Easter 2017 Jonathan Ballenger attended the Russian Orthodox Church in Dallas with Lee Magness. The service starts inside the Church around 11:30 PM in semi-darkness with symbolic covering of Jesus’ casket, then everyone lights their candle, all lights are extinguished and everyone leaves the Church with candles lit, the doors are shut while the people follow the priests in procession singing 3 times around the Church perimeter (in Dallas neighborhood). Stopping at the entrance the Priest knocks on the door, opens and proclaims “He is Risen!” to which the Congregation responds in Russian, English and Greek, “He is Risen Indeed!” All enter the Church and remain standing for the remainder of the Easter Liturgy (about 3 plus hours more or less).
 
At the conclusion, the Fast is broken and all get their food (Easter Baskets) blessed by the Priest and enjoy in fellowship – children and aged included. Jonathan honored my family’s Russian Heritage as well as his Sister Lexi’s by attending and completing this service, receiving a special Blessing from the Orthodox Priest then driving 3 hours back to Abilene, Texas and arriving at sunrise 7 AM.
 
“Jonathan was a real blessing, always followed my directions and requests with respect and a smile on his face. I will never forget his willingness to learn about other peoples, religions and cultures especially as he sought to draw near unto the Lord”