​Holy Week
This is the most sacred time of the Maronite Church—a week that draws us into the heart of our faith. We do not simply remember the Passion and death of Christ; we are invited to live them.
Each day leads us deeper into the mystery of salvation. In these holy days, we encounter a love that enters suffering, overcomes death and brings new life.
Holy Week calls us to move from being spectators to truly living the mystery and allow His Cross to transform us.
This is not a story we watch from a distance, but one we recognise as our own.
This is our journey: to let go, to trust, and to rise with Him in hope.

Holy Week-Reflection
A Passage to Love
We begin the celebration of Holy Week, the greatest week in the calendar of the Church as it celebrates the Good News: God has reconciled the world to Himself in the suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus. The liturgy of this week is not an exercise in recalling past events. We share, here and now, in the saving mysteries of Christ. It is no exaggeration to say that our whole vocation as Christians is to share in the paschal mystery of Christ, to join with Him in his self-emptying love. As we share this final journey with our Lord, it is good to remind ourselves that our lives are a journey, too, that take us to Him, and He is always with us.
The measure of His love
As Holy Week begins, we are going to contemplate Christ's unending love that is beyond measure. God emptied himself and went down to the lowest depths of poverty and humiliation, dying naked and as a convicted criminal. As we go through this week, we watch Jesus, not just to admire, but also to learn to walk in his footsteps and to commit ourselves to His love.
Holy Week in our Maronite Church, starts with “Naheero” or the “Coming or Arrival to the Harbour” and ends on Resurrection Sunday. 
Holy Week, in our Maronite Church, is sometimes considered an independent Liturgical Season inside the Season of Lent. It starts with “Naheero” or the “Coming or Arrival to the Harbour” on Monday and ends on Resurrection Sunday. One week seems to be too short to be considered an independent Season; however, the importance and intensity of ceremonies, and the profound spirituality found in the prayers and hymns in that blessed week, make it worthy to be the most important week of the liturgical year.
Holy Week celebrates the fulfilment of so many wonderful prophecies. It is a time for Christians to prepare their hearts for the agony of His Passion and the joy of His Resurrection.
Prayers and celebrations
During the Holy Week, the faithful participate in specific prayers and celebrations, such as:
the procession of Palm Sunday, the rite of arrival at the harbour, the rite of the oil lamp, the rite of blessing the oils, the rite of the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, the rite of the burial of Christ on Good Friday and the rite of forgiveness on Holy Saturday. 

“Naheero” or the rite of  the “Arrival to the Harbour”- Sunday night 
Gosepl: Mt. 25:1-13
In the Maronite tradition, the Rite of arrival to the Harbour is celebrated on Monday evening (liturgically beginning on Sunday afternoon), at the end of the Lenten journey. The Church, symbolised as a ship, arrives safely at the harbor—entering Holy Week, the path toward redemption and resurrection. This signifies that the faithful, having completed the fast, have reached the harbor in peace and now stand ready to step onto firm ground on Easter Sunday.
The rite begins at the closed doors of the church and concludes within. The faithful gather at the entrance, standing on either side, each holding an unlit candle, like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1–13) awaiting the Bridegroom. After the priest proclaims the Gospel of the ten virgins, a chanted proclamation is offered, and the people respond: “Fill our hearts, O Lord, with the light of Your Kingdom.”
The priest knocks on the church door three times, symbolising the call to enter, the vigilance of the soul, and the presence of the Holy Trinity. This knocking echoes the call of Christ: “Knock, and it will be opened to you,” announcing the nearness of the Bridegroom and inviting the faithful to be ready. The door is then opened, and the priest, together with the people, enters the church.
As they enter, each person lights their candle, a sign of readiness and watchfulness, like the wise virgins prepared to enter the wedding feast. These lit candles also express spiritual illumination (Naheero)—the light of Christ that dispels darkness and leads the faithful on the path of salvation.
Having completed the Lenten journey, we become ready to unite with Christ, the Bridegroom, in His wedding feast upon the Cross. The parable of the ten virgins reminds us that readiness to receive the Bridegroom and share in the joy of the Resurrection comes only through a life consecrated to God—marked by vigilance, fasting, and prayer—so that we may remain enlightened and prepared to meet the Lord.
When the priest reaches the altar, he removes the violet vestments and puts on the deep red, symbolising the blood and the royal character of Christ’s Passion. The white altar coverings are replaced with black, the cross is veiled in darkness, and the lights are dimmed, proclaiming the beginning of Holy Week. This rite is followed by the Evening Prayer and the Procession of the Cross.
In this rite, we begin a deeper journey—from the harbour to the Cross, and from the Cross to the Resurrection—carrying within our hearts the light of Christ, which leads us through the darkness of suffering into the glory of new life.
 
