Despite the curfew, the Holy Easter Eve and Easter celebrations were held in Izmir Santa Maria Church with the congregation with the permission of the Governor’s Office.
When the Easter Eve Saturday was led by the Archbishop of Izmir Monsignor Martin Kmetec, the Rector of St. John’s Cathedral, the priests of the Holy Name of Virgin Mary Church of Bornova, the Santa Maria Church and the Karşıyaka St. Helena Church accompanied the ceremony.
Easter Eve was traditionally done with four basic phases. First, the light ceremony was held, which included the consecration of the fire and the preparation of the Easter candle. Monsignor Martin, after explaining the meaning of Eve, sanctified fire, then drew a cross on the Easter candle, inscribed the letter Alpha on it, the letter Omega on the bottom, and the date of the year around it. He then lit the Easter candle with fire, and the church was slowly lit as the priests marched to the altar after lighting the congregation’s candles.
The second chapter, the Bible reading, began with words from the Book of Genesis, followed by words from the Book of Exodus, words from the Book of the Prophet Ezekiel, and St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. Then Nicholas the Deacon read Words from the Gospel of St. Mark.
On the other hand, Monsignor Martin preached in Turkish, English and Italian: “By our baptism, we are re-created. We were recreated in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Our way is open to eternity…
The stone in front of the tomb symbolizes the many obstacles we know may exist between us here and now, and the opposition to our new life of grace in our life. But we must not be afraid. The Lord has risen. Everything becomes easier when we know that He is present in our lives.”
The third part was the blessing of baptismal water. After Father Felian chanted “Prayer to the Saints” the Archbishop blessed the baptismal water and the Easter candle was dipped in the water. Then the renewal of baptismal vows was done with the congregation. He then relit the Easter candle with fire, and after the priests lit the congregation candles again, Monsignor Martin blessed everyone. With the Celebration of the Eucharist, the fourth part of the Eve is finished.
On Sunday, Easter was again presided over by Monsignor Martin. Before the Bible reading, the Sequentia – Easter Song – Victimae paschali (Easter Sacrifice) was sung.
Father Felianus reminded the happiness and hope of Easter in his sermon in Turkish and English. (Nathalie Ritzmann, SAT-7 TURK/İzmir)
