Orthodox Holy Saturday in the United States

Orthodox Holy Saturday, also known as Great Saturday, is the day before Orthodox Easter Sunday. In the United States, this day is observed by members of the Eastern Orthodox Church and some Eastern Catholic Churches that follow the Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar used by most Western Christian denominations.

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 Resurrection. The history of Holy Saturday is rooted in early Christian traditions that have been observed for centuries.

1. Divine Liturgy: One key tradition on Holy Saturday is the morning Divine Liturgy, which often includes readings from the Old Testament that prefigure or foreshadow the Resurrection.

2. Blessing of Baskets: In some Orthodox communities in America, it’s customary to have baskets of food blessed on Holy Saturday. These baskets typically contain foods that have been abstained from during Lent, such as meats and dairy products.

3. The Midnight Office: As evening approaches, there's often a service called "The Midnight Office" where a special hymn called "The Lamentations" may be sung. This service transitions into the Paschal Vigil.

4. Paschal Vigil: As midnight approaches, congregants gather for a lengthy and celebratory Paschal Vigil – it marks the transition from Lent to Easter and includes a procession which symbolizes the journey from darkness (death) to light (Resurrection).

What People Do:

• Attend Services: People attend various church services throughout Holy Saturday and participate in liturgical celebrations.
• Prepare for Easter: Families prepare traditional Easter meals and often decorate eggs.
• Quiet Reflection: Although less emphasized than Good Friday, it's still a time for reflection on mortality and human salvation.
• Community Gatherings: There may be community gatherings or church-sponsored events aimed at bringing together parishioners ahead of Easter Sunday.

Orthodox Christians in America observe Holy Saturday with reverence as they prepare to celebrate one of their most important holidays – Easter Sunday or Pascha – marking Christ’s resurrection from death.