Orthodox liturgical observances from April 1 to April 5

Between April 1 and April 5, the Orthodox Church observed several significant religious events leading up to Holy Week. On April 1, the church commemorated St. Mary of Egypt, while April 2 was dedicated to St. Titus and other martyrs. On April 4, the church celebrated the Saturday of Lazarus, honoring the resurrection of Lazarus as a symbol of the future general resurrection. April 5 marked Palm Sunday, celebrating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the official beginning of Holy Week. Other saints honored during this period include St. George of Maleon, Archbishop Theonas of Thessaloniki, St. Amphianus, and St. Aedesius. The week preceding Palm Sunday is traditionally referred to in church tradition as the Silent or Deaf Week, a time for introspection and spiritual preparation. Throughout these days, the Church emphasized themes of repentance, the duality of Christ's nature, and the path from fasting to the Passion and Resurrection.