Orthodox Holy Saturday in Australia

Orthodox Holy Saturday, also known as Great Saturday or the Great Sabbath, is observed by the Orthodox Christian community in Australia. This day falls on the last day of Holy Week and precedes Orthodox Easter Sunday.

History and Traditions: Orthodox Christians commemorate Holy Saturday as the day Jesus Christ's body lay in the tomb after his crucifixion on Good Friday. It is a day of both sorrow for Jesus' death and hopeful anticipation of his resurrection. The traditions stem from the Eastern Orthodox Church, which follows a different calendar (Julian calendar) for religious observances compared to Western Christianity (Gregorian calendar). This often results in Orthodox Easter being celebrated at a different time than Western Easter.

Observances:

• Morning Services: On Holy Saturday morning, there are usually church services that include readings from the Old Testament that prefigure or foreshadow the Resurrection.
• Blessing of Baskets: Some parishes bless food baskets that parishioners bring which are filled with foods that have been abstained from during Lent.
• The Midnight Office: As evening approaches, churchgoers gather for a special service called The Midnight Office. It culminates late in the evening with a procession outside the church.
• Resurrection Service: Just before midnight, there is often a Resurrection Service where celebrants gather outside as all lights are extinguished. Then, at midnight, churches announce Christ's resurrection with bells and a single candle lit by the priest. Parishioners pass this light from candle to candle until everyone's candles are alight.
• Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy: Following this symbolic act of lighting candles, they celebrate Paschal Matins and Divine Liturgy - joyous services marking Christ’s triumph over death.

Cultural Impact: In areas of Australia where there is a significant population of Orthodox Christians such as Melbourne or Sydney, one might witness public processions and gatherings on this holy day. Families and communities come together to prepare for Easter Sunday with traditional dishes and customs reflecting their cultural heritage.

On Holy Saturday, while some Australians may continue with their usual weekend activities, those within the Orthodox Christian community actively participate in solemn religious services leading up to one of their most important celebrations: Orthodox Easter Sunday.