Pascha in Buenos Aires

An Ordination On Great Thursday, in the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity on Calle Brasil, His Grace Bishop Alexander of Buenos Aires and South America celebrated liturgy. Vladyka was joined by Priest Alejandro Iwasjewicz and Deacons Miguel Berduc, Vladimir Oleinik and Igor Baratoff. During the minor entrance, Priest Alejandro Iwasjewicz was awarded the kamilavka for his devoted and selfless service to the Lord.

During the service, which was infused with the grace of love and peace, with the moving sounds of the choir, Vladyka Alexander ordained Deacon Miguel into the priesthood.

Fr. Miguel is a long-time parishioner of Holy Trinity Cathedral. He converted to Orthodoxy in 1970, being one of the first Argentinians accepting Orthodoxy in Holy Trinity Cathedral. Through the efforts of Fr. Valentin Iwasjewicz, Fr. Miguel’s entire family converted to Orthodoxy as well. (Photo below: Bishop Alexander addresses the newly-ordained Priest Miguel.)

The Lord has thus lit another “lantern of the Orthodox Faith” in help and towards the salvation of the people of Buenos Aires.

The clergy and parishioners of the Argentinian Deanery wish Fr. Miguel many years and the help of God, health, salvation and success in all things.

A Historical Event in the South American Diocese

For the first time in the existence of Holy Trinity Cathedral on Calle Brasil, a bishop has served on Pascha—Bishop Alexander.

During the consecration of Holy Trinity Cathedral in 1901, over the 102 years of its existence, this great holiday was only celebrated by priests.

This year, His Grace Bishop Alexander, after serving Paschal midnight office at Resurrection Cathedral on Nunez Street (Photo above: Protopriest Vladimir de Skalon during the procession of the Cross), headed for Holy Trinity Cathedral for the Paschal liturgy. He was accompanied by Deacon Nicolas Radysh (a Serb by birth, ordained into the deaconate by Archbishop Afanasii [Martos]). Vladyka Alexander arrived at Holy Trinity Cathedral for the beginning of Paschal hours. May worshipers remained until the end of Paschal liturgy, and almost all of them partook of Holy Communion, which was administered from two chalices. (Photo below: Paschal liturgy at Holy Trinity Cathedral.)

At 6 p.m. at the same church, Bishop Alexander performed Paschal matins, after which the worshipers were offered a Paschal feast. (See photo below.)

On the second day of Pascha, Vladyka Alexander celebrated liturgy at his Cathedral of the Resurrection along with the clergy of the Diocese.

This year, the services of Passion Week and Pascha were performed with great spiritual ervor.