Today marks the commencement of Holy Week in Bulgaria as Orthodox Christians observe Holy Monday, initiating a period of profound reflection on the final days of Jesus Christ's earthly life leading up to Easter.

Holy Week, spanning from Holy Monday to Holy Saturday, encapsulates the solemn narrative of Jesus Christ's journey towards crucifixion and resurrection, tracing the profound events that unfolded in the final week of his ministry.

Desislava Panayotva from the Cultural and Educational Department of the Holy Synod elucidated for BNR that Holy Monday, along with subsequent days of the week, symbolizes a progression of trials, suffering, rejection, and ultimately, the crucifixion and burial of Jesus Christ. It is a period marked by intense sorrow and introspection within the Orthodox tradition.

Each day of Holy Week presents a poignant portrayal of the events that transpired during the final days of Christ's life, encapsulating the profound depth of his sacrifice and the enduring significance of his teachings.

Holy Monday holds particular significance as it symbolizes Jesus Christ as the heavenly bridegroom of the human soul, inviting believers to acknowledge his salvific role and to embrace his divine presence.

Evening services held throughout Holy Week, including those on Holy Monday and Holy Tuesday, are imbued with solemnity and reverence, known as the "Succession of the Bridegroom." These services serve as a poignant reminder of Christ's imminent sacrifice and the profound spiritual journey undertaken during this sacred period.

As Orthodox Christians in Bulgaria and around the world embark on this sacred journey through Holy Week, they are invited to contemplate the significance of Christ's sacrifice and to draw closer to the divine presence of the heavenly bridegroom.