[Martin Tell]

I understand completely the desire to avoid those two services. These are the only two Divine Liturgies (I am Eastern Orthodox) of the year that I dread, God forgive me. To paraphrase Yogi Berra, "It's so crowded nobody goes to those services anymore." I should be happy that the parish is so packed, but I have a touch of fear of crowds (agoraphobia?) and I get very nervous.

Also, (God forgive me again), I find myself judging, "why don't all these folks come for other services, not many of them are out-of-towners..."

We are in the middle of Holy Week, so I am making a determined effort to attend as many services as I can (it's never crowded during the Week!), and pray for strength to have a go-with-flow attitude come Saturday night. The Easter Homily of St. John Chrysostom is very helpful for keeping a welcoming spirit to those who arrive at the "Eleventh Hour."

[arielguard]

It’s good to see there is at least one other EO still lurking on the FR. I always take Holy Week off in order to attend all the services. On Pascha its standing room only and I (like you) struggle to not judge all these people who suddenly appear and line up for the eucharist. The challenge is good for the soul.