Candlelight Easter Vigil at a Greek Orthodox Church- A Poem

As mentioned in my latest post, I had the wonderful opportunity last weekend to attend an Easter vigil at a Greek Orthodox church. And, for my poetry writing class, I ended up writing a poem about it. I thought I would share it here, and that someone may appreciate it. So, here it is.

Candlelight Easter Vigil at a Greek Orthodox Church

Christ gazes down on me,

an icon on the domed ceiling

and the room goes dark,

like His tomb.

The gathered saints hold candles,

illuminating their worship,
reflecting from the angelic

robes of the priests.

A chant echoes prayerfully:
“Kyrie eleison,

Christe eleison”

Lord have mercy,
Christ have mercy.

I smell the rose petals and
bay leaves, strewn across

the floor, left over from
a ritual this morning

The scent of melting beeswax

mingles with the incense smoke

as it floats, with a blessing

toward the believers.

This place smells like

it is truly a house of prayer