Holy Week is the most sacred time in the Church year. Here are ten ways to enter into it more fully.
1. Make participation at the services a priority. The services of Holy Week tell the complete story of our Lord’s Passion, Death, Burial, and Resurrection. Each one builds on the last. Attend as many as you can.
2. Keep out the world. In our homes we should strive to enter into the peace, solemnity, and theology of the events of the last days of our Lord. Limit distractions and set aside time for quiet reflection.
3. Read the Gospels. Read the final chapters of the Holy Gospels that speak of the Passion, Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ. Let the scriptural account accompany you through the week.
4. Visiting another parish? If you are visiting another parish and wish to receive Communion, make sure the priest knows who you are and that you are prepared. This should be done in advance by phone, email, or any other way.
5. Last year’s palms. Place them outside in an area to decay where they will not be disturbed. They are holy and should not be thrown out with the garbage.
6. Venerating holy objects. Before venerating the Cross, the Chalice, Icons, or the Winding-Sheet, wipe off lipstick or chapstick. We do not kiss the face of our Lord, His Mother, or the Saints. Kiss the hands or feet instead.
7. Make your Confession. If you have not yet made your Confession during Great Lent, try to make it during the beginning of Holy Week. Speak with your priest to arrange a time.
8. Make amends. Try to reconcile with those we may be upset with, or those who are upset with us, so that on Pascha we can joyfully sing: “Let us call brothers, even those that hate us, and forgive all by the Resurrection!”
9. Stay for the Paschal meal. Try to stay after the Midnight Service on Pascha morning for the blessing of baskets and the festive meal and breakfast. Share in the joy of the Lord’s Resurrection with fellowship and love.
10. Come and see. Invite someone. Holy Week is one of the most powerful experiences in the Orthodox Church. Bring a friend or family member who has never attended.
