Metropolitan Herman to Consecrate Holy Chrism; Holy Week, Pascha Schedules Announced
For the first time since his election as Primate of the Orthodox Church in America, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Herman will consecrate Holy Chrism in conjunction with the Vesperal Liturgy commemorating the Mystical Supper on Holy Thursday morning, April 8, 2004 at the Monastery Church of Saint Tikhon of Zadonsk, South Canaan, PA.
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“The last time the rite was celebrated was several years ago, at which time now-retired Metropolitan Theodosius presided,” noted the Very Rev. John Matusiak, OCA Communications Director. “Holy Chrism is used in the sacrament of Chrismation and in the consecration of churches. The consecration of Chrism is a rite reserved for the primates of autocephalous, or self-governing, Orthodox Churches.”
The preparation of the Chrism will begin earlier in the week, as numerous spices and other ingredients are combined with pure olive oil, accompanied by appropriate prayers.
“After the preparation of the Chrism is finished, it is solemnly consecrated by the primate on Holy Thursday,” Father Matusiak added. “The Holy Chrism is then distributed to all parishes and missions for use in the celebration of the Holy Mysteries.”
Metropolitan Herman opened the cycle of Holy Week services on Saturday, April 3 with the celebration of the Divine Liturgy marking the resurrection of Lazarus at Saint Herman Church, Gradyville, PA. Later the same evening, he presided at the All-Night Vigil for the Great Feast of the Entrance of Our Lord into Jerusalem at Saint Stephen Cathedral, Philadelphia, PA, where he also celebrated the festal Divine Liturgy and blessed palms and branches on Sunday, April 4.
On Great and Holy Friday afternoon, Metropolitan Herman will celebrate Vespers at Saint Nicholas Cathedral, Washington, DC, where he will also preside at services later that same evening, and also on Holy Saturday, April 10. He also will celebrate the midnight Matins and Divine Liturgy commemorating the Resurrection of Our Lord on Holy Pascha, April 11. At noon on Sunday, April 11, Metropolitan Herman will celebrate Paschal Vespers. On Bright Monday, April 12, he will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at the cathedral. For times of services at St. Nicholas Cathedral, please call 202-333-5060. On Bright Tuesday, April 13, Metropolitan Herman will celebrate the Divine Liturgy at Saint Tikhon Monastery with the clergy of the Diocese of Eastern Pennsylvania, of which he is Locum Tenens.
With the blessing of Metropolitan Herman, His Beatitude, Metropolitan Theodosius will celebrate the services of Great and Holy Thursday, Friday and Saturday at Saint Sergius Chapel at the OCA Chancery in Syosset, NY, where he will also preside at the midnight Paschal services. Now retired, Metropolitan Theodosius served as primate of the Orthodox Church in America from 1977 until 2002.