In the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, the days leading up to Pascha (Easter) during Holy Week are filled with deep spiritual significance, and each day has its own unique focus and customs. These days are meant to prepare the faithful for the passion, death, and resurrection of Christ. Here’s an overview of the meaning and customs associated with Holy Monday, Holy Tuesday, and Holy Wednesday in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic tradition:
Holy Wednesday is traditionally centered on two significant events:
The Anointing of Christ by the Sinful Woman: The faithful remember the woman who anointed Jesus’ feet with costly perfume and washed them with her tears. This act of love and repentance is seen as a powerful symbol of deep contrition and spiritual renewal. It illustrates the transforming power of repentance and the love Christ has for those who turn to Him with sincerity.
The Betrayal of Judas: Holy Wednesday also reflects on the moment when Judas Iscariot agreed to betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. This event stands in stark contrast to the woman’s act of sacrificial love and highlights the difference between true repentance and betrayal. Judas’s actions underscore the danger of turning away from Christ, while the woman’s anointing shows the beauty of returning to Him with a contrite heart.
This day serves as a reminder to reflect on the state of one’s own heart: whether it is full of love and repentance or whether it has strayed toward betrayal or indifference.
On Holy Wednesday, the Divine Liturgy is celebrated with a special focus on the anointing of Christ by the sinful woman. The faithful are encouraged to reflect on their own need for repentance and spiritual healing.
Liturgical Services: The Divine Liturgy on Holy Wednesday includes readings from the Gospel, recounting the anointing of Christ’s feet and the betrayal by Judas. These readings help the faithful reflect on the contrasting themes of love and betrayal, calling them to examine their own relationships with God.
Anointing Service: A key custom of Holy Wednesday is the Anointing Service, where the faithful are anointed with holy oil. This sacramental act symbolizes spiritual healing and forgiveness, helping the faithful receive God’s grace and prepare their hearts for the coming Paschal feast. The anointing offers a tangible sign of the renewal of one’s commitment to Christ.
Fasting: As with the other days of Holy Week, Holy Wednesday is observed with fasting. The faithful refrain from eating meat, dairy, and rich foods, adhering to the Lenten discipline in preparation for the solemn remembrance of Christ’s Passion.
Confession: Confession plays an important role on Holy Wednesday. Many Ukrainian Greek Catholics seek the sacrament of reconciliation, confessing their sins as they prepare spiritually for the Paschal celebration. The act of confession, coupled with the anointing, helps purify the soul and renews the individual’s relationship with God, echoing the themes of repentance that are central to this day.
Preparation for Maundy Thursday: Holy Wednesday marks the preparation for Maundy Thursday, when the Last Supper will be remembered. The faithful begin to anticipate the upcoming events of Christ’s Passion, leading them to deeper reflection on His love and sacrifice.
Fasting: These days are part of the strict Great Lent fasting period, where Ukrainian Greek Catholics refrain from eating meat, dairy, and rich foods. This fasting serves to spiritually prepare the faithful for the solemn remembrance of Christ’s Passion.
Reflection and Repentance: Each of these days is an opportunity for personal reflection and repentance. The faithful are encouraged to reflect on the events of Christ’s life and His Passion, focusing on His love, teachings, and sacrifice.
Divine Liturgies and Services: During these days, the faithful attend special services, including Matins, Vespers, and Divine Liturgy, which feature prayers, hymns, and readings that tie directly to the events of Christ’s final days before His Passion.
Confession: Holy Monday through Wednesday sees an increased focus on Confession. As the faithful prepare for the Paschal feast, they seek reconciliation and forgiveness, making these days a time of spiritual renewal and grace.
Holy Wednesday (Середа Страсного Тижня) in the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church is a day that focuses on the profound contrasts between repentance and betrayal, symbolized by the anointing of Christ’s feet by the sinful woman and the betrayal of Jesus by Judas. Through the Divine Liturgy, Anointing Service, and the sacrament of Confession, the faithful are called to examine their hearts, seeking forgiveness and spiritual healing. As they fast and prepare for the upcoming celebration of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection, they are encouraged to live in a spirit of love, repentance, and devotion.
