For members of the Transfiguration
of Our Savior Greek Orthodox Church in Florence, the celebration of Pascha
(Easter) is the pinnacle of the year. According to Father Athanasios C Haros,
Pastor of the Church since June 2008, “Most parishioners will be in Church
every night beginning Wednesday. Each evening has a specific theme from the
betrayal of Jesus through His trial, conviction, crucifixion, burial, and
glorious resurrection from the dead.
Thursday at 7pm the
Church commemorates the Passion of Christ with the reading of “The 12 Gospels
of the Passion” stories recalling the trial, conviction and crucifixion of
Jesus.
Friday at 7pm the
Church commemorates the death of Jesus and His journey to Hades to defeat
death.
Saturday morning at
10am the Church commemorates the raising of Adam and Eve and the other
righteous men and women of the Old Testament.
Saturday night
beginning at 11pm the Church commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from
the dead. The service of the Holy Fire which commemorates the continuous miracle
at the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem to this day takes place at 12
MIDNIGHT and leads into the Divine Liturgy (Holy Communion service) ending in
the early hours of the morning.
The Community will
gather for a small meal at 2am to share fellowship and the joy of the
resurrection with the breaking of red Easter Eggs and enjoying traditional
Paschal soup.
