What happened day by day during Holy Week can be read in detail in the four Gospels, plus, if a person goes to church on these days, then at the sermons after the service one can learn a lot of interesting things about those events, as well as gain a deeper understanding of their interpretation.
This strict week of fasting is dedicated to the memories of the last days of the Savior’s earthly life, his suffering, crucifixion on the Cross, death and then burial. Each day of Holy Week is considered majestic and important. These days are perceived in Christianity as Divine holiday, which is illuminated by salvation through suffering and death. On these days there are no remembrance services, no prayers are sung, and no liturgy is held on Good Friday.
Since the time of the apostles, this week has been especially revered by Christians. At the very beginning there was no long seven-week fast on the eve of the holiday, but strict fast Holy Week was established and strictly observed even then. This time, if you approach each day correctly, is filled with experiences, contemplation and sorrow.
What happened during the days of Holy Week
Maundy Monday
On this day they remember the Old Testament story about Patriarch Joseph the Beautiful. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery in Egypt, but Joseph was still able to live a good life and help the Egyptian people. Also on this day, they remember the withering that Jesus Christ spent on a fig tree covered with rich greenery. This plant has many leaves, but does not produce fruit.
In the same way, the scribes and Pharisees clearly presented their piety, but in fact they did not believe in the Lord and did not live according to the instructions of God. Likewise, the soul of a person who only outwardly believes will not bear spiritual fruit.
Maundy Tuesday
The Gospel records how on this day the Lord God Jesus Christ, already in Jerusalem, denounced the scribes and Pharisees. In the Jerusalem Temple, Jesus told parables and had conversations with ordinary people. He's a story about the future resurrection of the dead, about the Last Judgment.
Also on this day, Mary is remembered, who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. Judas on this day in the Jerusalem Temple showed great concern for the poor, revealing his compassion and already in the evening of that day he decided to sell Christ for thirty silver coins. At that time, with that kind of money it was only possible to buy a small piece of land near Jerusalem.
Great Wednesday
On this day of Passion Week, they remember the betrayal of Judas Iscariot. At the liturgy on this day, the prayer is said for the last time. St. Ephraim Sirina. It is believed that this is the prayer that the laity should read every day throughout Lent.
Maundy Thursday
People know that this Thursday is also called Thursday, and you can prepare Thursday salt. But what exactly gospel events are remembered on this day? The Last Supper took place - the last supper of Jesus with his disciples, where he spoke about the fact that betrayal had already been completed and his arrest would take place tomorrow.
Good Friday
The most terrible day is the trial of Jesus Christ, his crucifixion and death on Krsete. In the morning the 12th Gospel of the Holy Passion of Christ is read, in the evening the shroud is taken to the center of the temple. From this day until the end of the Easter service, according to strict church regulations, clergy must abstain from food.
Holy Saturday
Memories on this day are dedicated to the burial of Jesus Christ, his stay in the tomb. On this day, the soul of Jesus descended into hell in order to proclaim the victory of life over death and save sinful souls from suffering. Services begin early in the morning and continue throughout the day until Easter midnight.
These are the exact events that took place during Holy Week more than two thousand years ago, when the Savior lived and walked the earth, professed Christianity and gave people freedom from sins, hope for future life. During Holy Week, every Christian believer should try to lead a righteous life, give up entertainment, go to church or pray fervently at home. We hope that this period of fasting will be useful to you as a strong and correct spiritual preparation on the eve of the joyful holiday of Easter.
The events of Holy Week are described in detail in the four Gospels. Also, visiting any temple during the last week of Pentecost, a believer can hear a story from the priest martyrdom Jesus Christ and subsequent Resurrection. This way you can understand more deeply sacred meaning biblical events and their significance for all Christians.
History of Holy Week
At the dawn of Christianity, it was not Easter that was celebrated, but Friday of the Cross. For nearly 300 years, believers have gathered together to remember last days which the Savior spent on the land of Judea. These days it was customary to forgive one’s enemies, free slaves and follow all the precepts of Christianity. But the main event was considered the crucifixion of the Son of God.
Fact! The only problem was that each community had its own rules. Meetings of Christians often turned into serious theological disputes. Each adhered to his own point of view, without listening to his brothers.
In 326 the First Ecumenical Council took place. The church hierarchy decided to put an end to the controversy. It was then that it was decided by the whole world to celebrate Bright Sunday of Christ. Holy Week, in turn, turned into the eve of Easter.
