Holy Week in the Orthodox Church: A Journey of Reflection and Renewal

Holy Week is the pinnacle of the liturgical year in the Orthodox Church, a time of intense spiritual preparation, prayer, and reflection. It is a week of profound significance, marked by solemn services and deeply moving rituals that invite the faithful to enter into the passion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. From Palm Sunday to Pascha, each day of Holy Week brings us closer to the mystery of Christ’s saving work and offers an opportunity for spiritual renewal.

Palm Sunday: The Triumphal Entry

On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, where He was greeted by the crowds waving palm branches, proclaiming Him as the King who comes in the name of the Lord. In the Orthodox Church, this day is celebrated with the procession of palm branches (or willows), symbolizing both Christ's victory over sin and death and the faithful's desire to honor Him as the true King.

Palm Sunday sets the tone for Holy Week, reminding us of Christ's kingship, but also foreshadowing the suffering He will endure. The Divine Services of Palm Sunday reflect both joy and sorrow as we prepare for the events of the coming days.

Holy Monday and Tuesday: The Parables and the Call to Watchfulness

On Holy Monday and Tuesday, the focus shifts to Christ’s teachings through the parables. These days remind the faithful of the need for vigilance and repentance. The parables of the ten virgins and the talents are read, encouraging us to prepare spiritually for the coming of the Lord. The Church urges us to reflect on our lives, examine our hearts, and make a renewed commitment to live according to God's commandments.

These days also introduce us to the figure of the “Bridegroom,” a title given to Christ in His role as the Bridegroom of the Church, whose coming is heralded by the faithful in anticipation.

Holy Wednesday: The Anointing and the Betrayal

Holy Wednesday marks two key events: the anointing of Jesus by a woman with expensive ointment, symbolizing the preparation for His burial, and the betrayal of Judas. The contrast between love and betrayal is stark on this day. The faithful are called to reflect on their own relationships with Christ, pondering whether they too are loyal or if, in moments of weakness, they betray Him like Judas.

The sacrament of Holy Unction, where the faithful are anointed for healing, is also celebrated in many parishes on Holy Wednesday, providing an opportunity for physical and spiritual renewal.

Holy Thursday: The Last Supper and the Institution of the Eucharist

Holy Thursday is one of the most sacred days of Holy Week. The Church commemorates the Mystical (Last) Supper, where Jesus shared His final meal with His disciples and instituted the mystery of the Holy Eucharist. The Orthodox Church holds a Divine Liturgy on Holy Thursday morning to commemorate this event, followed by the evening service, which recalls Christ’s betrayal, arrest, and His prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

The solemnity of the evening service leads us into the agony of Christ’s passion. The faithful are called to enter into the emotions of the disciples, feeling both the joy of the Eucharist and the sorrow of the impending crucifixion.

Holy Friday: The Passion and Death of Christ

Holy Friday is the most somber day of Holy Week, as the Orthodox Church commemorates the Passion and Crucifixion of our Lord, God and Savior Jesus Christ. The day is marked by the reading of the twelve Passion Gospels, which recount the events leading to Jesus' death. The faithful are invited to participate in the Vespers service in the afternoon, followed by the procession of the Epitaphios (Burial Shroud), the symbolic burial of Christ.

On this day, the Church calls the faithful to stand in silent reverence before the mystery of Christ’s suffering and death. It is a time of deep reflection on the magnitude of God’s love for mankind, manifested in His willingness to die for the salvation of the world.

Holy Saturday: The Descent into Hades and the Anticipation of the Resurrection

Holy Saturday is a day of waiting and anticipation. In the morning, the Church commemorates Christ’s descent into Hades, where He frees the righteous from the realm of death. After the epistle reading, we chant: “Arise, O God, judge the earth! For You will have an inheritance in all the nations.” This underscores the anticipation we feel on this day.

The evening service, known as the Paschal Vigil, is the highlight of Holy Saturday. It begins in darkness, symbolizing the tomb, and the faithful gather in anticipation of the glorious Paschal service. At midnight, we begin the Paschal Matins, where we sing the hymns of the Resurrection, proclaiming, “Christ is Risen!” This marks the beginning of Pascha, the celebration of Christ’s triumph over death.