Passion Week has begun
Orthodox Christians enter today, April 10, into the Passion Week, the strictest of the Lenten period. During this period, parishioners keep a strict fast, may receive Holy Communion several times, thus preparing spiritually for Easter. During this week, services are held every day, each day signifying a new step taken by the Savior on his way to crucifixion and Resurrection, IPN reports.
According to the Church, during the last seven days of Lent, Jesus Christ was sold by Judas, suffered terrible pains and died for the forgiveness of people's sins. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays the Mass of the Sacred Gifts is celebrated in churches.
On Mondays, parishioners are reminded of the unripe fig tree, which symbolises the people of Israel. Also on this day, the churches are reminded of Joseph the fair-faced, who was sold by his 12 brothers in Egypt. On Tuesday, churches remember the ten virgins who came to Jesus Christ. Five of them came with oil in their candles and met the Saviour. While the other five virgins could not enjoy their encounter with Christ because they went to buy oil for their candles.
In Passion Week, on Wednesdays we remember the memory of an unchaste woman who anointed Jesus Christ with myrrh when he entered the house of Simon the leper. This woman is said to have washed the Savior's feet with tears. For her deed, Christ forgave all the woman's sins.
On Thursday, also known as Maundy Thursday, the Last Supper is celebrated. This day also commemorates the fact that Jesus washed the feet of his disciples. The 12 Holy Gospels are read, which are also kept for Good Friday. Good Friday is the day on which the Saviour Jesus Christ was crucified. There is no liturgy on this morning of Passion Week. Christians go to church to listen to the psalms. Friday of Passion Week is a black fast day, a day when parishioners eat nothing during the day but bread and water after sunset.
On Saturday morning the last Mass is celebrated and at 12 noon the Resurrection begins. On this night Orthodox Christians are expected to come to church to take light from the Haric Fire brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. The holy light will be carried from the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Nativity of the Lord in the capital to churches in all parts of the country.
Orthodox Christians celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ on Sunday 16 April, one of the most important church holidays.
