Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday

On Saturday April 27, 2024 after Divine Liturgy for Lazarus Saturday, the clergy and faithful of Nativity of Saint John the Baptist Church joined in the annual parish clean-up day to prepare the church and church grounds for Palm Sunday, Holy Week, and Holy Easter (Pascha). Along with cleaning, the parish took part in decorating the church with palms and willow branches. That evening, at festal Great Vespers, the rector, Father Mark blessed the palms and willows which were distributed to the faithful. 
The following morning, the feast day began with a festive procession from the education building to the church. The children and Sunday School teachers held palms and branches of willow to mark the feast. After processing into the church the festive Divine Liturgy began. Afterwards Father Mark  blessed the palms and willows for those who could not attend the day before. At the end of service, Father Mark welcomed everyone with a sermon and especially congratulated Tina Malinowski, Harry Stryker, Joan Drobik and all who celebrated their birthdays that past week.