Fostering Paschal Joy

What is comparable to the joy of Holy Pascha? What else can revive our spirits like the victorious hope of Christ’s Resurrection? We’ve sung and shouted, “Christ is Risen!” until our voices grew hoarse, filled our bellies with all the festive and dairy-laden foods, gathered with friends and family, and decorated our parishes with Easter Lilies. It’s been a glorious celebration of life conquering death! How do we retain that Paschal joy and carry it into our homes and perspectives with intention?

Our Homes

Watching the Church linens change from purple to black and then white is always so moving. I love how visual our services are. Beauty plays a significant role in our worship, heightening our sense of awe and helping us enter more fully into eternal time. We can recreate that significance and beauty in our homes by changing our linens and replacing dark tablecloths and icon corner cloths with light and festive ones.

After Pascha, I like to fill my home with fresh flowers! I have little vases in the bathrooms, on my coffee and dining tables, and in my kitchen.  One friend told me she found garden flags for the different Orthodox feasts and changes them throughout the year. Someone else mentioned playing Pascha hymns.

I’ve always felt that Paschal joy and hospitality go hand in hand. Being more intentional about reaching out to others and creating opportunities for connection seems very appropriate for the Paschal season! Keep it simple! Make it a potluck or just sit by a fire and make s’mores! Don’t let perfectionism thwart warm and loving fellowship.

Our Perspectives

O Death, where is your sting? O Hell, where is your victory? Christ is risen, and you are overthrown! Christ is risen, and the demons are fallen! Christ is risen, and the angels rejoice. Christ is risen, and life reigns. Christ is risen, and not one dead remains in the grave! For Christ, being risen from the dead, is become the first fruits of those who have fallen asleep. To Him be glory and dominion unto ages of ages. Amen!

 - From the Paschal Homily of St. John Chrysostom

I’ve heard this homily more times than I can count, and it never ceases to restore hope to my weary soul. Within our FWL Ministry, we often refer to cultivating a “Resurrectional Perspective” on our circumstances, one infused with the Paschal promises of light over darkness and all things working together for good. Developing such a perspective takes daily practice and faith-centered habits such as prayer, scripture reading, thanksgiving, inner stillness, attending Church services, etc. Fanning the Paschal spark into a flame warms everyone around us. It is worth the discipline, humility, and resilience needed to rise again and again and renew our spiritual efforts.  

Paschal joy runs deeper than our scattered thoughts, trials, and emotions, pointing us back to the Kingdom of Heaven. Amidst confusion and heartache, intentionally fostering Christ-centered joy increases our trust in God and provides stability and patience.

Stuff your days with light and release through prayer and stillness what is causing you inner turmoil. Take good care of yourself, create beauty, be grateful for every little glimmer, love your neighbor!

Christ is Risen!