Holy Week before Easter in 2016 began with Orthodox Christians. Holy Week in 2016 is the last and strictest week of Lent and implies spiritual and bodily purity, therefore it is also called White or Pure Week …
The time of the strictest fasting comes for Orthodox believers on April 25, 2016 - Holy Week (week). This time got its name in memory of the last days of Jesus Christ's stay on Earth.
Holy Week 2016: What Can You Do?
Biblical traditions tell us that throughout the Passion Week Jesus Christ is approaching his death on the cross, therefore, in memory of those events, believers are supposed to keep the strictest fast.
During Holy Week 2016, meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products are prohibited. Vegetable oil is not allowed. At this time, one should not sing and dance. It will be best to devote this time to prayer, service in temples and preparation for Easter.
Days of Holy Week of Great Lent 2016
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Each day of the Holy Week is called Great and is meant for certain things. For example, on Great Monday you should finish all work in your house, for example, paint and repair, do cleaning.
On Great Tuesday in 2016, it is supposed to finish the washing, ironing, darning of clothes, and on Great Wednesday, garbage is taken out of the house and eggs are prepared for traditional Easter painting.
Maundy Thursday 2016: what date?
Maundy or Maundy Thursday in 2016 falls on April 28, 2016. On this day you should swim at dawn: it is believed that water at this time has a special healing and cleansing power. In addition, Orthodox believers bake cakes and cottage cheese Easter on Maundy Thursday, and before kneading the dough, you must read a prayer.
On Maundy Thursday, a fire is lit in the churches, which should be preserved and brought to your home. It is believed that such a candle will protect from fire all year round.
Good Friday 2016: What Date?
The most severe day of Lent and Holy Week in particular is Good Friday, April 29, 2016. It was on this day, according to legend, that Jesus Christ was crucified.
On Good Friday, no housework, no singing and no merrymaking. In memory of the suffering of Jesus Christ, one should abstain from food.
Great Saturday 2016
Holy Saturday is considered the most troublesome day for housewives. On this day, you need to prepare everything you need for the Easter feast, as well as bless the festive food in the church.
In the evening on Great Saturday, Orthodox believers go to the church, where during the night service they meet the bright holiday of Easter, which falls on May 1 in 2016.