During this Great and Holy week, Jesus invites us on a spiritual journey. Let us join our hearts in sorrow with his Mother through his Passion in the services our church offers. At the summit of the journey we unite with Christians everywhere to celebrate: the Good News of Christ’s glorious resurrection, our Paschal season of joy, hope fulfilled. Review the Liturgy Schedule. There are changes and instructions.
2026 Holy Week Schedule Notes
The Liturgies of the Presanctified Gifts on Holy Monday and Holy Wednesday offer an opportunity in our Byzantine Catholic tradition for everyone to receive the Anointing of the Sick. During his ministry, Jesus healed the physically sick but he also heals in other ways. All are invited to receive this extra grace during Holy Week knowing we all need healing. We encourage you to attend at either location, Pittston or Swoyersville.
Good Friday is a very solemn day for all Christians. Our Eparchy reminds us it is it a day of strict fast for all who are able to receive Holy Communion. The services on this day are a Vespers service followed by a procession with the burial shroud, an image of our crucified Lord, known as the plaschanicja. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus asked his apostles if they would be with him in prayer. Will you be with Jesus in prayer also on Good Friday?
The week continues with the Liturgy focused on the Institution of the Eucharist on Holy Thursday, when Jesus spoke the words found in Scripture, the summit of every Divine Liturgy and Mass in the world. Jesus told his followers and each of us today, “Let Me solemnly assure you, if you do not eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.” Our life is the Eucharist, the Real Presence of Our Lord in the appearance of bread and wine. The Eucharist we receive is the most profound Mystery of our Church, the greatest gift of God, we should approach in total gratitude and in reverence.
CHANGE to Holy Saturday Liturgy, 2026 (Pittston only)
Holy Saturday this year, Resurrection Matins and the Paschal Divine Liturgy at 7:00 pm in Pittston is a combined service and liturgy. This is also the same form of liturgy, 10:30 am in Swoyersville. Easter Sunday, 8:30 am Pittston is a Divine Liturgy.
At the beginning of the Resurrection Matins & Paschal Liturgy, we see the priest remove the Holy Shroud from the tomb to the altar. Then, together, we announce Christ’s resurrection with the symbolic opening of the doors to our salvation. The doors of the iconostasis likewise remain open wide at this time. This joyful celebration is one of the most beautiful and jubilant feasts in our Eastern Catholic faith. A hallmark of Byzantine worship admired by others is our congregation singing the entire Liturgy. Let’s make it resounding! This is the place to use our voices! It is how we unite ourselves with the heavenly choirs and communion of saints, being both our theology and thanksgiving to God!
Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!
Christos Voskrese! Voistinnu Voskrese!
Proclaim your joy confidently!
St. Michael's Byzantine Catholic Church 