The church calls the last week of Great Lent Holy Week.
It is dedicated to the commemoration of the last days of the earthly life of the Christian savior Jesus Christ – his sufferings, death on the cross and burial. It begins with his solemn entry into Jerusalem and ends with his Resurrection.
Every day of this week is called Velik. It is the last of the Easter fast, and on every single day of it, special services are performed by the church. According to the Orthodox calendar, this week ends with Easter.
During Holy Week, fasting enters its strictest period. Mostly fruit, tea, bread and water are consumed, and church canons dictate that the last three days should be spent on bread and water only. Don’t eat anything else!
What should be done on Holy Monday?
First of all, it is necessary to go to church, and after returning home to take care of household chores – cleaning and arranging the home.
Start by cleaning the carpets first. Then wash all the dishes and the floor. Clean the places that are more difficult to reach. Dust should not remain in the home, otherwise it can attract evil spirits.
Also pay attention to the clothes in the wardrobe. Arrange them. Throw away or donate what you don’t need.
On Holy Monday, special attention should be paid to cleaning the windows. On this day, sunlight should enter your home without any obstacles.
Do not refuse help to those in need. Talk to your loved ones and turn to God.
Women who want to keep their beauty and youth for a long time should put something golden in the water on this day and then wash with it.
What not to do on Holy Monday?
Since Great Lent is still ongoing, Orthodox believers must observe the prohibitions of Holy Week, which is considered the strictest.
In particular, meat and dairy foods should not be consumed. Exceptions are pregnant women, children, people suffering from various diseases and travelers.
Do not organize noisy feasts. It is not desirable to visit entertainment establishments.
The ban applies to quarrels and insults. You should not offend the people around you and it is undesirable to discourage yourself.
Birthdays and weddings are prohibited on Holy Monday.
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