Palm Sunday - Week of Vaiy: the royal path. What to do on Palm Sunday in church

Indeed, people go to church with willow. Tomorrow is Palm Sunday. Ding, Or tomorrow after the evening service or on Sunday after the liturgy. Or do I need to defend the service? And what time is the liturgy on Sunday? I apologize in advance for stupid questions, but I’ve never done this.

Tell me, what do they do in church on this day? The priest simply sprinkled holy water, and the parishioners held it in their hands. And in the middle there was a large vase with willow for those who did not have one and then gave it to them in branches.

Midnight Office - a service intended to take place at midnight

It's actually not that important. The fact is that the holiday of Palm Sunday is the memory of how Christ entered Jerusalem. And the beginning of the service varies slightly in different churches. Vespers usually take place at 5 or 6 p.m., and in the morning on major holidays they usually serve twice - starting at 6-7 a.m. and at 9-10 a.m. (check with the church, or by phone).

It is possible on any day when the liturgy is being served - let her find out in the temple. It's always just served on Sunday

Mainly old grandmothers. My friend ordered a memorial service for her mother on Sunday. I bought Cahors, fruits, flowers…. She usually gives her friends bags of candy, waffles, fruit, etc. In Chisinau, the church is full of people sitting and asking.

Send help to an orphanage - do you have them?.. or to some poor people. And he will submit a note for the liturgy - this is the main service. So let's take Cahors, fruits, flowers, waffles, etc. We have a lot of orphanages (the Czech Republic has some of the strictest adoption rules). There are also quite a few homeless people, but in certain parts of the city, and mostly they are alcoholics. And throughout the year we constantly help, as best we can, the homeless, orphans, the sick, etc. She often goes to church.

Before marriage (1986), she lived in Chisinau on Botanika, on Mira Avenue (now, in my opinion, Dasia’s street). I don’t know how to do it right. Thank you very much. It seems beautiful, if the willows are consecrated, then you need to take them to the temple, they will burn them there. Blessed things are not thrown away with the trash at all; I burn them in stoves at churches, and some burn them themselves.

Liturgy (common cause, public service) is the main service during which Communion (Communion) of believers takes place. Services of the Hours - remembrance of the events (by the hour) of Good Friday (the suffering and death of the Savior), His Resurrection and the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

Due to the weakness of modern Christians, such statutory services are performed only in some monasteries (for example, in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery).

On the eve of Sunday or a holiday, Matins is part of the All-Night Vigil and is served in the evening

People call the Liturgy mass. The vigil of the temple and its worshipers occurs at every service. Each of the seven colors of liturgical vestments corresponds to the spiritual significance of the event in honor of which the service is being performed. There are no developed dogmatic institutions in this area, but the Church has an unwritten tradition that assigns a certain symbolism to the various colors used in worship.

On holidays dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as on the days of remembrance of His special anointed ones (prophets, apostles and saints), the color of the royal vestment is gold. On holidays in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos and angelic powers, as well as on days of remembrance of holy virgins and virgins, the color of the vestment is blue or white, symbolizing special purity and innocence.

Dark red is the color of blood. Services in red vestments are held in honor of the holy martyrs who shed their blood for the faith of Christ. They usually serve in black vestments on weekdays during Lent. Black color is a symbol of renunciation of worldly vanity, crying and repentance. White color as a symbol of Divine uncreated light is accepted on the holidays of the Nativity of Christ, Epiphany (Baptism), Ascension and Transfiguration of the Lord.

The Shroud is taken to the altar before the Easter service on Saturday evening

Dikiriy is a candlestick with two candles, symbolizing the two natures in Jesus Christ: Divine and human. Trikirium - a candlestick with three candles signifying the Holy Trinity. He stands facing the altar, in which is the Throne of God and the Lord Himself is invisibly present. You can venerate the Shroud from the middle of Good Friday until the start of the Easter service.

What services are performed in the Church daily? Ding, according to the charter, is consecrated only at the evening service on Saturday. On what days does the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great take place? Usually there is not enough willow left in the temple; everything is given away. On Holy Saturday and Easter the Liturgy is served, therefore, there is also Communion of the faithful. In the name of the Most Holy Trinity, the Orthodox Church performs evening, morning and afternoon services in churches every day.

Palm Sunday is the last Sunday before Easter. Returning to biblical stories, we learn that on this day the Lord’s entry into Jerusalem took place. Jesus Christ rode into the city riding a donkey, at a time when the people of Israel were under the claims of the Romans, and the day before a significant event took place, the resurrection of the deceased Lazarus, Christ was greeted as a winner, as the Messiah, about whom the prophets spoke.

