Remember—Kids Like to Stay Up Late

Apr 03, 2009 by Fr Luke Palumbis

Remember—Kids Like to Stay Up Late!

prior to 7:00 pm Day Full of Anticipation (fueled and supported by parents)
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm Nap Time
9:00 pm - 10:15 pm Preparation Time
10:15 pm - 11:00 pm Commute
11:00 pm Early Arrival at Church

This is the schedule I remember from childhood, on each and every Holy Saturday, as we prepared for the midnight service, to celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. 

My parents struggled each evening throughout the year to get me to go to bed at a prescribed time.  Being the youngest, I typically thought I knew what was best, especially when it came to my own interests, and bed-time was a particular area of concern.  I tried to bargain for any and all opportunities to stay up late, and remember a few victories along the way; however, as the years have passed, I don’t remember the reasons for any of the negotiations.  Was it a late showing of the Wizard of Oz, perhaps Oregon State University was playing an evening game that went into overtime, or were we visiting with family or friends into the late hours?  I don’t remember.

What I do remember, down to the day’s schedule, was when I was encouraged to stay up late, even given a nap ahead of time to support the late hours, so that I could experience the Resurrection service, Holy Saturday evening.  My parents took the natural will of a child, to stay up late, and used it to teach me an important lesson—my presence at the Resurrection service, and receiving Holy Communion on Pascha is important and a priority!  I can not remember ever missing a Resurrection Service past my toddler years.  Even if I was asleep in the pew next to my mother, I was there, and the lesson was learned.  I don’t believe that at 7 years old, I understood the service, but what I understand now is that my parents taught me the importance of the Resurrection, because even though it must have been difficult on them; putting a child to sleep early, waking them up, getting 4 kids dressed, climbing into the car, and driving 40 minutes to Church for a midnight service—they made it happen, and in retrospect, showed me how much they loved me, by making Christ, and His Resurrection an exceptional priority in my life.

I eagerly anticipate to see the fruits of such loving parenting at Saint Basil’s later this month as we celebrate the Lord’s Resurrection, beginning at 11:15 pm, April 18, Holy Saturday.  Make the Resurrection of our Lord an exception and a priority in the life of your family—as God has made you a priority in His.

Thank you mom and dad, and to all of the faithful at Saint Basil’s, Kali Anastasi!