Forest Hills Churches Open Doors For Easter Week

Easter is an extremely holy time for Christians. It commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of the religion's savior, Jesus Christ, and it marks the end of Lent, the 40-day period of fasting and penitence.

Though Christians throughout the world respect and honor the holiday, there are many different ways to celebrate Easter. Some believers sing praises, while others prefer praying in silence. Some light candles, while others like to worship in total darkness.

This diversity will be on display in Forest Hills over the next few days, as local religious institutions observe the holiday. We've compiled a list with a few options for locals who want to get into the spirit.

For this year’s festivities will have a special flavor, as it is the first Easter since an armed robbery took place at the main facility at 103-15 Union Tpke. on April 4.

Pastor Jeanne Warfield informs of two Holy Thursday (aka Maundy Thursday) communions: one at 10:30 a.m.; the other at 8 p.m. with a "stripping of the altar," in which all items are taken away from altar except the cross and candlesticks.

At 2 p.m. on Good Friday, Pastor Warfield will facilitate a solemn service in which participants will pray, chant prayers and strive to experience the depth of divine love for all creation. At 8 p.m., church-goers will remember the last moments of Christ’s life by walking the Way of the Cross (aka Stations of the Cross or Via Crucis). The event will feature readings, songs and prayers connecting the challenges of current life with the cross the Christ bore.

Grace Lutheran will join an Easter vigil on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, which is located at Dry Harbor Road and Juniper Valley Road in Middle Village. The Sunday Easter service will begin at 10:30 a.m. with music and song.

Meanwhile over in Forest Hills Gardens, will celebrate the “Triduum” or the Three Days of Christian Passover.

On Maundy Thursday, the 85 Greenway South church will offer at quiet supper at 6:15 p.m., followed by a Holy Eucharist with a footwashing ceremony and stripping of the altar.

On Good Friday, St. Luke's will host a Noon Solemn Liturgy, meaning that the church will be open until 3 p.m. for silent prayer and spiritual counsel. At 7:30 p.m., there will be The Way of the Cross with a reading of St. John’s Passion, psalms and hymns.

On Saturday at 7:30 p.m., St. Luke’s will hold an Easter vigil, and attendees are asked to bring bells to ring and food to share afterward. A new member of the church will be baptized then.

The Easter Reception will begin at 10:30 on Sunday. Immediately after the service, there will be an egg hunt.

, a house of worship with Pilgrim roots located at 50 Ascan Avenue, will hold a Good Friday service at 7:30 p.m. and two Easter Sunday services: one at 9 a.m.; the other at 11 a.m.

 which has Scottish roots and is located at 70-35 112th Street, will have an Easter Sunday service at 11 a.m.

Ascension Presbyterian Church will hold its annual EasterFest, Sunday
April 24 at EasterFest 2011 begins at 10:30 a.m. with an Easter message from Pastor Michael Kytka and music from The Ascension Band.

There will be a Children’s Easter Story Bible Time during the service. Activities
beginning at 12:30 include an Easter Egg Hunt, craftmaking stations, face painting and refreshments. Admission wristband is $5 for activities, but complimentary for children attending the Easter Service before 11:00. For more information: 718-575-0024 or info@ascensionforesthills.org.

is hosting Easter Sunday services from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. The church is located at 60 Greenway Terrace in Forest Hills Gardens. 

Catholics have two pilgrimage sites.

will organize a Stations of the Cross event at 1 p.m. on Good Friday. The 110-06 Queens Boulevard house of worship will hold a Saturday Mass at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday Masses at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

The neighborhood's other Catholic institution, , will hold a Holy Thursday Simple Mass at 8:30 a.m., a Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30 p.m. and Eucharistic Adoration at the Repository until Night Prayer at 10 p.m.

On Good Friday, there will be a morning prayer session at 9 a.m. at the 70-01 Kessel Street church. At 1 p.m., the priest will lead the Stations of the Cross, followed by a Communion Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 3 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.

On Holy Saturday, Mercy will hold a morning prayer service with the Blessing of Foods at 10 a.m. There will be confessions from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and a Solemn Easter Vigil Service and Mass beginning at 8 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, Mercy will hold Masses at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon, but not at 6 p.m. as is usually scheduled.