On Ash Wednesday every Christian put a cross of ash on their foreheads, these come from burnt up crosses kept from Palm Sunday from the previous years. It is when Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey and was thrown palm leaves as a sign of victory. On this day masses are held and small crosses made out of palm leaves are made, they are first blessed by the priest and then given to the people to remember Jesus, the day he arrived at Jerusalem. Palm Sunday is the Sunday before Easter. Also known as Holy Week, the last week of lent. It is a time for Christian to remember Jesus’ events before leading up to his death and many Christians attend masses so that they can learn why Jesus resurrected. Churches are decorated with palm branches and sackcloth emphasizing the sorrow of his death.
Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter. When Jesus gave his first mass to his disciples. Now called The Last Supper. At the time, when everyone was celebrating in Jesus’ mass he stood up, got a towel and started washing the feet of his disciples. It was supposed to be the other way round, his disciples cleaning his feet but Jesus here is trying to point out that nobody is good enough to be something. He is trying to point out to Christians, that they should help one another in every need possible if they want to follow in his footsteps.
In Roman Catholic Churches, they wash the feet of twelve people but the Orthodox Church is different. The Bishop washes the feet of twelve priests. At the end of the service a vigil of prayer is kept to remember the tragic events which had occurred. After which the Orthodox bishops bless the oil, which would be used for the coming of the newly baptized children.
Good Friday is the second day of the Trividium. Good Friday is when they mourn the death of Jesus when he died on the cross. This mass starts at Midday ends at 3 o’clock, because this is how much time Jesus was on the cross. A service on this day is held, the veneration of the cross is held up and people go there to kiss it or to just pray, by using it as a symbol of Christ and his death.
In an Orthodox Church, Good Friday is known as ‘Great Friday’. On this service day, the priest places a cloth with an image of Christ in the centre of the church with a flowered coffin, this is a symbol of respect to Jesus and people give them their regards the Holy Spirit. This happened fifty days after the Last Supper. On this day the disciples received the Holy Spirit described as a ‘tongue of fire’ meaning they could spread the word of God without any fear. Many say this is the day the church really started. It is described as the birthday of the church.
Christians also believe that this same Holy Spirit which the disciples received has been past down throughout history by priests and bishops. Known as ‘the apostolic succession’. Since we have received the same spirit we too much preach the word of God.
