April 1 - Sobor News - 2026

Holy Unction is offered both for the sick and as a communal service during Great Lent, preparing us for Pascha. At its conclusion, the Holy Gospel is placed upon the heads of the faithful, with prayers for the forgiveness of sins—revealing that this Mystery is not simply for physical healing, but a true encounter with Christ, who grants peace, strength, and salvation according to His will.

Palm Sunday - Christ’s Entrance into Jerusalem - Sunday, April 5
Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Christ into Jerusalem, when the people greeted Him with palm branches, crying, “Hosanna!” In the Orthodox Church, it stands as a moment of both joy and quiet anticipation, as we welcome the King who comes in humility, riding on a colt, and prepare to follow Him into the solemn days of His Passion. Holding palms and branches, we proclaim His victory even as we begin the journey toward the Cross and the radiant light of Pascha.

Passion Week - Great Monday, April 6 - Great Saturday, April 11
Passion Week is the most sacred and solemn time in the Orthodox Church, as we walk step by step with Christ toward His voluntary suffering, death, and the life-giving Resurrection.

From Great Monday through Great Wednesday, the Church calls us to vigilance, repentance, and spiritual preparation.

Great Thursday commemorates the Mystical Supper, when Christ gives us the Holy Eucharist. That evening, we gather for the powerful reading of the Twelve Gospels, entering deeply into His Passion.

On Great Friday, we stand at the Cross. The Shroud of Christ is brought out in reverence, and at Burial Matins, we mourn, keeping watch at the tomb.

Great Saturday is a day of quiet expectation, as the Church prepares for the triumph of Pascha.

We invite everyone to carefully review the full schedule of services in print at the Sobor Store and on the website and to be present as much as possible throughout this holy week. Come and walk this sacred path with Christ.

Feast of the Annunciation - Great Tuesday, April 7 @ 9am
The Feast of the Annunciation is the moment when the Archangel Gabriel announces to the Virgin Mary that she will conceive and bear the Son of God. It is the beginning of our salvation, when Christ takes flesh in her womb through the Holy Spirit. The Church honors not only the divine message, but the free and faithful response of the Theotokos—her “Let it be to me according to Your Word.” Even when it falls during the solemn days of Passion Week, the Annunciation shines with quiet joy, revealing that the Cross and the Resurrection are already rooted in this moment of obedience, humility, and divine love.

Basket Blessing and Paschal Gifts for Our Children, Great Saturday, April 11 @ 12noon - 1PM
The first blessing of Paschal baskets will take place on Great Saturday from 12:00–1:00 PM. Father Yaroslav will also present special Paschal gifts to all the children, so please make sure your children attend. Baskets will also be blessed on the day of Holy Pascha. Please check the full schedule in print and on our website for all service times.

Breaking of the Fast on Holy Pascha (разговление) - Bring your own Baskets - April 12 following Divine Liturgy and Basket Blessing @ 3AM
Following the Paschal Divine Liturgy, we will not have a “trapeza-razgovleniye”. The Sisterhood will also be celebrating and will not be providing any food or drink. Please bring their own Paschal baskets of food to enjoy and share. A limited number of baskets will be available for purchase. Out of respect, everyone is expected to clean up after themselves and their table.

Please refer to the schedule below and on our website.