(Greek: Διακαινήμος Εβδομάς) is the name used by the Eastern Orthodox Church for the period of seven days beginning on Pascha and continuing up to (but not including) the following Sunday, which is known as Saint Thomas Sunday. The entire Bright Week is fast free.

"Behold your son... behold your mother."

3. And He, having committed His mother to John, said, "Behold your Son" (John 19:26). O the honor! With what honor did He honor the disciple! When He Himself was now departing, He committed her to the Disciple to take care of. For since it was likely that, being His mother, she would grieve, and require protection, He with reason entrusted her to the beloved. To him, He says, "Behold your mother" (John 19:27). This He said, knitting them together in charity; which the Disciple understanding, took her to his own home. But why made He no mention of any other woman, although another stood there?

"Arise, O God, and judge Thou the earth..."

(The divine service is Vespers [Esperinos] and Divine Liturgy of Saturday evening chanted by anticipation, on Saturday morning.)

Psalms are read and Resurrection hymns are chanted which tell of Christ's Descent into Hades. "Today Hades cried out groaning" is the hymn' description of the resurrection of Adam and the conquering of death. Thus this day's celebration is called "First Resurrection." Most of the readings of this day are from the Old Testament on the prophecies and promise of the conquering of death. On this day, the Divine Liturgy of Saint Basil the Great is officiated. The Holy Apostle Paul exhorts the faithful: "We were buried, therefore, with Him by baptism unto death, so we, too, might walk in newness of life" (Romans 6:4).

The Mysterion (Sacrament) is a sacred action in which, while the body is anointed with holy oil, the Grace which heals infirmities of soul and body is called down upon a sick person (Longer Catechism p. 65). It is performed by a gathering of Presbyters (Priests), ideally seven in number; however, it can be performed by a lesser number and even by a single Priest.

We worship Thy Passion, O Christ..."

(The divine service of the Holy Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. The divine Orthros (Matins) of Friday morning chanted by anticipation, on Thursday evening.)

Great and Holy Friday celebrates the holy, saving and awesome Passion of Christ God. To take away our sins, Our Lord Jesus Christ willingly endured spitting, scourging, buffeting, scorn, mocking, and purple robe; the reed, sponge, vinegar, nails, spear, and above all, the Cross and Death. The confession from the cross of the penitent thief, crucified with Christ, is celebrated. This divine service is long, but its content is dramatic and deeply moving for the devout Christian. Participation in the prayers and the historical sequence of the events, as related in the Gospels and hymns, provides a vivid foundation for the great events yet to come. Following are the references of the "Twelve Gospel" readings of this holy service.