"Praise the Lord, all nations. Praise Him, all peoples. For His mercy is confirmed on us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever." 

"Having an interior storm of doubting thoughts, Peter was sinking. But beholding Thee, O Jesus, in the flesh walking on the waters, he confessed Thee to be the true God; and receiving the hand of salvation, he cried: Alleluia!"       (Kontakion 4)

The Fifth Sunday recalls the memory of St. Mary of Egypt.   Mary tells us that no amount of sin and wickedness can keep a person from God if he/she truly repents.  St. Mary tells us that it is never too late in life, or in lent, to repent.  Christ will gladly receive all who come to Him even at the 11th hour of their lives.  But their coming must be in serious and sincere repentance.

 In you, O Mother, was preserved with exactness what was according to the image; for you took up the Cross and followed Christ.  By so doing, you taught us to disregard the flesh, for it passes away; but to care for the soul, since it is immortal.  Therefore, O Venerable Mary, your spirit rejoices with the Angels.    (Troparion — Tone 8)

"Lord, I have cried to Thee, hear me;  hear the voice of my prayer, when I cry tio Thee.  Let my prayer arise in Thy sight as incense and let the lifting up of my hands be an evening sacrifice."

Great Lent ends on the Friday following the Sunday of St.  Mary of Egypt.  Because of the resurrectioin of Lazarus from the dead, Christ was hailed by the people as the long-expected Messiah-King of Israel. 

 By raising Lazarus from the dead before Your passion,  You did confirm the universal Resurrection, O Christ God!   Like the children with the palms of victory,  we cry out to You, O Vanquisher of death:  Hosanna in the Highest!  Blessed is He that comes in the Name of the Lord! (Troparion — Tone 1)

"And He took bread, gave thanks and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, “This is My body which is given for you; do this in remembrance of Me.”   Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."  (Luke 22:19-20)

"Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the Praetorium and gathered the whole garrison around Him.  And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him.  When they had twisted a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand.  And they bowed the knee before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!”    Then they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head.  (They struck Him again and again.)     And when they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, put His own clothes on Him, and led Him away to be crucified."  (Matt 27:27-31)

"By Your precious blood,  You have redeemed us from the curse of the law.  By being nailed to the cross and pierced by a spear,  You have poured forth immortality upon men.  O our Savior, glory to You!    (Troparion — Tone 4)

Today the sorrow is slowly transformed into joy.  The darkness of death gives way to the radiance of Life, just as the vestments are changed from black to white at the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil celebrated this morning.  This was the hour of Christ:  "For this I have come." 

The Nocturnes of Pascha is served just before midnight.  At this service, the Plaschanitza is removed from the tomb and is placed on the Holy Table until Ascension Thursday. 

 Christ is risen from the dead,  trampling down death by death,  and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!  (Troparion — Tone 4)

 Christ is risen from the dead,  trampling down death by death,  and upon those in the tombs bestowing life!   (Troparion — Tone 4)

"But the angel said to the women, "Do not be afraid; for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified.  He is not here; for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where He lay."     (Matt 28:5-7)

"And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.   Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,    teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo,   I am with you always, to the close of the age."     (Matt 28:18-20)

Let God arise, let His enemies be scattered; let those who hate Him flee from before His face!    Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.     (Troparion).

Thomas touched Your life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God,  when You did come to Your apostles through closed doors.  He cried out with all: You are my Lord and my God!    (Kontakion — Tone 8)

Thomas touched Your life-giving side with an eager hand, O Christ God,  when You did come to Your apostles through closed doors.  He cried out with all: You are my Lord and my God!     (Kontakion — Tone 8)