Holy Saturday
The day of waiting, Jesus lies in the tomb between death and resurrection.
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, so it moves with the Easter date. In Western churches it falls between March 21 and April 24; Orthodox churches observe it before Orthodox Easter, often later.
When Is Holy Saturday?
Holy Saturday is the day before Easter Sunday, so it moves with the Easter date. In Western churches it falls between March 21 and April 24; Orthodox churches observe it before Orthodox Easter, often later.
Because the Gregorian date changes from year to year, check a calendar published by the tradition or your local community for this year's date.
Why It Matters
Holy Saturday is one of the most solemn days of the Christian year, the day between crucifixion and resurrection. The Church waits in stillness, representing the disciples' grief and the silence before the miracle.
How It Is Observed
Easter Vigil begins after nightfall: blessing of new fire, lighting of the Paschal candle, Exsultet chant, readings through salvation history, baptisms, and the first Eucharist of Easter.
Sacred Text
“We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life.”
, Romans 6:4 ↗