Holy Saturday Liturgy and Basket blessings

On Great and Holy Saturday, the faithful of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Russian Orthodox Church gathered in prayer for the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great. This beautiful service marks the transition from the sorrow of Christ’s burial to the radiant anticipation of His Resurrection. During the readings from the Old Testament, the Church reflects upon God’s saving acts throughout history, while the changing of the dark vestments and coverings to bright Paschal colors proclaims Christ’s victory over death and His descent into Hell to free those held captive therein.
Later in the day, parishioners brought their traditional Paschal baskets to the church education building to receive a blessing in preparation for the Feast of Feasts. Filled with foods that had been set aside during the Lenten fast, the baskets served as a joyful reminder of the approaching celebration of Christ’s Resurrection. As families gathered around their baskets and received the blessing, the parish community eagerly awaited the midnight proclamation of the Paschal Gospel and the triumphant cry: “Christ is Risen!” “Indeed He is Risen!”