Holy Week Guide for Families
Holy Week Guide
As Orthodox Christians, we spend about 40 hours in church during Holy Week, soaking in all the beautiful sights, smells and sounds. Holy Week is a time where we have the opportunity to focus entirely on the rhythm of the Church. It is my absolute favorite week of the year!
In this guide you will find many resources and information for each day of Holy Week to help guide your family through the Passion of our Lord. I’ve included activity suggestions (for the ambitious ones), book recommendations, as well as tips to help you prepare for Pascha so this Holy Week will be much smoother than in years past and you can experience the Joy of Pascha!
Scroll down for more practical suggestions for each day of Holy Week
Check out this popular guides for Pascha
Make a Plan:
First things first, if you have a chance, I’d suggest sitting down and making a plan for how you will spend each day of the week, including what services your family will attend, what meals you will prepare/eat, and make a list of all the things you need to buy/collect. That being said, a little planning goes a long way to make this week a spiritually rich week for you and your family. Good strength for the week ahead, dear friends!
Planning Resources:
Holy Week & Pascha Prep Planner - As Pascha draws near, I wanted to create a printable/planner to help you stay organized for Holy Week, prepare sufficiently for attending services, and have a smooth and grace-filled Holy Week and Pascha! Get yours here.
Parousia Press also sells wonderful resources for lent, including printable planners! Check out their LENT SHOP.
Lazarus Saturday
Celebrated Saturday before Palm Sunday - Lazarus Saturday is the day which begins Holy Week. It commemorates the raising of our Lord's friend Lazarus, who had been in the tomb four days. This act confirmed the universal resurrection from the dead that all of us will experience at our Lord's Second Coming. This miracle led many to faith, but it also led to the chief priest's and Pharisees' decision to kill Jesus (John 11:47-57).
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Traditions in Greece: Various customs take place throughout Greece to commemorate this day. The most widespread custom for Lazarus of Saturday is the "carols of Lazarus" which reclaimed the joyous feast. The carols were exclusively almost female and were sung by girls of different ages, even married girls called “Lazarines”. On the eve of the feast, lazarines (girls) went out into the fields outside the villages to collect flowers that would be used to decorate their basket. The baskets were decorated with the flowers they collected and beautiful colorful ribbons. The next day dressed in local traditional costumes or a special costume, the girls carrying baskets full of Lazarakia and flowers went around the neighborhoods and sang Lazarus's carols and offered cookies. In return for this treat, they were given eggs, money, fruits or whatever else they had.
Traditions in America: After Divine Liturgy, many churches will have a family day with lawn games, fun activities for kids, and of course food! This day is often set aside to pour into the children in the community!
Image: Illumination Learning
Activity Ideas :
Crescent Roll Lazarakia by Draw Near Designs
Make Lazarakia (Lazarus Buns) - pictured here, these sweet buns are super fun for kids to make, and really help remember the story of Lazarus raising from the dead. Prepared traditionally, they are "Lenten" meaning there are no eggs, butter or milk in the recipe. The Lazarakia are usually decorated with cloves for eyes and are shaped with the arms crossed over the chest to resemble the funeral shroud wrapped around the dead for burial. The yeast bread is sweetened with sugar. You can find a recipe HERE. You can also watch a 5 minute YouTube video on how to make these HERE.
Crescent Rolls Lazarakia - If you need a quick version of these Lazarus buns, try making them with Crescent Rolls! Lay out the sheet of crescent rolls and cut 3/4 of the roll into squares, and cut a 1/4 of that portion into little strips for the arms. Optional: sprinkle cinnamon and sugar on the inside before rolling them up, and use chocolate chips for the eyes
Lesson Plan and Paper Puppets by Orthodox Pebbles - Everything you need to share the story of the Lazarus raising from the dead is in this free printable packet! In this lesson you will find an icon worksheet, a cut-and-glue-craft, worksheets to help with the details of the story, symbolism and activities which you can find through this link HERE.
*If you enjoy these materials, please consider making a donation in support of the hard working Orthodox moms behind these incredible materials or become a Patreon
Holy Week Craft Kit by Orthodox Pebbles - The kit contains beautiful printed templates and crafting materials for each day of the Holy Week, from Lazarus Saturday to Pascha Sunday. Everything is bagged up and labeled by day to make it as easy as possible to use. You can purchase this kit through Draw Near Designs HERE.
