Holy Week before Easter or after. Holy Week before Easter. Signs and prohibitions by day. Annunciation on Holy Week

More than two thousand years ago, Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem. He came in peace, as conquerors and conquerors rode in on horses, and he sat astride a donkey. Joyful people covered his path with palm branches, thereby expressing their respect. In our country, palm trees do not grow. Their branches are replaced by willow branches. Hence and ..

Why is the week called Holy Week?

It is also called the week. The word passion means suffering. We are talking about the suffering that Jesus Christ experienced while dying on the cross. His resurrection later became proof of God's miracle, which was reflected in the Easter holiday. It is considered the most significant Christian celebration, as it brings people joy, instills hope in them.

Each day of the pre-Easter week is called Great. Sunday that ends it is called not only the Bright of Christ, but also Red, since the Savior had to shed his blood in the name of the human race.

Great Monday

On this day, for a long time in Russia, they were engaged in getting rid of the old litter. They bathed the cattle, cleaned the corners of the huts, whitewashed the walls. In a word, this is the most stressful day when it is necessary to carry out the main work to prepare for the holiday.

Great Tuesday

On the second day of Holy Week, the opportune moment comes to remember some of Jesus' teachings. So, Christ told his disciples about the resurrection of the dead, about how to fulfill obligations before the Almighty and earthly authority. He also talked about the time coming, and each of the living will appear before the Last Judgment.

All the stories that the Savior told people awakened faith in them. The people knew that the coming of the Mission had been foretold by the prophets long ago. The disciples and mere mortals were convinced that Jesus was the son of God, and they were convinced of this on Sunday.

Great Wednesday

It was on this day that Judas Iscariot betrayed his mentor for 30 pieces of silver. This terrible sin later pushed him to another, already the last one in his life. After repentance, Judas became so desperate that he hanged himself on an aspen branch.

Why did he choose this particular tree? According to legend, initially his gaze fell on a birch. However, with fear this tree turned white. Judas decided to bypass him. But after hanging, the aspen began to shudder constantly from what happened. Hence the saying "tremble like an aspen in the wind."

On Wednesday, another person is remembered - a woman who prepared the body of Jesus for burial after the crucifixion. The Savior guided her on the right path: before meeting him, she led a not entirely righteous lifestyle, being considered a sinner among the people. Her faith was so strong that all her sins were forgiven.

It is customary to confess on Great Wednesday, since this rite has special power on this day.

Maundy Thursday

We often call it Maundy Thursday, since it is customary to wash before sunrise. It is believed that thereby a person washes away sins from himself. In fact, the action symbolizes the truth: bodily purity is no less important than spiritual. By the way, on this day it is customary to paint eggs and bake cakes. We should not leave this activity for Friday and Saturday, as we usually do. It's better to do less complicated household chores these days.

According to historical facts, the Last Supper was held on Thursday, which we know about from many works of art and Scripture. Remember the eponymous work of Leonardo da Vinci, written by him at the end of the 15th century? It conveys the very moment when Jesus informed the disciples that one of them would betray him. The confusion that gripped those present is read in their eyes. Immediately after painting, the painting ended up in the Santa Maria delle Grazie monastery in Milan. It is kept there to this day.

It is curious that the bomb that hit the monastery building during the Second World War caused multiple damage to the temple, but the "Last Supper" remained unharmed.

Good Friday

She is also called Passionate. It was on this day that the trial of Jesus Christ took place, and on the same day he was crucified. Only criminals were subjected to this type of execution. He was also chosen for Jesus - the teacher and Savior, who healed people, gave them faith.

On Good Friday, it is customary to read special prayers, and in the evenings to carry out the shroud in churches. On these pieces of fabric, the same plot is embroidered: Jesus Christ lying in the grave and people mourning Him. Of course, such shroud are the handiwork of our contemporaries. But the authentic one has survived to this day. It is called Turin: and it was in it that the tortured body of the Savior was wrapped.

Scientists say that this four-meter canvas, made more than two thousand years ago from linen, still shows the face of Jesus. This image was even captured in a photograph using modern technology.

Great Saturday

They put the body of Jesus in a coffin and hid it in a cave, and at the entrance they set a large stone resembling an egg. It was this stone, according to one of several legends, that became one of the main symbols of Easter. Another legend tells that Mary Magdalene came to preach to the emperor Tiberius and brought an egg as a gift. To her words "Christ is Risen!" Tiberius replied something like this: if this were true, then the egg would turn red. At the same moment, the egg in Magdalene's hand turned red.

