Liturgy & Sacraments
Services & Schedule
Regular Liturgy
Weekly Schedule
Sunday
The Hours
9:20 AM
Preparatory prayers before Liturgy
Divine Liturgy
10:00 AM
In English and Romanian
Friday
Akathist & Confessions
6:00 PM
Hymn to the Theotokos and Holy Confession
Feast Days
Divine Liturgy
10:00 AM
On Great Feasts of the Church
Every Sunday
The Hours 9:20 AM · Divine Liturgy 10:00 AM
All are welcome. The service is celebrated in both English and Romanian. Visitors are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early. Dress modestly out of reverence for the holy place.
Pascha 2026
The Holy Resurrection
The Resurrection of Christ — the Feast of Feasts, the celebration above all celebrations. Each year at Descent of the Holy Ghost, the Resurrection icon is adorned with fresh flowers and placed at the center of the church for the faithful to venerate during Bright Week.
"Christ is Risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life."
Paschal Troparion
The Liturgical Year
Great Feasts of the Church
The Orthodox Church celebrates the Twelve Great Feasts throughout the year, each commemorating a key event in the life of Christ or the Theotokos. Special liturgies are held for each feast.
Theophany (Epiphany)
Blessing of the Waters
Meeting of the Lord
Presentation at the Temple
Annunciation
Archangel Gabriel & the Theotokos
Palm Sunday
Entry into Jerusalem (2026)
Holy Pascha (Easter)
The Feast of Feasts (2026)
Ascension
40 days after Pascha (2026)
Pentecost
Descent of the Holy Ghost (2026)
Transfiguration
Feast of the Lord
Dormition of the Theotokos
Falling Asleep of the Virgin Mary
Nativity of the Theotokos
Birth of the Virgin Mary
Exaltation of the Holy Cross
Universal Elevation
Entrance of the Theotokos
Presentation of Mary at the Temple
Nativity of Christ
Christmas — First Divine Liturgy, 1908
* Dates for moveable feasts (Pascha, Ascension, Pentecost) shown for 2026. Contact the parish for the full liturgical calendar.
Holy Week
The Bridegroom Services
Among the most beautiful and solemn services of the Orthodox year, the Bridegroom Services are celebrated on the evenings of Holy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The church is adorned with white lilies and the faithful gather in the darkness to hear the haunting troparion:
"Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight, and blessed is the servant whom He shall find watching; but unworthy is he whom He shall find heedless..."
At Descent of the Holy Ghost, the carved wooden kouvouklion is beautifully decorated each year, and the Annunciation icon — the Archangel Gabriel appearing to the Theotokos — is visible through the Royal Doors, reminding us that the Incarnation and the Passion are inseparable mysteries.
The Bridegroom Service — Holy Week
Descent of the Holy Ghost · Merrillville, IN
The Holy Mysteries
The Seven Sacraments
The Orthodox Church calls the sacraments "Holy Mysteries" — visible signs of God's invisible grace, through which the faithful are united to Christ and His Church.
Holy Baptism
The door into the Church. Baptism by triple immersion, followed by Chrismation and first Holy Communion. Contact the parish to schedule.
Holy Chrismation
The gift of the Holy Spirit, administered immediately after Baptism. Adults received into Orthodoxy are also Chrismated.
Holy Eucharist
The Body and Blood of Christ, offered at every Divine Liturgy. Orthodox Christians who have prepared through fasting and prayer are welcome to receive.
Holy Confession
The sacrament of repentance and forgiveness. Confession is available before Divine Liturgy or by appointment with the priest.
Holy Matrimony
The crowning of a man and woman in Christ. Couples should contact the parish well in advance to meet with the priest and schedule the ceremony.
Holy Unction
Anointing with blessed oil for the healing of soul and body. Offered to the sick and to the whole congregation during Holy Week.
Holy Orders
The ordination of deacons, priests, and bishops. Administered by a bishop within the life of the Church.
Panakhida (Memorial)
Memorial services for the departed, offered on Saturdays of the Soul and by request. Contact the parish to schedule a memorial.
Holy Baptism
Welcome Into the Body of Christ
Holy Baptism is the door into the Church — the mystery by which a person dies to the old life and is raised to new life in Christ. In the Orthodox tradition, Baptism is administered by triple immersion in the name of the Holy Trinity, followed immediately by Chrismation and first Holy Communion.
Adults received into Orthodoxy are welcomed with the same fullness of the sacramental life. The newly baptized wear white — the garment of light — as a sign of their new life in Christ.
If you are interested in Holy Baptism for yourself or your child, please speak with Fr. Daniel after Divine Liturgy or reach him directly at [email protected].
Contact the Parish →
Holy Baptism at Descent of the Holy Ghost
A new member welcomed into the Body of Christ
Questions About Liturgy or the Sacraments?
We welcome inquiries from visitors, inquirers, and anyone exploring the Orthodox faith. Please don't hesitate to reach out.