Journey to Pascha Series: Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday (Sung on Great and Holy Saturday Morning)

 

Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday: The Harrowing of Hades  

The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday is a significant part of the liturgical drama of Holy Week in the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is celebrated in the afternoon, and its focus is on the Harrowing of Hades, the event in which Christ descends into the realm of the dead (Hades) to defeat the powers of death and liberate the righteous souls who had died before His coming. The service marks the transition from the sorrow of Good Friday to the joy of Pascha (Easter), with a unique combination of mourning, hope, and anticipation.

Theological Significance: The Harrowing of Hades

Theologically, the Harrowing of Hades is central to the meaning of Holy Saturday. This term refers to the descent of Christ into Hades, the state of the dead, following His death on the Cross. It signifies Christ’s victory over death and sin. In Eastern Orthodox theology, death is not just a physical event, but a power that has a hold on humanity due to sin. Through His death, Christ enters Hades not only to experience death but to destroy it from within.

The Harrowing of Hades is the moment when Christ proclaims His victory over death, not only by rising from the dead, but also by reaching out to the souls of the righteous who died before Him. Theologically, it affirms that Christ's redemption is universal; His death defeats the power of death itself and opens the gates of heaven to the righteous who had died before His incarnation. In this sense, Christ’s descent to Hades unites heaven and earth, life and death, in a way that restores creation to its intended state.

1. Victory over Death: In the descent to Hades, Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross is confirmed as a victory over sin and death, not just a temporary defeat. He destroys death’s power, breaking the chains of those held captive in the realm of the dead.
   
   

2. Liberation of the Righteous: Christ’s descent into Hades is also the liberation of righteous souls who awaited His coming. This includes figures from the Old Testament, such as Adam, Abraham, David, and the prophets, who are now freed from the confines of death and enter the presence of God.
   
   

3. Foreshadowing of Resurrection: This event is also a prelude to the Resurrection itself. Christ’s descent into the depths of death and His triumph there foreshadow the glorious victory of His bodily Resurrection on Sunday morning. It is a symbol of the hope and joy that will break forth with His Resurrection.
   
   

Poetical Hymnography

The hymnography of the Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday reflects the deep theological significance of Christ’s descent into Hades and His ultimate victory over death. The hymns sung in this service express both the sorrow of His death and the joyful anticipation of His Resurrection. Some of the key hymns include:

1. "Come, let us bless Joseph of Arimathea" (Hymn of the Burial)

This hymn reflects on the burial of Christ and the faith of Joseph of Arimathea, who provided a tomb for the body of Christ. Theologically, this hymn emphasizes Christ’s true death but also the hope of Resurrection.

• "Come, let us bless Joseph of Arimathea, who took Thee down from the Tree and laid Thee in a new tomb, and Who hast destroyed death by Thy Cross."
  
  

Theologically, it emphasizes Christ’s victory over death even as His body lies in the tomb.

2. "Arise, O God" (The Lament of the Theotokos)

This hymn is a beautiful expression of lament, but it also contains the prophecy of the Resurrection.

• "Arise, O God, and judge the earth, for Thou hast destroyed the power of death, O Savior."
  
  

It is an expression of hope amidst the sorrow, prophesying that Christ will rise again and triumph over the powers of death.

3. "The Harrowing of Hades"

This hymn is a direct proclamation of the victory of Christ as He descends into the realm of the dead and liberates the righteous.

• "O my Savior, who is this that has been laid in the tomb? Who is this that has given His life for our salvation? O how wondrous are Thy deeds, O Savior! Thou hast harrowed Hades, and with Thy resurrection Thou hast raised us up from the dead!"
  
  

This hymn connects the descent of Christ with the joyful anticipation of the Resurrection, emphasizing His role as victor over death.

Overview of Old Testament Readings and Their Themes

The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday includes a series of Old Testament readings, each of which contributes to the theological depth of the liturgy. These readings highlight God’s redemptive plan from the beginning of creation, culminating in the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Christ. The readings underscore God’s action in history and His eternal plan for salvation.

The Old Testament readings for Holy Saturday afternoon focus on:

1. Genesis 1:1-13 – Creation of the World
   
   

• Theme: This passage begins with the creation of the world and the universe by God’s Word. It highlights the origin of light and the orderliness of creation, showing that the world was made by the Word of God—a clear reference to Christ, the Logos (Word). Theologically, this reading connects the creative power of God with Christ as the Creator, establishing the foundation for His redemptive work.
  
  

2. Exodus 12:1-11 – The Passover Sacrifice
   
   

• Theme: This reading recounts the institution of the Passover, when the Israelites were saved from death by the blood of the Paschal lamb. Theologically, this is a direct typology of Christ, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. The blood of the lamb in the Exodus narrative is a prefiguration of Christ’s sacrifice, where His blood marks the faithful for salvation.
  
  

3. Jonah 1:1-4:11 – Jonah and the Big Fish
   
   

• Theme: The story of Jonah is a prophetic sign of Christ’s three-day burial and Resurrection. Jonah’s time in the fish prefigures Christ’s descent into Hades and His victory over death. Jonah’s prayer of repentance from within the fish is seen as a prefiguration of Christ’s descent into the tomb and His rescue of souls from Hades.
  
  

4. Isaiah 61:10-62:5 – The Righteousness and Salvation of Zion
   
   

• Theme: This passage speaks of the righteousness and salvation of Zion, and it also speaks of the joy of the bridegroom and the new life that will come to God’s people. This reading anticipates the Resurrection of Christ and the joy that will come to the Church through His victory over death.
  
  

5. Ezekiel 37:1-14 – The Valley of Dry Bones
   
   

• Theme: The vision of the dry bones coming to life is a prophecy of resurrection. In this passage, God promises to bring life to those who have been dead, prefiguring the Resurrection of the dead and the restoration of the righteous. This reading emphasizes Christ’s victory over death and His ability to bring new life to all who are spiritually dead.
  
  

Conclusion

The Vesperal Liturgy of Holy Saturday marks a unique liturgical moment in the Paschal cycle, celebrating the Harrowing of Hades and Christ’s victory over death. The hymnography of the service reflects this profound theological victory, combining lament and hope. The Old Testament readings draw from the very beginning of creation, through the Exodus and the prophetic words of the prophets, to show how Christ’s death and resurrection are the fulfillment of God’s eternal plan. Together, they form a rich, theological tapestry that connects the creation of the world, the salvation of Israel, and the Resurrection of Christ. This service is a beautiful combination of hope in the midst of mourning, anticipating the joy of the Resurrection as the Church prepares to celebrate the glorious triumph of Christ over sin, death, and Hades.