Then he (Christ) appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time,

most of whom are still alive, though some have fallen asleep.

I Corinthians 15:6

Dear Brothers and Sisters of Saints Peter and Paul,

Would it be easier to live a Christian life if we had been eyewitness to the death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ? Is our faith weaker or stronger than those who, like St. Thomas, were literally able to touch the wounds of the Risen Lord? Who among us has not prayed for a sign or a proof of God's presence when we were challenged by life? Why does it seem at times that God has abandoned us?

All of these questions are healthy and normal challenges facing a person trying to live for Christ. We should take real comfort that St. Peter, the chief of the Apostles, was the first to betray Christ. St. Paul's return to Christ, in spite of his real fears, is what brings him Grace. When we imitate St. Paul we allow Christ's love to overcome our fears and to put our trust in Him.

In Apostolic times there were hundreds of people who saw Jesus after His Resurrection. Some of these witnesses were those who rejected Jesus as the Messiah. We become eyewitnesses to the resurrection each time we look at those around us as the precious images of the living God. When we choose, in faith, to forgive those who have hurt us. Return forgiveness for anger and judgment. Accept the weakness of others in our life as Christ us in our weakness. The best "proof" of the reality of the risen Lord is how we, as His believers, live as people of love. When we are able to see God when we see our neighbor then, like St. Thomas, we touch Christ Himself.

May this Pascha may we see our Risen Lord in everyone!

With love in the Risen Lord,

Fr. David F. Garretson, Rector

Mr. James Kornafel, Starosta

Mr. Basil Kozak, Choir Director

Schedule of Services for Pascha 2014

Holy Week

Holy Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday (April 14, 15 & 16th)

7:00 PM Bridegroom Matins

Holy Thursday, April 17

9:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil

7:00 PM Twelve Passion Gospels

Great and Holy Friday, April 18

2:00 PM Vespers and Placing of Plashchnitsa

7:00 PM Matins, Lamentations and Procession

 Great and Holy Saturday, April 19

9:00 AM Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil

Noon & 4:00 PM Blessing of Paschal Baskets

9:00 PM Reading of the Acts of the Holy Apostles

11:30 PM Nocturne

PASCHA! Sunday, April 20

Midnight Procession, Matins and Liturgy of St. John

Noon Paschal Vespers

Bright Monday, April 21

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy followed by children's celebration

St. Thomas Sunday, April 27

9:00 AM Divine Liturgy / 1:00 PM Cemetery Blessing