Holy Week or Passion Week - is the last week before Easter, which is dedicated to the last days of Jesus' life on earth. Each day of the week called the Great and has a certain tradition.
Last week before Easter Sunday Christ no longer belongs to the Lent, however, limits even stricter than in the post. This week is not honored, no service is not carried out the sacraments of baptism or wedding, only a special service dedicated to the preparation for Easter. If you have not fasted, then in the last week before the holiday is still necessary to adhere to certain rules and restrictions, to cleanse your body and soul. How are called the days of Holy Week and what they mean?
great Monday
Chin chrism / istockphoto.com
On Great Monday at the church service recall the story of the patriarch Joseph in the Old Testament, whose brothers sold into slavery, and the curse of the barren fig tree Jesus Christ. Also on this day it begins a special procedure, which takes place only once a year - the rank of chrism. Miro - a special aromatic oil, which is used in the sacrament of baptism. It is cooked from a mixture of 50 different oils, herbs and resins for three days, while reading a special prayer.
great Tuesday
On this day, during the service tell the story of how Jesus spoke to the people in the temple of Jerusalem, his disciples parables, his miracles and the Last Judgment.
On this day, women wash clothes and cook for the whole family, in which they will go to the Easter holiday service.
Great Wednesday
As the Bible says on this day Judas betrayed Jesus for 30 pieces of silver, so the Bible the story is retold in the temples, as well as remember the sinful woman who washed the feet of the Savior and anointed them world. On this day, all believers definitely need to confess.
On Wednesday, the start of preparation for Easter, cleaning is carried out in the house, the hostess is selected for krashanok eggs and Easter eggs, preparing ingredients for baking Easter cakes.
Maundy Thursday (Holy Thursday)
When baking cakes 2019 / istockphoto.com
On this day, a special service is held, which read very long prayer dedicated to Jesus Christ - "Twelve Gospels". People need to stand up the whole service with candles and bring it to fire home. Also on this day the faithful take communion.
In Maundy Thursday in the morning you need to wash and tidy up the house, as preparations begin for a bright holiday: women bake cakes, paint eggs.
Good Friday (Good Friday)
Good Friday - a day of mourning, laziness, when Jesus was condemned and crucified. The service is dedicated to the memories of the sufferings of the Savior on the cross. In this day of the altar take out the Shroud - the image of Christ lying in the coffin, and people bow before her.
Holy Saturday
On Saturday the priests tell us about how Jesus Christ was buried, and his stay in the grave. In the service of the priests wear white robes, indicating the approach of a light holiday of Christ's Resurrection.
The evening service the faithful bring cakes, colored eggs, which are sanctified. The Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem Holy Fire descends. Orthodox Christians greet Bright Easter holiday.
Also you will be interested to know that that absolutely can not do women on Good Friday
