Midnight...Why?

[Shiranui117]

My girlfriend is still new to Orthodoxy and wanted to know why "such an important service is held at such an inaccessible time".

Any help explaining it would be appreciated,.

I am an American college student who's generally up until 2-3 AM anyway. Going to church beats the heck out of screwing around on the internet

 

[Kristos]

I actually know some Orthodox people who don't go because it's too late...I'm like - are you mental??? It's the most joyous celebration of the year!!! Obviously, they don't see it that way and that makes me sad and also bewildered. Why do I see it that why and they don't? I have some ideas, but it just makes me sad again...

 

[ArmyMatt]

I think that's part of what makes Pascha so amazing. you are tired, hungry, thirsty, everything is dark and somber, and then all of a sudden you are flooded with light and joy and peace when "Christ is risen!" is first said by the priest. it is, in my opinion, the best example of what Tolkien called a eucatastrophy (for you rus).