Palm Sunday and Bridegroom Matins

We were glad to have Fr. Dan and Kh. Elfriede with us at St. James Orthodox Church for Palm Sunday liturgy followed by the first of the Bridegroom matins. We had been really looking forward to Palm Sunday but on Saturday Evelyn ended up having a fever and didn't feel well. Happily on Sunday morning her fever was down and she was feeling well enough to come to church. All of us have been fighting allergies to some degree this week so I hope we can gain some strength to stay well during Holy Week!

We brought the decorated candles with us. Evelyn and Dominic were glad to have them and were quick to light them when it was time for the procession. Since we had an extra one Evelyn gave it to a little boy who came with his father. He was pretty glad to get it and kept glancing at us through the service. 

Our Palm Sunday procession this year was interesting. Along with the looks from people driving down main street there was also someone who came out of their house and took pictures. As we came by the Methodist church across the street a group of people had gathered to watch us and clapped as we came near. I suppose they were cheering us on but Father Dan had said that if they were really smart they would get in line with us!

After liturgy Ben and I got the chance to sit down with Father Dan and Kh. Elfriede at coffee hour. It was a most delightful conversation. We got to know each other better and it was made all the more pleasant because we struck up an easy rapport and our conversation rambled over lots of interesting topics. It was almost a shame that our conversations should end but in it's place was Bridegroom Matins (which was right after coffee hour for the dual reason of having our service with a priest while he was available and also so that Father and Khouria could get back home at a reasonable time).

God grant all of you a blessed Holy Week! Stay healthy!