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Overview: Orthodox Holy Saturday, also known as Great or Holy Saturday, is the day before Orthodox Easter Sunday. In the United Kingdom, where the Orthodox Christian community is a minority, this day is observed by those belonging to the Eastern Orthodox Church, which follows a different calendar (the Julian calendar) for religious holidays compared to the Western Christian churches (which follow the Gregorian calendar).
History and Traditions: The day commemorates Jesus Christ's burial and his descent into Hades. It is a day of watchful expectation as believers await the celebration of the Resurrection. Traditionally, it is a day of reflection and quiet mourning.
The Divine Liturgy: A unique liturgy called 'The Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil' is typically held on Holy Saturday morning. During this service, there are readings from the Old Testament that prefigure or foreshadow Christ's Resurrection.
Blessing of Baskets: In some traditions, baskets containing foods that have been abstained from during Lent are brought to church to be blessed.
Midnight Services: As this day transitions into Easter Sunday at midnight, many attend a special Resurrection service which starts late on Holy Saturday evening and continues into early Sunday morning. This service culminates in the proclamation that Christ has risen, which marks the end of Lent and beginning of Easter.
What People Do: On Orthodox Holy Saturday in the UK:
Church Attendance: Many members of the Orthodox community attend church services.
Preparation for Easter: Families prepare for Easter Sunday by cooking traditional foods and sometimes painting eggs.
Quiet Reflection: The faithful might engage in quiet contemplation and prayer as they prepare spiritually for Easter.
Given that Orthodoxy in the UK encompasses various ethnic groups such as Greeks, Russians, Romanians, etc., traditions can vary depending on specific cultural practices. However, all observe with reverence towards this pivotal moment in their faith.