Meaning of days
Each of the six days of Holy Week is considered holy or great. The first half of the week after Forgiveness Sunday is dedicated to human sins, which the Savior had to atone for. On Thursday night, lamentation begins, dedicated to the suffering of Jesus and his death:
1. Holy Monday. On this day, the laity begin preparations for Easter. Food is eaten only twice so that worldly things do not distract from the spiritual. On this day, churches hold services dedicated to two events. The first is the sale of the Old Testament Joseph by his own brothers into Egyptian slavery. The second is Jesus’ curse on the barren fig tree, which is a symbol of the soul that has forgotten the path to God.
2. Holy Tuesday. Continuing preparations for the holiday, the laity will once again plunge into the world of biblical legends. Maundy Tuesday is the day of repetition of Jesus' sermons in the Jerusalem Temple. Believers remember how the scribes and Pharisees were exposed. On the same day, Mary washed the Savior’s feet.
3. Passion Wednesday. In churches, for the last time, you can hear the prayer of St. Ephraim the Syrian, which believers must read every day of Lent. The services are dedicated to the betrayal of Judas Iscariot and the rite of anointing performed by a sinner over the body of the dead Jesus.
4. Maundy Thursday. After this day, cleaning the house is prohibited. Temple services on this day are very busy. Clergy need to remind the laity of the Last Supper and Christ’s washing of the feet of his disciples. The meaning of the prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane is also explained, which showed the duality of the nature of the will of the Son of the Lord, uniting the human with the divine. The full depth of Judas Iscariot's betrayal is also revealed.
5. Friday of the Cross. This is a day of mourning, on which it is not customary to eat food until the Shroud of Jesus Christ is taken out. At the church service, the 12 Gospels about the Passion of Christ will be read, and the crucifixion of the Son of God on Calvary will be told.
6. Annunciation. Holy Saturday commemorates Jesus' time in the tomb. It is believed that at this time his soul went through hell, saving sinners from torment. Laymen are advised to spend the entire day in the temple without eating food until the end of the midnight service.
On Saturday Lent and Holy Week are ending. The laity, having endured all the trials and prepared for Easter, can finally relax. On Sunday, immediately after the service and the blessing of Easter cakes, the breaking of the fast begins. Christians all over the world celebrate a great event - the Resurrection of the Lord.
Important! After reminders of all the suffering that the Savior endured in the last days of his earthly existence, people rejoice that the Kingdom of Heaven awaits Him, like all people. This good news covers all the difficulties that the laity have to go through during Lent and Holy Week.
It is precisely for a more complete understanding of the meaning of Easter that one needs to abstain from light food, limit oneself in pleasures and grow spiritually. Only in this way can a person understand the whole meaning of the torment of Christ and the road to God, opened by the crucifixion on Golgotha and the subsequent resurrection.
In contact with
Classmates
The most important week of the year! Thank you very much, I didn’t know a lot!
There is no more important week of the year for the entire Orthodox world than Holy Week or Holy Week. This week is dedicated to our Lord Jesus Christ: his Great Sacrifice in our name, his pain and crucifixion, writes Anna Kirova.
It is very important to follow the traditions of this week. Let's figure out what you should pay attention to first. Holy Week is the week preceding and including the bright holiday of Easter.
During Holy Week, with the help of prayers (first of all) and different traditions we are preparing to accept the Savior's Suffering on the Cross and the Miracle of His Resurrection.
Holy Week begins on April 2: dos and don'ts by day.So, the daily schedule for Holy Week (what you can and cannot do)
Maundy Monday
On this day, a festive service is held dedicated to the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, whom his envious brothers sold into slavery; also during the service, they remember how the Savior dried up a tree that did not bear fruit. Also on Holy Monday they boil myrrh (special oil) for anointing.
On this day you can still do various work around the house, on the ground, what needs to be repaired. On Good Monday you should avoid even the slightest shadow of envy and condemnation, but if you are envied, bless such a person, then you will do good to both him and yourself.
Maundy Tuesday
On this day, we all remember how the Savior taught people in Jerusalem, and his enemies were afraid to approach him.
On Holy Tuesday it is customary to do general cleaning in the house, complete general washing and ironing.
It is worth avoiding despondency on this day, because our Lord Jesus did not give in to despondency even when he knew that certain death had come. What should we grumble about then?