Dead Man Dead Man, Come Alive Game - My kids inherited this game from their friends, so I don’t know the origin, but this blind fold game can be super fun to play during your Lazarus Saturday festivities. This Youtube video explains how to play!
Lazarus DIY Crafts thanks to Orthodox Pebbles - link https://orthodoxpebbles.com/special-themes/holy-week-projects/
Book Recommendations:
St Lazarus - Friend of Christ by Potamitis Publishing
For Biblical Stories, we prefer to read them directly from the source! Two of our favorite children’s Bibles are The Children’s Reader Bible (this story is on page 227) and The Picture Bible (page 626) which is illustrated much like a comic book
Source: Asceticlifeofmotherhood IG
Palm Sunday (Morning)
Palm Sunday - is the celebration of the triumphant entrance of Christ into Jerusalem in the days before the Jewish Passover. After having fasted and prayed for forty days, Jesus was ready to come into Jerusalem. On this day we are happy to celebrate. We have fasted and prayed during the Lenten period. At the same time however, we are filled with sadness because we know the suffering that Jesus will have to go through in the days ahead.
Fulfilled prophecy - Zechariah prophesied the entrance of the Messiah into Jerusalem, saying: "Rejoice greatly...O daughter of Jerusalem; behold, the King comes unto Thee; he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass." (Zech. 9:9) Our Lord enters Jerusalem and is proclaimed king - but in an earthly sense, as many people of His time were seeking a political Messiah. Our Lord is King, of course, but of a different type - the eternal King prophesied by Zechariah the Prophet. Palm Sunday is a reference to the story in Matthew 12, right after Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead, and days before the Passover feast:
“The next day a great multitude that had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried out: “Hosanna! ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!’ The King of Israel!”
Today in churches, palm branches (and in some places pussy willow branches) are distributed to the faithful and they process around the church. We use palms on this day to show that we too accept Jesus as the true King and Messiah, and that we are willing to follow Christ even to the cross. Priests usually wear green vestments to remember the palms that people waved to honor Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. Palms are blessed in church and are distributed.
Source HERE
So Why Pussy Willow Branches? This tradition first began in Russian. It is generally believed that since palms don’t grow in Russia, they use pussy willows which are the first tree to start to bloom in spring in Russia. In the Old Testament God tells people to bring their “first fruits” to the Temple as a sign that all that we have comes from God. The pussy-willow is one of the plants whose flower buds open fully in early spring, so the faithful bring these branches as their “first fruits” offering on Palm Sunday!
Activity Ideas :
Make Crosses out of the Palm Branches you receive at Divine Liturgy that Sunday! You can watch a YouTube video on how to do that HERE or see this printable tutorial HERE
Consider Adorning Your Prayer Corner with fresh greens, flowers, and displaying an Icon of the Feast!
Sing This Prayer Together While Waiving your Palm Branches : “Holy, Holy, Holy, Lord Sabaoth, heaven and earth are filled with Your glory, Hosanna in the highest. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna to God in the highest.” - Divine Liturgy
Holy Week Craft Kit by Orthodox Pebbles - The kit contains beautiful printed templates and crafting materials for each day of the Holy Week, from Lazarus Saturday to Pascha Sunday. Everything is bagged up and labeled by day to make it as easy as possible to use. *Includes 2 crafts for Palm Sunday, including the above palm branch, and an additional craft for Sunday evenings lesson about the Fig Tree. You can purchase this kit through Draw Near Designs HERE.
FREE Printable Palm Sunday Crafts by Orthodox Pebbles - If you don’t have a Holy Week kit, don’t worry! Orthodox Pebbles created instructions on two projects, one for the morning, and one for the evening of Palm Sunday including the palm branch and fig tree. Check it out HERE.
Color the Icon of the Feast - You can find a printable icon coloring page from OCA website HERE
Palm Sunday Activity Pack Printables - by Joy in Play. Teach the Bible story of Palm Sunday based on all 4 of the gospels with this fun and educational printable pack! 8 page download which includes word search, counting play, do-a-dot, and more! Perfect for Sunday School classrooms in particular! Check it out here.
