Saturday morning and afternoon – before Midnight service.

The Cathedral of the Holy Ascension of Christ, the oldest and largest Russian Orthodox cruciform-style church on the North American continent, is beautiful on any given day.  It is particularly so during the solemn services leading up to the resurrection of Christ.  As the judgement and crucifiction of Christ unfold each year, the coverings on the icon stands are changed to black or dark purple.  This morning, as we prepared for the resurrection, the dark covers were removed to reveal white.   Tonight, at 11:30, the shroud will be taken and placed on the alter behind the iconostas.  It is a particularly beautiful service, although a bit lengthy as it includes both a Matins and a Divine Liturgy.  All are welcome to attend.

The children, of course, are getting excited because they not only get to stay up late, circle the church three times at nearly midnight, trying to keep their candles lit, but then they get to participate in  an egg hunt after service on Easter Sunday afternoon.