April 19 — Holy Saturday, 2025: how to spend the last day before Easter

The last day before Easter is called Great Saturday. The sixth day of Holy Week in 2025 falls on April 19th. Believers are actively preparing for the main Orthodox holiday and remembering what happened after the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. Izvestia tells readers how to spend Holy Saturday and what needs to be considered when preparing for Easter.

Holy Saturday 2025: the essence, the meaning

On the sixth day of the week, the Orthodox Church commemorates the bodily burial of Jesus Christ and the Savior's sojourn in the tomb. The Messiah was martyred on the cross on Good Friday in the name of atoning for the sins of mankind.

According to the Gospel, Christ was buried on the night of Holy Saturday. His body was taken by the Jewish elder Joseph of Arimathea to be buried in his tomb. He prepared the body of the deceased for burial and, wrapped in a ritual shroud, buried it in a cave, and filled up the entrance with a stone.

Holy Fire — the miracle of Easter: how it appears, what to do with it

In 2025, Orthodox Christians will witness the descent of the Holy Fire on April 19.

There are no other events related to Holy Saturday — this is the day of the Savior's rest after all the torments he endured on the cross.

Holy Saturday before Easter 2025: traditions

Divine services continue in the churches on this day. Despite the mournful mood, preparations for the bright holiday are already beginning in the shrines. Parishioners bring cakes, eggs and cottage cheese Easter to the consecration, and the clergy dress in light clothes.

On the eve of Easter, the Holy Fire descends in Jerusalem, an annual event that attracts hundreds of pilgrims from all over the world. The particles of the holy flame are transported by flights to different parts of the world.

Holy Saturday 2025: what not to do

Holy Saturday is the last day of strict fasting, which involves restrictions on food and leisure. Before the Bright Resurrection, it is forbidden to eat animal products, drink alcohol, indulge in carnal pleasures, celebrate and have fun.

Orthodox Easter is approaching: what not to do on Palm Sunday

In 2025, the feast of the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem is celebrated on April 13.

The day should be spent in peace and prayer. It's also better to postpone the housecleaning work — everything should have been finished on Maundy Thursday. It is not forbidden to take a bath or go to the sauna.

It is not necessary to clean cemeteries and commemorate the dead on the Sabbath of Great Week.

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the traditions of Good Friday and related prohibitions.