Icon of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem

All events described in the Bible are parables, or symbolize something. The Lord's entry into Jerusalem symbolizes the entry of a righteous person into paradise. They greeted Jesus as the King of kings, not earthly, but heavenly. Those who met perceived this event as a holiday. At that time, it was customary to greet kings with palm branches and flowers in their hands, signifying respect and admiration for the ruler or winner. No one yet knew what fate was in store for the Savior in the next seven days, and how those who glorified Him would crucify Him in a few days...

In southern countries, where it is very hot almost all year round, palm trees are not rare plants; their leaves are wide fans, like royal fans. As in biblical times, this day of the week is called flowering Sunday.

Palm trees do not grow in our latitudes, but willow is the very first of the plants that comes to life in the spring, even if the snow has not yet melted. Even before the leaves and grass peck, the willow buds fluff up on the branches, meaning that the winter season is over. Therefore, it was the willow that became the symbol of the coming revival and the eve of Easter.

By the way, if you pay attention, the branches brought to the temple look different. This is because they belong to plants of the willow family, which have different names: willow, pussy willow, willow, broom, and different botanical classifications. But they are all the first to bloom fluffy silvery buds.

On the eve of the resurrection, at the all-night Saturday service, willow branches, which can be combined with flowers in bouquets, are blessed after reading the Gospel, censing and sprinkling with holy water. This Orthodox tradition echoes the meeting of Jesus in Jerusalem.

Sometimes parishioners in churches during the blessing of willow trees worry about whether their branches have been sprinkled with enough holy water. But believers should know that illumination occurs by the grace of the Holy Spirit, therefore, no matter how much water gets on the branches, what is important is true faith and a deep understanding of the significance of the coming days. Sprinkling can be repeated on the day of the holiday itself. In some churches, consecrated willow is also offered in church shops.

In Russian Orthodox traditions, Palm Sunday has long been a familiar church holiday, and in the handling of palm branches one can see a response of pre-Orthodox pagan properties. It is customary to knock each other with a blessed willow branch, thereby expelling evil spirits and illnesses, giving vitality and health. It is also believed that a consecrated willow twig is capable of controlling even the most disobedient pets, and willows placed at the head of the bed protect the family hearth. Of course, these are superstitions, but for many centuries this tradition has been remembered among the people.

Artist Vladimir Sulkowski "Palm Week"

Blessed palm branches are preserved throughout the next year. According to old traditions, they are dried and left next to home icons.

If you need to dispose of branches that have lost their appearance, it is recommended to burn them separately from other branches and garbage; this can be done in some temples in specially designated areas.

But if you keep them in water, they can germinate and produce good roots; willows take root quite easily. Then take them to the dacha or find a place in the yard where you can plant a willow, which will bloom with delicate fluffy buds every spring.

9.1. What is worship? The divine service of the Orthodox Church is serving God through readings of prayers, chants, sermons and sacred rites performed according to the Charter of the Church. 9.2. Why are services held? Worship, as the external side of religion, serves as a means for Christians to express their religious inner faith and reverent feelings for God, a means of mysterious communication with God. 9.3. What is the purpose of worship? The purpose of the divine service established by the Orthodox Church is to give Christians the best way to express petitions, thanksgivings and praises addressed to the Lord; teach and educate believers in the truths of the Orthodox faith and the rules of Christian piety; to introduce believers into mysterious communion with the Lord and impart to them the grace-filled gifts of the Holy Spirit.

9.4. What do Orthodox services mean by their names?

(common cause, public service) is the main service during which Communion (Communion) of believers takes place. The remaining eight services are preparatory prayers for the Liturgy.

Vespers- a service performed at the end of the day, in the evening.

Compline– service after supper (dinner) .

Midnight Office – a service intended to take place at midnight.

Matins – a service performed in the morning, before sunrise.

Clock services – recollection of the events (by the hour) of Good Friday (suffering and death of the Savior), His Resurrection and the Descent of the Holy Spirit on the Apostles.

On the eve of major holidays and Sundays, an evening service is performed, which is called the all-night vigil, because among the ancient Christians it lasted all night. The word "vigil" means "to be awake." The All-Night Vigil consists of Vespers, Matins and the first hour. In modern churches, the all-night vigil is most often celebrated in the evening before Sundays and holidays.

9.5. What services are performed in the Church daily?

– In the name of the Most Holy Trinity, the Orthodox Church performs evening, morning and afternoon services in churches every day. In turn, each of these three services is composed of three parts:

Evening service - from the ninth hour, Vespers, Compline.

