A JOURNEY THROUGH HOLY WEEK

The Traditional Byzantine Icon of Holy Week

By Bp. Joseph (Ancient Church of the West)

BLESSED HOLY WEEK!

The Life, Drama, and Meaning of the Week That Changed the World

Holy Week is the heart of the Orthodox year—a sacred journey through the final days of our Lord’s earthly life. It begins in glory, descends into suffering, and ends in victory. Here's how the Church walks with Christ day by day:

PALM SUNDAY

Jesus enters Jerusalem as King—humble and riding on a donkey. The people cry Hosanna! not knowing He comes not to conquer by the sword, but by the Cross.

HOLY MONDAY TO WEDNESDAY – THE BRIDEGROOM COMES

The Church calls us to vigilance and repentance:

Monday: The cursed fig tree warns against fruitless faith.

Tuesday: The Parable of the Ten Virgins urges us to be watchful.

Wednesday: A sinful woman anoints Christ with love, while Judas plots betrayal.

HOLY THURSDAY – THE MYSTICAL SUPPER

Christ gives us the greatest gift: His own Body and Blood. He washes the disciples’ feet, teaching that true greatness is found in humble love.

HOLY FRIDAY – THE CROSS AND THE GRAVE

Jesus is betrayed, mocked, scourged, and crucified. The sinless One dies for the sinful. The Church mourns and sings, “Today He who hung the earth upon the waters is hung upon the tree…”

HOLY SATURDAY – THE GREAT SABBATH

Christ rests in the tomb. But His soul descends into Hades, breaking the gates of death and raising Adam and Eve. Heaven and earth wait in silence.

PASCHA – CHRIST IS RISEN!

At midnight, light bursts from the tomb:

"CHRIST IS RISEN FROM THE DEAD, TRAMPLING DOWN DEATH BY DEATH!"

Death is defeated. Life begins anew. Joy has no end.

THE MEANING OF IT ALL

This week isn’t just a memory—it’s a Mystery. We don’t just remember what Christ did. We enter it. We live it. We die with Him, so we may rise with Him.

Let us walk with Christ—through the Cross, into Resurrection.

BLESSED HOLY WEEK TO ALL!

Paschal Week and Resurrection Icon to Celebrate the Great Triumph of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ!