Holy Saturday: the day before Easter and the commemoration of Saint Antipas

Tetiana Bodnarenko
Tetiana Bodnarenko Journalist
Holy Saturday: the day before Easter and the commemoration of Saint Antipas
Holy Saturday, stock photo
11 April is a day of profound spiritual stillness. It is both a time of mourning, as it commemorates Christ’s time in the tomb following the crucifixion, and a time of joy, as we look forward to the great feast of the Resurrection, which will take place tomorrow.

Today, 11 April, Orthodox Christians are observing Holy Saturday — the final day of Holy Week and Great Lent

The Saturday before Easter is the last day on which Christians observe strict dietary restrictions. Believers devote this time to prayer, repentance and finalising preparations for the festive meal. Tomorrow, Lent 2026 will officially come to an end.

Saint Antipas — healer and patron saint of dentists

Today, according to the church calendar, the memory of the holy martyr Antipas is also honoured. In folk tradition, he is regarded as a healer who helps to relieve toothache and oral diseases.

  • Believers turn to the saint with prayers for healing.

  • Dentists regard Antipas as their heavenly patron and ask him for success in their professional endeavours.

Traditions of Holy Saturday:

  • attending church services and having Easter baskets blessed;

  • helping the needy and engaging in charity;

  • forgiving grievances and seeking reconciliation with loved ones.

This is a time for inner peace and preparing the heart for the main Christian holiday.

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