Christ is risen! Христос воскрес!
Do you have any special Easter traditions in your family? What about a Good Friday? It was a little bit over 20 years ago when a girl from our church shared with me the tradition of Tenebrae – a special Good Friday service when the last seven words of Christ are read and seven candles are extinguished until the sanctuary becomes totally dark symbolizing the sun eclipse that happened after the death of Christ. Either classical music is performed, or praise and worship songs are sung in between readings of these last seven words of Christ. Thus, allowing those that have gathered to meditate on God’s Word. On one hand it is a deeply personal time as believers contemplate on the death of Christ. But at the same time, it is a great evangelistic opportunity because the entire church service becomes an art performance of sorts that immerses those who come into the anguish of Christ’s suffering and death.
The very first Tenebrae in Russia took place in my apartment. About 30 people crammed in my living room as we read God’s Word, sang hymns and extinguished candles. Everyone loved the experience, so we did it again the following year. The word began to spread and today churches literally all over Russia from Kazan to Novosibirsk are putting together Tenebrae services on Good Friday. The special service is called “Liturgy of Shadows” in Russian. It is becoming a tradition unlike any other because protestants in Russia until recently were allergic to the word “liturgy.” Yet today churches across Russia are putting together these services.
Needless to say, Moscow Bible Church was not an exception to this rule. We held our special “Liturgy of Shadows” service at St. Peter and Paul. Clips from “Jesus” film were shown on the dome of the cathedral as various pieces from Bach were performed by award winning celloist and organist. The cathedral was jam packed with our friends, colleagues and relatives who heard the Good News of Christ’s redeeming death. For some it was their very first time in church and I hope that many of them will join us for an Easter service tomorrow.
Yours in praying and hastening the day of revival in Moscow and Russia,
Constantin and Alexandra
PS Now you did not think I was talking about March Madness when you read the subject of this e-mail did you?
THREE PRAYER REQUESTS:
Please join us in praying for God:
- To show us a new place of worship and to grow our church as we move to a new place. Just as we were ready to sign the paperwork and to finalize our move to a new place everything fell through this past week. The group that wanted to sublet us their space pulled out of that location altogether and on Tuesday we were left scrambling trying to find something else. Therefore your prayers are much appreciated for us right now. Especially this coming Tuesday as I will have an important meeting about a possible location for our church.
- To bless our Easter service. Please pray especially for those who came to a Good Friday service to come back on Easter.
- To bring peace to Ukraine and Russia. Moreover, ask God to use this conflict by bringing reconciliation and revival to both countries.
