Holy Week Begins in Bulgaria: Church Outlines the Final Days of Christ’s Life

Holy Week has begun, marking the final days of the earthly life of Jesus Christ, the Bulgarian Orthodox Church announced, outlining the sequence of services that will be held across the country. Known as Great or Passion Week, this period traces the path to the crucifixion, death and Resurrection, following Christ’s entry into Jerusalem after the raising of Lazarus and His conscious acceptance of suffering for the salvation of humanity. Each day carries a special meaning, reflected in dedicated church services recalling these events.

During the first three days, churches and monasteries perform the so-called “Bridegroom” service, one of the most solemn and penitential rites of the week. Although it is a morning service, it is traditionally held in the evening. Its name comes from the opening hymn, “Behold, the Bridegroom is coming,” inspired by the parable of the ten virgins. In iconography, Christ is depicted in suffering, crowned with thorns, clothed in a purple robe and holding a cross. These days also recall His final presence in Jerusalem.

Holy Monday focuses on Christ’s entry into the temple, where He drove out the merchants, restoring it as a place of prayer. The Church also honors the Old Testament patriarch Joseph, sold into slavery by his brothers but later rising to power in Egypt, a figure seen as prefiguring Christ’s suffering and betrayal.

On Holy Tuesday, attention turns again to the parable of the ten virgins, emphasizing vigilance and spiritual readiness, alongside the parable of the talents, which highlights responsibility in serving God and others. Christ is symbolically presented as the Bridegroom whose impending suffering is foretold.

Holy Wednesday commemorates the repentance of the sinful woman who anointed Christ with precious oil, as well as the decision of the Sanhedrin to condemn Him. On this day, Judas agreed to betray Christ for thirty pieces of silver. The Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is served for the last time.

Holy Thursday recalls the Last Supper, when Christ established the sacrament of the Eucharist and addressed His disciples for the final time, foretelling His betrayal. In the evening, the Twelve Gospel readings recount the events leading to His suffering, while churches also perform the ritual of holy anointing.

Good Friday is regarded as the most solemn and sorrowful day, dedicated to the remembrance of Christ’s trial, humiliation and crucifixion. Believers observe strict fasting, often abstaining from food and water. The narrative of His journey to Golgotha, His crucifixion between two thieves and His death amid extraordinary natural events is central to the day. In the evening, the funeral service is held, with the shroud carried around the church, as worshippers pass beneath it in reverence and humility.

Holy Saturday marks the burial of Christ and His descent into hell. According to tradition, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus laid Him in a new tomb, while guards were placed to secure it. The Church describes this day as blessed, symbolizing both death and the anticipation of victory over it.

The week culminates in Easter, the celebration of the Resurrection, when the faithful proclaim “Christ is Risen” and affirm the triumph of life over death. According to Orthodox belief, this moment represents the liberation of humanity from sin and the promise of eternal life.

Father Vasily Shagan emphasized on BNT that these days are central to the Christian faith, marking both the end of Christ’s earthly journey and the beginning of redemption. He noted that each day of Holy Week invites reflection on the events described in the Gospel, encouraging believers to grasp their deeper meaning and significance.