 
 Tuesday
Gospel: Luke: 13:22-30
"Lord, will only a few be saved?" 
On Holy Tuesday, the Maronite Church reads from the Gospel of Luke (13:22–30) and reflects on the question of salvation: “Lord, will only a few be saved?” Christ’s answer redirects us from mere curiosity to personal responsibility: “Strive to enter through the narrow door.” Salvation is not about numbers, but about how we live. He describes entering the Kingdom of God as entering through a narrow door—a door that requires effort, commitment, and determination to pass through. This narrow door symbolises the path to salvation, which is not easy, but requires conscious striving and active participation in God’s work.
To enter the narrow door, is not simply about following rules; it’s about an active pursuit of holiness and love, a constant striving to reflect God’s love in all we do.
We are called to be peacemakers, to heal brokenness, and to be sources of help for those in need. This work is not just about deeds, but about embodying Christ’s love in the world. As followers of Jesus, we are meant to be lights in the world, bearing witness to God’s redeeming love. Our words and actions must reflect the love of Christ, offering hope and peace to those around us.
Salvation isn’t just about the afterlife; it’s about living fully in God’s presence here and now, letting His love transform every part of our lives.
 Like Naboth, we are called to remain faithful, stand firm in truth, and resist compromise. Holy Week reminds us that following Christ is not easy, yet it is the only path that leads to true life.
​Naboth’s Story
On this day, we also contemplate on Naboth’s story (1 king 21) who refused to sell his inheritance to the king Ahab and obeyed the Lord before he obeyed his king.
Naboth the Jezreelite  had a vineyard situated beside the king Ahab’s palace. Naboth’s inheritance was well cared for and precious. Ahab was king and had wealth beyond what most of us will ever experience, he was not content and wished to acquire the Naboth’s vineyard to convert it into a vegetable garden. Naboth, had inherited his land from his father, and, according to Jewish law, could not alienate it. Accordingly, he refused to sell it to the king Ahab who became deeply unhappy at not being able to obtain the vineyard. Ahab thought he could use his position and wealth to gain whatever he wanted but Naboth obeyed the Lord before he obeyed his king.
Returning to his palace, he collapsed with depression. His wife, Jezebel, after learning the reason for his misery and depression, promised that she would obtain the vineyard for him. To do so, she plotted to kill Naboth by mock trial accusing him of blasphemy. Blasphemy was the most grievous crime one could be accused of and worthy of capital punishment.
They carried him out of the town and stoned him with his sons.  Ahab told the king to take possession of the vineyard as the legal heir.
​The Injustice and False Accusation
The story of Naboth is fundamentally one of injustice. Naboth, a righteous man, refuses to sell his ancestral vineyard to King Ahab, following God’s command that the land should remain within his family. When Naboth is falsely accused and wrongfully executed, it echoes the injustice of the trial and crucifixion of Jesus. Just as Naboth was killed for standing firm in his righteousness, Jesus was crucified despite His innocence and falsely accused, and condemned by corrupt authorities, revealing the abuse of power and the depth of human injustice. Yet this story is also about us. The vineyard represents our faith, our conscience, and all that God has entrusted to us.
In a world that pressures us to compromise truth, justice or trade what is sacred, Holy week calls us to stand firm like Naboth and remain faithful.
By reading Naboth's story during Holy Week, the Church invites the faithful to reflect on the suffering and injustice that Jesus endured, while also reminding them that righteousness and truth will ultimately triumph. This reading also serves as a call for the faithful to stand firm in the face of injustice and to recognise that, like Naboth and Jesus, those who suffer for the sake of righteousness will receive God's justice in the end.