Morning- from Midnight Office, Matins, first hour.

Daytime- from the third hour, sixth hour, Divine Liturgy.

Thus, nine services are formed from the evening, morning and afternoon church services.

Due to the weakness of modern Christians, such statutory services are performed only in some monasteries (for example, in the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Valaam Monastery). In most parish churches, services are held only in the morning and evening, with some reductions.

9.6. What is depicted in the Liturgy?

– In the Liturgy, under external rites, the entire earthly life of the Lord Jesus Christ is depicted: His birth, teaching, deeds, suffering, death, burial, Resurrection and Ascension to heaven.

9.7. What is called mass?

– People call the Liturgy mass. The name “mass” comes from the custom of ancient Christians, after the end of the Liturgy, to consume the remains of the brought bread and wine at a common meal (or public lunch), which took place in one of the parts of the church.

9.8. What is called a lunch lady?

– Sequence of figurative (obednitsa) – this is the name of a short service that is performed instead of the Liturgy, when the Liturgy is not supposed to be served (for example, during Lent) or when it is impossible to serve it (there is no priest, antimension, prosphora). The Obednik serves as some image or likeness of the Liturgy, its composition is similar to the Liturgy of the Catechumens and its main parts correspond to the parts of the Liturgy, with the exception of the celebration of the Sacraments. There is no communion during mass.

9.9. Where can I find out about the schedule of services in the temple?

– The schedule of services is usually posted on the doors of the temple.

9.10. Why is there not censing of the church at every service?

– The presence of the temple and its worshipers occurs at every service. The liturgical censing can be full, when it covers the entire church, and small, when the altar, iconostasis and the people standing in the pulpit are censed.

9.11. Why is there censing in the temple?

– Incense lifts the mind to the throne of God, where it goes with the prayers of believers. In all centuries and among all peoples, the burning of incense was considered the best, purest material sacrifice to God, and of all the types of material sacrifice accepted in natural religions, the Christian Church retained only this and a few more (oil, wine, bread). And in appearance, nothing resembles the gracious breath of the Holy Spirit more than the smoke of incense. Filled with such high symbolism, incense greatly contributes to the prayerful mood of believers and with its purely bodily effect on a person. Incense has an elevating, stimulating effect on the mood. For this purpose, the charter, for example, before the Easter vigil prescribes not just incense, but an extraordinary filling of the temple with the smell from the placed vessels with incense.

9.12. Why do priests serve in vestments of different colors?

– The groups are assigned a certain color of clergy vestments. Each of the seven colors of liturgical vestments corresponds to the spiritual significance of the event in honor of which the service is being performed. There are no developed dogmatic institutions in this area, but the Church has an unwritten tradition that assigns a certain symbolism to the various colors used in worship.

9.13. What do the different colors of priestly vestments represent?

On holidays dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ, as well as on the days of remembrance of His special anointed ones (prophets, apostles and saints) the color of the royal vestment is gold.

In golden robes They serve on Sundays - the days of the Lord, the King of Glory.

On holidays in honor of the Most Holy Theotokos and angelic powers, as well as on the days of remembrance of holy virgins and virgins robe color blue or white, symbolizing special purity and innocence.

Purple adopted on the Feasts of the Holy Cross. It combines red (symbolizing the color of the blood of Christ and the Resurrection) and blue, reminiscent of the fact that the Cross opened the way to heaven.

Dark red color - the color of blood. Services in red vestments are held in honor of the holy martyrs who shed their blood for the faith of Christ.

In green vestments The day of the Holy Trinity, the day of the Holy Spirit and the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem (Palm Sunday) are celebrated, since green is a symbol of life. Divine services in honor of the saints are also performed in green vestments: the monastic feat revives a person by union with Christ, renews his entire nature and leads to eternal life.

In black robes usually served on weekdays. Black color is a symbol of renunciation of worldly vanity, crying and repentance.

White color as a symbol of Divine uncreated light, it was adopted on the holidays of the Nativity of Christ, Epiphany (Baptism), Ascension and Transfiguration of the Lord. Easter Matins also begins in white vestments - as a sign of the Divine light shining from the Tomb of the Risen Savior. White vestments are also used for Baptisms and burials.

From Easter to the Feast of the Ascension, all services are performed in red vestments, symbolizing the inexpressible fiery love of God for the human race, the victory of the Risen Lord Jesus Christ.

