The day before Palm Sunday, commemorating Christ raising Lazarus from the dead. This miracle foreshadowed Christ's own Resurrection and demonstrated His power over death. The service is joyful, anticipating the triumph of Palm Sunday and Pascha. Pussy willows are often blessed on this day in preparation for Palm Sunday.

The evening prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at sunset. Vespers includes psalms, hymns, scripture readings, and incense. On Saturday evenings, Great Vespers is often combined with the Sunday Divine Liturgy. The service marks the end of the liturgical day and prepares the faithful for rest and reflection.

The celebration of Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when crowds welcomed Him with palm branches. This feast begins Holy Week and is marked by the blessing and procession of palm branches (or pussy willows in northern climates). The service combines joy for Christ's kingship with anticipation of His upcoming Passion.

The sacrament of healing for physical and spiritual ailments, administered by anointing with blessed oil. Also called the sacrament of anointing or Euchelaion, this service is traditionally celebrated by seven priests (though one may serve) who read seven Gospel passages and anoint the person seven times on the forehead, nostrils, cheeks, lips, chest, and hands. Holy Unction is offered not only to the dying but to all who are sick in body or soul, and many parishes celebrate it communally during Great Lent. The service emphasizes God's healing power and mercy.

The morning prayer service of the Orthodox Church, traditionally celebrated at dawn. Also called Orthros in Greek tradition, this service includes the reading of the Gospel, the Great Doxology, and numerous psalms and hymns. Matins prepares the faithful for the day and is often celebrated immediately before the Divine Liturgy on Sundays and feast days.

The Last Supper of Christ with His disciples on Holy Thursday, when He instituted the Eucharist. Christ washed the disciples' feet, gave them His Body and Blood under the forms of bread and wine, and delivered His farewell discourse. This meal established the central sacrament of the Church and exemplified humble service. The Vesperal Liturgy of St. Basil is celebrated.

The commemoration of Christ's death on the Cross on Holy Friday. The Church observes this solemn day with the Royal Hours, Vespers with the procession of the Epitaphios (burial shroud), and Matins of Holy Saturday. This is a strict fast day. The services emphasize Christ's voluntary suffering for our salvation and His victory over death through death.

The "Feast of Feasts" celebrating Christ's Resurrection from the dead. The most important celebration in the Orthodox Church, Pascha determines the date of all moveable feasts. The service begins with the joyful midnight proclamation "Christ is Risen!" and continues with the Divine Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom.

The sacrament of marriage, uniting a man and woman in lifelong union blessed by God. The Orthodox wedding service consists of two parts: the Betrothal (exchange of rings) and the Crowning (placement of crowns on the couple's heads). The crowns symbolize both the glory and martyrdom of marriage, as well as the couple's status as king and queen of their domestic church. The couple drinks from the common cup and processes around the analogion three times. Marriage is understood as an icon of Christ's union with the Church.

The Sunday after Pascha, commemorating the Apostle Thomas touching Christ's wounds and proclaiming "My Lord and my God!" Also called Antipascha or the Feast of Renewal, this day emphasizes faith through seeing and not seeing. The Gospel reading addresses doubt and faith, making it especially meaningful for inquirers and those struggling with belief.

The sacrament of initiation into the Orthodox Church, through which a person is united with Christ in His death and resurrection. The baptismal candidate is immersed three times in water in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ. Baptism cleanses from original sin, grants adoption as God's child, and makes the person a member of the Body of Christ. In Orthodox practice, baptism is immediately followed by chrismation and first communion.

The soldier-saint martyred under Diocletian, venerated as the 'Trophy-Bearer' for his victory over evil. Celebrated on April 23rd, George is patron of soldiers, England, and Georgia. The legend of his slaying a dragon symbolizes triumph over evil. His courage in maintaining faith despite torture makes him a model of Christian fortitude.

The third Sunday of Pascha, honoring the women who brought spices to anoint Christ's body and were the first to witness the Resurrection. These include Mary Magdalene, Mary the wife of Cleopas, Salome, Joanna, and others. The day also commemorates Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus. It celebrates women's devotion and their role as first witnesses to the Resurrection.