One week after it was celebrated by most Protestant and Catholic churches, Holy Week is just beginning for the Orthodox Church.
While many were celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ last Sunday, Orthodox believers, who follow a different calendar, were marking Palm Sunday and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem.
On Monday, Orthodox believers prayed for The Blessed Joseph, the son of Jacob, who was sold for 30 silver coins by his brothers but later became the ruler of Egypt. His plight draws strong comparisons to Jesus Christ who was also sold for 20 silver coins by Judas Iscariot.
From Monday to Friday, the Church will be officiating at Easter vigils marking the important moments of the final week before the Crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.
The parable of the Ten Virgins, which Jesus taught while he was in Jerusalem, was read during Tuesday Vespers, while a Wednesday service will deal with the story of Jesus being anointed by a sinful woman.
On Maundy Thursday, the Church will mark the Vigil of the Twelve Gospels, which reflects on the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples' feet, the first Eucharist, the prayer of Gethsemane, the betrayal of Judas and Jesus’ condemnation, Crucifixion, death and burial.
Vespers on Good Friday includes burial songs which deal with the pain of the Messiah being crucified and with the hope and triumph of His imminent resurrection.
At midnight on Saturday, the Orthodox Church will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.
