Antipascha
On Saturday 18th April, we greeted Vladyka Irenei as he arrived at our church accompanied by Fr Deacon Andrei and Fr Deacon Pavel. We served Vespers together, after which Vladyka spoke on the significance of closing the royal doors during the preceding Vespers (these doors are left open during Bright week) and how it can feel sad to conclude Bright week in such a way but reminded us that it was when the doors were closed that Christ appeared and Saint Thomas was able to verify the Resurrection by reaching his hand into Christ’s wounds. We then admired our beautiful new icon of Saint David of Wales, which also contains a relic of this Holy British Saint, the Enlightener of Wales. The icon was written by Fr Dobromir from the Bulgarian church in London who was also present at the church that evening.
On Sunday 19th we served Matins, after which we greeted Vladyka as he arrived in the church with Deacons Andrei and Pavel. Vladyka was vested ceremonially before the reading of the Hours, after which we began the Hierarchical Liturgy. At the conclusion of the Liturgy Vladyka gave some words about the significance of St Thomas Sunday, how the doubts of Saint Thomas were not motivated by scepticism and unwillingness to believe, but from having witnessed the events of the passion in his pain and fear, wanting to have assurance of the Resurrection. Vladyka then made the ceremonial first cut of the Artos (special bread blessed in the altar during Pascha and Bright Week).
Father Spasimir then gifted Vladyka an icon of Saint Irenei, and Vladyka gifted our architect Toma an icon of Saint Thomas for making the initial designs and helping to get planning permission to renovate our church building. Vladyka then gave his blessing to start the planning work, which had been approved previously in the week.
After the celebrations in the church we went to Roxley Hall where we gathered for a celebratory meal, had some questions answered by Vladyka, heard musical performances from our talented parishioners, and watched some traditional Bulgarian dancing. The day was filled with blessings and all departed with joy. You can read about the event on the ROCOR website here.