9.14. What do candlesticks with two or three candles mean?

- These are dikiriy and trikiriy. Dikiriy is a candlestick with two candles, symbolizing the two natures in Jesus Christ: Divine and human. Trikirium - a candlestick with three candles, symbolizing faith in the Holy Trinity.

9.15. Why is there sometimes a cross decorated with flowers on the lectern in the center of the temple instead of an icon?

– This happens during the Week of the Cross during Great Lent. The cross is taken out and placed on a lectern in the center of the temple, so that, with a reminder of the suffering and death of the Lord, to inspire and strengthen those who are fasting to continue the feat of fasting.

On the holidays of the Exaltation of the Cross of the Lord and the Origin (Demolition) of the Honest Trees of the Life-Giving Cross of the Lord, the Cross is also brought to the center of the temple.

9.16. Why does the deacon stand with his back to the worshipers in the church?

– He stands facing the altar, in which is the Throne of God and the Lord Himself is invisibly present. The deacon, as it were, leads the worshipers and on their behalf pronounces prayer requests to God.

9.17. Who are the catechumens who are called to leave the temple during worship?

– These are people who are not baptized, but who are preparing to receive the Sacrament of Holy Baptism. They cannot participate in church Sacraments, therefore, before the start of the most important church Sacrament - Communion - they are called upon to leave the temple.

9.18. What date does Maslenitsa start from?

– Maslenitsa is the last week before the start of Lent. It ends with Forgiveness Sunday.

9.19. Until what time is the prayer of Ephraim the Syrian read?

– The prayer of Ephraim the Syrian is read until Wednesday of Holy Week.

9.20. When is the Shroud taken away?

– The Shroud is taken to the altar before the Easter service on Saturday evening.

9.21. When can you venerate the Shroud?

– You can venerate the Shroud from the middle of Good Friday until the start of the Easter service.

9.22. Does Communion happen on Good Friday?

- No. Since the Liturgy is not served on Good Friday, because on this day the Lord Himself sacrificed Himself.

9.23. Does Communion happen on Holy Saturday or Easter?

– On Holy Saturday and Easter, the Liturgy is served, therefore, there is Communion of the faithful.

9.24. Until what hour does the Easter service last?

– In different churches the end time of the Easter service is different, but most often it happens from 3 to 6 o’clock in the morning.

9.25. Why aren’t the Royal Doors open throughout the entire service on Easter Week during the Liturgy?

– Some priests are awarded the right to serve the Liturgy with the Royal Doors open.

9.26. On what days does the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great take place?

– The Liturgy of Basil the Great is celebrated only 10 times a year: on the eve of the holidays of the Nativity of Christ and the Epiphany of the Lord (or on the days of these holidays if they fall on Sunday or Monday), January 1/14 - on the day of remembrance of St. Basil the Great, on five Sundays Lent (Palm Sunday is excluded), Maundy Thursday and Great Saturday of Holy Week. The Liturgy of Basil the Great differs from the Liturgy of John Chrysostom in some prayers, their longer duration and longer choir singing, which is why it is served a little longer.

9.27. Why don’t they translate the service into Russian to make it more understandable?

– The Slavic language is a blessed, spiritualized language that the holy church people Cyril and Methodius created specifically for worship. People have become unaccustomed to the Church Slavonic language, and some simply do not want to understand it. But if you go to Church regularly, and not just occasionally, then the grace of God will touch the heart, and all the words of this pure, spirit-bearing language will become understandable. The Church Slavonic language, due to its imagery, precision in the expression of thought, artistic brightness and beauty, is much more suitable for communication with God than the modern crippled spoken Russian language.

But the main reason for the incomprehensibility is not the Church Slavonic language, it is very close to Russian - in order to fully perceive it, you need to learn only a few dozen words. The fact is that even if the entire service were translated into Russian, people would still not understand anything about it. The fact that people do not perceive worship is a language problem to the least extent; in the first place is ignorance of the Bible. Most of the chants are highly poetic renditions of biblical stories; Without knowing the source, it is impossible to understand them, no matter what language they are sung in. Therefore, anyone who wants to understand Orthodox worship must, first of all, begin by reading and studying the Holy Scriptures, and it is quite accessible in Russian.

