Wednesday, April 11, 2001
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Wednesday, April 11, 2001 |
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St. Andrew's shares deep-rooted Easter traditions St. Andrew's in-the-Pines Episcopal Church in Peachtree City will offer a full complement of traditional Easter celebrations during Holy Week. "Everyone is invited to come share the Lord's Passion and Resurrection at all services," a spokesperson said. Holy Communion will be offered Wednesday, April 11 at 6 a.m. and at 12:30 p.m. Tenebrae will be offered Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, April 11, 12 and 13, at 9 p.m. "The service of Tenebrae, or "Shadows," underscores the magnitude of the Savior's sacrifice," the spokesperson said. "The most significant feature of this service is the gradual extinguishing of the lights and candles in the church and on the altar." Following the opening, the service is divided into three sections, called "Nocturns." Each Nocturn begins with the reading of a portion of the Passion History (scripture), and is concluded with a hymn. An atmosphere of quiet and somber reflection permeates the readings and prayers. "The large candle on the altar represents the Savior himself," the spokesperson added. "It is removed from the altar to symbolize the death of Jesus. After the Lord's Prayer, a time of silence is observed in total darkness. The silence is broken by a noise, symbolizing the closing of the tomb." Upon completion of the service, the congregation leaves silently. The Maundy Thursday rite at 7:30 p.m. on April 12 includes washing of the feet and stripping of the altar, as well as the "Altar of Repose," which will continue through the night until 9 a.m. Friday. "The altar is stripped Thursday evening to emphasize the stark solemnity of Good Friday to come," the spokesperson said. "During this process, the Blessed Sacrament is removed to a side altar, the 'Altar of Repose.' Members of the parish will stay at the altar throughout the night in response to Our Savior's injunction to 'watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.'"(Mark 14:38) The week concludes on Holy Saturday, April 14. The Holy Saturday rite will be offered at 7:30 a.m., with the Easter Vigil beginning at 9 p.m. This includes the lighting of the Paschal Candle, a Service of Lessons and Psalms, Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and the First Mass of Easter. The new week begins Easter Sunday morning, April 15, with Holy Communion at the regularly scheduled 7:30, 9:30 and 11 a.m. services. "All members of the community are invited to join us in celebrating the traditions of Easter," the spokesperson said. For more information, call St. Andrew's at 770-487-8415 Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The church is at 316 Peachtree Pkwy. in Peachtree City. |
