PARISH VOICES

Whosoever is a devout lover of God, let him enjoy this beautiful bright Festival. And whosoever is a grateful servant, let him joyously enter into the joy of his Lord. And if any be weary with fasting, let him now receive his reward. If any has toiled from the first hour, let him receive his just debt. If any came after the third, let him gratefully celebrate. If any arrived after the sixth, let him not doubt; for he too shall sustain no loss. If any have delayed to the ninth

Sunday, April 12, 2026 — Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen! What a night. Here are some scenes from Great and Holy Pascha 2026. From the midnight Resurrection service to the procession on our new concrete pathway to our darling myrrh-bearers in white with their candles, it was a beautiful Pascha! After Fr. Tom blessed the Pascha baskets, we packed into the fellowship hall and perched alongside our long, red-draped tables for the 2 AM Agape Meal. So many people brought food..

I'll be honest, after the joy and light of Pascha and all the celebrations, life often feels like it returns to normal. The Rhythm of work, responsibilities, and routine can make it seem as though nothing has changed. Fr. Tom always likes to say "It's always sunny in Seattle!" Well, it was actually Sunny this week! Although we experienced visible light this week, work kept me so busy that I barely had the chance to savor the sunshine. We also received pretty big news at work

Mary Magdalene ran with her companions to Jesus' tomb to complete the anointing of the body of their dear and beloved friend Jesus but hesitated, knowing there was a huge stone that blocked the entrance to the tomb. "Who will roll away the stone for us from the door of the tomb?" So often we hesitate not knowing who or how the huge stones that block our hearts will be rolled away. We must learn to want our stones rolled back so our heart can be exposed! Yes, rolling stones i

Through the Great Fast we are seeking to be further enlightened by Christ's Gospel, asking that the Light of our Lord penetrate our hearts more deeply so that we can recognize Him clearly and serve Him more fervently. We are on a journey to become transfigured and changed through prayer, fasting and humility, by responding to God's calling to not only receive the light but to 'become' light! During each Lenten pre-sanctified liturgy, the priest comes through the royal doors