April 27, 2003

Fr. Thomas sharing the Holy Fire at the Orthodox early morning Easter liturgy.

The Orthodox service began at 4:00 am. We rolled out of bed and joined the hearty faithful for the service. We all left the church, lights out. Fr. Thomas took a candle lit from the Holy Fire outside, where everyone lit their candles. Following a brief liturgy, and singing of the Orthodox hymn, "Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and bestowing life on those in the tombs!" Fr. Thomas knocked three times on the door (representing the tomb), and we all entered together. The lights came back on, and the liturgy continued until about 8:00 am. The kids who had been there since the beginning were real troopers, but they soon began to wear thin. Fr. Thomas invited Marthame to stand with the chorus, a place of real honor.

One of the Orthodox acolytes showing signs of the early morning liturgy.

Bishop Marcuzzo baptizes one of the several dozen children being presented at the Latin Church.

Easter lunch with Bishop Marcuzzo and guests.

Marthame greeting the Anglican faithful after Easter worship.

After worship, we made our way to the Anglican church where Marthame led the liturgy with Fr. Fadi. Afterwards, it was off to the Latin Church for baptisms. Bishop Marcuzzo from Nazareth arrived for this annual sacramental celebration. Twenty-five families brought their children forward this year - quite the liturgy!

After lunch at the Latin Convent, we went back home. We've got six days off now, but it'll start with a nice, boring, early night. Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!