Bright Week.

On the afternoon of Paschal Sunday, a special Paschal Vespers is served, characterized by the singing of the Great Prokeimenon. All of the services of this Bright Week are characterized by the joyous Paschal Hymns which had been sung on Pascha itself and the constant, “Christ is risen from the dead....” All of the Faithful, when encountering each other at home, at work, in church, etc., greet each other with the Paschal Greeting and Response, “Christ is Risen! Indeed, He is risen!” and the threefold Kiss of Peace. During the course of this week all the doors of the Iconostasis remain open, symbolizing our free access to the Holy of Holies that our Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, opened to us by His Blood. The Burial Shroud remains on the Holy Table and the Liturgies are celebrated upon it. No fasting is permitted during this week and no kneeling until the Vespers of Holy Pentecost, fifty days hence.

Paschal Hymn to the Theotokos.

[Sung after the 8th Ode of the Paschal Canon.]

The Angel cried to the Lady Full of Grace:

Rejoice, O Pure Virgin!

Again I say: Rejoice!

Your Son is risen from His three days in the tomb.

With Himself He has raised all the dead.

Rejoice, all ye people!

Shine, shine, O New Jerusalem,

The glory of the Lord has shone on you.

Exult now and be glad, O Zion,

Be radiant, O Pure Theotokos,

In the Resurrection of your Son!