JILL COLE:
“When describing things that are Holy it is always hard to put words too. Holy Week this year was definitely more personal and there was a deeper connection to everything about Pascha. Being that I experienced it last year for the first time (more of an outsider), this year I was able to focus on Jesus and His sacrifice on a much deeper level. It was such a special time to spend with God and to reflect on my relationship with Jesus. So grateful to all who made Holy Week such a beautiful experience.” – Jill Cole

HENRY CORREA-MELENDEZ:
“Christ is Risen! Truly, He is Risen! Yes this was my first Pascha since joining the Orthodox Church and I have to tell you it has been the most beautiful services I have experienced, from the Divine Liturgy and Chrismation on Holy Saturday, the Twelve Gospel readings, to walking into the nave and seeing the beautifully decorated Tomb of our Lord, your sermon about the cross that cut right to the core, the lightning of the candles filling the dark nave with light, the procession that followed and culminating with a triumphant, Christ is Risen! Truly, he is Risen! The whole experience was uniquely amazing and I'm looking forward to many more. Fellowship afterwards was awesome as well, I could have been there until sunrise.” -- Henry Correa-Melendez

LUKE A. FULTON:
“Every week I gaze at the icons, into those windows of the divine, praying to draw closer to God. And in the glare off that mysterious lens I glimpse my own reflection. That sight flitters between disheartening and encouraging. But Holy Week is wholly different. Each preparatory element at home and parish, from laity and clergy, builds a momentum that sunders the window, whereupon the divine pulls us inside with loving embrace. The final Paschal service tears away my distractions and worries providing instead a wonder decorated with paradox. It allows for that rarest of moments to simply be, and be happy. What a baffling thing this is! How long until next year?” – Luke A. Fulton

JOSEPHINE PAPROTA:
“This was my first Pascha, and it was a truly meaningful and unforgettable experience. Walking through Holy Week, I felt both sorrow and hope while reflecting on Christ’s love and sacrifice. The moment the church transitioned from darkness to light at Pascha was especially powerful; it felt like stepping into a new life. Celebrating together as a community made the occasion even more special, and I left feeling peaceful, grateful, and renewed in my faith. I am so thankful to have experienced this beautiful and holy celebration for the first time.”