Holy Week Guide

The Presanctified Liturgy is served Monday morning (Holy Communion from gifts consecrated the previous Sunday). Bridegroom Matins is served Monday evening. The priest processes with the icon of Christ the Bridegroom while the choir sings ‘Behold, the Bridegroom comes at midnight.’ The evening service lasts about 60 to 90 minutes.

Pray your regular morning and evening prayers. Read Matthew 21:18–43 (the cursing of the fig tree and the parable of the tenants). Fast strictly: no meat, dairy, fish, wine, or oil.

The Presanctified Liturgy is served Tuesday morning. Bridegroom Matins again, Tuesday evening. The parables of the Ten Virgins and the Talents are read. The Hymn of Kassiani (about the sinful woman who anointed Christ’s feet) is sung.

Pray your regular prayers. Read Matthew 24:3–35 (the signs of the end). Continue the strict fast.

Bridegroom Matins for the last time, Wednesday evening. Some parishes also serve Holy Unction (anointing with oil for healing of soul and body). The Presanctified Liturgy may be served in the morning.

Pray your regular prayers. This is the last day of Presanctified Liturgy until next Lent. Continue the strict fast.

The Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil is served Thursday morning (commemorating the Mystical Supper). Thursday EVENING is the Service of the Twelve Passion Gospels, one of the most powerful services of the year. Twelve Gospel readings trace the events from the Last Supper through the Crucifixion and Burial. Bring a candle; at the end, you carry the flame home.

If you cannot attend the Twelve Gospels service, read the 12 passages at home. Find all twelve readings under Friday (Matins of Holy Friday). Use the next-day arrow, or open the notice on Thursday’s main screen. Wine and oil are permitted today.

Royal Hours in the morning (short, readings from all four Gospels). Vespers and the Unnailing from the Cross in the afternoon (the body of Christ is taken down from the cross). Friday evening: the Lamentations are sung around the Epitaphios (burial shroud of Christ). A procession carries the shroud around the church.

This is the strictest fast day of the year. Traditionally, no food is eaten until evening (or as your priest directs). Spend the day in quiet reflection. If you can attend only one service, attend the Lamentations on Friday evening.

The Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil is served Saturday morning. This is one of the most theologically rich services of the year: 15 Old Testament readings trace God’s salvation history. Then, near the end, the priest changes vestments from dark to white, and the first ‘Christ is Risen’ is sung quietly. Saturday NIGHT is the Paschal Midnight Service (see Pascha Preparation).

Prepare for tonight. The midnight service may last 2 to 4 hours. Wine is permitted today. Learn ‘Christ is Risen’ if you have not already.

The midnight service begins Saturday night (usually 11 PM). The church goes dark. All lights are extinguished. A procession goes outside. The Gospel of the Resurrection is read. The doors open. ‘Christ is Risen’ explodes from every voice. The Paschal Liturgy follows. After the service: feasting, celebration, and the Paschal greeting.

The fast is over. Feast. Celebrate. Greet everyone you meet with ‘Christ is Risen!’ and they will respond ‘Indeed He is Risen!’ This is the happiest day of the Orthodox year.