Christ is Risen!: The Holy Fire 2012

Today is Holy Saturday for the Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic faithful who follow the old calendar.
On this most holy day, the Light, the Fire, has yet again descended at the tomb of Christ in Jerusalem.

Christ is Risen!

The Holy Fire 2012, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Jerusalem:

Wishing all of our Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic readers a blessed and holy Pascha, and sending special congratulations and thanks to all Orthodox ladies who bought veils for participation in the sacred rites of the Church today,
~Michelle

Easter is Not a Day!

Just a heads up, people.  Remember when I harped on the fact that Christmas is not a day, but, rather, a season that is 12 days long?

Lubap, click for license

Well..get ready, because Easter is not a day either!  It is, in fact, a season in the Christian calendar that is...wait for it...seven weeks long!  Add, to that, the fact that our Eastern Orthodox and Byzantine Catholic brothers and sisters have not yet celebrated their Pascha (Easter), and you will see that we have a ways to go.


As befits the enormity of the resurrection, and the conquering of death, we will be celebrating for quite a while.

This blogger, married, as she is, to a Ukrainian with Orthodox heritage, will surely have something to say next Sunday, as the Orthodox celebrate the Resurrection.  Further, being the liturgy Nazi that she is, she is not likely to let any of the seven weeks go.  So, friends, prepare to settle in for a full Easter Season at Liturgical time.  The Resurrection is no small thing, and neither should be our jubilation.

Soon to come, a post on the history and traditions surrounding Easter eggs.

He is Risen!
~Michelle

Why is Ham the Traditional Easter Dinner?: Ham, Lamb, and Hot Cross Buns, Enjoy the Feast!

PD-USDA

Throughout most of the centuries of Christianity, (and still for Eastern Orthodox Christians, whose stick-to-itiveness is to be highly commended), no meat was eaten during Lent.  Since livestock was slaughtered in the Fall, and there was no refrigeration, any meat left over on Ash Wednesday, (at the beginning of Lent), had to be cured if it was to be preserved.  Hence, on Easter Day, when the long 55 days of Lent were finally over and meat could be eaten, a lovely cured ham was the natural choice.

Some, as a holdover from the Jewish Passover, feast on roast lamb on this day.  This seems most appropriate, as Easter is the Passover of our Lord.

Hot cross buns, too, are a traditional favorite of the season, although, strictly speaking, they are to be enjoyed on Good Friday.

Cjosch, click for license

In early Protestant England, the monarchy viewed hot cross buns as a dangerous holdover from Catholicism, as they were made from the dough used to make communion wafers, and tried to ban them.  The people, however, would have none of that, and protested mightily.  Elizabeth I finally relented and decreed that they may be sold on Christmas and Easter.

Some believe that the tradition of hot cross buns may have begun with the Anglo-Saxons, who baked honey cakes in celebration of the goddess Eostre.  Perhaps so, although it is not certain, but, nevertheless, as she does best, and as it should be, the Church claimed them, put a cross on them, and declared Jesus Lord of all.  So, I’ll say it again…we can pitch all traditions (Christmas trees, holly, etc.) that had their start elsewhere, or we can follow the lead of the traditional church and make them our own, lest anyone should forget who it is that had triumphed over sin and death, and redeemed his people.

Wishing you and exquisite Easter Feast!

He is Risen!

~Michelle

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Veiled Sisters Before the Lord...

Congratulations to the (Western Rite) ladies who purchased veils from the Veil Shop to wear for their baptisms and/or first Holy Communion this night!

I will not name any of you here, as I am not sure you would want  it, but know that you have, each one of you, been in my prayers by name this Lenten season, and will continue to be throughout the seven weeks of Easter.

I count it among my greatest the blessings that the work of my hands enters holy places on the heads of praying women, and most especially on this most holy night, as you participate in the Holy Mysteries of Mother Church.

You have my most jubilant congratulations, and humblest thanks.

Bless you sisters in Christ, and Peace, Peace be with you, as you you walk with him, and in him.

~Michelle
(Orthodox ladies, I haven't forgotten you...I am carrying you in my heart until next week!)

He is Risen!~Scenes from the Easter Vigil around the World

This is the night!

Lighting the new fire:

The Exsultet (Easter Proclamation):

He is Risen!

The granddaddy of all Easter Vigils: The Holy Scepulchure, Jerusalem

Skip ahead to 4:15 if you're impatient.  (You have been waiting 55 days, after all.)

Easter Vigil fireworks at Sheffield Cathedral: 

He is Risen!  
Death is Conquered!
Alleluia!  Alleluia!

Have a Blessed Easter Season, Friends!

~Michelle
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