Orthodox Holy Saturday, also known as Great and Holy Saturday, is a pivotal day in the Orthodox Christian calendar. It is the final day of Holy Week, commemorating Christ's burial and His descent into Hades, and it serves as a transition from the solemnity of the Passion to the joy of the resurrection on Pascha (Easter Sunday).

Table of Contents

1. When is Orthodox Holy Saturday?
2. The History of Orthodox Holy Saturday?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Orthodox and Western Holy Saturday

When is Orthodox Holy Saturday?

Orthodox Holy Saturday is observed the day before Orthodox Easter Sunday and is part of the Holy Week celebrations in the Eastern Orthodox Church. Its date varies each year because Orthodox Easter is a movable feast determined by the Julian calendar and the timing of the Paschal full moon.

The following is the list of Orthodox Holy Saturday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Orthodox Holy Saturday?

Orthodox Holy Saturday is a significant day in the Christian liturgical calendar. The observance of this day has evolved over centuries, deeply rooted in the biblical accounts, early Christian traditions, and theological reflections on Christ's burial and descent into Hades.

According to Orthodox theology, Holy Saturday also reflects the mystery of Christ's descent into Hades. This is a pivotal moment where Christ defeats death, liberates the righteous souls, and proclaims victory over sin and evil.

In the early Christian Church, Holy Saturday was observed as a solemn day of mourning for Christ's death, coupled with anticipation of His resurrection. The early Church held vigils on Holy Saturday night, transitioning into the celebration of Pascha at midnight.

By the 4th century, the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday became a formal part of the day's observance. This service incorporated elements of mourning and joy, reflecting Christ's rest in the tomb and the anticipation of His resurrection.

Holy Saturday is uniquely significant in Orthodox theology for its emphasis on the Harrowing of Hell. Christ descends into Hades, defeats death, and frees the souls of the righteous who had awaited salvation. The day bridges the sorrow of the crucifixion with the joy of the resurrection, emphasizing themes of renewal and hope.

During the Byzantine era, Holy Saturday services grew in complexity and beauty, incorporating rich hymnography and symbolism. The Hymn of the Resurrection became a central feature, foreshadowing the midnight Paschal celebration.

Today, the Vesperal Divine Liturgy continues to be celebrated in the morning or early afternoon, combining readings from the Old Testament with joyful hymns anticipating the resurrection. Meanwhile, preparations for the midnight Paschal Vigil dominate the evening, with faithful gathering to proclaim the resurrection and begin the feast of Pascha.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Orthodox Holy Saturday, Orthodox Christians engage in a variety of religious and familial activities that reflect the solemnity of Christ's burial, the anticipation of His resurrection, and the transition from mourning to joy.

The day begins with the Vesperal Divine Liturgy of Holy Saturday, usually held in the morning or early afternoon. Late in the evening, preparations begin for the Paschal Vigil, which starts at midnight and marks the celebration of Christ's resurrection.

In the spirit of Christ's love and victory over sin, many Orthodox Christians often use Holy Saturday as a day for acts of kindness, visiting the sick and helping those in need. Faithful bring candles to the church, which will be lit during the midnight proclamation of Christ's resurrection.

Orthodox and Western Holy Saturday

Holy Saturday is observed by both Western Christianity and Orthodox Christianity as part of the Easter Triduum or Holy Week, respectively. While both traditions commemorate Jesus Christ's time in the tomb, the focus, tone, and liturgical practices differ due to theological emphasis and cultural variations.

Name: Holy Saturday is part of the Easter Triduum. Orthodox Holy Saturday, also known as Great and Holy Saturday, is part of Holy Week.

Focus: Holy Saturday reflects on Jesus's time in the tomb and the sorrow of His followers. Orthodox Holy Saturday emphasizes Christ's descent into Hades and triumph over death.

Liturgical tone: Holy Saturday is reflective and solemn during the day, transitioning to joyful anticipation during the Easter Vigil at night. Orthodox Holy Saturday begins solemnly but transitions to a joyful anticipation of Pascha (Easter) during the Divine Liturgy.

Service: The main service for Holy Saturday is the Easter Vigil, held after sunset, celebrating the resurrection. The services on Orthodox Holy Saturday are the Vesperal Divine Liturgy that celebrated in the morning or afternoon, and preparations for the Paschal Vigil at midnight.

Cultural traditions: Easter egg decorating, food preparations and quiet reflection are traditions for Holy Saturday, while baking traditional foods, decorating red eggs, and preparing for Paschal celebrations are common on Orthodox Holy Saturday.