Source: Illuminare.photography IG
Book Recommendations:
Heaven Meets Earth: Celebrating Pascha and the Twelve Great Feasts by Ancient Faith Publishing
The Great Feasts by Exaltation Press (page 20)
For Biblical Stories, we prefer to read them directly from the source! Two of our favorite children’s Bibles are The Children’s Reader Bible (this story is on page 227) and The Picture Bible (page 626) which is illustrated much like a comic book
Palm Sunday (Evening) - Bridegroom Matins
Sung in Anticipation - The first thing that must be said about these services, and most of the other services of Holy Week, is that they are "sung" in anticipation. Each service is rotated ahead twelve hours. The evening service, therefore, is actually the service of the next morning, while the morning services of Holy Thursday and Holy Saturday are actually the services of the coming evening.
On this evening, we begin with the Hymn of the Bridegroom, "Behold the Bridegroom comes in the midst of the night...beware, therefore, O my soul, lest thou be borne down in sleep...and lest thou be shut out from the Kingdom..." This is a reference to the parable Jesus taught in Matthew 25, the parable of the ten virigins: in Jesus’ words “Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” This parable is our sobering reminder at the start of Holy Week to remain vigilant! During the service, the priest carries the icon of Christ the Bridegroom in procession, and we sing the "Hymn of the Bridegroom." We behold Christ as the Bridegroom of the Church, bearing the marks of His suffering, yet preparing a marriage Feast for us in God's Kingdom.
On Holy Monday (again, sung in anticipation Sunday Evening), the Blessed Joseph (Old Testament), the son of Jacob, is commemorated. Joseph is often seen as a Type of Christ. Joseph was betrayed by his brothers, thrown into a pit, and sold into slavery by them. In the same way, our Lord was rejected, betrayed by His own, and sold into the slavery of death. The Gospel reading for the day is about the barren fig tree (Matthew 21), which Christ cursed and withered because it bore no fruit. The fig tree is a parable of those who have heard God's word, but who fail to bear the fruit of obedience. Originally the withering of the fig tree was a testimony against those Jews who rejected God's word and His Messiah. However, it is also a warning to all people, in all times, of the importance of not only hearing the God's word, but putting it into action.
"Behold the Bridegroom Cometh in the Midst of the Night..."
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Source: Uncut Mountain Supply
Activity Ideas:
Attend the Service Together as a family! Two services in one day is likely a LOT for any family, but what a better way to kick off Holy Week than by dedicating the whole week to yours and your families spiritual benefit! Check with your parish to see when the services are being offered.
Display an Icon of Christ as Bridegroom on your Altar - If you don’t own one, you can find one for sale HERE through Uncut Mountain Supply.
Create Your Own Withering Fig Tree - using simple supplies like a paper bag, glue leaves (either cut up or printed and colored) to the “branches”. One of the themes this evening is the miracle referenced in Matthew 21 of the the withering of the fig tree, a miracle symbolic of those who claim religious identity, but who in reality have empty lives that yield no spiritual fruit. We used our Holy Week Kit from Orthodox Pebbles which is available for purchase through Draw Near Designs. The kit contains beautiful printed templates and crafting materials for each day of the Holy Week, from Lazarus Saturday to Pascha Sunday (a total of 10 crafts).
FREE Printable Palm Sunday Crafts by Orthodox Pebbles - If you don’t have a Holy Week kit, don’t worry! Orthodox Pebbles created instructions on two projects, one for the morning, and one for the evening of Palm Sunday including the palm branch and fig tree. Check it out HERE.
Holy Monday
Sung in Anticipation - As with most services this week, Holy Monday evening’s service is sung in anticipation for the next morning, meaning it is the readings and gospel lesson from Holy Tuesday. Each service is rotated ahead twelve hours.
The Parable of the Ten Virgins is read today from Matthew 25:1-13. It tells the story of the five virgins who filled their lamps in preparation for receiving the bridegroom while the other five allowed their lamps to go out, and hence were shut out of the marriage feast. This parable is a warning that we must always be prepared to receive our Lord when He comes again. The theme of the day is reinforced by the expostelarion hymn we sing: "I see Thy Bridal Chamber adorned, O my Savior, but have no wedding garment that I may enter. O Giver of Light, enlighten the vesture of my soul, and save me." It is a very moving and powerful song. You can listen to it on Youtube in a 1 minute video HERE.
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Source: Orthodox Pebbles
Activities:
Tidy Up Your Home! Today, spend a little time tidying up your home for the busy week ahead! Spend more time now cleaning so you can focus your attention on other things throughout the rest of the week.
Make Your Own Oil Lamp - like the wise virgins in the story, prepare an oil lamp to help your children connect with the story and have fun while doing it!