Wednesday-The Rite of the Lamp/Job or Ayoub Wednesday
In the Maronite Church, the Rite of the Lamp is a special liturgical celebration observed on Job Wednesday, during Holy Week. This day is deeply connected to the story of Job (Ayoub), who is known for his extraordinary patience and faith in the midst of suffering.
Job endured immense loss—his wealth, his health, and even his children—yet he remained faithful to God. His story is one of trust in God’s will, even in the face of overwhelming hardship. In this way, Job foreshadows Jesus Christ, who also suffered with patience and obedience, ultimately offering Himself on the Cross for the salvation of humanity.
The Rite of the Lamp
The Rite of the Lamp is a powerful symbolic act of prayer, light, and healing.
At the centre of the rite is a bowl of dough placed before the altar, with seven lit wicks inserted into it. As the faithful pray, they watch the dough slowly rise.
The dough represents humanity in its weakness and brokenness, but it is also a sign of transformation. Just as leaven causes the dough to rise, Christ is the true leaven who transforms and gives life. Through Him, what is weak is lifted, renewed, and brought to new life. The rising dough also reflects the call of Christians to be “leaven” in the world—spreading the love and presence of Christ.
The seven wicks carry deep meaning. The number seven symbolises fullness and perfection, showing that God’s grace is complete. The flames represent the light of Christ, who overcomes darkness and brings hope, and they also point to the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit.
The seven wicks are also linked to the vision in the Book of Zechariah (4:1–10), where they are described as the “seven eyes of the Lord”, watching over creation. In this way, the wicks symbolise God’s constant presence, guidance, and care.
Together, the dough and the light express a profound truth:
in our weakness, God’s light remains, and through His grace, we are raised and transformed.
Blessing of Oil and Anointing
The priest blesses oil, and the faithful are anointed as a sign of healing, cleansing, and restoration. This recalls the healing ministry of Christ and the tradition of the early Church.
The use of oil is rooted in Scripture, especially in the letter of Saint James:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord… and the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well.” (James 5:13–18)
While the oil represents physical healing, repentance and prayer bring spiritual healing to the soul.


​Thursday of Mysteries 
Thursday of Mysteries commemorates the Last Supper, the washing of the feet, and the beginning of Christ’s Passion. It is the day when Jesus Christ gave Himself—Body and Blood—to us in the Eucharist, and established the Sacraments of the Eucharist and the Priesthood.
In the Maronite Church tradition, this day is not only a remembrance, but a living participation in the Mystery. During the Qurbono (Divine Liturgy), we encounter Christ who offers Himself completely. This moment reveals the depth of His love—a love that humbles itself in service, as seen when He washes the feet of His disciples.
The washing of the feet is especially powerful in the Maronite liturgy. It reflects Christ’s call to humility, service, and self-emptying love. He, the Teacher and Lord, kneels before His disciples, showing that true greatness is found in serving others.
 Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament: After the liturgy, the Blessed Sacrament is placed for adoration, and the faithful are invited to remain in prayer, accompanying Christ in His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane. This vigil is deeply symbolic—it is a response to Jesus’ invitation: “Could you not watch one hour with me?”
The Visitation of the Seven Churches is an ancient Roman Catholic tradition in which the faithful visit seven churches after the Mass of the Lord’s Supper recalling the journey of Jesus Christ from His arrest to His death. The pilgrimage invites the faithful to enter more deeply into His suffering, walking with Him in prayer, reflection, and love. Each stop represents a step in His journey, allowing us to reflect on the significant events of that sacred night. It is also linked to the sorrowful journey of the Virgin Mary, who searched for her Son. In honouring her, we unite our hearts with hers in love, sorrow and faith.
Maronite Traditions during Holy Thursday

