Holy Week & Pascha 2026
As we enter into Holy Week and prepare for the celebration of our Lord’s Resurrection, we look forward to welcoming our parish family and many visitors for this sacred and joyful time.
This page is designed to help you plan ahead and know what to expect throughout the week— from service schedules to Pascha night logistics and the Agape Picnic.
What’s Different This Year
- Reserved seating for Pascha for all attendees to help us use space well and reduce confusion on arrival
- Expanded and better-organized overflow areas in the Old Temple and fellowship hall
- Clearer movement and capacity guidelines to keep walkways open and ensure safety
- Updated parking and drop-off plan, including additional support for those with limited mobility
- Improved communication and planning tools, including centralized sign-ups and clearer guidance throughout
☩ Start Here
Please Read This First
The Spirit of the Week
Above all, we ask everyone to approach this week with patience, attentiveness, and care for one another. Small acts of consideration make a real difference.
Plan Ahead
Below you’ll find service planning, day-by-day Holy Week details, Pascha logistics, Agape Vespers and picnic information, and the main sign-ups and ways to participate.
Why the Changes?
These updates are shaped by parish feedback and what was learned last year, with a focus on making room for everyone, maintaining a prayerful atmosphere, and ensuring safety and hospitality.
Shared Expectations Help Everyone
Making room, giving up a seat when needed, following guidance, greeting visitors, and being mindful of those around you help create a space that is organized, safe, welcoming, and truly prayerful as we prepare to celebrate the Resurrection.
☩ Schedule
☩ General Information
Making Room for One Another
- Please do not save seats or leave belongings unattended in the nave
- Overflow seating is available in the Old Temple and fellowship hall at all services
- Outdoor overflow seating is available Pascha night only (weather depending) — bring your own lawn chair
- Ushers will help direct seating throughout the week — please follow their guidance
Parking
Parking has become increasingly limited as the parish has grown. Overflow parking will be available in designated grassy areas, with attendants and golf cart assistance available for those who need help.
- Please carpool if you are able.
- Leave handicap-designated spaces for those with proper permits.
- Do not park in fire lanes, roadways, or in ways that block neighboring properties
St. Olga Quiet Room
The St. Olga Quiet Room, located off the Narthex, is reserved for nursing mothers and families who need a space to briefly step away and calm younger children. Out of consideration for others, this space is not intended for general seating, playing, or sleeping.
We understand that the late services can be especially hard for little ones. If a child needs to sleep, we ask that they remain with you rather than using the Quiet Room for that purpose.
Livestream & Service Books
All services will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel. A limited number of service books will be available. Please return them to the Narthex after each service. Digital copies will be also available for at-home printing.
A Few Practical Notes
- Kitchen closed all week
- Please clean up after yourself and your children at all services and events. Cleaning stations will be set up, and we’ll have an extra dumpster available in the parking lot. Thank you!
- Lost & Found is in the hallway across from the nametags; unclaimed items will be donated after Thomas Sunday
- Excusal letters for school or work are available — request via the form in the Links section
Picture Sharing
We welcome you to take photos and share the joy of the Feast. We will also be providing a way to collect and share photos from the week—more details to come.
In the meantime, please be mindful of those around you and avoid disrupting services while taking pictures.
Out of care for our community, please do not photograph or share images of children or minors without the permission of a parent or guardian.
Volunteer Opportunities
Holy Week and Pascha rely on many hands to make everything run smoothly. Help is welcome with setup, hospitality, and cleanup. See the Links section for sign-ups.
☩ Holy Week Highlights
Resource
A helpful guide prepared by our volunteers offers practical ways to engage throughout the week—whether you are coming on your own or with family. You can find it using the link below.
Lazarus Saturday
Baptisms will begin at 8:00 am (instead of Orthros), followed by the Divine Liturgy at 9:30 am.
Baptisms and chrismations are for those who have been preparing and have confirmed directly with Fr. Philip. We look forward to celebrating with them as they are received into the Church.
Palm Sunday
Blessing of Palms
Palms will be blessed before Orthros and available to take from the Narthex.
Procession
The procession follows the full route along St. Ignatius Lane, circling the church and re-entering through the Narthex. Ushers will help guide all areas.
