In 2023, Orthodox believers will celebrate Easter on April 16, and Catholics on April 9. The difference is due to the use of calendars: the Orthodox celebrate according to the Julian, and the Catholics – according to the Gregorian.
From April 2 to April 7, Holy Week will begin for Catholics. Read about the meaning every day in the material GLOBAL HAPPENINGS.
Palm Sunday
According to the Gospel, a week before the resurrection, Christ entered Jerusalem. People greeted him by lining the paths with palm branches.
The tradition of consecrating willow branches is connected with this. In Ukraine, there is a belief that the consecrated willow has healing properties. From time immemorial, after the divine service, the people lightly beat each other with branches and said: “It’s not me who beats – the willow beats, Easter is in a week.”
Big Monday
April 3 – for Catholics, April 10 – for Orthodox
On Great Monday, Patriarch Joseph is remembered. He, according to Old Testament traditions, was sold into slavery in Egypt. Jesus on that day in Vitania cursed the barren fig tree, which symbolized an unrepentant soul.
Traditionally, on Maundy Monday, they begin to prepare the house for Easter.
Big Tuesday
April 4 – Catholics, April 11 – Orthodox
On the second day of Holy Week, Jesus’ parables about the Last Judgment and the end of the world are remembered. Christ also predicted that he would soon be denied by Peter and betrayed by Judas.
Believers complete household chores, finish embroidering towels for Easter, prepare outfits and tablecloths.
Big Wednesday
April 5 – Catholics, April 12 – Orthodox
According to the New Testament, it was on this day that Judas betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver. It is customary to go to confession in churches.
Ukrainians are starting to cook eggs and paint Easter eggs.
Pure Thursday
April 6 – Catholics, April 13 – Orthodox
On this day, the Secret Supper took place before the crucifixion. Jesus gave the apostles wine and bread, which became a type of the first sacrament of communion.
Believers remember the sufferings of Christ, go to church and take communion. They also start baking Easter cakes.
Thursday is called Clean. The people said that water on this day washes away all sins. General cleaning is carried out in the houses, clothes are washed, windows are washed.
Great (Good) Friday
April 7 – Catholics, April 14 – Orthodox
On this day, Jesus Christ was crucified on Mount Golgotha. Good Friday is a sad day.
In the churches they carry out the shroud – this is the image of Christ lying in the tomb. Some believers refuse to eat on Good Friday until the priests bring out the shroud.
Big Saturday (Lazarus Saturday)
April 8 – Catholics, April 15 – Orthodox
Lazarus Saturday is the last day of Holy Week. It is customary to remember how Jesus resurrected the righteous Lazarus.
On this day, they complete the preparation of the Easter basket and prepare to celebrate Easter. This is the last day of Lent.
Popular bans on Holy Week
It has long been tried to spend the last week before Easter in peace and harmony. They did not quarrel, did not shout, did not commit evil, did not start conflicts. Heavy physical labor was transferred to the post-Easter period.
In Holy Week, weddings and name days were not celebrated and the dead were not commemorated. They said that it was impossible to refuse if someone asked for help.
Earlier, GLOBAL HAPPENINGS talked about the traditions of Easter among Orthodox Christians, and also announced the dates of the holiday by 2030.
Source: Obozrevatel
I work as a news website author and mostly cover the opinion section. I have been writing since I was a teenager, and have always enjoyed telling stories. I studied journalism at university and loved every minute of it. After graduating, I decided to move to London and take up a position with a Global Happenings. It has been an incredible experience, learning about all sorts of different cultures and meeting some amazing people. My goal is to continue learning and growing in my career so that I can provide readers with the best possible content.
