subject: Christian Holy Week [print this page] Christian Holy Week Christian Holy Week
Holy Week is among the many activities in theChristian calendar and is one of the most celebrated by Catholics and Protestants. Christian nations all over the world unite during this time, each with their own unique way of celebrating Christ's death and resurrection. Earliest catholic reference as to the celebration and observance of the Holy Week are found in the Apostolical Constitutions in the latter half of the 3rd and 4th century. Here, it is stated that abstinence from flesh is necessary, particularly on the Friday and Sunday of the week. Dionysius Alexandrinus wrote in his canonical epistle the 91 days of fasting, and also implied that the observance had already taken place in his time.
The celebration of the Holy Week varies within church traditions. Some would focus only on the last week of Jesus' life; some celebrates on a wider scope the Passion of The Christ. The ways of celebrating vary from the usual liturgical services, home visits, novenas and inspirational talks. Within the walls of catholic custom, the week is concluded during the Easter Triduum, or a three day span supplementary to a church festival dedicated to prayers and other observance. It usually begins Thursday evening until Easter Sunday.
Here are the days of the Holy Week:
Palm Sunday relives Jesus' entrance into Jerusalem. It is customary to celebrate a mass before the blessing of palm leaves, or in some other countries, olive branches.
Holy Monday tells the anointing of Jesus at Bethany, as stated in John 12:1-9, which is before Jesus' entry into Jerusalem. Few Protestants also have special services during Holy Monday but does not generally follow those of Catholics'.
Holy Tuesday precedes the commemoration of the death of Jesus. On this day the Church commemorates the Parable of the Ten Virgins.
Holy Wednesday commemorates the betrayal of Judas and the institution of the communion.
Maundy Thursday marks the day when priests consecrate the sacred oils. This is also where Jesus preached to the people of Jerusalem, especially with the children, reminding them that God is always there.
Good Friday recounts the messiah's crucifixion and His eventual death on the cross. Catholics all over the world are involved in fasting and penance among other exercises.
Holy Saturday is to remember the day that Jesus' body is laid on his tomb.
Easter Sunday marks resurrection of the Christ Jesus.
