If you are wondering if you can be an orthodox saint, then you’re not alone. This question often arises among believers who are trying to live holy lives. This article will discuss the different aspects of observing Sunday, Saturday, and Friday. In addition, we will also discuss why it is important for Christians to observe these days.
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Observing Sunday
Observing Sunday for Orthodox saints is a tradition that originated in the early Church. According to Scripture and Tradition, Sunday is the Lord’s Day, the day on which Christ rose from the dead. It is the day on which we remember those who have gone before us, as well as those who have not yet.
The Orthodox Church celebrates these saints as “friends of God.” Their grace-filled lives pleased God, sanctified them in both body and soul, and allowed them to enter into eternal life. As a result, they are granted the power to pray for those who remain on earth. Their example serves as a role model for Orthodox believers today.
Observing Saturday
Observing Saturday for orthodox saints is important to the Orthodox church. It commemorates the day when Christ rested in the tomb. As we read in the Bible, this day is celebrated by Christians as the Lord’s Day. During the Holy Week, Orthodox Christians strive to forget their earthly concerns and focus on the central mysteries of their faith.
The church darkens on this day, which symbolizes the darkness of the world without the hope of Christ. Historically, people were frightened to go out in the dark, so the church became a safe haven for them. In addition, candles are lit as the hour draws near and church bells ring at midnight to represent Christ’s resurrection.
In addition to fasting on Saturday, Orthodox Christians also fast during Holy Week. The fasting period is generally 40 days, with the strictest fast occurring four days before the Nativity. Orthodox Christians are advised to abstain from meat and dairy on this day. However, there are some exceptions.
During this time, many people flock to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, where the remains of Jesus Christ are buried. On this day, they attend a sacred liturgy where they hold candles in front of an icon called the Epitaphios. This icon is a richly decorated cloth icon, and is a symbol of Christ’s victory over death.
Observing Friday
In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Friday is considered a day of fasting, so it is common to avoid eating or drinking on this day. Many Orthodox churches begin observing Friday on Thursday evening. Observing Friday for orthodox saints involves a liturgy, which includes reading the twelve gospel sections, which are accounts of the passion of Jesus Christ. On this day, some priests also remove the icon of Jesus from the cross and wrap it in linen.
Friday is the most important day of the week, followed by Wednesday. However, fasting for Orthodox saints does not necessarily have to take place on these two days of the week. Observing Friday for orthodox saints is part of the preparations for Easter. While Friday is not a federal holiday in the United States, parking may be restricted near liturgies.
The Orthodox church also observes Good Friday on the Julian calendar. Although this calendar is more modern, the Orthodox church still uses it as a reference for the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Thus, this day is also called as Great and Holy Friday. The clergy, for example, don’t wear white or red vestments on this day, but instead wear black or white robes.
The Eastern Orthodox Church also celebrates Great Lent as a time of forgiveness, beginning with clean Friday of the sixth week. The Sundays of lent also have special commemorations. The first Sunday is Orthodox Sunday, the second Sunday is St. Gregory of Palamas’ Sunday, and the third Sunday is St. John the ladder. On the fifth Sunday, St. Mary of Egypt is commemorated. Finally, on the eighth Sunday, Lazarus is raised from the dead.