Easter services begin on Saturday in churches. They last from 23 this day to 3 hours Sunday. True believing Christians stand up for the entire service. Many people stop by for a few minutes. On this day, people remember the Lord, bring cakes and eggs to the temples, as well as other food that will be present on the festive table on Sunday in order to consecrate it.

Easter is a great celebration preceded by Holy Week. This holiday is loved by both adults and children, both believers and those who are completely far from. However, do not forget that behind all this fun lies the suffering of Jesus Christ, who sacrificed himself for the salvation of the human race.

Holy Week is the most severe week of Great Lent. During this period, it is important to adhere to traditions and prohibitions, primarily related to food. To avoid trouble and properly prepare for Easter, you need to give up some foods.

Easter is one of the most anticipated events on the church calendar. In 2019, this bright holiday will take place on April 28, but preparations for it will last six whole days. During this period, the last week of Great Lent, or Holy Week, is expected. It is believed that it is in the last week before Easter that strict dietary restrictions must be adhered to in order to achieve spiritual cleansing. In this regard, the site's experts suggest that you create a menu for Holy Week and tell you what you can eat from April 22 to April 27.

Great monday- the most difficult day of Holy Week. Priests recommend refraining from eating food altogether, but only if the person does not have health problems. On April 22, you can eat raw and pickled vegetables and fruits, mushrooms. Only cold water or herbal tea is allowed. It is advisable to eat food only once a day in the evening after general cleaning.

Great Tuesday. It is recommended to eat once. Only raw vegetables and fruits can be eaten. However, the monks argue that lay people do not have to adhere to such strict restrictions. Therefore, Orthodox believers are allowed to steam food without adding oil.

Great Wednesday. On this day, the ministers of the temples try to abstain from food and recommend that believers also refuse to eat food. But if, for medical reasons, such restrictions are unacceptable, you can include raw vegetables and fruits, pickled mushrooms, and dried fruits in the menu. Also on April 24, it is necessary to purchase products for the Easter table.

Maundy Thursday. On April 25, Orthodox believers can add hot food cooked in vegetable oil to their diet. Tea is allowed, in the evening you can drink a small amount of red wine. By tradition, on Maundy Thursday, Orthodox believers are engaged in painting eggs and preparing Easter cakes. However, trying these dishes is strictly prohibited.

Good Friday. At this time, believers grieve, remembering the martyrdom of Jesus Christ. Therefore, on April 26, it is advisable to stop eating food and drink only water throughout the day. People suffering from ailments, as well as the elderly and children, are allowed to refrain from strict restrictions. Those who do not manage to starve all day can eat a piece of bread after the evening service.

Great Saturday. The last day of Great Lent. On April 27, it is allowed to eat raw and pickled vegetables, soaked berries and fruits, and bread. Despite the fact that there are no strict dietary restrictions on this day, it is highly discouraged to overeat before Easter.

Easter.On April 28, believers will celebrate Bright Easter. Lent has come to an end, which means that now the Orthodox can afford their favorite dishes, including food of animal origin. On Easter, it is recommended to start your meal with Easter cakes and colored eggs, but other dishes must be present on the festive table.

During Holy Week, Orthodox believers will have to actively prepare for Easter. Diet restriction is not the only necessary measure. At this time, it is necessary to turn to the Lord and pray for the forgiveness of sins. Strong prayers will help you in this. We wish you strength and patience,and don't forget to press the buttons and

The last week before Easter is called Holy Week. It is accompanied by the most severe prescriptions as it echoes the final days of the Savior's stay on Earth.

Each day has its own special name in accordance with the events that took place in antiquity. The strictest regulations apply to the fasting menu, so it is useful to find out what you can eat in the last week before Easter in 2019 in order to comply with all the rules of Lent.

At this time, Orthodox churches hold special services and strictly monitor compliance with all prohibitions and rules. At this time, it is impossible to commemorate the dead and glorify the saints, since all the attention of believers and ministers of the church is directed to preparation for the upcoming bright holiday of Easter.

In 2019, Holy Week begins on April 22nd, and lasts until the onset of Bright Sunday. On Monday, all Orthodox churches remember the Old Testament Patriarch Joseph, whose fate was difficult, full of betrayals. They begin to cook myrrh, which contains fragrant resins, fragrant herbs and vegetable fats. All three days, while the sacred oil is being prepared, prayers are read on it tirelessly.

On Tuesday, sermons dedicated to Jesus Christ are mandatory. The church recalls the words of the Savior, in which he mentioned to his followers about the miracles performed by God and the Last Judgment.

Great Wednesday is dedicated to the betrayal of Judas Iscariot and the sinner who washed the Savior's feet and anointed them with peace. On this day, fasting parishioners can confess and repent of all their sins in order to meet Bright Sunday with a pure soul.

