Eastern Easter in a Western World

*Update: Since the publication of this post, the quarantine has been extended to April 30. Though Maundy Thursday and Easter Vigil services are now canceled, the schedule will remain otherwise the same as noted below, and all services will be streamed online.

Gov. Reeves has recently ordered that Mississippi residents avoid gatherings in groups of ten or more people until April 17 (Executive Order No. 1463). Of course, with Easter falling on April 12, this is a great sadness to us who find our very identity in the Resurrection of our Lord.

But do
not weep! For here we are presented with a unique opportunity. You may know
that, while the whole Church on earth observes the church year together with
all its times and festivals and seasons, the calendar of the Western Rite (or
tradition) is staggered by a week from that of the Eastern Rite. So, while we
in the Western world celebrate the Feast of Easter on April 12th this year, our
Eastern kin will not celebrate it until April 19th.

Due to
our highly unusual situation this year, we are going to join our Eastern
brethren for a time, that we might not fast from the Lord’s Feast of Victory on
this highest and holiest of days. Because our quarantine will be lifted on April
17, briefly adopting the calendar of the Eastern Rite would allow us to
celebrate the Feast in all its fullness, together as the Body of Christ,
partaking of the Body (and Blood) of Christ.

To that
end, see the revised schedule of services below, and note most importantly that
we shall celebrate Easter on Sunday, April 19. Beginning Friday, April
17 (Good Friday, marked in red), our quarantine is lifted and we will meet
together at church.

For those among us who remain in a risk category for this virus, please quarantine yourself as long as you feel necessary. Just because you are not here physically for the celebration of Easter does not mean that you are excluded. The pastors can visit you with communion so that you may participate in this joyous occasion with the rest of the saints. Dear Christians, our fast is soon to end, for Easter is drawing nigh. Peace be to you all.