Maundy Thursday is a special holiday: what can and cannot be done

The fourth day of Holy Week is popularly called Maundy Thursday and has a special meaning for believers. In 2026, it falls on April 9th. On this day, housing, body and soul are prepared for the most important Orthodox holiday — Easter. What can and cannot be done on Maundy Thursday — read in the Izvestia article.

The history and significance of Great Thursday

Maundy Thursday is one of the key days of Holy Week, the week preceding Easter. According to the Gospel, shortly before his death, Jesus Christ gathered his disciples in the Upper room of Zion in Jerusalem in order to share with them the Last Supper, the last meal.

At this meeting, the Savior washed the apostles' feet, demonstrating an example of true humility and service to one's neighbor, and established one of the main sacraments of the Christian Church — the Eucharist, or Holy Communion. During supper, Jesus took bread, blessed it, broke it, and, distributing it to the disciples, said: "Take and eat, this is my Body, which is broken for you for the remission of sins." Then he took a cup of wine and said, "Drink from it, all of you, this is My Blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins."

These words became the basis for the liturgical practice of the sacrament of communion, when believers partake of the body and blood of Christ under the guise of bread and wine. Jesus' actions made it clear to his disciples that the sacrifice he would make would be voluntary and saving.

On Maundy Thursday, the Liturgy of St. Basil the Great is celebrated in churches, which is combined with the vespers. In addition, in some monasteries, foot washing is performed during the service. In the evening, a special divine service is also held in the churches — Good Friday Matins with the reading of the 12 Gospels of the Passion of Christ, as well as the rite of consecration of the Holy Gifts — bread and wine.

What can you do on Maundy Thursday?

On this day, it is customary for Orthodox Christians to visit churches, receive communion and listen to the reading of excerpts from the Gospel telling about the death and sufferings of Christ. It is believed that on Maundy Thursday, the house should also be put in order. People believe that adversities and sorrows will go away with the dust from the house.

According to popular belief, on this day all the water has a special grace, and the work that has been started will be successful. At the same time, it is important to remember that external cleanliness must also be accompanied by internal work on oneself. In addition, Orthodox Christians are recommended to paint eggs for Easter during the celebration.

What else can you do on Holy Thursday:

• bake cakes;
• to pray for spiritual renewal;
• take a shower or wash your face;
• to count the money.

What not to do on Maundy Thursday

On this day, Orthodox Christians should not devote much time to entertainment, participate in noisy feasts and indulge in fuss. The celebration should take place in calmness and concentration.

In addition, restrictions related to the consumption of certain foods remain at this time. On Maundy Thursday, believers are not allowed to eat eggs, fish, dairy, meat and other animal products.

What else is not recommended to do on this day:

• quarrel;
• to refuse to help those in need;
• Do hard work;
• drinking alcohol;
• to be lazy and spend the day in idleness.