Half Citrus Fruit Oil Lamp - (pictured above by Orthodox Pebbles) Cut a citrus fruit in hand. Hallow the fruit out with the help of a spoon or knife, leaving the center white “stem” intact; it will act as the wick. Fill with olive oil (or any vegetable oil) and light it!
If you have the Orthodox Pebbles Holy Week Kit - Be sure to make your oil lamp! The kit contains a beautiful printed template for creating a “child friendly” oil lamp. You can find the DIY templates (only) kit available through Draw Near Designs
FREE Printable Paper Oil Lamp Craft by Orthodox Pebbles - If you don’t have a Holy Week kit, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Orthodox Pebbles created a paper lamp templates (similar to the one pictured above) for the parable of the 10 virgins, usually read on this day. Check it out HERE.
If you haven’t already, display an Icon of Christ as Bridegroom on your altar or family prayer corner- If you don’t own one, you can find one for sale HERE through Uncut Mountain Supply
Learn the Hymns for the Bridegroom - There’s something super wonderful about hearing the familiar hymns sung during the services of Holy Week; it’s like balm to the soul! Help your children learn one of the hymns by listening to it a few times today to allow them to recognize it when they hear it at the service in the evening! Ask your choir director if they have a recording particular to your parish! Chances are they do!
Holy Tuesday
Sung in Anticipation - As with most services this week, Holy Tuesday evening’s service is sung in anticipation for the next morning, meaning it is the readings and gospel lesson from Holy Wednesday. Each service is rotated ahead twelve hours.
The theme of Holy Wednesday is repentance and forgiveness. We remember the sinful woman who anointed our Lord in anticipation of His death in Luke 7:36-50. Her repentance and love of Christ is the theme of the wonderful "Hymn of Kassiane" which is chanted on this night, reminding us one more time, before "it is too late," that we too may be forgiven if we repent.
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Image: Orthodox Pebbles instructions on how to make your own perfume (Instructions HERE)
Activities:
Make Your Own Perfume (Instructions thanks to Orthodox Pebbles) - While discussing the woman who anointed Christ with myrrh in the house of Simon in Bethany, you too can create your own sweet-smelling "perfume", using fruit and spices you likely already have in your home.
Instructions : Collect chopped tangerine pieces, cardamom pods, coriander seeds, cloves, anise seeds, and vanilla extract - but any flower / spice / citrus fruit combination should work. Find a small jar (we used an empty spice jar). Place a small amount of each ingredient in a little jar. Crush everything with the back of a wooden spoon, then filled a small jar with lukewarm tap water. Let the mixture infuse for about 10 minutes, then strained it into another container. And viola! You’ve created your own sweet smelling perfume! You can find step by step instructions HERE.
If you have the Orthodox Pebbles Holy Week Kit - Be sure to make your perfume using the templates and instructions provided in the kit. You can find the DIY templates (only) kit available through Draw Near Designs. You can see an example of our perfume created using this kit in the photos below.
Learn the Hymns for the Bridegroom - There’s something super wonderful about hearing the familiar hymns sung during the services of Holy Week; it’s like balm to the soul! Help your children learn one of the hymns by listening to it a few times today to allow them to recognize it when they hear it at the service in the evening! Ask your choir director if they have a recording particular to your parish! Chances are they do!
Lesson Plan and Paper Puppets by Orthodox Pebbles - In this lesson you will find activities to help your children understand repentance and temptation with interactive activities which you can find through this link HERE.
Holy Wednesday
Holy Unction: The Mystery or Sacrament of Holy Unction is often celebrated on Holy Wednesday evening. This service can be celebrated at any time during the year, especially when one is ill. However, because of our need for forgiveness and spiritual healing, this service is offered during Holy Week for the remission of our sins. Holy Unction is one of the seven Sacraments of the Church, and has been practiced since the early Church, as recorded in James 5:14-15, “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” At the end of the service, the priest anoints the people with Holy Oil, the visible carrier of the Grace of God. We should prepare for this service in a prayerful way, as we do for Holy Communion.
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Activities:
Focus on Preparations for Pascha!
Pick out your family’s Pascha outfits and set aside
Make a plan/list for your Pascha basket and pick up what you need and set aside
Prepare your Pascha Candles (if you’re bringing your own)! Many churches will provide candles for the candle lit procession on Pascha, but if you prefer to bring your own, here are some ideas:
Decorate Your Own Pascha Candle Kit by Draw Near Designs HERE
Large 18” Beeswax Handmade Resurrection Candle (pictured below) by Lucia and Etheldreda HERE. They also sell an LED Toddler Safe Candle HERE.