9.28. Why do the lights and candles sometimes go out in the church during services?

– At Matins, during the reading of the Six Psalms, candles in churches are extinguished, except for a few. The Six Psalms is the cry of a repentant sinner before Christ the Savior who came to earth. The lack of illumination, on the one hand, helps to think about what is being read, on the other hand, it reminds us of the gloom of the sinful state depicted by the psalms, and of the fact that external light does not suit a sinner. By arranging this reading in this way, the Church wants to incite believers to deepen themselves so that, having entered into themselves, they enter into a conversation with the merciful Lord, who does not want the death of a sinner (Ezek. 33:11), about the most necessary matter - the salvation of the soul through bringing it into line with Him. , Savior, relationships broken by sin. The reading of the first half of the Six Psalms expresses the sorrow of a soul that has moved away from God and is seeking Him. Reading the second half of the Six Psalms reveals the state of a repentant soul reconciled with God.

9.29. What psalms are included in the Six Psalms and why these particular ones?

– The first part of Matins opens with a system of psalms known as six psalms. The sixth psalm includes: Psalm 3 “Lord, who has multiplied all this,” Psalm 37 “Lord, let me not be angry,” Psalm 62 “O God, my God, I come to You in the morning,” Psalm 87 “O Lord God of my salvation,” Psalm 102 “Bless my soul the Lord,” Psalm 142 “Lord, hear my prayer.” The psalms were chosen, probably not without intention, from different places in the Psalter evenly; this is how they represent it all. The psalms were chosen to be of the same content and tone that prevails in the Psalter; namely, they all depict the persecution of the righteous by enemies and his firm hope in God, only growing from the increase of persecution and in the end reaching jubilant peace in God (Psalm 103). All these psalms are inscribed with the name of David, excluding 87, which is the “sons of Korah,” and were sung by him, of course, during persecution by Saul (maybe Psalm 62) or Absalom (Psalms 3; 142), reflecting the spiritual growth of the singer in these disasters. Of the many psalms of similar content, these are chosen here because in some places they refer to night and morning (Ps. 3:6: “I fell asleep and arose, I arose”; Ps. 37:7: “I walked lamenting all day long”) ", v. 14: "I have taught the flattering all day long"; ps. 62:1: "I will teach You in the morning", v. 7: "I have commemorated Thee on my bed; in the morning I have learned from Thee"; I cried out to You in the days and in the night,” v. 10: “All day long I lifted up my hands to You,” v. 13, 14: “Thy wonders will be known in the dark... and I have cried out to You, O Lord, and morning prayer mine will precede Thee"; Ps. 102:15: "His days are like the flower of the field"; Ps. 142:8: "I hear Thy mercy upon me in the morning"). Psalms of repentance alternate with thanksgiving.

Six Psalms listen in mp3 format

9.30. What is "polyeleos"?

– Polyeleos is the name given to the most solemn part of Matins – a divine service that takes place in the morning or evening; Polyeleos is served only at festive matins. This is determined by the liturgical regulations. On the eve of Sunday or a holiday, Matins is part of the all-night vigil and is served in the evening.

Polyeleos begins after reading the kathisma (Psalter) with the singing of verses of praise from the psalms: 134 - “Praise the name of the Lord” and 135 - “Confess the Lord” and ends with the reading of the Gospel. In ancient times, when the first words of this hymn “Praise the name of the Lord” were heard after the kathismas, numerous lamps (unction lamps) were lit in the temple. Therefore, this part of the all-night vigil is called “many oils” or, in Greek, polyeleos (“poly” - many, “oil” - oil). The Royal Doors open, and the priest, preceded by a deacon holding a lighted candle, burns incense to the altar and the entire altar, iconostasis, choir, worshipers and the entire temple. The open Royal Doors symbolize the open Holy Sepulcher, from where the kingdom of eternal life shines. After reading the Gospel, everyone present at the service approaches the icon of the holiday and venerates it. In memory of the fraternal meal of ancient Christians, which was accompanied by anointing with fragrant oil, the priest draws the sign of the cross on the forehead of everyone approaching the icon. This custom is called anointing. Anointing with oil serves as an external sign of participation in the grace and spiritual joy of the holiday, participation in the Church. Anointing with consecrated oil on polyeleos is not a sacrament; it is a rite that only symbolizes the invocation of God's mercy and blessing.