Bridegroom Matins of Holy Monday
Palm Sunday evening begins the first of the Bridegroom services. This is a meaningful entry into Holy Week and sets the tone for the days ahead.
Holy Monday & Tuesday
Morning Presanctified Liturgies and evening Bridegroom services invite us into watchfulness and repentance as we accompany Christ through the final days before His Passion.
Holy Wednesday
Presanctified Liturgy
The theme of Holy Wednesday is repentance and forgiveness. We remember the sinful woman who anointed our Lord in anticipation of His death.
Holy Unction
Holy Unction is a sacrament of healing offered to Orthodox Christians through anointing with oil. All are welcome to attend and pray, though only Orthodox Christians may receive the anointing.
Holy Thursday
Vesperal Liturgy
Vesperal Liturgy, as the name indicates, is a combination of Vespers and Liturgy. The service starts off like the beginning of a Vespers service and then transitions into Liturgy with the reading of the Epistle and Gospel after the three Old Testament readings of Vespers.
Bridegroom Matins of Holy Friday, Reading of the Passion Gospels
We often refer to it as the “Passions Service” or “12 Gospels Service” due to the 12 passages from the Gospels about the Passion of Christ that are read during this Orthros service.
During the reading of the Passion Gospels, ribbons will be available for children to tie a knot after each Gospel is read. It’s a simple but meaningful way to help kids—and adults—stay present and engaged during this longer service.
Holy Friday
Holy Friday is a day of solemn observation and strict fasting. We should take the day off, come to the services, and keep watch — setting aside distractions and the demands of daily life. Let our homes and hearts reflect the stillness of the tomb.
Royal Hours & Bier Decorating
Bier decorating will take place before or after the Royal Hours this year—not during the service. This helps us keep the focus on the prayers and readings without distractions. If you’d like to help decorate, please bring your own flowers, with stems trimmed to 2–3 inches.
Great Vespers
At Great Vespers, Christ is taken down from the Cross, wrapped in a clean shroud, and placed in the tomb.
Bridegroom Matins of Holy Saturday, Lamentations
We chant funeral hymns, not in despair, but in awe—because by His death, Christ destroys death itself.
Teen SOYO All-Night Vigil
Following Lamentations, the building is reserved for Teen SOYO and chaperones. Please depart after the service so they can begin. Questions? Contact Tyson.
Holy Saturday
Vesperal Liturgy
This service marks a shift from the sorrow of Holy Friday toward the anticipation of the Resurrection. While still solemn, it carries a sense of hope as we await the joy of Pascha. Sticks will be available for use — please share and give priority to children.
Bread & Wine
The traditional St. Ignatius gathering takes place in the tent only this year. Please bring your own bread, wine, and glasses.
As we gather, we ask that this time remain simple and respectful. While the morning Liturgy carries a sense of anticipation, we are still in the midst of Holy Week and awaiting the celebration of Pascha. Out of reverence for the day, please keep the atmosphere calm and appropriate to Holy Saturday.
This is not a time for a festive or celebratory atmosphere, but one of quiet preparation as we await the Resurrection.
☩ Pascha
Reserved Seating
- Requests are submitted through the Pascha reservation form.
- Assignments are based on availability, preferences, and timing of submission.
- Those age 65+ may sit with their household or choose a designated 65+ seating area.
- Accessible seating will be available for those who need it.
- Assignments will be sent out on Holy Thursday.
Before the Service
Doors open at 9:00 PM on Saturday, April 11. The service begins at 10:00 PM and concludes at approximately 1:00 AM on Sunday, April 12. Please do not arrive before 9:00 PM without prior approval. Ushers will direct you to your assigned seat.
As you enter and wait for the service to begin, we ask that the nave remain quiet and prayerful. Please avoid conversations and help maintain a reverent atmosphere.
Running Late?
Reserved seats are held until 9:55 PM. After that, unclaimed seats may be reassigned. A contact number will be included with your assignment — please call or text if you’re running behind.
