Echoes of Easter: A Celebration in Verse #1058

Echoes of Easter: A Celebration in Verse In the shadowed passage of time, Where ancient heavens arch and bend, Two paths diverge with sacred hymn, Each to Easter's dawn extend. The Orthodox, with aged Julian chart, Mark later dates with scrolls unfurled, Aligning with Passover's ancient heart, Their liturgies a deep world swirled. Candlelit vigils hold the whispered lore, Jerusalem's Holy Fire softly speaks, In rites that mysteries of faith explore, Amid the echo of the holy week. Across the span, the Protestants recount, With hymns and sermons rising clear, A simpler praise on the mount, The resurrection's joy draw near. Their gatherings vary like spring’s first bloom, Voices blend in the dawn's early light, With tales of an empty tomb, And salvation’s personal, enduring flight. From Lent’s deep fast, the Orthodox feast, Under stars with lamb and eggs to share, While Protestant vigils never ceased, Echoing Jesus’ sacrifice laid bare. Thus, through each prayer and song that’s given, In rituals old and new visions seen, Each tradition finds its own way to heaven, United in the Easter promise, serene. Written by Steven G. Lee (May 3, 2024)