Holy Week is marked by a special spiritual atmosphere that is filled with preparations for Easter. During this period, it is important to follow certain actions that will help believers to dive deeper into the spiritual world. Find out more about the traditions and when Holy Week starts in 2024

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The holy period before Easter, known as Holy Week or Holy Week, is a time to commemorate the events surrounding the suffering of Jesus Christ. This week follows Palm Week and is one of the holiest in the Christian calendar.

During this period, believers remember the last days of Christ on earth. The name “Holy Week” comes from the word “passion”, which means “suffering”, and emphasizes the significance of these events in the Christian tradition.

A crown of thorns is a crown made of branches of a plant with thorns, which, according to the Gospels, was placed on the head of Jesus Christ.

When is Holy Week in 2024?

The start date of Holy Week depends on the date of Easter, which varies every year. In 2024, Holy Week will last from April 29 to May 4. It consists of the days from Monday to Saturday that precede the festive event of the Resurrection of Christ.

These dates are defined in both versions of the church calendar, old and new, as they depend on the calculation of Easter, which is a floating holiday in the Christian tradition.

An irreplaceable symbol of Easter. Read more about the uniqueness of Ukrainian Easter eggs here.

Holy Week 2024 by day

Holy Week is filled with special events and days, each with its own unique meaning and significance. From Holy Monday to Holy Saturday, believers mark this time of preparation for Easter with thoughtfulness.

Holy Monday (April 29) 

It is marked by the memory of the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, who was betrayed by his brothers. On this day, solemn services are held in churches, and the traditional big cleaning and laundry is done at home.

Holy Tuesday (April 30) 

This is the time when Jesus commemorates the events associated with his denunciation to the Pharisees and scribes. This day is also marked by preparations for the festive table and Easter meals.

Holy Wednesday (May 1) 

Falls on the day when Judas betrayed Christ for 30 pieces of silver. This day also commemorates the sinner who washed Jesus' feet. Women try to be especially careful to refrain from doing needlework.

Holy Thursday (May 2)

It is celebrated as the day of the first sacrament of communion. On this day, believers go to church and receive communion, and also begin to dye Easter eggs and bake Easter cakes at home.

Holy Friday (May 3) 

It is considered the most mournful day of the week, when Christ was crucified. On this day, the shroud is brought out in churches, and believers observe a strict fast until the Holy Shroud is brought out.

Holy Saturday (May 4) 

It marks the end of Lent. This is the day when Christ rescued the souls of the righteous from hell. On this day, eggs are dyed and the Easter basket is assembled, and solemn services are held in churches to announce the good news of the Resurrection of Christ.

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What should not be done during Holy Week?

In Holy Week 2024, it is important for Christians to observe some prohibitions to be in line with spiritual preparation for Easter. In particular:

• Breaking the fast and having fun: During this period, it is important to observe a strict fast and refrain from entertainment and merriment, as it is a time of giving and repentance.

• Quarreling, scandalizing, slandering: It is important to strive for peace and harmony in relations with others and avoid conflicts and negative statements.

• Hard physical labor: This is a time to spend more time in prayer and spiritual rest, so it is best to avoid hard physical labor.

• Celebrating weddings and birthdays: During this period, you should refrain from organizing any festive events such as weddings or birthdays, as this is a time of spirituality and repentance before God.

Observing these rules helps believers to dive deeper into spiritual preparation for Easter and feel the festive spirit of this important period in the Christian calendar.

We remind you! Easter is one of the most important holidays for all Christian believers. However, no less important is the period before the holiday, which prepares people for the Resurrection of Christ. Find out why we need Lent and what rules we need to follow.

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