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Day 8- 5/4/02
HOLY SATURDAY
MAY 4, 2002
Description of Posted Photos - By Deacon Nectarios
Today's photos are from the Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great which was presided over by Metropolitan Genadios. There are several interesting customs associated with Holy Saturday that are observed at the Patriarchal Cathedral. First, the worshippers bang and knock loudly on anything made of wood signifying Christ's breaking down the doors of Hades and releasing the enslaved. The drama at this point in the vesperal liturgy is absolutely high with emotion. Secondly, the Grand Archimandrite Athenagoras tossed basil leaves throughout the Church, which signifies God's Grace. Another interesting custom we observed was the boiling of an Apple. On Holy Friday the parishioners begin to boil an apple near the iconostasis. The boiling continues into Holy Saturday until it is completely broken down and is no longer recognizable. The boiling of the apple is a Greek tradition symbolizing the breaking down or destruction of the apple which tempted Adam and Eve.
MAY 4, 2002
Description of Posted Photos - By Deacon Nectarios
Today's photos are from the Holy Saturday Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil the Great which was presided over by Metropolitan Genadios. There are several interesting customs associated with Holy Saturday that are observed at the Patriarchal Cathedral. First, the worshippers bang and knock loudly on anything made of wood signifying Christ's breaking down the doors of Hades and releasing the enslaved. The drama at this point in the vesperal liturgy is absolutely high with emotion. Secondly, the Grand Archimandrite Athenagoras tossed basil leaves throughout the Church, which signifies God's Grace. Another interesting custom we observed was the boiling of an Apple. On Holy Friday the parishioners begin to boil an apple near the iconostasis. The boiling continues into Holy Saturday until it is completely broken down and is no longer recognizable. The boiling of the apple is a Greek tradition symbolizing the breaking down or destruction of the apple which tempted Adam and Eve.
Metropolitan Genadios Presides Over the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday
Grand Archimandrite Athenagoras Prepares to Spread Basil Leaves in The Patriarchal Church of St. George
Grand Archimandrite Athenagoras Spreading Basil Leaves in The Patriarchal Church of St. George