This year, the Easter Eve services of the Orthodox Parish of Turku will be exceptionally festive, as the services will be led by none other than His Beatitude Elia, Archbishop of Helsinki and All Finland. The procession, Matins, and Divine Liturgy will also be broadcast on television. The services will begin with the Midnight Office at 23:15, and the TV broadcast will commence at 23:55. Easter Eve is the biggest and most important feast of the year, and we anticipate that hundreds of participants are will be present at church. To ensure that everyone can take part in the joyful celebration, I kindly ask you to take note of the following practical matters:
· The church fills up quickly. Please arrive well before the service begins.
· The procession will take place outside, and will circle the church. Please follow the instructions you receive.
· On Easter Vigil, the church will be very crowded, and space to move around will be limited.
· Parish staff and volunteers will guide you at the entrances and inside the church. Please follow their instructions so that movement of clergy and worshippers can proceed as smoothly as possible.
· Some areas of the church grounds will be used for broadcasting equipment. In these areas, please move carefully and only according to staff instructions.
Wishing you a blessed and joyful Easter feast!
Ioannis Lampropoulos, Vicar