9.31. What is "lithium"?

– Litiya translated from Greek means fervent prayer. The current charter recognizes four types of litia, which, according to the degree of solemnity, can be arranged in the following order: a) “lithia outside the monastery,” scheduled for some twelfth holidays and on Bright Week before the Liturgy; b) lithium at Great Vespers, connected with the vigil; c) litia at the end of the festive and Sunday matins; d) lithium for the repose after weekday Vespers and Matins. In terms of the content of the prayers and the rite, these types of litia are very different from each other, but what they have in common is the departure from the temple. In the first type (of those listed), this outflow is complete, and in the others it is incomplete. But here and here it is performed in order to express the prayer not only in words, but also in movement, to change its place to revive prayerful attention; The further purpose of the lithium is to express - by removing from the temple - our unworthiness to pray in it: we pray, standing before the gates of the holy temple, as if before the gates of heaven, like Adam, the publican, the prodigal son. Hence the somewhat repentant and mournful nature of lithium prayers. Finally, in litia, the Church emerges from its blessed environment into the outside world or into the vestibule, as a part of the temple in contact with this world, open to everyone not accepted into the Church or excluded from it, for the purpose of a prayer mission in this world. Hence the national and universal character (for the whole world) of lithium prayers.

9.32. What is the Procession of the Cross and when does it happen?

– A procession of the cross is a solemn procession of clergy and lay believers with icons, banners and other shrines. Processions of the cross are held on annual special days established for them: on the Holy Resurrection of Christ - the Easter Procession of the Cross; on the feast of Epiphany for the great consecration of water in memory of the Baptism of the Lord Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan, as well as in honor of shrines and great church or state events. There are also extraordinary religious processions established by the Church on especially important occasions.

9.33. Where did the Processions of the Cross come from?

– Just like holy icons, religious processions got their origins from the Old Testament. The ancient righteous often performed solemn and popular processions with singing, trumpeting and rejoicing. Stories about this are set out in the sacred books of the Old Testament: Exodus, Numbers, the books of Kings, Psalms and others.

The first prototypes of the religious processions were: the journey of the sons of Israel from Egypt to the promised land; the procession of all Israel following the ark of God, from which the miraculous division of the Jordan River occurred (Joshua 3:14-17); the solemn seven-fold circumambulation of the ark around the walls of Jericho, during which the miraculous fall of the impregnable walls of Jericho took place from the voice of the sacred trumpets and the proclamations of the entire people (Joshua 6:5-19); as well as the solemn nationwide transfer of the ark of the Lord by kings David and Solomon (2 Kings 6:1-18; 3 Kings 8:1-21).

9.34. What does the Easter Procession mean?

– The Holy Resurrection of Christ is celebrated with special solemnity. The Easter service begins on Holy Saturday, late in the evening. At Matins, after the Midnight Office, the Easter Procession of the Cross takes place - worshipers, led by the clergy, leave the temple to make a solemn procession around the temple. Like the myrrh-bearing women who met the risen Christ the Savior outside Jerusalem, Christians meet the news of the coming of the Holy Resurrection of Christ outside the walls of the temple - they seem to be marching towards the risen Savior.

The Easter procession takes place with candles, banners, censers and the icon of the Resurrection of Christ under the continuous ringing of bells. Before entering the temple, the solemn Easter procession stops at the door and enters the temple only after the jubilant message has been sounded three times: “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death and giving life to those in the tombs!” The procession of the cross enters the temple, just as the myrrh-bearing women came to Jerusalem with joyful news to the disciples of Christ about the risen Lord.

9.35. How many times does the Easter Procession happen?

– The first Easter religious procession takes place on Easter night. Then, during the week (Bright Week), every day after the end of the Liturgy, the Easter Procession of the Cross is held, and before the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord, the same Processions of the Cross are held every Sunday.

9.36. What does the Procession with the Shroud on Holy Week mean?

– This mournful and deplorable procession of the Cross takes place in remembrance of the burial of Jesus Christ, when His secret disciples Joseph and Nicodemus, accompanied by the Mother of God and the myrrh-bearing women, carried in their arms the deceased Jesus Christ on the cross. They walked from Mount Golgotha ​​to Joseph's vineyard, where there was a burial cave in which, according to Jewish custom, they laid the body of Christ. In remembrance of this sacred event - the burial of Jesus Christ - a Procession of the Cross is held with the Shroud, which represents the body of the deceased Jesus Christ, as it was taken down from the cross and laid in the tomb.

The Apostle says to the believers: "Remember my bonds"(Col. 4:18). If the Apostle commands Christians to remember his sufferings in chains, then how much more strongly should they remember the sufferings of Christ. During the suffering and death on the cross of the Lord Jesus Christ, modern Christians did not live and did not share sorrow with the apostles, therefore in the days of Holy Week they remember their sorrows and lamentations about the Redeemer.

Anyone called a Christian who celebrates the sorrowful moments of the Savior’s suffering and death cannot help but be a participant in the heavenly joy of His Resurrection, for, in the words of the Apostle: “We are joint heirs with Christ, if only we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.”(Rom.8:17).