For Kids: Electric Flickering Pascha Candle by St Marina Place HERE
Australia - Lambathes (Pascha Candles) by Evlogia Gifts HERE
Judas’ Silver Coins Craft - Teach your children about the betrayal of Christ in this simple craft by Orthodox Pebbles HERE.
Judas’ Silver Coins craft by Orthodox Pebbles (instructions HERE)
Book Recommendation:
A Child’s Guide to Confession by Ancient Faith Publishing - This book series is a wonderful addition to any child’s library! It is particularly helpful to prepare or teach children about repentance and the Sacrament of Confession. Today’s theme is all about healing and forgiveness of sins, and confession go hand in hand.
Holy Thursday
Great and Holy Thursday: On Holy Thursday we turn to the last events of our Lord and His Passion. Thursday morning begins with a Vesperal Divine Liturgy commemorating the Mystical Supper. As previously mentioned, this is actually Holy Thursday evening's service which is celebrated in the morning in anticipation. Everyone who is able should make an effort to receive Holy Communion at this service as it was at the Mystical Supper that our Lord instituted the Holy Eucharist.
Fun Fact: At this Liturgy a second lamb (prepared gift) is consecrated and kept in the Tabernacle (on the Altar at church). It is from this second lamb that Holy Communion is distributed to the shut-ins and the sick throughout the coming year.
Thursday evening actually begins the services of Great and Holy Friday. The service of the Twelve Passion Gospels commemorates the solemn time of our Lord's Crucifixion. After the reading of the fifth Gospel, the Holy Cross is carried around the church in procession, and Christ's body is nailed to the cross in the center of the church.
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Activities (Pascha Food Prep):
Image: Source HERE
Dye Red Eggs - In the Greek tradition, Holy Thursday is the day designated to dye red eggs. The red color is symbolic of Christ’s blood, and since Holy Thursday evening’s service (which is done in anticipation of Friday) is the day when Jesus is nailed to the cross, the many choose to dye their eggs on this day. Many churches provide red eggs for the faithful, which are then distributed after the Paschal Liturgy, but if you’d like to try your hand at making them yourself, there are a few ways to do this:
Onion Skin Method - If you’re wanting a natural way to dye eggs, try the onion skin method! You’ll need the papery skin of about 10-12 brown/yellow onions to make this happen. Some people collect onion skins throughout lent, but if you’ve forgotten, go to your local grocery store and ask if you can take some of the papery onion skins left around the onions in the produce aisle. They may look at you funny, but I’m sure they won’t mind you cleaning up for them a bit! You can find the recipe to make them HERE thanks to Charlotte Riggle’s blog, or you can also find a “how-to” video on YouTube HERE.
Red Dye - You can also buy high-quality dye to easily prepare vibrant traditional red eggs HERE from Legacy Icons.
Make Your Own Last Supper Finger Puppets - If you have the Orthodox Pebbles Holy Week Kit - Be sure to make your Last Supper using the templates, Popsicle sticks, and instructions provided in the kit. You can find the DIY templates (only) kit available through Draw Near Designs. This is a fun way to tell the story of the Last Supper in an interactive way for kids. You can see an example of last supper using this kit in the photos above.
FREE Printable Last Supper Craft by Orthodox Pebbles - If you don’t have a Holy Week kit, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Orthodox Pebbles created a Mystical Supper template, which you can find HERE.
Preparing the Gifts Lesson Plan by Orthodox Pebbles - In this lesson you’ll find a number of resources for the Holy Eucharist to help little ones understand more, starting with a lesson about the necessary materials, the holy objects and the special way in which the gifts are prepared. It is also available for purchase as a fabric learning set HERE (pictured below)!!
You can also watch a YouTube video demonstrating this lesson HERE.
Make Tsoureki - It is a Greek tradition to make Tsoureki (Greek Easter Bread) on Holy Thursday. This semi-sweet bread is made using eggs, butter and cream and is the perfect bread to bring in your Pascha basket to break the fast! Plus, it’s best to make ahead of time before Pascha! Click HERE for a Tsoureki recipe by Hey Foodie Girl, an Orthodox Food Blogger, which will make a bunch of loaves to share!
