A great turnout for Easter celebration at St. Andrew’s – standing room only!

The Ecumenical Procession of the Way of the Cross on Good Friday in the Old City of Jerusalem.

St George’s College, Jerusalem, said:

“Walking the Stations of the Cross in Jerusalem is always deeply meaningful but today’s was especially intense.
The mood of the days we are currently enduring means that every day seems like Good Friday and as a result the liturgy for the Stations hit home hard. “

Please continue to pray for our sisters and brothers in the Diocese of Jerusalem and for all Christians and their Muslim neighbours in the Holy Land this Easter.

This is a copy of the 12th-century icon of the Crucifixion from St Catherine’s Monastery at Mt Sinai. A feature of Orthodox iconography is that while the suffering of our Lord is depicted, that suffering is surrounded by golden glory, inviting us to hold the cross in the light of the resurrection. Despite what the crucifixion might have looked like to those who were present on that first Good Friday, there was a bigger picture, a higher purpose, and the glory of the resurrection about to be revealed.

I have had the great honour of being a pilgrim in Jerusalem during Holy Week as a guest of Archbishop Hosam and in solidarity with the people of the Diocese of Jerusalem. For many people here life must seem like a never-ending Good Friday, and yet I am amazed to find that those who should be most despondent have joy and hope in their lives. They have hope-filled lives because they live in the light of resurrection—they know that with God there is always a bigger picture, a higher authority, and a continued purpose for their lives.

This Easter I invite you to hold the suffering of this world and your own struggles in the light of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not—and will never—overcome it.

Praying that you may have a blessed spiritual journey to Easter.

Christ is Risen. He is Risen Indeed!

+Sean

On GOOD FRIDAY, April 18th, the church will be open from 12 noon to 3pm.

There will be a service from 2pm- 3pm.

Worshippers are welcome to come into church for prayer – for as short or as long a time as you wish.

Maundy Thursday Service, with footwashing.
17th April at 7.30 pm