Parking & Drop-Off
- Due to the procession route, accessible parking will be more limited than usual — please reserve it for those who truly need it
- A drop-off area is available near the entrance before you park
- Overflow parking in the grassy areas; a golf cart shuttle will run throughout the evening
Pascha Baskets
- Drop baskets in the designated areas in the hallway or parish hall foyer — not in the nave
- Baskets will be blessed by Fr. Philip from inside the church at the end of the service
- Items needing warming: a limited number of outlets will be available in designated areas only
Movement, Safety, Procession, Communion
- All walkways and entry points must remain clear at all times.
- The Narthex and main walkways may not be used for standing room.
- Overflow areas will join the Paschal procession with ushers guiding movement.
- Holy Communion will be distributed in multiple locations, including overflow areas.
- Please remain in your assigned area rather than moving between spaces.
Dismissal
Pascha baskets should remain at your table in the hall or tent during the service. At the end, Fr. Philip will bless the food from inside the church, and the clergy will distribute red eggs as part of the dismissal.
Important Reminder
These plans are not meant to be restrictive. They are intended to help the parish use space well, keep pathways open, support accessibility, and make room for as many people as possible.
☩ Agape Vespers & Picnic
Agape Vespers
Agape Vespers will be served on Sunday, marking the first service of the Resurrection. One of the unique elements of this service is the reading of the Gospel in many languages, reflecting the universal proclamation of Christ’s Resurrection.
If you would like to participate in reading the Gospel in another language, please sign up in the Links section below.
Agape Picnic
Following Agape Vespers, everyone is invited to a festive Pascha picnic with a BBQ meal, fellowship, and celebration together as a parish. We’re expanding our picnic activities this year and looking forward to a fun afternoon for all ages. Keep an eye on upcoming communications for additional details.
- RSVP in advance so enough food can be prepared.
- Suggested donation: $10 per person or $35 per family.
- A surprise dessert option for everyone to enjoy
Egg Hunt
Please bring 12 filled eggs per child and drop them in the age-labeled bins outside the Old Temple starting April 6. Age groups: Toddlers (2–3), Little Kids (4–6), Big Kids (7–9), Pre-teens (10–12). Each group has a golden egg!
Egg Filling Guidelines
No nut candies · No loose candy (M&Ms, jelly beans, etc.) · No small toys or choking hazards · Stickers and temporary tattoos work great
☩ Frequently Asked Questions
Children are welcome at all services. Feel free to step out as needed. The St. Olga Quiet Room (off the Narthex) is available for nursing mothers and families needing a brief break.
Yes — seating is reserved in advance this year. Use the Pascha Seating Reservation form in the Links section. Assignments are sent out on Holy Thursday.
Yes. Accessible seating and priority parking are available, and needs should be indicated on the reservation form.
Possibly, weather permitting. You can indicate interest on the reservation form. Because it can’t be guaranteed, outdoor seats are not assigned in advance.
Reserved seats will be held until 9:55 PM. After that, unclaimed seats may be reassigned.
If you are running late, please use the contact number provided with your assignment so we can plan accordingly.
Yes. Baskets should be placed in designated areas before the service and should not be brought into the nave.
Tent tables may be set up earlier in the evening. Fellowship hall tables are not available until after the service — each will be pre-set with a tablecloth and centerpiece.
If you are unsure where your table is or need help finding a place, please reach out to Christi Barr. She can help make sure you have a seat.
Please email the church office. The parish will do its best to respond as quickly as possible, especially as Pascha approaches.
☩ Links
Pascha Seating Reservation
Required for all attending Pascha. Indicate any seating or accessibility needs.
Deadline: Monday, April 6 by 9 AM
Pascha Table Sign-Up
Reserve your table space in the hall or tent and view layout details.
Open until full
Agape Gospel Reading
Sign up to read part of the Gospel in another language during Agape Vespers.
Deadline: Thursday, April 9 by 9 AM
Agape Picnic RSVP
Helps us prepare enough food. $10/person or $35/family suggested donation.
Deadline: Tuesday, April 7 by 9 AM
Excusal Letter Request
Request a school or work excusal letter from the church office.
Deadline (if needed before Friday): Thursday, April 9 by 9AM
Volunteer Sign-Up
Help with setup, hospitality, or cleanup. Many hands make the week possible.
Open until full