If you want to make another Pascha bread, check out my blogpost on a traditional Pascha basket for Kulich and Paska Bread recipes HERE.
Make Pascha Cheese - this recipe for a Easter cheese dessert is made using Farmer’s cheese, eggs, unsalted butter, sugar and dried fruit and is made in a special mold. It usually takes 24-48 hours to make, and can be stored in the fridge for a few days, so it would be helpful to make ahead of time! Russian, Ukrainian, and Polish cuisine all feature paska in their Pascha basket and is paired with kulich or paska bread which is blessed by the parish priest. You can follow a step-by-step recipe HERE thanks to The Spruce Eats. You will need a mold + cheesecloth. Here are a few links:
Pascha Cheese Mold - Sold by Ancient Faith Store
Wooden Easter Mold for Paskha Cheese Paska Pascha Form Small Size on Etsy
Small Flower Pot with a hole on the bottom - can find at Home Depot or Lowes
Cheese Cloth - sold by Amazon
Two Easy and Quick Cheese Pascha Recipes: Cream Cheese Cheese Pascha & Cream Cheese Cheese Pascha by Charming the Birds from the Trees Blog. Both of these recipes are cream cheese based, and are simply prepared by mixing the ingredients, setting them in a bowl, and decorating with a simple cross on top. Great for a last minute addition to your basket, and won’t take days of preparation. You can find the recipes HERE.
Book Recommendation:
Miracle of the Red Egg by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson - At Pascha, Orthodox Christians all over the world dye and bless red eggs. Here is the story of how this tradition started—way back in apostolic times, with St. Mary Magdalene and a blessed miracle that dazzled the unbelieving Roman emperor with the reality and power of Christ's Resurrection.
Holy Friday
Great and Holy Friday: This is a day of strict fast. It is traditional to eat as little as possible on this day and to do the least amount of work possible, as it is a very solemn day as Christ has been crucified. It is the only day in the entire year that no Divine Liturgy of any kind can be celebrated. There are 3 services on this day all "sung" in anticipation of the next day (or another ways to say it is each service is rotated ahead twelve hours):
Royal Hours - In the morning we celebrate the Royal Hours. These solemn hours are observed as we read the various accounts and hymns concerning the crucifixion.
Vespers and taking Christ Body off the Cross - In the afternoon we celebrate the Vesper service of the taking down of Christ's body from the cross. During the Gospel reading, our Lord's body is taken off the cross and wrapped in a new, white linen sheet. This act commemorates the removal of Christ's body from the cross by Joseph of Arimathea (John 19:38-42). Later in the service, the Epitaphios, or winding-sheet, with Christ's body on it is carried in procession and placed in the recently decorated tomb.
Lamentations Orthros - In the evening the Lamentations Orthros service is sung. This service begins in a solemn manner, but by the end of the service we are already anticipating the Resurrection of our Lord. Remember again, that the Holy Friday evening Orthros is actually the first service of Holy Saturday, the day in which we commemorate our Lord's body resting in the tomb while His all-pure soul descends into Hades to free the faithful of the Old Covenant. An evening candle lit procession also happens during this service.
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Activities:
In many cultures, very little work is done on this day - Only the very basics are done today, so plan ahead to have simple meals for your family. The day is dedicated to prayer and contemplation, and of course attending the 3 services.
Orthodox Pebbles DIY Holy Week Crafts: These Crafts Can be done either on Holy Thursday or Holy Friday and can be ready for use on Friday! If you have the Orthodox Pebbles Holy Week Kit - Be sure to make your crafts using the templates and instructions provided in the kit. You can find the DIY templates (only) kit available through Draw Near Designs :
The Holy Passion Flower-framed icon-inspired scene - also in the Holy Week Kit by Orthodox Pebbles. There is a special icon type in the Orthodox tradition relevant to the commemorations of both Holy Thursday evening and Holy Friday, and it is the Extreme Humility. This icon combines the Holy Passion, the Burial, and the Lamentations. Today’s craft is based on the icon of the Extreme Humility decorated with tissue paper flowers
FREE Printable Holy Friday Craft by Orthodox Pebbles - If you don’t have a Holy Week kit, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Orthodox Pebbles created instructions on making your own Flower-framed Crucifixion icon, which you can find HERE.
