Holy Saturday is the solemn day between Christian observances of Christ’s crucifixion and Resurrection. It falls on the Saturday before Easter Sunday. Roman Catholic, Orthodox, and many Anglican and Lutheran churches observe it through Scripture, prayer, and a day of waiting, while the major Easter celebration begins at the Easter Vigil after sunset.
What happens on Holy Saturday?
During services and devotions, Christians read accounts of Jesus’ death and burial and wait for the Resurrection celebrated on Easter Sunday. The day is marked by restraint rather than celebration. Catholic and Orthodox schedules include Scripture, prayers, and hymns. Many Protestant churches have no required service, though some hold a prayer meeting, Bible study, or special gathering.
How do Catholic and Orthodox churches observe it?
In the Roman Catholic Church, daylight hours belong to the Easter Triduum, the three-day celebration of Christ’s passion, death, and Resurrection. The altar is left bare after the Good Friday liturgy, Scripture is proclaimed, and Catholics commemorate Christ’s descent into the dead. At sunset, the Easter Vigil begins with the lighting of the Paschal candle.
Orthodox Christians call it Holy and Great Saturday, Bright Saturday, or the Saturday of Brightness. Their cycle includes Vespers, Matins, the Hours, and the Divine Liturgy of Presanctified Gifts, which uses previously consecrated gifts because no consecration occurs that day. Easter is celebrated at the Paschal service, often around midnight.
Do Protestant churches observe Holy Saturday?
There is no single Protestant practice. Anglican and Lutheran churches often include Holy Saturday in Holy Week. Many Baptist, Methodist, nondenominational, and other Protestant congregations do not assign it a distinct service and concentrate their major services on Easter morning, including sunrise services in some congregations. Some churches add Scripture study, prayer, or a watch service. The absence of a scheduled service does not by itself indicate a different belief.
Why is it called Holy Saturday?
“Holy” marks the day as set apart for worship. The name appears in Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Anglican, Lutheran, and other liturgical calendars; some Protestant sources call it “Easter Saturday” instead. The name does not move Easter to Saturday: Easter Sunday celebrates the Resurrection, even though the vigil begins Saturday evening.
When does the Easter Vigil take place?
Despite its name, the vigil is a long service held on Saturday evening and night, not a Friday-night event. In Catholic and many Anglican and Lutheran churches, it begins around sunset and continues past midnight. Orthodox Paschal worship often centers around midnight. The service proclaims Scripture, lights the Paschal candle, and may include baptism before Communion or the Eucharist.
What to expect if you attend
Check the church bulletin before going. A daytime observance may be short and centered on Scripture and prayer; the evening Easter Vigil may include candlelight, incense, baptism, and Communion. Guests are welcome and need not participate in a ritual to attend. The Easter date can differ between Orthodox and Western churches, so verify the local schedule and service time.