Holy Monday marks the beginning of Holy Week in Ukraine
On April 6, 2026, Orthodox Christians in Ukraine will observe Great Monday—the first day of Holy Week, which precedes the Resurrection of Christ.
This period is considered the strictest time of Great Lent, when attention is focused on spiritual preparation and remembrance of the last days of Jesus Christ’s earthly life.
In church tradition, this day is dedicated to the Gospel parable of the barren fig tree, which the Savior cursed for bearing no fruit.
The church compares the image of the tree that withered instantly to a soul that bears no spiritual fruit—sincere prayer, faith, and good deeds.
Also on Great Monday, the Old Testament patriarch Joseph is commemorated, whom his own brothers sold into slavery in Egypt.
His fate is considered a foreshadowing of Christ’s sufferings, so these themes take center stage during the solemn services at the beginning of the week.
An important event of the day is the beginning of the rite of preparing myrrh—a special aromatic oil prepared only once a year.
Metropolitans begin this process on Monday, creating a sacred substance that will be used for church sacraments throughout the coming year.
For Ukrainians, Holy Week is traditionally a time of intensive preparation for the great holiday.
Starting on Monday, our ancestors would begin a thorough cleaning: whitewashing walls and stoves, washing windows and doors, and doing laundry, all to finish the hard work by Sunday.
Housewives start planning the menu and preparing appetizers early in the week, which will be served at the festive table.
Easter is considered the main event of the Christian year, marking the victory of life over death.
On April 12, Orthodox believers celebrate one of the greatest holidays—the Resurrection of the Lord, Easter.
