Christ in the tomb and his descent into Hades, kept in silence until the midnight Paschal service.
Dates
| Year | Dates | Reckoning | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | April 19, 2025 | ||
| 2026 | April 11, 2026 |
Recurrence: Orthodox Pascha computus (the day before Pascha).
Significance
Orthodox Holy Saturday commemorates Christ resting in the tomb while, in the flesh, he descended to Hades and broke its gates. The morning's Vesperal Liturgy already carries the first announcement of the resurrection in its readings. The day of silence ends at midnight with the Paschal service, the feast of feasts.
Observance
The Vesperal Liturgy of Saint Basil is celebrated in the morning, and the faithful return at midnight for the Paschal service.