Orthodox churches begin observance of Holy Week

Orthodox Christians will begin this weekend with the observance of Holy Week leading up to their celebration of Pascha (Easter) on April 27.

Today is Lazarus Saturday; Sunday is Palm Sunday.

Nine days are set aside by the Orthodox Church to commemorate the final and decisive events of the earthly life of Jesus Christ, said Father Basil Zebrun of St. Barbara Orthodox Church in Fort Worth.

"Traditionally, during this time, Orthodox Christians make an effort to lay aside all earthly cares in order to devote themselves to contemplating the central mysteries of their faith: the Cross, Tomb and Resurrection of Jesus," he said.

Members of Orthodox churches celebrate Easter later than other Christians because the Orthodox church uses a method established by the First Ecumenical Council of Nicaea in 325 AD, Zebrun said.