2021 Services of Holy Week - A Synopsis

For 2021, Holy Week & Pascha begins on Sunday Evening, April 25, and continues through Sunday, May 2, one month after Western Christianity celebrates Easter.

These services are subject to change depending on the severity of the Coronavirus Pandemic at that time. Please note time change on most evening services is 6:00 p.m.

PALM SUNDAY EVENING - April 25, 6:00 p.m. Services on Sunday through Wednesday evenings are called the "Bridegroom" services due to a special hymn, "Behold, the Bridegroom Comes", sung at these services. Sunday evening's special theme is the unfruitful fig tree.

HOLY MONDAY EVENING - April 26, 6:00 p.m. Monday evening's special theme is the Parable of the Ten Virgins (wisdom and preparedness).

HOLY TUESDAY EVENING - April 27, 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening's special theme is the Anointing of Jesus before his death, and the call to repentance.

HOLY WEDNESDAY - April 28

• MORNING - 9:00 a.m. Presanctified Liturgy
• AFTERNOON - 3:00 p.m. The Sacrament of Holy Unction (Greek/American Tradition), for the healing of soul and body.
• EVENING - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday evening's special theme is the mystical supper (institution of the Holy Eucharist) along with other themes, and then anointing with Holy Unction.

HOLY THURSDAY- April 29

• MORNING - 9:00 a.m. Divine Liturgy commemorates the Last Supper. Also, the reserve sacrament is consecrated now for the entire year.
• EVENING - 6:00 p.m. Special service with 12 Gospel readings that tell of the arrest, trial and crucifixion of Christ.

GREAT FRIDAY- April 30

• MORNING - 9:00 a.m. Royal Hours (Recap the arrest, trial, judgment & crucifixion of Christ).
• AFTERNOON - 3:30 p.m. The taking down of the body of Christ from the cross.
• EVENING - 6:00 p.m. The "Lamentations". The Funeral and burial of Jesus.

HOLY SATURDAY MORNING - May 1 9:00 a.m. Liturgy remembering the Descent into Hades of Christ, breaking the gates of Hell and binding the devil, causing the earthquake that was felt when Jesus died on the Cross.

EASTER SUNDAY - May 2 (from the Eve of May 1)

• SATURDAY EVE- 10:30 p.m. Preparation for the Resurrection; and then at 11:00 p.m., The Resurrection Service, followed by the Orthros, and Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom at midnight.
• SUNDAY MORNING - 11:00 a.m. Agape Vespers done in many languages. This reminds us that the message of Christ went to the entire world.