[MES Forum] Wishes for Holy Week and Passover

[McClimans, Melinda]

Dear MES Forum Members,

As we move through this week, we recognize that many among us are observing deeply meaningful religious traditions: Holy Week for Eastern Orthodox Christians and Passover for Jewish communities. We extend our warmest wishes to all who are participating in these observances. Here are some highlights about the related practices:

Holy Week (April 13–21, 2025)

Eastern Orthodox Christians commemorate the final days of Christ’s earthly life leading up to His resurrection on Easter Sunday. Strict fasting from meat, dairy, eggs, and fish is observed, culminating in a celebratory Easter meal after midnight liturgy [7]. The "Holy Fire" ceremony in Jerusalem symbolizes resurrection and hope as worshippers light candles from the miraculous flame[3].


Passover (April 12–20, 2025)

Jewish families celebrate Passover to remember the Exodus from Egypt. Families gather to retell the Exodus story using the Haggadah, eat symbolic foods like matzo (unleavened bread) and maror (bitter herbs), and drink four cups of wine[2][4]. Homes are cleaned of all chametz (leavened products), symbolizing spiritual renewal[4]. Some communities incorporate special rituals, such as Persian Jews lightly tapping each other with scallions during the chanting of Dayenu, symbolizing the hardships of slavery[8].

These observances reflect profound themes of faith, freedom, sacrifice, and renewal that resonate universally. To those observing Holy Week or Passover, may your traditions bring peace and blessings to you and your families.

Best regards,

The Middle East Studies Center

[1]: https://www.oca.org/orthodoxy/the-orthodox-faith/worship/the-church-year/holy-week

[2]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Passover

[3]: https://nationaltoday.com/orthodox-holy-week/

[4]: https://www.britannica.com/topic/Passover

[5]: https://www.holytrinitynr.org/online-resources/about-holy-week-services

[6]: https://www.jimena.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Mimouna.pdf

[7]: https://www.holyorthodox.org/fastingguidelines

[8]: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/10-passover-customs-from-around-the-world/

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