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Divine Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday: the beginning, how long it lasts, how it goes
On Saturday and Sunday, believers will visit churches to participate in divine services dedicated to two important days of the church calendar preceding Holy Week. On the first of them, Lazarus Saturday, one of the main miracles of Jesus Christ is remembered — the resurrection of the four-day-old Lazarus. The second, Palm Sunday, is the entry of the Lord into Jerusalem, or Palm Sunday. For more information about the divine services that will take place on these two days, see the Izvestia article.
Schedule of services for Lazarev Saturday, April 12
The services performed on Lazarus Saturday are different from the usual ones. On this day, the clergy wear white robes, which symbolize the divine light, and remember the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection. Believers offer prayers, primarily addressed to the Savior, but also to the righteous Lazarus and his sisters, Martha and Mary.
On the 12th, confession will be held at 08:00 in the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow, liturgy will be held at 09:00, and an all-night vigil will begin at 17:00.
The services of the day in Kazan Cathedral in St. Petersburg are slightly different: an early liturgy will be held at 07:00, a late liturgy at 10:00, and the all-night vigil will begin at 18:00.
It is important to note that Lazarus Saturday and the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem are considered practically one holiday and have a common troparion, which is dedicated simultaneously to the resurrection of Lazarus and the entry of Christ into the capital of the Kingdom of Judea. The church service in honor of Lazarus Saturday, according to tradition, begins on Friday evening. At this time, the end of Lent (Great Lent) is stated and it is said that everything is personal (both bad and good). It recedes into the background, giving way to experiencing with Christ the most dramatic pages of the history of salvation.
Next, we recall the resurrection of Lazarus. Gradually, the anticipation of Christ's descent into hell and then his resurrection is added to the narrative.
The Matinee of Lazarus Saturday, celebrated on Friday evening, contains prayers that are usually sung only on Sunday and are an integral part of the all-night vigil of that day. After the Kathisma, Sunday's "Troparia for the Immaculate" ("Angelic Cathedral of Wonder") are sung.
In general, Lazarus Saturday borrows many texts from the Sunday service, anticipating the joy of Easter.
How is the Divine Liturgy going?
The Liturgy on Lazarus Saturday has a solemn atmosphere. Its atmosphere becomes festive, because it foreshadows the joyful events of the coming Easter. She passes through the order of St. John Chrysostom. During the service, an excerpt from the Gospel of John is read, telling about the miracle of Lazarus' resurrection, and the priests deliver a sermon explaining the significance of this event and its connection with the upcoming Easter.
In addition, at the end of the liturgy, parishioners receive a blessing to eat fish and wine, which slightly softens the rigor of fasting before the beginning of Holy Week.
Palm Sunday Church service: how long does it last
At the Entrance of the Lord to Jerusalem, as Palm Sunday is called in Orthodoxy, there is no pre-celebration, or a preparatory period during which special prayers are read.
On the eve of Lazarus Saturday, a troparion is played at the divine service, which is common to both dates: "Assuring the common Resurrection before Your passion, you raised Lazarus from the dead, O Christ God. Moreover, as youths who bear the signs of victory, we cry out to You, the conqueror of death: Hosanna in the highest, blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord."
Orthodox Christians begin celebrating the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem on Saturday evening at an all-night vigil, during which parishioners hold willow branches in their hands, as well as lighted candles. It is on Saturday that the vai (from the Greek — palm) begins to be consecrated, which in Russia has been transformed into willow due to the peculiarities of the climate.
The schedule of divine services in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on April 13 is as follows: at 07:00 in the Transfiguration Church there will be an early liturgy, at 09:00 in the temple itself there will be confession, and at 10:00 there will be a late liturgy. At 17:00 — Vespers and matins.
An early liturgy will be held in Kazan Cathedral at 07:00, and a late one at 10:00. At 18:00, the parishioners will gather for an evening service.
Why do they read the Gospel, Psalm 50, on Palm Sunday?
During the all-night vigil on the eve of Palm Sunday, the Gospel is read, which tells about the events dedicated to the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. This not only reminds believers of that day, but also highlights the importance of humility and submission to God. Palm Sunday is one of the key days of the life of Jesus Christ and serves as a harbinger of suffering and his death for the salvation of mankind.
Psalm 50, also known as the psalm of repentance, is especially popular with believers. It perfectly depicts the state of a repentant sinner and his sense of humility. He got his name because he expresses deep contrition for his sin and fervent prayer for mercy. His reading helps believers prepare for their encounter with Christ through awareness of their sinfulness and striving for spiritual renewal. In addition, the importance of repentance and purification before meeting the Lord is emphasized.
The Psalm of Repentance is an important element in preparing Christians for the feast of the Resurrection of Christ, or Easter.
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