9.37. On what emergency occasions are religious processions held?

– Extraordinary processions of the Cross are carried out with the permission of the diocesan church authorities on occasions that are especially vital for the parish, the diocese or the entire Orthodox people - during an invasion of foreigners, during the attack of a destructive disease, during famine, drought or other disasters.

9.38. What do the banners with which religious processions take place mean?

– The first prototype of banners was after the Flood. God, appearing to Noah during his sacrifice, showed a rainbow in the clouds and called it "a sign of an everlasting covenant" between God and people (Gen.9:13-16). Just as a rainbow in the sky reminds people of God’s covenant, so on banners the image of the Savior serves as a constant reminder of the deliverance of the human race at the Last Judgment from the spiritual fiery flood.

The second prototype of the banners was during Israel's exit from Egypt during the passage through the Red Sea. Then the Lord appeared in a pillar of cloud and covered all the army of Pharaoh with darkness from this cloud, and destroyed it in the sea, but saved Israel. So on the banners the image of the Savior is visible as a cloud that appeared from heaven to defeat the enemy - the spiritual Pharaoh - the devil with all his army. The Lord always wins and drives away the power of the enemy.

The third type of banners was the same cloud that covered the tabernacle and overshadowed Israel during the journey to the Promised Land. All Israel looked at the sacred cloud cover and with spiritual eyes understood in it the presence of God Himself.

Another prototype of the banner is the copper serpent, which was erected by Moses at the command of God in the desert. When looking at him, the Jews received healing from God, since the copper serpent represented the Cross of Christ (John 3:14,15). So, while carrying banners during the procession of the Cross, believers raise their bodily eyes to the images of the Savior, the Mother of God and the saints; with spiritual eyes they ascend to their prototypes existing in heaven and receive spiritual and physical healing from the sinful remorse of spiritual serpents - demons who tempt all people.

A practical guide to parish counseling. St. Petersburg 2009.

The reading of festive services usually begins the day before on Lazarus Saturday, which precedes the holiday. Usually in churches from 15 to 16 hours a two-hour service dedicated to the resurrection of Lazarus begins. It is at this time, at the end of the service, that hymns for Palm Sunday begin to be read. The next day, most churches hold morning services from 8 a.m. to 10 or 11 a.m. The exact time depends on the parish schedule and can be found in the church. This is how Palm Sunday 2019 will be held: service in the temple.

Go on Saturday or Sunday

Typically, believers try to attend services in the morning and evening. However, in reality this is only possible for non-working pensioners who can freely plan their personal time. Depending on the priest and the rules he sets for the parish, it is worth visiting the temple in the evening to bless the willow. However, you need to find out in advance, since this is not possible in all temples.

You should definitely go to Palm Sunday in the morning. Typically, parishioners attending evening services make confession in order to receive communion in the morning. According to church canons, it is believed that in the evening before communion there must be a service in the temple. To come to confession in the morning. However, in some churches the priest confesses in the early morning hours before the service begins, so the communicants arrive half an hour earlier or even earlier. After the service, the priest begins to say at what time it is worth lighting the willow tree. However, in some churches this can be done on Saturday the day before. But this is not always done. Therefore, it is better to ask during the work week what time and when the willow will be blessed in order to prepare it in advance.

Sick, working people who go to church during a break do not have to attend the entire service. You just need to buy a candle and place it in front of the icons, pray a little and leave. This will not be considered a sin. However, those who regularly visit the temple usually try to stand throughout the service, morning and evening. So they don't have to know whether to go to church on Saturday or Sunday.

What does it give

Various miracles usually happen in the temple with prayers. However, priests do not advise getting carried away with them, since in some situations there is no quick improvement in life. Especially if a person is planning or doing something bad that is not pleasing to higher powers. Sometimes the temple and worship services help people find answers to their pressing questions, but for many people, often attending worship services, even sincere prayer, do not help in solving problems, and they stop visiting the temple. In fact, people go to services not so that God can help resolve a difficult situation, but for the sake of inner sanctification of the spirits. Imbued with prayers, a person involuntarily begins to subconsciously look for a way out of a difficult situation, rethink his life and believe in himself. This is what gives him confidence in his abilities, so in life there comes enlightenment and a feeling of happiness, reciprocity in love.

In some situations, faith even helps overcome witchcraft. It is known that magic has an effect on the human soul and evil spirits try to harm him in various ways. For some, the influence of witchcraft and corruption comes through dreams, others begin to drink and indulge in all sorts of sins. Many may even commit suicide due to witchcraft influence. In church language, this phenomenon is called demonic possession, and it can only be treated with the help of prayer and the efforts of the person himself. Although it often leaves injuries for life. Therefore, the church encourages people to attend services, if possible, on Palm Sunday in order to cleanse themselves and acquire immunity to evil forces.

