The [[feast]] of '''Holy Saturday''' falls on the day before [[Pascha]]. It is also called ''The Great Sabbath '' since it is said that on this day [[Christ ]] "rested" in the tomb, in death. But it is also believed that it was on this day he performed in spirit the Harrowing of Hell and raised up to Paradise those held captive there. Therefore, at the main [[liturgy|liturgical ]] celebration, a [[Vesperal Liturgy|vesperal Divine Liturgy ]] of St. [[Basil the Great]], the hangings, [[altar ]] cloths, and [[vestments ]] are changed from black to white prior to the [[epistle ]] reading, and in the . {{stub}}

Morning Service-- The Service—The Descent into Hades and Anticipation of the [[Ressurrection-- The ]]—The [[Divine Liturgy of St. Basilthe Great]] The first service of Holy Saturday takes place in the morning and breaks the somber spell. Jesus' descent to Hades where He preached His message to the dead is celebrated. Those who believed in Him received eternal life and salvation. The heavy sorrow of [[Good Friday]] begins to lift when the [[priest]], wearing bright vestments, chants, "Arise, O God, to the world," while sprinkling laurel leaves, bay leaves, and flower petals all over the church to symbolize the shattered gates and broken chains of hell. This is also to celebrate the triumph over death. ==See also==*[[Great Feasts]]*[[Holy Week]]