Chaplain's Corner
The Journey of Holy Week and Pascha: A Guide for Orthodox Christian Parents and Students
As Orthodox Christians, we are blessed each year to walk the sacred path of Holy Week, leading to the glorious celebration of Pascha. This journey is more than a series of liturgical services—it is a spiritual pilgrimage that deepens our faith and draws us closer to Christ. For parents and students, understanding the significance of these holy days enriches our participation and strengthens our commitment to our Orthodox Christian life.
Holy Week, also known as Passion Week, is the final week of Great Lent and commemorates the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Each day carries profound theological meaning and offers lessons that shape our spiritual lives.
Palm Sunday - marks Christ’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem. The crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, proclaiming Him as King. Yet, within days, those same voices would turn against Him. This day reminds us of the fleeting nature of worldly honour and the call to true discipleship.
Holy Monday and Tuesday - focus on Christ’s teachings and the need for spiritual vigilance. The Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) encourages us to be prepared for the Lord’s coming.
Holy Wednesday - commemorates the sinful betrayal of Christ by Judas and the anointing of Jesus with myrrh. It is also the day when Orthodox Christians receive the Sacrament of Holy Unction, a special anointing for healing of soul and body.
Holy Thursday- recalls the Last Supper and the institution of the Holy Eucharist. It also marks the beginning of Christ’s Passion as He is betrayed and arrested.
Holy Friday- is a solemn day of mourning as we remember Christ’s crucifixion. The beautiful yet sorrowful service of the Lamentations at the Tomb of Christ reminds us of His ultimate sacrifice for our salvation.
Holy Saturday is a day of anticipation, symbolizing Christ’s descent into Hades to defeat death. The morning service, filled with joyful expectation, reminds us that the Resurrection is near.
Pascha, the Feast of Feasts, is the culmination of our journey. It is the victorious proclamation that Christ is Risen! The midnight Paschal service, with the radiant light spreading from candle to candle, signifies the triumph of life over death. The joyous hymns and exclamations of "Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!" fill our hearts with the certainty of God’s victory.
For Orthodox families, Pascha is not just one day but a season of rejoicing. The forty days of Paschal celebration remind us that Christ’s Resurrection is not a moment in history but an eternal reality that transforms our lives.
How can we prepare?
Attend the Services: Experiencing the beauty of Holy Week services helps us enter deeply into Christ’s Passion and Resurrection. (Our church programme is attached)
Fast and Pray: Observing the fasting rules and increasing prayer at home reinforce the spiritual significance of this season.
Reflect on the Readings: Reading the Gospel passages together as a family provides deeper insight into Christ’s journey.
Engage in Acts of Love: Serving others, forgiving those who have wronged us, and showing compassion mirror Christ’s love for humanity.
Celebrate Joyfully: Pascha is a time of feasting and rejoicing. Emphasizing the joy of the Resurrection helps students see faith as a living and vibrant experience.
Beloved families and children, Holy Week and Pascha are more than historical remembrances; we are a living reality that we are invited to experience anew each year. By walking this sacred path with faith, Orthodox Christians their relationship with Christ and embrace the fullness of His Resurrection.
Let us journey together with prayerful hearts, anticipating the joyous proclamation: Christ is Risen! Truly He is Risen!
Kalo Pascha – Kali Anastasi
With Love and prayers
Rev Fr Stavros Kakavas
School Chaplain