Orthodox Holy Saturday: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about Orthodox Holy Saturday (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. Orthodox Holy Saturday is celebrated on April 23rd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of Orthodox Holy Saturday, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as important facts you need know about Orthodox Holy Saturday.

📅 What day is Orthodox Holy Saturday 2024?

In 2024, Orthodox Holy Saturday is on Sunday, April 23rd. It is the 4th Sunday in April; in 2024, it is Tuesday. There are until the next observance. You also can discover all the fun details and facts about April 23, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Orthodox Holy Saturday is remembered every year on the Saturday before Easter, and this year it falls on April 23. This day is considered significant in Christianity as it marks the day after Jesus’ death, known as “Holy Saturday.” It is named so because Jesus was laid to rest in his tomb. In the United States, Orthodox Christian churches often observe Holy Saturday on a different date than many western churches. This day is also referred to as Holy and Great Saturday, among other names.

📜 Orthodox Holy Saturday History

Even though the Council of Nicaea in 325 A.D. established Easter as a worldwide celebration for Christian churches, not all churches observe it on the same date. Some Orthodox churches still follow the Julian calendar, like the Romans did, while others follow the Gregorian calendar adopted in 1582. This means that the Orthodox Easter season begins later than the usual Easter season that starts around the March equinox.

Within Orthodox circles, there is a division between New Calendarists, who use the updated Julian calendar to determine the dates of religious feasts, and Old Calendarists, who continue to adhere to the traditional Julian calendar. Various proposals have been suggested to address the discrepancy in Easter dates between those using the Gregorian and Julian calendars. In 1997, the World Council of Churches proposed a change to bridge this gap, but the plan was rejected and no action has been taken to implement this change so far.

✅ Orthodox Holy Saturday Facts

🔖 Joyous saturday
In the Coptic, Ethiopian, and Eritrean Orthodox Churches, this specific day is referred to as “Joyous Saturday.” In other customs and beliefs, it is also recognized as the “Night of Light and Joy.”

🔖 Slavic orthodox christians
On Orthodox Holy Saturday, Slavic Orthodox Christians participate in the Blessing of the Pascha Baskets event by bringing food baskets to the church. These baskets are then blessed by priests.

🔖 Easter hymn
The Easter hymn is being sung to celebrate the resurrection of Christ after his burial.

👍 Why Is Orthodox Holy Saturday Important

Christ prevailed over the devil on Orthodox Holy Saturday. It reminds us that Christ triumphs and achieves victory even in death.

By accepting its meaning and light, one can receive Orthodoxy’s very truth, as well as the taste and joy of that new life that shines out from death. If you open your mind and soul to it, you will be able to accept its significance and brightness.

The most important part of the service occurs immediately after the entrance, when 15 Old Testament teachings are read, all of which are based on the promise of the Resurrection and all of which praise God’s ultimate victory, the Resurrection.

🙂 How To Observe Orthodox Holy Saturday

⚡ Prepare for Easter Day celebrations

⚡ Fast
A great way to observe a celebration is by choosing not to consume meat or by practicing fasting, which involves eating only one meal per day. This act of penance serves to remind us of Jesus’ love and sacrifice, aiming to increase our consciousness of it.

⚡ Attend a vigil
The Orthodox Holy Saturday provides for the planning of Easter Day festivities. Various faiths and civilizations have their own ways of commemorating the day.

📅 When is Orthodox Holy Saturday?

See all 🔗 April holidays, including 🔗 Religious and other 🔗 Christian holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Orthodox Holy Saturday. So be sure to check back soon.