Great
and Holy Pascha
"He is Risen; He is not here," (Mark 16:1-8).
Icon of the Commemoration of Great Pascha
In the
background stands the host of the departed, so numerous they cannot
be depicted. Among them in the front of the multitude are some of the
righteous dead, though now invigorated by the Resurrection. King
David and his son Solomon are seen on the left wearing crowns. Near
the center is Saint John the Baptist. On the other side is Abel, the
son of Adam and the first man to ever die. He wears a shepherd’s robe
and has a cane. Many Icons of this subject depict large crowds with a
few other recognizable prophets.
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The Resurrection has not yet
abolished the reality of death. But it has revealed its powerlessness
(Hebrews 2:14-15). We continue to die as a result of the Fall. Our
bodies decay and fall away. "God allows death to exist but turns
it against corruption and its cause, sin, and sets a boundary both to
corruption and sin." Thus, physical death does not destroy our
life of communion with God. Rather, we move from death to life - from
this fallen world to God's reign.
Christ's Resurrection and
victory is affirmed in this morning's theme. The Gospel is read in
several languages to illustrate the universality of the Good News of
the Resurrection and its proclamation to the very ends of the earth.
Love, forgiveness, reconciliation, triumph and joy--these are the gifts
which we receive because Christ lived and died and triumphed for our
sake.
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On Easter Sunday Morning, the faithful gather once
more for prayer with lighted candles. All sing the hymn, "Christ is
Risen from the Dead". The people greet one another joyously, saying:
"Christ is Risen", the Easter salutation which is answered,
"Truly He is Risen". They sing, "the dark shadows of the
Law has passed away by the coming of grace", and standing in
exaltation they exclaim, "Who is so great a God as our God?"
The Gospel according to John (20:19-25) is read in
various languages, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection all over the
universe without discrimination. The fruit of faith in the Resurrection
of the Lord is love in His Name; therefore, this day is called
"Sunday of Agape" (love feast), a day dedicated to Christian
principles, especially to forgiveness and charity. At this time,
Christians seek to end misunderstanding and arguments among those whom
they may be at odds. Apostle Paul firmly interprets the Resurrection of
Christ, saying: "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching
is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14). The
Church also states in its Creed, "The Third day He rose again."
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The
Gospel According to John 20:19-25 was read in different languages
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