Holy Saturday
April 4, Thursday
Historical and Theological Significance
According to the Gospel, on Good Friday, Jesus was crucified and died on the cross. In the evening, his body was taken down from the cross and placed in the tomb, where it remained until the early morning of the resurrection. Holy Saturday symbolizes the day of Christ's rest in the tomb, when his physical body rested, and his soul, according to church teaching, descended into hell to free the souls of the righteous and proclaim victory over death and sin.
This day is also associated with the theme of death and rest, as Saturday is the day when God, according to the Old Testament, completed his creation and rested.
Traditions and rituals
Silence and prayer. On Holy Saturday, churches maintain a special atmosphere of silence and concentration. Services are distinguished by special modesty, without joyful hymns, since this is the day when the body of Christ rests in the tomb.
Blessing of fire and water. In the Catholic and some Protestant churches, the Easter Vigil is held on the evening of Holy Saturday, which includes the rite of blessing the new fire and the Easter candle. This symbolizes the light of Christ, which is reborn with his resurrection.
Easter Vigil. One of the main events of Holy Saturday is the evening Easter Vigil, which begins after sunset and continues until nightfall. In Orthodox and Catholic churches, believers gather to celebrate Easter, celebrating Christ's victory over death. This is the time for renewing baptismal vows, lighting candles, reading biblical texts, and singing joyful hymns.
Removal of the Shroud. In Orthodox churches, on the morning of Great Saturday, the Shroud, symbolizing the body of Christ, remains in the center of the temple, and believers continue to worship. In the evening, it is removed, which symbolizes the expectation of the resurrection.
Fasting and preparation for Easter. Great Saturday is a day of strict fasting, especially in the Orthodox tradition. Believers abstain from food and pray, preparing for the meeting of Easter.
In the Orthodox tradition
In Orthodox churches, Great Saturday is also dedicated to a special Liturgy, which recalls the burial of Christ and his descent into hell. This is a time of mourning, but at the same time, the liturgy of Great Saturday is already filled with the joy of anticipation of the resurrection. On this day, readings from the Old Testament are heard in the church, telling about the prophecies associated with the Messiah.
In the Catholic Tradition
In the Catholic Church, Holy Saturday is a day when the Eucharist (Mass) is traditionally not celebrated, with the exception of the evening Easter Vigil. On this day, the Easter candles are also blessed and baptismal vows are renewed. An important element of the Easter Vigil is the lighting of the Easter candle, which symbolizes the light of Christ conquering the darkness of death.
Holy Saturday in other years
Holy Saturday in other countries
- Albania
- Angola
- Argentina
- Armenia
- Australia
- Austria
- Bangladesh
- Belarus
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Bulgaria
- Canada
- Chile
- Colombia
- Croatia
- Cyprus
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Ecuador
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Estonia
- Ethiopia
- Finland
- France
- Georgia
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- India
- Indonesia
- Ireland
- Italy
- Jamaica
- Kazakhstan
- Latvia
- Liechtenstein
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Mexico
- Moldova
- Monaco
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Peru
- Philippines
- Poland
- Romania
- Serbia
- Seychelles
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Tajikistan
- Turkmenistan
- Ukraine
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Uruguay
- Vatican
- Venezuela