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Introduction and Forward

By Hegomen Louka Sidarous

Our Church, inspired by the Holy Spirit, has compiled a marvelous plan for the Passion (Passover) Week, so we may get into the depth of the passions of our Good Savior.

The readings of the Church during this week are the breath of the Holy Spirit speaking through the prophets. It is almost miraculous to see the harmony in the readings from Genesis to Revelation. All the symbols and all the prophecies in the scripture are focused on Jesus Christ, the One who is the desire of all ages and the hope of all generations.

When we follow these readings, we find that the Spirit gradually leads our mind, laying down the road to the Cross before us, so that the passions of our Savior might become fundamental events in our spiritual makeup. The Holy Spirit will assist us in the road of sorrows and make us share in the fruits of salvation as if we were partners with Jesus Christ in the paradise of sufferings, Gethsemane.

Since the early generations of the church, the Holy Spirit has composed, with great creativity, spiritually enriching tunes. These tunes move the innermost emotions of the soul and the induce feelings of repentance and sorrow for our sins that led our Good Savior to the Cross. The tunes of the church in the week are the tears of the pure saints and the company of the ascetic fathers carrying the Cross. They are also the praise of those living in seclusion in the desert celebrating the passions of our Savior. Throughout the years, the Church has saved these treasures for us.

When the Passover readings are heard with the hearts and lived spiritually, they are enough to let us live the days of heaven here on earth. Those tune, when prayed by the people for spiritual benefit and not for pride or showing off, are capable of touching the hearts of the worst sinners, leading them to repentance. Pride will be defeated and souls will bow down before the Cross.

The booklet in your hands is a fruit of love for this Holy Week from the Church and the people who tasted the joy of sitting at the feet of their Savior.

We hope that this booklet will help you live with the Church and appreciate the blessings of this week.

Glory be to God forever and ever. Amen.