The week following the Sunday of St Mary of Egypt is called Palm or Branch Week closing the 40 days of Lent.
Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday is the transition into Holy Week
Then, each day of Holy Week has its own particular theme.
Sunday Evening begins the 'Bridegroom Services', the first with the theme of Holy Monday is that of the sterile fig tree which yields no fruit and is condemned
Monday Evening: The accent of Holy Tuesday is on the vigilance of the wise virgins who, unlike their foolish sisters, were ready when the Lord came to them.
Tuesday Evening: The vigil on the eve of Holy Wednesday the focus is on the fallen woman who repents. Great emphasis is made in the liturgical services to compare the woman, a sinful harlot who is saved, to Judas, a chosen apostle who is lost. The one gives her wealth to Christ and kisses his feet; the other betrays Christ for money with a kiss.
Wednesday Evening: The vigil on the eve of Holy Thursday is dedicated exclusively to the Passover Supper which Christ celebrated with his twelve apostles
Thursday is celebrated the institution of the Last Supper, and Thursday Evening the Matins of Holy Friday are generally celebrated with the reading of the Twelve Passion Gospels.
