Read the Primate's Easter Message

Prelude to Easter

The first observance related to the Feast of the Resurrection is the Remembrance of the Raising of Lazarus (commemorated on the Saturday before Holy Week), which foreshadows our Lord's own miraculous Resurrection.  It serves as an introduction to the glorious Resurrection of our Lord and not as a commemoration of Lazarus and his sisters, which is celebrated separately. 

The following day, Palm Sunday, marks Christ's triumphant entry into Jerusalem as Messiah.  Sometimes Palm Sunday is referred to as Advent, in reference to Christ's coming as the Messiah to Jerusalem and to His Passion.  For that reason it is connected with Christ's Second or Final Coming, and is celebrated in the Armenian Church in the evening with the special "Opening of the Doors" (Trnpatsek) ritual; a foreshadowing of the Last Judgment.

The week following Palm Sunday is known as Holy Week (Avak Shapat) and each day of that week, Monday through Saturday, is prefixed with the word "holy."

The first three days of Holy Week -- Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday -- are not dedicated to any particular observances.  The readings from the Holy Gospels describe that period from Jesus' entry into Jerusalem until the fulfillment of the divine plan of salvation.  The lections from the Old Testament read during this period and the sharagans remind us of the need for salvation. 

Holy Thursday is the celebration of the Last Supper and the establishment of the sacrament of Holy Communion.  During the Midday Liturgy, the faithful prepare themselves through penance and by receiving absolution. 

That evening, with great ceremony, the Washing of the Feet ritual takes place. This ritual, reflecting Christ's actions depicted in the Holy Gospels, symbolizes humility.  The ritual -- established in the 11th century by Catholicos Krikor Vugayaser -- was originally practiced in more simple fashion.  The priest would wash and bless with oil the feet of all the faithful in the vestibule (narthex) of the church.  Later, this ritual became more elaborate and was performed on the bema. 

On Holy Friday, the Evening Service (Khavaroom) and Midday Service of the Crucifixion are performed in remembrance of Christ's betrayal and suffering. 

On Holy Friday afternoon the Burial Service is performed, which can also be considered as the Rite of the Descent from the Cross.  The Trisagion (Soorp Asdvadz) is sung on bended knees and is traditionally dedicated to Joseph of Arimathea, who, according to tradition, sang it as Christ's body was taken down from the Cross.

Holy Saturday is dedicated to the Savior's burial and the sealing of the tomb.  The Divine Liturgy is celebrated at the end of the day.  "Now after the sabbath, toward the dawn of the first day of the week..". (Matt. 28:1)  For that reason it is called Jurakalooytz (Candlemass), because it was at that time that in all homes every lamp was lit to signify the beginning of a new day.

The term Jurakalooytz, although similarly used for the Candlemass prior to the Feast of Theophany, was most likely first used only for the Feast of the Resurrection.  It was initiated in Jerusalem in reference to the special ritual performed Easter Eve at Christ's Tomb -- the Service of the Light.