Thursday, November 8, 2018

ALL SAINTS DAY AND ALL SOULS DAY — at Holy Cross Orthodox Church, November 14 and 15

ALL SAINTS DAY — Wednesday, November 14

Holy Mass will be offered on Wednesday, November 14th, at 11:55 AM for the Feast of All Saints. 

All Saints Day, also known as All Hallows Day, Hallowmas, the Feast of All Saints, or Solemnity of All Saints, is a Christian festival celebrated in honour of all the Saints, known and unknown. The celebration begins at Vespers on the Eve of All Saints Day — All Hallows Eve (All Saints Eve) — and is the day before All Souls' Day, which commemorates the faithful departed. All Saints' Day is part of the season of Allhallowtide, which includes three days: All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day and All Souls Day.

Thankfully, since we are on the Old Calendar we can keep All Hallows Eve without the profane practices by which it has been desecrated in more modern times. It is a time to remember the vast company of Saints, known and unknown, among whom we desire to be included, along with all whom we love. It is an evening for reflecting on the Saints, reading their lives, asking their intercession, and resolving to follow their examples.

ALL SOULS DAY — Thursday, November 15

Holy Mass will be offered on Thursday, November 15th, at 11:55 AM for All Souls Day.

All Souls Day or the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed, follows All Saints Day. On All Souls Day, faithful Christians remember deceased relatives and friends, and pray for the repose of their souls. The annual celebration of All Souls Day is part of the season of Allhallowtide, and includes All Saints Day and its vigil, All Hallows Eve.

In the Holy Scriptures we read,

“For if he had not hoped that they that were slain should rise again, it would have seemed superfluous and vain to pray for the dead, and because he considered that they who had fallen asleep with godliness, had great grace laid up for them. It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins” (2 Maccabees 12:44-46).

Please join us for the Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist on All Saints Day, and on All Souls Day — “It is therefore a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead, that they may be loosed from sins” (2 Maccabees 12:44-46).

Everyone is invited and visitors are always welcome. We are a faithful, friendly and vibrant parish, and we have a place for you. 

See you on there!

HOLY CROSS ORTHODOX CHURCH
7545 Main Street
Ralston, Nebraska 68127
(402) 573-6558