HOLY WEEK, the week immediately preceding the feast of the
Resurrection (see FEASTS, MAJOR), a period rich in reminiscences
of the ultimate stage of salvation. Following the celebration of
the Divine Liturgy on Palm Sunday, the faithful worshipers
reenact, step by step, the last scenes of the life of Christ,
with observances gradually rising in solemnity to Maundy
Thursday and Good Friday. To enter more fully into the proper
spirit of suffering and self-mortification, the early Christians
endured strict practices in keeping the paschal fast (see
FASTING). Some abstained completely from eating or drinking
throughout the whole six days; others observed an uninterrupted
fast for two, three, or four days, according to their individual
power of physical endurance. The Constitutions of the Holy
Fathers, however, recommended a simple diet of bread, salt, and
herbs: "Do ye therefore fast on the days of the Passover,
beginning from the second day of the week until the preparation
and the Sabbath six days, making use o