On Holy Saturday Night, the 15th of April 2023, St. George Antiochian Orthodox Cathedral Redfern was blessed to have His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios preside over the most joyous celebration in the Orthodox Calendar.
The service commenced with the Rush Procession, where hymns were chanted in anticipation of the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Church lights were dimmed, and Parishioner’s candles were lit from a candle emerging from the Holy Sanctuary; “Come, take the light from the Light that is never overtaken by night”. All congregated outside the Cathedral Doors to hear the Resurrection Gospel, proclaimed by His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios. He then knocked on the Cathedral Doors for re-entry using the words from the Psalms; “Who is this King of Glory? “All proceeded back into the brightly lit Cathedral, joyfully chanting the Resurrection Orthros, “Christ is Risen”.
The Rush Procession was followed by the Paschal Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom, which concluded with a blessing from His Eminence Metropolitan Basilios. All then shared in the Paschal tradition of ending the fasting period with a Blessed egg.
On Sunday night, His Eminence presided over the Agape Service Vespers in St. Nicholas church, Punchbowl with the clergy and parishioners.
CHRIST IS RISEN, INDEED HE IS RISEN
