Paschal Matins with Divine Liturgy and Blessing of Paschal Baskets @ 7:00 AM

Paschal Matins with Divine Liturgy at Saint Nicholas Parish

Celebrating the Joy of Christ’s Resurrection

Early on Easter Sunday morning, the faithful of Saint Nicholas Ukrainian Greek Catholic Parish gather for the radiant celebration of Paschal Matins with Divine Liturgy. This sacred service leads the community from the solemn remembrance of Christ’s burial—symbolized by the Plashchanytsia, the embroidered or painted shroud depicting Christ in the tomb—to the joyous proclamation of His Resurrection, fulfilling the Paschal mystery as the “Feast of Feasts.”

We warmly invite all parishioners and visitors, whether lifelong members or first-time guests, to join in this beautiful celebration. Come and share in the joy, light, and hope of Christ’s Resurrection with your parish family.

1. Paschal Midnight Office and Transfer of the Plashchanytsia

Before Matins proper, many parishes begin with the Paschal Midnight Office (Poliúshchna).

• The priest transfers the Plashchanytsia from its tomb to the altar amid quiet anticipation and candlelight, evoking the myrrh-bearing women at the tomb.
• Even if celebrated early for accessibility, this rite recalls the ancient nocturnal vigil rooted in 9th-century Byzantine tradition.
• The darkened church evokes Christ’s tomb, and the faithful move from mourning to the dawn of Resurrection joy, as candles are lit from the new Paschal fire, symbolizing Christ as the “great Light” of the world.

This moment reminds us that even in sorrow, Christ’s light breaks through, filling hearts with hope and life.

2. Paschal Matins: Procession, Hymns, and Festal Greeting

After the Plashchanytsia is placed on the altar, the priest leads the faithful outside for a threefold procession around the church.

• Candles in hand, we sing:

  “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!”

• At the final circuit, the priest knocks on the closed church doors with the hand-cross, announcing the Resurrection. Upon re-entering, the congregation celebrates:

  “This is the day of Resurrection! Let us embrace one another, forgive as Christ forgave, and rejoice together—Christ is risen!”

Matins then unfolds with its ancient structure, including:

• Six Psalms (Hexapsalmos) — a vigil in darkness awaiting Christ’s light.
• Festal Canon and Paschal hymns, including the Evlogetaria, celebrating the angelic joy at the Resurrection.
• Gospel readings and Psalms of Praise, drawing the faithful into salvation history from Bethlehem to the empty tomb.

The faithful exchange the Paschal greeting (“Christ is risen!” / “Truly, He is risen!”) and the Easter kiss, even with strangers, symbolizing love, reconciliation, and community.

3. Divine Liturgy of Pascha

Following Matins, the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom centers on the Risen Christ in the Eucharist, re-presenting His Passion, Death, and Resurrection as the heart of salvation.

• Scripture readings proclaim the empty tomb and God’s life-giving victory.
• Through Holy Communion, the faithful encounter Christ personally, celebrating the triumph of light over darkness.
• Easter is not just a day but a renewal of hope, faith, and love, echoing through all Sundays as “little Paschas.”

4. Blessing of Paschal Baskets (Sviachene)

After the Liturgy, families bring Easter baskets filled with paska bread, red eggs, meats, cheese, and butter to be blessed.

• The priest sprinkles holy water, invoking God’s blessing on creation, homes, and hearts.
• This ritual links the liturgical celebration with family life, turning daily meals into acts of gratitude.
• Eggs, bread, and firstfruits symbolize new life and Christ’s renewal, extending Resurrection joy into every home.

Rooted in Tradition, Full of Love

From the Midnight Office transfer and tomb-like darkness, through the procession and Matins’ hymns, to the Eucharistic triumph and blessing of baskets, the celebration at Saint Nicholas Parish draws the faithful into the living reality of Christ’s Pascha.

• The candles, hymns, greetings, and processions are more than rituals—they are an invitation to share Christ’s love, light, and joy with family, neighbors, and community.
• Every Sunday can become a “little Pascha,” a chance to conquer darkness in our own lives through the Risen Christ.

Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! (Христос воскрес! Воістину воскрес!)