparation. This is precisely why we think Lent is so Great. Yes, we fast. Confession – that too. More services we’re expected to attend – you bet. But the spiritual reward in stripping away some of our attachments to this life – extravagant food, unnecessary activities, and, most of all, our attachment to guilt – makes the fasting, confession, almsgiving, and standing for long services actually enjoyable.

 

NEW -- Listen to podcast series on the book Great Lent, by Fr. Alexander Schmemann.

 

NEW -- Great Lent, Holy Week, and Pacha site compiled by the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

 

Download a Lenten Guide.

 

Description and readings of the Sundays of the Triodion.

 

Explanation of the services of Holy Week and Pascha.

Informative article on fasting during Great Lent.

 

A reflection on fasting before Great Lent by Dr. George Parsenios

 

Fasting from Fasting, by Fr. Anastasios Gounaris

 

See our Recipes page for Lenten dishes.
 

Day-by-day journey through Holy Week.

 

Read about the dating of Pascha.

 

Resurrection Service Handout (you must have Greek font enabled on your computer to view part of this document.

Great Lent Schedule

 

Holy Week Schedule