Sacraments & Services

2023 Pan-Orthodox Lenten Vespers

5:00 PM (note new start time)

• March 5 – St. Mary’s Orthodox Cathedral, 1629 5th St NE Minneapolis, MN 55413
• March 12 – St. Mary’s Greek Orthodox Church, 3450 Irving Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408
• March 19 – St. Mary’s Romanian Orthodox Church, 189 Atwater St W, St Paul, MN 55117
• March 26 – St. Michael and St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church, 505 4th St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
• April 2 – Holy Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, 703 W Center St, Rochester, MN 55902
• April 9 – St. Herman’s Orthodox Church, 5355 38th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55412 Bridegroom Matins

2023 Lenten Services at St. Mary’s

Wednesdays, beginning March 1

• 4:00 PM – Holy Confession
• 5:30 PM – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
• Following Liturgy – Lenten Dinner,  Youth Groups and Activities

Fridays, beginning March 3

• 4:00 PM – Holy Confession
• 6:00 PM – Salutations to the Theotokos

2023 Holy Week Services at St. Mary’s

Saturday, April 8: Saturday of Lazarus
• 9:00 AM – Matins; 10:00 a.m. – Divine Liturgy
• 5:00 PM – Great Vespers
Sunday, April 9: Palm Sunday
• 8:30 AM – Matins; 9:30 a.m. – Divine Liturgy
• 6:00 PM – Bridegroom Matins
Monday, April 10: Holy Monday
• 6:00 PM – Bridegroom Matins
Tuesday, April 11: Holy Tuesday
• 9:30 AM – Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
• 6:00 PM – Bridegroom Matins
Wednesday, April 12: Holy Wednesday
• 4:00 PM – Service of Holy Unction
• 6:00 PM – Matins of the Mystical Supper with Holy Unction
Thursday, April 13: Holy Thursday
• 9:30 AM – Divine Liturgy of the Mystical Supper
• 6:00 PM – Service of Holy Passion
Friday, April 14: Great and Holy Friday
• 9:00 AM – Royal Hours
• 1:30 PM – Vespers of the Descent from the Cross
• 6:00 PM – Service of Lamentations
Saturday, April 15: Holy Saturday
• 10:00 AM – First Resurrection Divine Liturgy
• 11:30 PM – Midnight Office, Resurrection Service, Matins, Divine Liturgy
Sunday, April 16: Great and Holy PASCHA
• 12:00 Noon – Agape Vespers
Friday, April 21: Bright Friday; Life-Giving Font of the Theotokos
• 9:30 AM – Divine Liturgy

Orthodox Sacraments

As the Rev. Fr. Thomas Fitzgerald explains, there are special experiences in our life as Orthodox Christians when the perception of God’s presence and actions are heightened and celebrated. We call these events the Church Sacraments. Traditionally, the Sacraments have been known as Holy Mysteries in the Orthodox Church. This description emphasizes that in these special events of the Church, God discloses Himself through the prayers and actions of His people.

The Sacraments of the Orthodox Church are composed of prayers, hymns, scripture lessons, gestures and processions. Many parts of the services date back to the time of the Apostles.

In the Orthodox Church, we recognize seven major Sacraments. In addition to these major Sacraments, there are many other Blessings and Special Services which reflect the Church’s presence throughout the lives of her people, including the Funeral Service, Memorial Service, and Great Blessing of the Water.

Seven Major Orthodox Sacraments

• The Eucharist (Holy Communion)
• Baptism
• Chrismation (confirmation in the Orthodox Faith)
• Marriage
• Confession: the Sacrament of Reconciliation
• Unction: The Sacrament of Healing
• Ordination