In the Church of the Nativity of Christ in Lepel, a Divine Liturgy was held for "THE LORD'S ENTRY INTO JERUSALEM (Palm Sunday)". Blessing of willow branches.

This great twelve-day movable feast is established in honour of a significant biblical event that marked the beginning of the sufferings on the cross, which the Saviour voluntarily accepted for the sake of humanity. The Church interprets this event as the Lord's self-sacrifice for the sins of the world, as well as the fulfilment of the foretold prophecy about Christ's royal ministry.

The day of celebration is considered the last Sunday before Easter, or otherwise "Palm Sunday" (from the Greek "vaios" - "branch"), from which the second name of the holiday, Palm Sunday, originates, as the inhabitants of Jerusalem met Christ with palm branches (in Orthodoxy and Catholicism, this symbol of joy was replaced by willow.

The willow branch symbolises the victory of life over death – the Lord's Resurrection. Consecrated willow branches are traditionally kept for the whole year as a source of healing power.



From Monday, believers of the Orthodox confession began Holy Week (or Great Week) – these are the most important days of the year, dedicated to the remembrance of the last days of earthly life, sufferings, crucifixion, and burial of Jesus Christ.



In 2026, it lasts from April 6 to April 11, preceding Bright Resurrection (April 12).

During this time, believers observe strict fasting, attend churches, and prepare for the holiday.



Schedule of services at the Church of the Nativity of Christ

Lepel:

April 6, Great Monday. 17:00. All-night Vigil.
April 7, Great Tuesday. 08:00. Divine Liturgy. ANNUNCIATION OF THE MOST HOLY THEOTOKOS.
April 9, Great Thursday. 08:00. Confession. 09:00. Divine Liturgy (Consecration of salt). Remembrance of the Last Supper. 18:00. Matins. The Service of the Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ.
April 10, Great Friday. Strict fast. 10:00. Sacrament of Unction. 14:00. Vespers. Taking out of the Holy Shroud.
April 11, Great Saturday. 06:30. Matins. 09:00. Divine Liturgy. 11:00. Consecration of kulichi and paskas. Church cleaning. Reading of the Acts of the Holy Apostles. 17:00-20:30. Consecration of kulichi and paskas. 23:20. Midnight Office.
APRIL 12, BRIGHT CHRISTIAN RESURRECTION. EASTER. 00:00. EASTER MATINS. DIVINE LITURGY. 03:00. Consecration of kulichi and paskas. 12:00. Easter Moleben. Children's concert.