Starting from Great Wednesday, every Orthodox believer should try to attend, at least for a few minutes, all the services that are performed in the Temple. To Go All the Way with Jesus: The Betrayal of Judas, the Crucifixion and the Resurrection
Great Wednesday
A festive service will be held in all Temples, at which the sacrament of confession will be performed en masse. Each of us should repent and confess our sins on this day.
There is a tradition of throwing away everything unnecessary, all garbage from the house on this day.
Maundy Thursday
On this day we all remember the Last Supper, at which Judas betrayed Jesus. Why is this day popularly called “Maundy Thursday”? This name goes back to the Last Supper: Jesus showed us all an example of the Greatest Humility by washing the feet of all his disciples before the meal began.
Each believer carries a lighted candle from the Temple; it should be kept next to the icons for a year so that troubles will bypass the house.
On Maundy Thursday, you should definitely wash your face before dawn. Also, according to tradition, on this day housewives bake Easter cakes and begin to paint eggs.
Good Friday
This is a very sad day for all Orthodox Christians. It is dedicated to the suffering on the cross and death of our Savior. In the evening, the Shroud is taken out in every Orthodox church.
On this day you cannot do any housework, it is forbidden to swear, sing and listen to joyful songs, dance, etc.
Holy Week is the last week of Lent, a very significant period for Christians.
What is Holy Week?
Holy Week, translated from Church Slavonic, is “the week of suffering,” during which Christians pray intensely, intensify the feats of fasting, and remember the last days of the Savior’s earthly life, his suffering, painful death and burial.
The last week is especially revered by the Orthodox Church. Initially, most Christians did not celebrate Holy Sunday, but Good Friday, or Friday of the Cross. The ancient Christians had many serious disputes about what day to celebrate Great Easter. The final decision was made by the First Ecumenical Council held in 326 AD. From this moment on, Christians celebrate this bright holiday on the Bright Resurrection of Christ.
Even in the time of John Chrysostom, who lived at the turn of the 3rd-4th centuries AD, Christians felt a great desire to be close to Jesus Christ during the last earthly days. Saint John described the exploits that people performed for the sake of their Lord during Holy Week. During these days, showing good behavior and mercy, Christians performed good deeds: they freed chained prisoners from shackles during Holy Week, were lenient towards the sick and holy fools, providing them with all kinds of help, and stopped litigation and disputes. They strove to do good deeds, becoming like their Lord, who suffered torment for the sake of people.
With faith through the centuries
The Orthodox faith grew stronger and developed. Christians of all times continued to honor Holy Week in a special way. Thus, according to the description of contemporaries, the inhabitants of Rus' in the last week before Great Easter made great preparations for the celebration of the main holiday of the year. The common people called Holy Week differently: Great, Holy, Red, Red. The furniture and household utensils in the huts were thoroughly cleaned. The walls and stoves were whitewashed. In the second half of the week, we prepared food for the holiday, painted eggs, and made Easter cakes. Men restored broken household items and set up swings for festivities.
The loud human conversation fell silent - this was especially noticeable in the villages. There were people responsible for observing these rules. The Russians believed that it was during Holy Week that evil spirits of all kinds rejoiced at the suffering of Jesus and went on a wild rampage in their dirty deeds. Also, according to the traditions of the ancient Slavs, it was believed that on the eve of Great Easter the souls of deceased ancestors returned to earth to celebrate this event.
Holy Week by day
All days of Holy Week are special, significant and holy in their own way. Orthodox Church performs services on each of these great days. Every day, special services are held in churches with apostolic, prophetic, evangelical readings and rituals. Divine services of the first three days Passion Week passes solemnly and sadly; these days they lament the sinfulness of human nature. On Wednesday evening, such services, held with Lenten lament, end. Crying of a completely different nature begins. About the suffering and torment of Jesus Christ, who pays with himself for fallen humanity.
Each day of Holy Week is called Great or Passionate. These days we see how church ceremonies combined with folk signs. Holy Week is celebrated day by day as follows.
Maundy Monday
After Forgiveness Sunday before Lent, observance begins strict regimes nutrition. You should eat food twice a day, limiting its volume. On Holy Monday you can start cleaning your house in preparation for the holiday of Great Easter. The Church remembers the Old Testament Patriarch Joseph, who was sold by his brothers. Also cited is Jesus Christ’s curse on the sinful fig tree, which brings neither true repentance, nor prayers, nor faith.
