The Orthodox Christians on April 2 entered Great and Holy Week or Passion Week, which is the strictest fasting period of Lent. Bishop of the Chisinau Church “Saint Dumitru” Pavel Borshevschi has told IPN that the Passion also means asking for forgiveness from the close ones.

The Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts is held in monasteries and cathedrals on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 7am and 5pm. On Wednesday, the Divine Liturgy is held in all the churches. Vespers are also served in the evening.

Tuesday of Holy Week commemorates the parable of the Ten Virgins. On Wednesday of Holy Week, it has been ordained by the Holy Fathers of the Church that commemoration should be made of the anointing of Christ with myrrh by the woman in the house of Simon, the leper, in Bethany.

Holy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with the Apostles as well as the Washing of the Feet, which is a traditional component of the celebration performed either by a bishop.

Good Friday commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus and his subsequent death. Some eat nothing on this day until sunset.

The last liturgical service is held on Holy Saturday morning and the Resurrection service starts at 12 midnight. The faithful go to church to take a part of the Holy Fire brought from the Church of the Holy Sepulcher of Jerusalem.

On Easter Day, the faithful should eat first communion wafers and blessed food.

Those who want to take communion this week can do it on Wednesday, Thursday and on Saturday morning.