On Maundy Thursday, the church commemorates the Last Supper of Christ with its followers. It was then that Holy Communion was established, so all believers can receive Communion after confession.

Red Friday is considered a day of mourning and grief, as it is dedicated to the suffering that the Savior had to endure on the cross. A shroud is taken out of the altar, an image of Christ lying in a tomb. The entire flock bows to these relics.

On Holy Saturday, a solemn service is held, which remembers the moment of Jesus' burial and his being in the tomb. This is already considered a festive day, so all the clergy wear light robes. Easter cakes, eggs and Easter are blessed in all parishes. Late in the evening, the service begins, with which the faithful celebrate Easter.

The last week before Easter Sunday is notable for its severity, so you need to know what you can eat every day so as not to break the fasting rules. Some believers completely renounce food, allowing themselves to eat only bread and water.

In addition, according to the monastery charter, for the first four days, it is also allowed to eat raw fruits and vegetables, dried fruits, nuts and honey.

To diversify your diet, you can prepare salads, vegetable or fruit, add nuts or raisins to them. Such a healthy, vitamin-rich dish will benefit a hungry body. It is better to devote Friday entirely to prayer and not eat any food until evening service. Fasting is also observed on Saturday, but in the evening a solemnly laid table awaits believers, since fasting ends and Easter begins.

Only pregnant women, children and seriously ill people are exempted from the great abstinence, for whom refusal from certain foods can harm their health.

The last week of fasting before Easter must strictly observe the food calendar. But, nevertheless, the diet should be varied and tasty. What can be eaten every day, so as not only not to deviate from church prescriptions, but also to receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals, interests many believers.

In fact, everything is not as scary as it seems to uninitiated people, because the basis of the diet can be vegetable salads with various combinations:

• cabbage with prunes;
• cabbage with apple;
• beetroot salads;
• carrots with walnuts.

You can fill your meals with orange juice - an interesting and unusual combination that you rarely find in mundane cuisine.

On Thursday, it is allowed to steam vegetables or boil them in slightly salted water, season them with vegetable oil. There may also be red wine on the table, which symbolizes the blood of the Savior. On Friday, you should limit yourself to bread and water. Here are a few lean recipes that you can use throughout Lent.

Salad with cabbage, cucumbers and strawberries

In the last week before Easter, laymen are allowed some indulgence, so you can add a little vegetable oil to your food. It is with them that you can dress up an unusual cabbage salad, to which an atypical product is added - strawberries.

Ingredients:

• 200 g of white cabbage;
• 1 cucumber;
• 1 bunch of dill;
• 150 g strawberries;
• salt;
• vegetable oil.

Recipe:

• We free the cabbage from the upper leaves, rinse it under running water and chop it into strips. Put it in a deep bowl, sprinkle with salt and wrinkle it well with your hands until the juice comes out.

• We also wash the cucumber and cut it into halves. Finely chop the dill.

• Peel the strawberries and cut them into four parts.

• We put all the ingredients in a salad bowl, season with vegetable oil and serve.
• This simple dish can be spiced up with cilantro, which can be used to decorate plates.

Carrot salad

You can add another simple yet delicious and nutritious salad to the menu every day. The original recipe contains carrots and a special dressing, but if you include bell peppers and radishes for variety, you get an even more intense and piquant taste.

Ingredients:

• 250 g carrots;
• 250 g green radish;
• 100 g sweet pepper;
• 4 tbsp. l. vegetable oil;
• salt and black pepper to taste.

Recipe:

1. Peel the carrots and rinse them under running water. We grate the product on a grater designed for Korean salads.
2. Free the radish from the peel and rub it as well.
3. Gutted sweet pepper from seeds, cut into thin strips.
4. We put all the vegetables in a salad bowl and prepare a dressing from vegetable oil, salt and pepper. Pour the contents of a bowl on it, mix and serve.

An interesting recipe that shows that you can eat vegetables on dry eating days not only individually, but also as part of a salad. The only condition is the exclusion of vegetable oil. You can replace it with lemon juice.

Puree soup with cauliflower

Puree soup with any non-prohibited foods is ideal for fasting. By the way, this recipe is suitable not only for consumption in the last week of fasting before Easter, but also for people far from church, for example, athletes or girls who want to lose weight.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp. l. vegetable oil;
• 2 tsp flour;
• 1 head of cauliflower, about 500-700 g;
• 1 onion;
• 1 liter of water;
• salt;
• ground pepper;
• paprika.

