
Sermon: Easter Vigil
Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Larisa Shaterian at the Easter Vigil, April 19, 2025.

Listen to the sermon preached by the Rev. Larisa Shaterian at the Easter Vigil, April 19, 2025.

For the liminal space of Holy Saturday, Mother Liz offers a prayer by writer and poet Cole Arthur Riley (pictured above). Then it’s on to Saturday night and the Great Vigil of Easter (8 pm) followed by Easter Sunday, the Day of Resurrection, with Holy Eucharist at 9 am, Festal Eucharist with the full choir at 11 am, and the service of Meditation & Sacrament at 6 pm. And following the 11 am celebration, a festive brunch in the Parish Hall! Join us!
Listen to the homily preached by Elizabeth Adams on Wednesday in Holy Week, April 16, 2025. The scriptures for this service: Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 70; Hebrews 12:1-3 John 13:21-32.
Listen to the homily preached by Ned Fitch on Tuesday in Holy Week, April 15, 2025. The scriptures for this service: Isaiah 49:1-7; Psalm 71:1-14; 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; John 12:20-36.
Listen to the homily preached by Robin Clements on Monday in Holy Week, April 14, 2025. The scriptures for this service: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 36:5-11; Hebrews 9:11-15; John 12:1-11.

As Holy Week begins, Mother Liz invites us to walk with Jesus through the powerful events that lie at the heart of our faith—from joyful hosannas to heartbreak, from betrayal to hope. The liturgies of this week mirror both the beauty and pain of our world today, calling us to reflect, pray, and open our hearts to God’s presence. By fully entering into the Holy Week journey, we may discover new insights, deeper compassion, and the enduring truth that love is stronger than death. Let this sacred week surprise and transform you.

As Holy Week approaches, our rector reflects on the tender, powerful moment when Mary anoints Jesus’ feet with costly perfume — a gesture of love, sorrow, and deep knowing. In a world full of suffering and injustice, we are invited to follow Mary’s example: to recognize the presence of Christ in the needs around us, to respond with compassion, and to offer what we can in love.
In this week’s newsletter, Mother Liz reflects on the life and witness of Saint Oscar Romero, the martyred Archbishop of El Salvador, whose courage grew as he spoke out against injustice and stood in solidarity with the poor. Romero’s prophetic call to challenge systems of oppression resonates deeply today, as vulnerable immigrants face threats both at our borders and abroad. Inspired by his example, we are called to cultivate compassion, listen to the suffering around us, and respond with courage and love — even in these unsettling times. May love make us brave.

Join us for our Holy Week observances on Palm Sunday; the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Holy Week; Maundy Thursday; Good Friday; the Easter Vigil; and Easter Sunday. Follow along on Jesus’ journey — from acclaimed prophet to enemy of the state and, ultimately, Risen Lord — through the ancient rhythms of Christian liturgy and sacred music.

The Paschal Triduum (Paschal from the Hebrew פֶּסַח, transliterated as “Pesach,” meaning “Passover,” and triduum from the Latin for “three days”) refers to the three days from Maundy Thursday to Easter Sunday, sundown to sundown. They are among the holiest days of the year for Christians and observed with great sincerity and preparation at the Church of the Ascension. Join us as you are able for the most reflective, somber, expectant and joyful services of the Christian year, in person at Fifth Avenue and 10th Street or online at ascensionnyc.org/webcasts.