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Welcome to
HOLY WEEK 2020
As Holy Week 2020 approaches, with it comes a world of uncertainty. However, one thing that is certain is that our God has given us life by defeating death. And during this week – whether we’re at church or at home – we will celebrate that fact and rejoice in the life-giving mystery of His death, burial, and resurrection.
At STSA, we will accomplish this by a combination of interactive “at-home ” services and online services. Below is an abbreviated daily schedule. For a detailed guide to walk you through exactly what to expect and what you’ll need, download our STSA Holy Week 2020 Home Guide, to ensure that this year’s Holy Week is just as powerful and transformative as ever before!
If there’s one thing you can do to set this week apart from the very start, it’s this: BUILD AN ALTAR. In other words, set aside a specific place that is designated as your sanctuary for just one week.
And once you do, take a picture and send it to information@stsa.church. These icons have generously been made available for us for your altar. Here is a slideshow of submissions to help inspire you with ideas.
And with that said, below is the day by day schedule for Holy Week 2020.
First Things First: Build an Altar
Unction is one of the sacraments of the church. It is a special prayer done for healing – a matter very much relevant today.
Pray for healing
While the sacrament of Holy Unction cannot be performed without a priest, everyone can join in the prayers.
Full Vespers for Palm Sunday will be prayed and streamed live.
Read + Discuss
In the morning of Lazarus Saturday, each one/family can read the gospel of the day from John 11:1-45 and discuss together. Review these 3 questions to meditate upon and discuss.
Palm Sunday is one of the most beloved days of the year. The day begins with Matins and the procession of the cross around the church.
procession
Before Liturgy, go around your house and find pictures or icons that you’d normally see in the church as we recreate the procession of this day. View instructions.
This will be a full pascha service and you’ll attend it online just as you would if you were in church.
Read + Journal
Nothing needed except an electronic version of the lectionary, a spiritual book to read during the long psalms, and a notebook and pen to write your thoughts.
We’ll pray the entire service, with the exception of the Divine Liturgy and the parts related to it.
washing of feet
Afterwards, we will do as Jesus commanded: we will wash one another’s feet. This can be done literally with the members of your household and can be done figuratively by doing a good deed for someone in your community.
This will be a full pascha service and you’ll attend it online just as you would if you were in church.
read + journal
Nothing needed except an electronic version of the lectionary, a spiritual book to read during the long psalms, and a notebook and pen to write your thoughts.
Given all that’s happening this year, it’s more important than ever for us to consecrate this day to focus on His passion and sufferings for our sake.
icon and linen
The Good Friday service concludes with the priest taking an icon of Christ and “burying” it in a white linen shroud. You are encouraged to do the same in your homes. Prepare a small icon of Christ and linen for when it's time to participate.
The point of this night is to spend a night in vigil with Christ in the tomb. It is a night full of praises and hymns of victory!
Candles
It is called “bright” Saturday because the night features many processions with candles. So be sure to get a few candles ready – one for each member of your household.
Preparing for Holy Week
Materials to help prepare your heart for this special week, April 12th-April 18th.
How to Prepare
A message on Holy Week
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Personal Retreat
Reconnect with God in a meaningful way
Reading
Contemplations on the prayer of Holy Week
Reference Materials
To help you follow along with the services or catch up on reading between services, here are some materials.
Daily Guide
An explanation of Holy Week day by day.
Lectionary
Scripture readings for each day of Holy Week
Holy Week Hymns
Listen to 22 Coptic Holy Week Hymns.
Children + Youth Activities
Invite your children of all ages to participate in the journey of Holy Week with these engaging activities.
HOLY WEEK ACTIVITY GUIDE FOR FAMILIES
Teach the events and treasures of Holy Week as celebrated by the Coptic Orthodox Church. Starting from Palm Sunday and going through Easter Sunday, your kids will find a treasure in the treasure chest that will give them a clue about the activity, game or craft for the day.
HOLY WEEK for teens
Although this year has some unique challenges, we hope these resources help you as a family keep the right spirit alive in each of your homes.
FAITHBOOK FOR TEENS
This is a one-week crash course in the ultimate sacrifice ever made. You will study the final week of Jesus’ life and learn how He redeemed you with His precious blood.
HOLY WEEK COLORING BOOK FOR CHILDREN
Journey with our Lord Jesus Christ through the events of the Holy Pascha Week and color each page!
HOLY WEEK GUIDE & JOURNAL FOR YOUNG EXPLORERS
Journey back in time with Zack to see, hear and experience what it might have felt like to follow in Jesus’ footsteps during His final week. You’ll see the events unfold day-by-day from Zack’s point of view.
passion week journal for teens
We pray that this journal helps you live the events of this blessed week more deeply and that it may be a time of spiritual growth.
children's activity book
A printable activity book full of fun and learning for each day of Holy Week.
