Orthodox Christians celebrate Ash Wednesday, which is the day before Easter. In fact, Ash Wednesday is one of the most important days of the year, as it marks the beginning of the Holy Week. The week is marked by special holidays including Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter. For a lot of people, the week can be overwhelming with the multitude of events and festivals that are associated with it. So how can you be prepared for this hectic week?
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Good Friday
Good Friday is a religious holiday that is celebrated by Orthodox Christians. It is a day that commemorates the death of Jesus. Traditionally, this is a holiday that is celebrated by the Roman Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox and the Protestants. The holiday is also called the Bank Holiday, which means that most banks, shops and government offices are closed.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent, a season of fasting and repentance that concludes on Easter Sunday. On Ash Wednesday, Catholics and Protestants mark the beginning of this 40-day period of penance and preparation.
During the Lenten season, some churches will observe a strict Lenten fast, including abstinence from meat. There are also prayers and almsgiving.
In Orthodox Christianity, a service called the Tenebrae is held on Good Friday. This service consists of a series of readings and is often taken from the Book of Lamentations. These readings are followed by the extinguishing of the candle, and people leave the church in the darkness.
Palm Sunday
Palm Sunday is one of the most important Christian holidays. It marks the final week of Lent and the beginning of Holy Week. On this day, many Christians celebrate the triumphal entry of Christ into Jerusalem.
It is also a good time for reflection and prayer. This is why some churches hold night vigils. Throughout the week, many believers practice repentance and self-examination. During Holy Week, Christians take on various practices that will help them to prepare for the resurrection of Jesus.
One practice involves burning palm leaves. The ashes are then smeared on the forehead as a sign of the cross. A blessing is often included. Other practices involve braiding palm fronds into crosses.
While many people think that Palm Sunday is simply a celebration of the arrival of Christ into Jerusalem, it actually marks the start of His Passion. Many churches will have a Palm Sunday mass. There will usually be a responsive passage of Scripture, which will tell the story of the passion of Jesus.
Holy Week
Orthodox Christians do not celebrate Ash Wednesday during Holy Week. However, they do celebrate Lent. During Lent, Christians practice repentance and spiritual discipline. The 40 day season ends on Easter Sunday.
Many Western and Eastern Christian denominations observe Lent. Lent includes fasting, prayer, and self-examination. Catholics and Orthodox Christians fast from meat on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Some churches allow a small amount of food after sunset. In addition, some denominations hold meals with Seder rituals.
A Christian’s Lenten fast involves abstinence from all meat, fish, and dairy products. During this time, Christians focus on the sacrifice of Christ and are prepared to celebrate the resurrection on Easter.
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent. On Ash Wednesday, Christians are reminded of their mortality. Traditionally, a cross is drawn on a person’s forehead. Often, the person is instructed to repeat, “Repent and believe the gospel.” Afterwards, the person is blessed with ashes.
Easter
Easter is an important holiday in the Orthodox Christian tradition. It celebrates the resurrection of Christ. Traditionally, Christians believe that Easter is a time of rebirth, joy, and new life.
During Holy Week, Christians attend church services, celebrate Passover, and observe Lent. During Lent, they fast from certain foods and participate in prayers. Normally, Lent lasts 40 days. This period is a time to reflect on one’s relationship with God and to prepare for Christ’s return.
For Eastern Christians, the first day of the Easter season is known as Palm Sunday. Typically, two church services take place on this day. These services are held in the morning and afternoon. Some churches also hold a candlelight procession on this day.
After the Vespers, the Church celebrates the Resurrection. The Church services are followed by a feast. Usually, the feast is accompanied by roasted lamb, red wine, and sweet Easter bread, Tsoureki Paschalino.
