April 15, 2012 -- Great and Holy Pascha

Saints and Feasts:
Great and Holy Pascha
Crescens the Martyr
Leonidas, Bishop of Athens
Michael the New Martyr of Smyrna
The 9 Monk-martyrs of Corinth

Readings:
Epistle Reading
Acts of the Apostles 1:1-8

Gospel Reading
John 1:1-17

To ponder and meditate on:
"This is the day which the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." - Psalm 118:24
"Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life." (Palchal Troparion)

Challenge:
This is it! We have been preparing for this feast... the feast of all feasts, when we celebrate Christ's holy Resurrection. Try to understand the joy and peace Christ's resurrection has granted you and share that joy with others. Christ is Risen! The challenge question is "Are you?" Are you risen with Christ? Remember that you are new in Christ. This is a new beginning.

April 14, 2012 -- Holy Saturday

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Saturday
Aristarchos, Pudens, Trophimos the Apostles of the 70
Thomais the Martyr of Alexandria

Readings:
Matins Gospel
Matthew 27:62-66

Epistle Reading
Romans 6:3-11

Gospel Reading
Matthew 28:1-20

To ponder and meditate on:
"Quicken me according to Thy mercy; so shall I keep the testimonies of Thy mouth. Adam was afraid when God walked in Paradise, but now he rejoices when God descends to hell. Then he fell, but now he is raised up." (Mattins on Holy Saturday)

Challenge:
Pascha is celebrated all over the world by approximately 300 million Orthodox Christians. In preparation for Christ’s glorious Resurrection, learn how to say “Christ is Risen” in a language other than English or Greek. You can find other translations online. Consider languages like Russian, Romanian, Arabic, or Swahili!

April 13, 2012 -- Holy Friday

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Friday
Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome

Readings:
Epistle Reading
1 Corinthians 5:6-8

Gospel Reading
Matthew 27:62-66

To ponder and meditate on:
"Today the Master of Creation stands before Pilate; today the Maker of all things is given up to the Cross, and of His own will He is led as a lamb to the slaughter. He who sent manna in the wilderness is transfixed with nails; His side is pierced, and a sponge with vinegar touches His lips. The deliverer of the world is struck on the face, and the Creator of all is mocked by His own servants. How great is the Master's love for mankind! For those who crucified Him, He prayed to His Father, saying: 'Forgive them this sin, for in their wickedness they know not what they do'." (Vespers on Holy Friday)

Challenge:
In addition to the Evening service, try to attend the afternoon Unnailing service, to witness Christ being taken down from the Cross. If you are off from work or school, volunteer to decorate the Kouvouklion (Tomb) at church in the morning.

April 12, 2012 -- Holy Thursday

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Thursday
Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parios
Anthoussa the Righteous of Constantinople
Akakios of Kapsokalyvia

Readings:
Epistle Reading:
1 Corinthians 11:23-32

Gospel Reading:
Matthew 26:1-20;
John 13:3-17;
Matthew 26:21-39;
Luke 22:43-44;
Matthew 26:40-75; 27:1-2

12 Gospels from Holy Thursday
The Twelve Gospels of the Passion of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

To ponder and meditate on:
"O God the Lord and Creator of all, Thou art become poor, uniting a created nature to Thyself, while remaining free from passion. Since Thou art the Passover, Thou hast offered Thyself to those for whose sake Thou wast soon to die; and Thou hast cried: 'Eat My Body, and ye shall be firmly established in the faith'." (Matins on Holy Thursday)

Challenge:
In preparation for Holy Thursday evening, read at least TWO of the Gospels for that evening and truly meditate on their message. This way, you will be more engaged when you hear the Gospels being read during the service. If you are looking for a greater challenge, read all of the 12 Gospels of the Passion of our Lord.

April 11, 2012 -- Holy Wednesday

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Wednesday
Antipas, Bishop of Pergamon
Pharmuthios the Anchorite

Readings:
Gospel Reading
John 12:17-50
Matthew 26:6-16

To ponder and meditate on:
"Today Christ comes to the house of the Pharisee, and the sinful woman draws near and falls down at His feet, crying: "Behold me sunk in sin, filled with despair by reason of my deeds, yet not rejected by Thy love. Grant me, Lord, remission of my sins and save me." (Matins of Holy Wednesday)

Challenge:
Holy Wednesday evening, we participate in the Holy Unction service. Holy Unction is one of the Sacraments of the Orthodox Church. Before you receive this Holy Sacrament, prepare yourself as you would for the Holy Eucharist.

April 10, 2012 -- Holy Tuesday

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Tuesday
Terence & his Companions beheaded at Carthage
Gregory V, the Holy Martyr & Patriarch of Constantinople
Holy Father Theona, Archbishop of Thessolonica

Readings:
Gospel Reading:
Matthew 22:15-46; 23:1-39
Matthew 24:36-51; 25:1-46; 26:1-2

To ponder and meditate on:
"Let us cast aside slothfulness and go to meet Christ, the immortal Bridegroom, with brightly shining lamps and with hymns, crying: O all ye works of the Lord, bless ye the Lord." (Matins on Holy Tuesday)

Challenge:
Consider the Greatest Commandment (Matthew 22:36-40), which reminds us to love God and love our neighbor. Make a special effort today to share at least one random act of kindness. Everyday, we encounter someone who needs our help. Be inspired by the Parable of the Good Samaritan. Be the one person who stops to help someone in need.

April 9, 2012 -- Holy Monday

Saints and Feasts:
Holy Monday
Eupsychios the Martyr
Vadim the Righteous of Persia
Rafael, Nicholas, Irene, & Olympias of Mytilene

Readings:
Matthew 21:18-43
Matthew 24:3-35

To ponder and meditate on:
In the strength of the Holy Spirit each flower gives out its scent - sweet perfume, delicate colour, beauty of the whole universe revealed in the tiniest thing. Glory and honour to God the Giver of life, who covers the fields with their carpet of flowers, crowns the plains with harvest of gold and the blue of corn-flowers, and our souls with the joy of contemplating him. O be joyful and sing to him: Alleluia! (from an Akathist in praise of God's creation)

Challenge:
Today, try to spend less time in the mirror getting ready. Instead, take a moment to carefully study the icon of Christ and remember that you were created in His image.