Maundy Tuesday
On this day, we must remember the sermons of Jesus that he preached in the Jerusalem Temple: about tribute to Caesar, about the general resurrection of the dead and about the Last Judgment, about talents and ten virgins. Also on this day, Christ denounced the Pharisees and scribes. In worldly affairs, preparations for the holiday continue.
Great Wednesday
The day of remembrance of the betrayal of Judas Iscariot, who betrayed the Teacher for thirty pieces of silver, of the sinner who prepared Christ for burial by performing the rite of anointing. Home preparations increase the intensity of preparation for Great Easter.
Maundy Thursday
Significant day of Holy Week. Prayers for the Savior. This day is popularly called Maundy Thursday. Every corner of the house should be fully prepared for the holiday. Cleaning up after Maundy Thursday - Bad sign. There is a belief that on this day you can find someone in the house for a long time. lost item. To improve your well-being, it is recommended to add small things to the water with which you are going to wash doors and windows.
Good Friday
A day of special sorrow for all Christians. Day of Christ's crucifixion. No household chores are allowed. You are allowed to bake bread, and you must go to church. You should also refrain from eating until after the church service.
Holy Saturday
This day ends Lent. You need to go to church and bless the prepared Easter cakes and other Easter food. No food is allowed until the end of the night service.
After the end of the religious procession, Great Easter begins.
Great Easter holiday in 2019
In 2019, Great Easter is celebrated on April 28. As in years past, Christianity will celebrate the resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. Accordingly, Holy Week 2019 will be from April 22 to 27.
Leaving all worldly affairs at this time, you should go to church. Attending services during Holy Week allows us, penetrating through the centuries, to be present at the last earthly days of our Savior, to suffer for him, to pray.
It is also necessary to receive communion at this time at least twice: on Maundy Thursday and on Holy Easter.
This year, Holy Week or Holy Week falls from April 2 to April 7.
Strict day of the Greatpostconsidered Good Friday.
This year, Holy Week or Holy Week falls from April 2 to April 7. Then the main church holiday, Easter, will be celebrated on April 8.
The main prohibitions for Holy Week
During Holy Week, only annoyance about food, as well as the rules of Lent, applies. So, April 2-5 are “dry” days, you can only eat bread, vegetables and fruits; April 6 - complete abstinence from food, April 7 - hot food, but without oil.
Maundy Monday - April 2
On this day you need to finish all the housework - painting, repairing, cleaning.
Maundy Tuesday - April 3
On this day it is customary to complete washing, ironing, and repairing clothes.
Great Wednesday - April 4
On this day, the last trash was taken out of the house, eggs and everything needed for coloring were prepared.
Maundy Thursday - April 5
On this day you need to swim before sunrise. It is believed that water on this day has healing properties. On Thursday they also start preparing Easter cakes. Before kneading the dough, you need to pray, cleanse your soul and the space around you, otherwise the cakes may not turn out.
On Maundy Thursday, candles are lit in churches, which you need to save and bring home - this candle will protect your home from fire throughout the year. People also believe that on this day the souls of the righteous return to earth to produce the “Dead Passover.” At night in the church on this day you can see deceased priests and parishioners.
Good Friday - April 6
On Good Friday 2018 you cannot do anything around the house, sing, dance or listen to music. In memory of the torment of Christ, eating food is prohibited. In the evening, during services in the church, the Shroud is taken out.
Holy Saturday - April 7
It is considered the most difficult day for housewives - on this day everything is prepared for the Easter feast. They also continue to paint eggs.
Great Resurrection - Easter
After the end of Lent, when the soul and body are ready to accept the joy of salvation, Great Sunday comes - Easter Day.
Good Friday is considered the strict day of Lent. In 2018 it falls on April 6th. On this day, the bells in churches stop ringing, and believers eat almost nothing. It is believed that it was on Good Friday that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself and was crucified in order to be resurrected three days later and then rise again. To this day, the church recommends housewives to complete preparations for Easter. At the same time, people believe that on Friday it is better to paint eggs and bake Easter cakes.
Before starting work, housewives must read “Our Father”, and then say “Lord, bless” and only then start cooking. There is also another belief associated with baking: delicious and beautiful easter will only happen if no one sees the dough. And while baking, you can’t talk loudly.
Loading...