After the service, do not forget to congratulate everyone; when you come home, you can write beautiful SMS to your acquaintances and friends, and choose congratulations

This issue is resolved individually at the parish. However, the true consecration of the willow, as in the old days, is carried out during special prayers on Saturday. In 2017 it falls on April 8th. Many people do not know when the willow tree is lit on Saturday or Sunday. The question is complex; it largely depends on the order in the temple. Here is what modern sources write about this.

The day before on Saturday

It is called Lazareva, in honor of one of the most striking miracles of Jesus Christ. An event occurred during which Christ was able to resurrect Lazarus, who had been dead for 4 days and had already begun to decompose. According to legend, it symbolized the Savior himself, who would rise on the 3rd day after his death on the cross. However, the resurrection of Lazarus allowed hundreds of thousands of witnesses to believe in his power and divine calling. That is why Lazarus Saturday smoothly transitions into Palm Sunday, when Christ was greeted during his entry into Jerusalem. And according to the Jewish calendar, the holidays all begin the night before. It is for this reason that the willow begins to be blessed on Saturday at the evening service. It is at this time that the priest reads special prayers for the consecration of the frond - this is what the willow is called in Church Slavonic. If in southern countries Christians present various flowers and palm branches, as in Greece, then Russians buy branches of young willow for Palm Sunday. You can pick them in the forest belt, but it is better to buy them at the market or near the temple. They are sold in the temple, like church candles. Before the service (it starts at 4 or 3 p.m.) you need to buy a church candle and several willow branches. The candle can be placed in the temple in front of the icon or kept from the blessing of the willow. Usually such prayers are read at the end of the service in order to consecrate the willow. Then the priest sprinkles holy water on her, and then she can be taken away from the temple. Those who cannot bring willow can purchase it at the temple. After that, you can use it to put it at home.

However, for those who, for various reasons, cannot be in the temple on Saturday evening, after sunset, a special consecration of the willow tree in the temple is performed. The priest usually speaks about his time at the end of the service on the evening of Lazarus Saturday, but you can find out from an announcement at the temple or from parishioners. Exactly what time the willow is consecrated on Sunday needs to be found out only in the temple.

Sunday afternoon

You can find out the date of the service on Saturday or call the temple. Sometimes at the morning service, which starts at 8 o'clock, you can find out what time it will be (at the end). Then it’s worth going to the market or near the temple to buy several willow branches. Then come at the specified time. In this case, the consecration usually takes place not in the temple, but not on the street. The priest simply walks with holy water, baptizes the willow and after that you can take it home. It is considered a good omen if you can bring the flame of a candle to your home without it burning out. After this, she carries the source of grace into the house, protecting it from troubles and witchcraft.

Why is the consecration of willow needed and what does it give to people?

The holy willow is considered very useful for protecting the home from evil spirits. Its manifestations can be completely different. She protects some people from passions (in the church they mean suffering), the effects of witchcraft, or despair due to misfortune. During Palm Sunday, the fast is known to relax a little. At this time, you cannot do various agricultural work, house cleaning, laundry, or large matters. It’s worth preparing a festive table and placing several willow branches in the middle. They will remind you of spring and happiness, and give hope for better times. This is what this table can be like and what must be present.

1. A fish dish. It replaces meat. It is best to make baked fish, for example, with garlic, various spices, dill and basil. It is best to choose carp for this purpose, gut them and bake them with spices. It can be done according to the number of people in the house. For those who have little time to cook, you can cook pike perch in tomato, salmon or salmon soup, and even crayfish. The more delicious the fish dish - the main one for this holiday - is prepared, the better your holiday will be.
2. Salad with mussels, shrimp and seafood. You can do them in different ways. The simplest and most delicious is mussels with crab sticks, sweet corn, lettuce and orange slices. It will be a very tasty and pleasant snack, an addition to a fish dish.
3. Wine. It is better to use red or high-quality white wine, but not beer, champagne or cocktails.
4. Fruits and sweets. You can use a variety of dishes that will make dinner tasty and enjoyable. You can put lemonade or juice on the table for children. Different types of chocolate will help you feel the festive mood.

It is recommended to celebrate the holiday with family or friends without wild fun and an abundance of booze. Such a holiday will be pleasant for all household members. Don't forget to also select