Orthodox churches observe Holy Week; prepare to celebrate Easter

 

 Parishioners of St. George Greek Orthodox Church celebrate Pascha on Sunday

SPRINGFIELD - It is Holy Week for members of Eastern Orthodox churches, like St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

After the Resurrection Liturgy at 11 p.m. on Saturday, St. George parishioners will gather for a reception featuring lamb and egg lemon soup.

The cathedral calendar for Sunday is marked Pascha. Holy Thursday shows Christ's institution of the Eucharist with his Apostles, referred to as the Mystical Supper, along with 12 Gospel readings.

The Christian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar for the celebration of Pascha. There is a 13-day difference between this calendar and the Gregorian one used by other Christians. Easter and Pascha will fall on the same day in 2017. The Christian Orthodox Church has maintained a tradition of the early Church that Pascha takes place after the Jewish Passover.

Other area Greek Orthodox parishes include St. Luke, in East Longmeadow; Sts. Constantine & Helen Church in Chicopee Falls; and Holy Trinity Church, Holyoke. There is also St. George in Pittsfield.