The Orthodox Church commemorates Holy Saturday as the day between the Crucifixion of Christ and His Resurrection. It is a day of watchful expectation, transforming mourning into joy. The focus is on the Tomb of Christ, a place of victory and liberation, not decay and defeat.
The Church contemplates the mystery of Christ’s descent into Hades, defeating death from within. The hymnographer of the Church beautifully captures the dialogue between Jesus and His Mother, expressing the profound mystery of Christ’s death and resurrection.
Great Saturday is a day of pre-eminent rest, where Christ fulfills the divine will for the salvation of humanity and the cosmos. Through His death and resurrection, Christ has filled all things with Himself, opening the path to resurrection for all.
The icon of the Resurrection depicts Christ victorious, trampling upon death and rescuing Adam and Eve from the abyss of hell. This icon symbolizes the truth of Christ’s defeat of death through His resurrection.
The Orthodox celebration of Holy Saturday includes the preparation of Christ’s body for the tomb by Mary Magdalene, Mary, the Mother of God, John, and Joseph of Arimathea. The faithful participate in the procession with the Epitaphios, chanting hymns and holding candles in remembrance of Christ’s burial.
Holy Saturday is a day of solemn observance, reminding us of the great truth that Christ has conquered death and brought liberation to all. The Church proclaims joyously that life has been liberated, and Christ has defeated the power of death through His resurrection. Candles were lit to symbolize Christ’s victory over death and the Church’s belief in the Resurrection. The Scripture readings for the Matins service included passages from Ezekiel, Corinthians, Galatians, and Matthew.
The Liturgy on Holy and Great Saturday follows the order of Saint Basil the Great. It begins with Vespers and includes Old Testament readings that tell of the salvation of mankind through the death of Christ. The catechumens were traditionally baptized during these readings. The service mixes burial hymns with those of the resurrection, anticipating the joy of Pascha.
After the Epistle reading, the priest tosses laurel, symbolizing the call for God to judge the earth. The hymns of Holy Saturday reflect on Christ’s descent into death and his victory over Hades. The service ends with a hymn celebrating the Lord’s resurrection.
Overall, Holy Saturday is a day of anticipation and reflection on the events leading up to Christ’s resurrection. It is a time to remember the sacrifice and triumph of Jesus for the salvation of mankind.
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