Passion Week 2024: What is Allowed and What is Prohibited During These Days 0 7

The entire Orthodox world is preparing for the celebration of Easter, the most important event in the life of every believer — the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This event is preceded by Great Lent, which in 2024 began on March 18 and will end on May 4, the day before Easter.

The last week of Great Lent, which requires strict restrictions, is considered the most severe. It is called Passion Week, although it lasts not seven but six days. The word "passion" in this context means "to suffer."

In 2024, Passion Week, also known as Clean Week, will begin on April 29. Each day is dedicated to significant events from the life of Jesus Christ, referred to as the great events. Step by step, believers will mentally walk the difficult path that the Savior took before approaching the Cross.

Great Monday — April 29

Passion Week begins immediately after the Feast of the Lord's Entry into Jerusalem, also known as Palm Sunday, which in 2024 is celebrated on April 28.

The first day of Passion Week is Great Monday. During the church service, believers are reminded of the event described in the Gospel. Jesus Christ astonished his companions by withering the barren fig tree, thereby making it clear what an unrepentant soul living without faith, prayer, and good deeds represents.

On this day, believers remember the patriarch Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his brothers, as mentioned in the Old Testament.

On Monday, the rite of anointing begins. Once a year at this time, chrism is prepared — an amazing mixture of 50 fragrant oils, herbs, and aromatic resins. Chrism is used after baptism for anointing.

On Great Monday, a strict fast begins, during which Christians may only consume bread, honey, nuts, vegetables, and fruits. In monasteries, it is customary to abstain from food during this time.

On Great Monday, it is customary to conduct a thorough cleaning of the house. One of the main tasks is sorting out unnecessary items.

According to folk signs, if Great Monday is sunny, a hot summer can be expected.

Great Tuesday — April 30

Great Tuesday is dedicated to the memories of Christ's discussions in the temple of Jerusalem. Jesus Christ told his disciples parables about the sufferings of virgins, about talents, about the resurrection of the dead, and about the Last Judgment.

During this time, it is necessary to continue the cleaning that began the day before, paying special attention to laundry: clothing, bed linens, and curtains. It is also customary to buy groceries for preparing festive meals on this day.

On Great Tuesday, raw food without vegetable oil is allowed.

Great Wednesday — May 1

A sad day that has become a symbol of betrayal committed by Judas Iscariot. Jesus' disciple betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver, receiving a reward for it.

In churches, clergy tell parishioners about the sinner who washed the feet of the Savior and anointed them with oil. On Great Wednesday, prayers with bows will be read in churches for the last time until Pentecost. Believers have the opportunity to confess. On this day, raw food without oil is allowed.

Great Wednesday is the last day for cleaning. Our ancestors used to hang clean curtains, lay fresh bedding, and decorate the house with willow branches during this time. Hostesses tidied up the kitchens, where they would begin preparing the main Easter dishes on Thursday.

Great Thursday — May 2

On this day, Orthodox Christians remember the most important Gospel event — the Last Supper, during which the New Testament sacrament of Holy Communion (Eucharist) was established. At that time, the Lord washed the feet of his disciples.

On Great Thursday evening, one of the longest services of the year begins — the Twelve Gospels. Christians once again remember the sufferings of the Lord, which do not leave them throughout Passion Week. Those who have attended the service leave the church with burning candles in their hands, trying to bring them home.

Great Thursday is also called Clean Thursday. During this time, household chores related to cleaning are completed. On Great Thursday, it is customary to dye eggs and engage in baking. Hostesses knead dough in the morning and begin baking kulich in the afternoon.

Great Friday — May 3

The fifth day of Passion Week is one of the saddest. It is a day of mourning, reminding us that on this day Jesus Christ was condemned and crucified. During the service, when the clergy recount this, parishioners weep while listening to the sufferings of the Almighty. On the shroud, which is taken out of the altar, Christ is depicted lying in the tomb.

On Great Friday, believers abstain from food. A small amount of bread and fruit can only be eaten after the evening service and the removal of the shroud.

On Friday, the consumption of alcohol and heavy work is strictly prohibited. Baking kulich is also not allowed.

Great Saturday — May 4

The solemn service is dedicated to the story of Christ's burial and his stay in the tomb. On the sixth day of Passion Week, priests come out to the parishioners in bright festive vestments.

In churches, kulich, dyed eggs, and paskha are blessed, which believers bring with them. On Great Saturday, hot food without oil is allowed.

In the evening, parishioners come to the temples, where the main services begin.

What is Allowed and What is Prohibited During Passion Week

Every decent Christian knows that Great Lent has nothing to do with diets and weight loss. The restrictions related to food help believers focus on the main thing, thinking not about physical enjoyment and achieving set goals, but about spiritual well-being.

First of all, this is, of course, prayer. All services in the temple during Passion Week are special, so believers try not to miss any of them.

Those who are far from religion are encouraged to spend more time reflecting on spirituality. This is a time for bonding with children, relatives, and good acquaintances.

During Passion Week, one should avoid anything that may cause quarrels. Even hints of conflict should not exist. To avoid scandals with loved ones, it is advisable to exclude all irritating factors in advance.

Passion Week is a time to help those in need. It is important to remember that help can be expressed not only in money. There are other values as well. It is possible that kind words spoken at the right moment may turn out to be more valuable than material goods.