Create a Epitaphios DIY Lantern - also in the Holy Week Kit by Orthodox Pebbles. In Greece where we originate from, it is customary for young children to carry a lantern instead of a candle during the Epitaphios procession on Holy Friday evening, and this is where the inspiration for this craft comes from. The end result is a small lantern that the child can actually hold during the service. We added an electric tea light candle to ours! All ready to go for the Lamentations Orthros procession!
FREE Printable Holy Friday Craft by Orthodox Pebbles - If you don’t have a Holy Week kit, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Orthodox Pebbles created instructions on making your own Epitaphios DIY Lantern, which you can find HERE.
Holy Saturday
Great and Holy Saturday: This day is a day of hope and waiting. In the morning we celebrate a Vesperal Divine Liturgy which commemorates Christ's victory over death. Bright vestments are worn as we anticipate Christ's Resurrection. Laurel leaves are strewn throughout the church during the service, because in the ancient world laurel leaves were a sign of victory. As the leaves are strewn, the choir chants "Arise O God and Judge the earth, for to Thee belong all the nations." The Old Testament story of Jonah in the belly of the whale is read at this service because Jonah is seen in the Church as a Type of Christ. As Jonah was three days in the belly of the great fish, and was then safely deposited back onto land, so our Lord was three days in the tomb before His glorious Resurrection. The Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday concludes the services of Holy Week, and brings us to the eve of Great and Holy Pascha.
Source: Antiochian Archdiocese
Activities:
Focus on Preparations for Pascha and the midnight Feast!
Pick out your family’s Pascha outfits and set aside
Prepare your Pascha basket! This will vary depending on each family. But usually people add items to their basket that they would like to eat after the service to break the fast! Think of things you’ve been missing and would love to feast on, and add those things! You can see my blog post on How to Prepare a Traditional Pascha Basket along with recipes HERE
If you haven’t already, have your candles ready for the midnight Paschal procession (if you’re bringing your own)! Many churches will provide candles for the candle lit procession on Pascha, but if you prefer to bring your own, here are some ideas:
Decorate Your Own Pascha Candle Kit by Draw Near Designs HERE
Large 18” Beeswax Handmade Resurrection Candle (pictured below) by Lucia and Etheldreda HERE. They also sell an LED Toddler Safe Candle HERE.
For Kids: Electric Flickering Pascha Candle by St Marina Place HERE
Australia - Lambathes (Pascha Candles) by Evlogia Gifts HERE
Prepare food for your Paschal Breakfast! Think of what you want to eat for your breakfast/brunch after the Feast of Feasts! In our family, we have a tradition of eating everyones favorite breakfast foods including cinnamon rolls, bacon, and of course our Pascha Basket treats!
Source: https://www.goarch.org/pascha
Pascha!
Great and Holy Pascha - Before midnight on Saturday evening, the Odes of Lamentation of the previous day are repeated. The Orthros of the Resurrection begins in complete darkness. The priest takes light from the vigil light and gives it to the faithful, who are holding candles. The priest sings: "Come ye and receive light from the unwaning light, and. glorify Christ, who arose from the dead", and all the people join him in singing this hymn again and again. From this moment, every Christian holds the Easter candle as a symbol of his vivid, deep faith in the Resurrection of Jesus Christ as Savior. In many churches the priest leads the people outside the church for a procession, where he reads the Gospel which refers to the Angels statement: "He is Risen; He is not here," (Mark 16:1-8).
Then comes the breathless moment as the people wait for the priest to start the hymn of Resurrection, which they join him in singing, repeatedly: "Christ has Risen from the dead, by death trampling upon Death, and has bestowed life upon those in the tombs". From this moment the entire service takes on a joyous atmosphere. The hymns are meaningful and full of expression. The people say, "It is the Day of Resurrection, let us be glorious, let us embrace one another and speak to those that hate us; let us forgive all things and so let us cry, Christ has arisen from the dead".
The Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom then begins. At the end of the Liturgy, a part of the iconic homily of Saint Chrysostom is read, which calls upon the people to "Take part in this fair and radiant festival. Let no one be fearful of death, for the death of the Savior has set us free . . . O Death, where is thy sting? O Hades, where is Thy victory? Christ is Risen and Thou art overthrown. To Him be glory and power from all ages to all ages." It is the most joyful service! Christ is Risen!
Source: GOA
Source: HERE
Activities:
Set up a festive and beautiful table and have a special breakfast of dyed eggs, Pascha bread and Pascha cheese and breakfast foods!
