Holy Week

The word “Pascha” translates to “Passover” which refers to the angel of death that passed over the houses of the Hebrews in the time of Moses. These houses were sprinkled with the blood of the Passover lamb, symbolising the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross who is “The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” ~ John 1:29.

Palm Sunday

The Lord entered Jerusalem, symbolising our hearts, as the King of Peace. He clears the temple of moneychangers.

Monday

The Lord cursed the fig tree when they found nothing but leaves. We are reminded to produce the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23)

Tuesday

The Lord teaches with parables about the Kingdom of Heaven, the end of the World and the Day of Judgment. E.g. parable of the talents

Wednesday

We see the love of Mary of Bethany— sacrificing her livelihood to anoint Him for His burial. In contrast, Judas betrays the Lord.

Covenant Thursday

The Lord washes the disciples’ feet before He institutes the Mystery of the Holy Eucharist. At the Garden of Gesthemane He surrenders His will to the Father and is captured.

Good Friday

Innocent and faultless, He was beaten and crucified on the cross – the Lamb of God, carrying the sins of the world. We cry to Him, “Remember me, when you come into Your Kindom”

Apocalypse Night

This is the night the Lord descended to Hades and set free the captive, taking them from Hades to Paradise; so therefore we also pass over from death to life and from sin to holiness.

The Resurrection 

Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, bestowing life on those in the tombs!
“God both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His power.”
~ 1 Corinthians 6:14

How to Benefit Spiritually from the Holy Pascha Week

by the Late Thrice Blessed Pope Shenouda III