Recipe:

1. Chop the cauliflower so that the pieces do not exceed 3 cm in diameter, finely chop the onion into cubes
2. We put a saucepan on the stove, add sunflower oil and fry the flour on it. A ruddy color should appear in two minutes. After that, pour clean water and wait until it boils.
3. Add onion and cabbage to a saucepan with boiling liquid, wait until everything boils again, turn down the heat and cover. Cook for 20 minutes, until the cabbage is tender.
4. Add some paprika to the soup to add color and flavor, and season with salt and pepper. We are waiting for 2-3 minutes, turn off the heating. Using an immersion blender, turn the soup into puree, taste it and add more seasonings if necessary. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Serve the cream soup hot, adding a little sunflower oil to each plate and sprinkling with freshly ground allspice. Cauliflower soup is very tender and aromatic. If desired, you can use other vegetables, as well as replace the spices with your favorite set, for example, a mixture of Provencal herbs or coriander.

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For which people prepare spiritually and physically by following the instructions. There are only a few days left and that most important week before the great holiday will begin soon. In view of the increased interest of our readers, we are publishing important information about Holy Week before, describing the traditions of each day.

Assessment

Last week before called Passionate ... Also in ancient times, this week had many names - Red, Chervona, Great, Holy Week, Holy Week.During this period, they were actively preparing for the celebration of Easter (therefore, it is now relevant, proven, tasty and original, etc.). Each day of the week before Easter had its own traditions, which were sincerely honored.

The week before Easter begins Great Monday... On this day, it was necessary to complete all the work around the house and on the site near it: paint, repair, clean, without postponing for other days.

Great Tuesday the last week before Easter was usually devoted to working with clothes: washing, ironing, darning. On other days, these works are not recommended.

IN Great Wednesday they took out the last garbage from the house, and everything necessary for preparation.

The week before Easter has a special spirituality. The conditions of fasting are becoming even stricter. of this day they say that you can not do anything around the house, sing, dance, listen to music. You cannot eat anything in memory of the suffering of Christ. Everyone should know these in the last week before Easter. In the evening, during the services in the church, the Shroud is brought out.

The last week of the forty-day fast, which ends with Easter, is dedicated to the memories of the last days of Jesus Christ's life on earth. They call it Holy Week. In addition, the last week before Easter personifies spiritual and physical purity, therefore it is also called the Pure or White Week. Also in ancient times this week had many names - Red, Chervona, Great, Holy week.

The Church claims that the combination of Holy Week with the Bright Easter that follows can give a person as much spiritually as he does not receive in the whole year. And if a person uses the potential of these days even in small strength, there will still be a lot of sense.

Each day of the pre-Easter week is called Great and carries a certain meaning. Fasting on these days should be especially strict. It should be remembered that the main thing in fasting is not refraining from food and sweets, but repentance, prayer and awareness of one's sinfulness.

On Monday, I remember the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, who is sometimes called a type of Jesus Christ. According to religious texts, the elder brothers sold Joseph for 20 pieces of silver to a passing caravan of Ishmaelites or Arabians, and then he was resold in Egypt. Also on Great Monday, believers remember the drying up of a barren fig tree by Jesus Christ. It symbolizes that a person's life should bear spiritual fruits: prayers and good deeds.

On this day, it was necessary to complete all the work around the house and on the site near it: paint, repair, clean, without postponing for other days.

All week before Easter, you must not eat dairy food, fish, eggs, meat, and even use vegetable oil. On this day, according to church canons, one should adhere to dry food, eating only black bread, water, fruits, compotes and vegetables.

On Good Tuesday, one recalls the sermons of Jesus Christ about the resurrection of the dead, the Last Judgment and some others, as well as an episode from the New Testament, in which, answering the question of whether it is permissible to give tribute to Caesar, Christ answered the famous phrase “Give what is Caesar’s to Caesar, and God’s to God ".

The Tuesday of the last week before Easter was usually devoted to working with clothes: washing, ironing, darning. On other days, these works are not recommended.

On Great Wednesday, believers remember how Judas Iscariot made the decision to betray Jesus Christ for 30 pieces of silver, thereby choosing spiritual destruction. On Wednesday, they also remember the sinner Mary, who repented by visiting the house of Simon the Leper, where Jesus rested. Mary anointed Jesus' head with myrrh and washed his feet with tears, preparing him for burial.

On Great Wednesday, they took out the last garbage from the house, prepared eggs and everything needed to prepare painted eggs (Easter eggs).

On Maundy Thursday, the church and people remember the Last Supper, at which Jesus established the sacrament of the Sacrament, washing the feet of his disciples as a sign of love for them. Starting on Thursday, all services in the church are dedicated to the memory of the suffering of Jesus Christ on earth.