Have an egg hunt for the kids and enjoy the day! Christ is Risen ☦️
Enjoy your Pascha Basket! You can see my blog post on How to Prepare a Traditional Pascha Basket along with recipes HERE
Four Icons for Pascha lesson and Fabric Learning Set by Orthodox Pebbles - this is a great resource to bring with you to the service for little ones to interact with the icon of the resurrection, and the various happenings of the day (candle lit procession, tomb, etc).
Source: HERE
Agape Vespers
Agape Vespers - On Pascha Sunday afternoon the faithful gather once more for prayer and all sing the hymn, "Christ is Risen from the Dead". The people greet one another joyously, saying: "Christ is Risen", the Paschal salutation which is answered, "Truly He is Risen!” or “Indeed He is Risen!” depending on the Parish.
The Gospel according to John 20:19-25 is read in as many languages as possible, proclaiming the Good News of Resurrection! The tradition of the Orthodox Church on this day is to have parishioners participate in the reading of the Gospel in as many languages as possible. In this YouTube video, you can see the service and the Gospel read in the following languages : English (with ASL), Greek, Arabic, Albanian, Mandarin, Ukrainian, French, Romanian, German, Amharic, Italian, and Spanish. This day is called "Sunday of Agape" (love feast), a day dedicated to Christian principles, especially to forgiveness and charity. Apostle Paul firmly interprets the Resurrection of Christ, saying: "If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain" (1 Corinthians 15:14).
Book Recommendations for Kids During Holy Week:
See “Our Favorite Orthodox Kids Books for Pascha” blogpost. Here are a few other notables:
Miracle of the Red Egg by Elizabeth Crispina Johnson - At Pascha, Orthodox Christians all over the world dye and bless red eggs. Here is the story of how this tradition started—way back in apostolic times, with St. Mary Magdalene and a blessed miracle that dazzled the unbelieving Roman emperor with the reality and power of Christ's Resurrection.
Pascha at the Duckpond by Mother Melania - geared towards ages 4-9, you can join the animals at the Duckpond as they journey through Great Lent towards Pascha. Along with them, we learn that Lent is not about the rules, but about allowing God to change our hearts through love and repentance.
Holy Week for Kids by Potamitis Publishing
Anastasis: The Harrowing of Hades by Michael Elgamal - is a full-colour Christian graphic novel that explores what happened to the Old Testament souls in hades, the emotional build-up to the fateful crucifixion and the consequences of Christ’s enigmatic descent into hell.
Coloring Books:
My First Coloring Books : Great Lent for the Youngest (Only $1.95, geared for toddlers - See the whole collection HERE)
Orthodox Coloring Book - March Synaxarion (or see the whole collection HERE)
Beautiful Things: An Orthodox Coloring Book for Children (Download free coloring pages HERE)
Final Thoughts
Lastly, as a reminder, none of these items I mentioned above are necessary. Holy Week is a marathon for the faithful, and the task alone of attending as many services as possible is a worthy endeavor. These services and the experience of Holy Week remind us of the manner which we should always live - being totally devoted to God! We also have the unique opportunity to create traditions for our families - and we can do that without the need to acquire “All the things!” Find what works for your family and build on those traditions each year.
Also, for me and my family, we choose one activity to do per day, prioritizing the services as much as possible. I don’t usually do all these activities! My hope is to provide you with many ideas and ways to participate in Holy Week, finding what works best for your family. However, keeping our focus on (1) prayer, (2) fasting, (3) almsgiving, and of course attending Divine Services is the best place to start! Everything else is icing on the cake.
What to Expect in the Future:
Be sure to follow along with me on Instagram for more Liturgical and feast day resources and monthly guides in the coming year! I share weekly reminders, stories of the saints, new resources, and how others are celebrating throughout the world! Also, consider subscribing below to receive email updates on future guides and resources. Here is what I have in store for the coming year:
Each month I’ll share a heads up on what feast days/liturgical events are happening that month so you can begin to think/plan/prepare for what’s ahead. I’ll also include simple activities and book recommendations
How to Create a Traditional Pascha Basket guide including recipes and shop links HERE.
Orthodox Book list for kids and families broken down by month/Feast Day so you can start building a collection with intention. Many of them will be available at your local library or audio books
Feast Day Guides for Individual feast days with more details on how to participate
Thank you for all your support and for checking out my latest family guide. Good strength, dear friends!
-Khouria Destinie
