Reverend Fathers, Stewards, and Friends of St. Anna Parish,
“Today is hung upon a tree, He Who did hang the earth upon the waters. A wreath of thorns crowns Him, Who is the King of Angels; A false purple is put around Him, Who encircled heaven in clouds. A slapping was received by Him, Who freed Adam in Jordan. The Bridegroom of the Church was fixed with nails; the Son of the Virgin was pierced by a lance. We worship Your Passion, O Christ; Show to us also Your Glorious Resurrection.”
This hymn will be chanted as the Cross of our Lord is processed around the Church following the fifth Gospel lesson this evening. The readings, the hymns, the melodic tones, and even the feel of the Church are extremely somber; our Lord is delivered up unto death…out of love for His Creation.
As has been our tradition since our time in the office suite on N. Sunrise, we will keep vigil from the close of services through the start of Royal Hours on Holy Friday. Currently, we have individuals signed up to read throughout the night, except for between 5-6 and 8-9. If you would like to be added to our readers, please let me know ASAP. Even if you’re not scheduled to read, I would encourage you to come to the Church at any point tonight to pray in the Church as the Psalms are prayed.