Maundy Thursday is one of the central days of Holy Week, with many traditions associated with it, many of which are more folk beliefs than prescriptions that go directly to religious texts. In particular, on this day, it is customary to put things in order especially carefully in the house (according to tradition, it is impossible to clean up for six days after that). In the evening, some people put a silver object in the water to wash with this water the next day. It is also customary to harvest salt on this day, since it is believed that it will have healing properties. Everyone in the family should take a handful of salt and pour it into one bag. This salt is taken away and stored, and it is called "Thursday salt", that is, the salt of Great Thursday. With it you will be able to heal yourself, as well as your family and friends.

From Thursday, nothing is given from home until Easter.

On this day you need to swim, especially for the sick and the weak, because the water in the early morning has healing powers. And on Thursday they begin to cook Easter and bake cakes. It is believed that before kneading the dough you need to pray, cleanse the soul and space, otherwise Easter cakes will not work. On Maundy Thursday, a fire is lit in the churches, which must be preserved and brought to your home. This candle will protect the house from fire all year round.

Good Friday is the strictest day of the week and is the day of mourning. On this day, no one eats food before taking out the Shroud, which is done in the evening. The Shroud depicts the full-length Savior, who lies in a hump. The Shroud is installed in the center of the church, the parishioners decorate it with flowers and anoint it with incense. The church on Friday remembers the torture, execution and death of Jesus Christ.

On Good Friday, it is forbidden to do anything around the house, you cannot sing, walk and have fun, since then a person will cry all year. In memory of the torment of Jesus Christ, they refrain from eating on this day.

Good Friday is the day on which the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is remembered, and it is the most severe and mournful day of Great Lent. On this day, believers should avoid vain affairs as much as possible (with the exception of those related to preparing for Easter) and devote as much time as possible to thinking about the sacrifice that Christ made for the sake of people.

The signs and traditions of this day say that you cannot do anything around the house, sing, dance, listen to music. You cannot eat anything in memory of the suffering of Christ. Everyone should know these bans on Good Friday in the last week before Easter.

On Friday, they sweep the corners with a rag, this rag will help get rid of lower back pain if you tie it around yourself. With the same cloth, they wipe their feet in the bath after washing so that their feet do not hurt. The ash, taken on the Friday before Easter, will help to cure alcoholism, black shaking, the evil eye and death longing.
On Friday, they look out the window, noting who they will see first: if a man, then to prosperity for three months. If at this time a person falls ill, he will quickly recover. Any problem can be easily resolved.
If you see an old woman, then there will be a series of three months of failure and illness, and a young woman - you will live without problems for these three months. The family, you will see - to peace in the family, to the reconciliation of those who are at odds. A dog - to longing, a cat - to profit, birds - to a new acquaintance and good news, a disabled person - to the death of a loved one.

Holy Saturday is dedicated to the memories of the burial and stay in the tomb of the body of Jesus Christ, as well as the preparation for Easter - the Resurrection of Christ, which is celebrated on the night from Saturday to Sunday.

Great Saturday is the day when you need to prepare the Easter basket, as well as the dishes of the festive table; eggs continue to be painted on this day. According to signs, if an egg with a colored shell is cracked, it cannot be thrown away, but must be lowered into the river.

The Easter basket should contain:

• easter;
• easter eggs;
• horseradish;
• homemade sausage;
• garlic;
• fat;
• salt;
• candles;
• a piece of butter.

All products are covered with an embroidered towel. No one sleeps until morning, people go to the all-night service. It is believed that those people who have neglected this custom and sleep will be unhappy. Happiness visits only those who are awake.

Holy Sunday - the bright holiday of Easter - this holiday should be spent in the circle of relatives and friends, congratulating each other on Easter, inviting friends to their home, sharing joy and faith in a bright future due to the resurrection of Christ.

Great Easter holiday in honor of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Services in temples usually begin at exactly midnight. In the church it is necessary to open the basket, insert a lighted candle into it, and the priest will consecrate the meat.

In the morning on Easter they wash themselves with water left from Maundy Thursday. It's good to put a silver little thing or a spoon in it, you can put a coin. They wash for beauty and wealth.
Everyone, without exception, begins Easter in the family with the words “Christ is risen” and answers “Truly is risen”.

At home, a tasty and large Easter table is set, which should be covered with a light or white tablecloth. Traditional dishes should be present on the table - colored eggs, cottage cheese Easter and Easter cakes. Traditionally, people start breaking their fast with a blessed cake. You can also serve meat dishes, sweet pastries in the form of animals. The remains of the consecrated food cannot be thrown away, you can distribute them to the poor, and bury the eggshells in the ground.