• Churches will be open for visitors to visit the Blessed Sacrament
• The believers visit seven churches during the afternoon, as a pilgrimage. 
•  The Blessed Sacrament is exposed usually after the ceremony of the washing of the feet until the morning of the next day, Good          Friday.
• Many faithful stay in the church praying and meditating upon the Mystery of Salvation, and participating in the “agony of Gethsemane” where Jesus spent his night in prayer.

Great Friday 
Great Friday is the most solemn moment of the year, where the Church stands before a mystery too deep for words. Mass is not celebrated on this day. In the Maronite Rite, two ceremonies are to be celebrated on that day. The first is the Adoration of the Cross and the second is the Liturgy of the Burial of the Lord. 
The Cross is not only suffering, but the place where divine love is revealed—a love that gives without measure.
The Church gathers not just to remember, but to enter the mystery of salvation.
Beneath the Cross, a love is unfolding—a love that redeems and makes all things new.
So we remain in silence. We remain in awe—learning that true strength is found in surrender, and true life is born through love that gives everything.
On this holy day, we kneel with Mary. We wait in silence, trusting that even in the darkness of the tomb, God is at work. Love is not defeated and suffering is not the end.
People bring flowers to the service, and women generally wear black. The ceremony incorporates prayers, readings, a procession, the burial and the Adoration of the Cross.
The cross is raised on a table in front of the altar with a violet cloth where a picture of the Virgin Mary is placed on it. In front of it there is a dark cover in which the believers put the roses they offer which symbolises the embalming ointment (spices and Myrrh) which Nicodemus and Joseph of Arimathea have anoint the body of Christ with it before His burial.
People line up to walk under the cover, that is full of roses, at the end of the ceremony where They have to kiss the cross which marks the end of the ceremony.
It is called Good because of God: good because God's love has conquered. God's Son Jesus overcame the world and once again opened the gates of heaven to those who believe.
Maronite traditions
      -Many Christians during that day bring some flowers to honour the Holy Cross.
     -All flowers will be put into the blanket that will be laid in the tomb prepared especially for this day.
      -People have to go under the tomb and kiss the Cross which signifies the end of the ceremony.
      -After the Ceremony, the cross is buried until Easter Sunday.
      -On Good Friday the Maronite make Special food called 'monk's soup', in Arabic it's called kibet el rahib" .
      Kibet lakteen is aslo made on this day.
 “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.”
 These were Jesus’ final words but they are also words that echoed throughout the earthly life of Jesus. This prayer is a prayer of complete surrender to the Father, a prayer of total abandonment and unwavering trust.
Let us pray, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit”

• Whenever we are troubled,
• Whenever we are faced with impossible problems,
• Whenever we doubt that God loves us,
• Whenever we think that He is not listening to us, 
• Whenever we feel we are broken and
• Whenever our loved ones are suffering and we can’t do anything.   .

​Let us always remember that Christ has suffered too.

"Living Holy Week means increasingly entering into God's logic, the logic of the Cross, which is not first of all that of pain and death, but of love and of self-giving that brings life." Pope Francis

Saturday of the Light
This is the last day of Lent. During that day, a ceremony called “the Prayer of Forgiveness” is celebrated. ". It is an old prayer of the Maronite Church. The Maronite Church and all the Syriac Churches celebrate the forgiveness won by the death of Jesus Christ. All Christians are invited to confess their sins during the ceremony and ask for forgiveness.
At the end of the ceremony the joy begins and people say to each other: Christ has risen . Every time we reconcile with God we live the Resurrection.