On Thursday, April 9, 2026, the guest of the Morning Programme on Television “Hram” was Catechist Branislav Ilić. The topic of the conversation, hosted by journalist Jana Okilj, was the liturgical services of Holy (Great) Week.
In the first part of the conversation, Branislav spoke about the commemorations of Great Thursday, with particular emphasis on the Holy Eucharist. The discussion then continued with reference to the liturgical particularities of Great Friday, the structure of the services, and the hymnography in which the Saviour’s voluntary suffering is glorified, while at the same time proclaiming the approaching joy of the Resurrection. According to Catechist Branislav, the very troparion of Great Friday already reveals the mystery of this day. He noted that the liturgical observance of Great Friday begins already on the evening of Great Thursday, when in the churches the Matins of Great Friday is served—namely, the great vigil at which twelve Gospel readings concerning the Passion of the Lord are read. It was also pointed out that during the reading of the Gospel one does not kneel, but stands, for this is the posture to which the deacon calls us before the reading of the Gospel with the words: “Wisdom! Stand aright!”
Speaking about Vespers with the bringing out of the Epitaphios, the guest of Jana Okilj noted that the Epitaphios is brought out during the chanting of the stichera at the Aposticha, and that the solemn procession is accompanied by the words of the sticheron: “Thou who clothest Thyself with light as with a garment.” It was observed that our people have, for centuries, devoted special attention to the Epitaphios, as is attested, among other things, by the rich collection preserved in the Museum of the Serbian Patriarchate.
Within the course of the conversation, attention was also given to the hymnography of Holy Week, and Branislav emphasized that it is a truly priceless treasure and our guide in these most blessed days. According to the Novi Sad catechist, all the liturgical hymns of this period represent a particular interpretation of passages from Holy Scripture, and the inspired hymnographers of the Church expound the theology of these great days precisely through liturgical poetry. By participating in the services of Holy Week, we follow the Lord, who for us men and for our salvation goes to His voluntary Passion.
The guest of Television Hram also spoke about the Saviour’s prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane and His voluntary ascent to Golgotha. In addition, he spoke about repentance, forgiveness, and love, by which we are earnestly instructed during these days that leave a profound spiritual imprint upon our being.
At the conclusion of the conversation, Catechist Branislav emphasized that sacrifice is the measure of love, and he wished the viewers of Television Hram that they may spend these most honourable and blessed days in spiritual vigilance, so that they may properly experience the light and joy of the Resurrection at the Paschal Matins, responding to the sacred call: “Come, receive the light from the Unwaning Light, and glorify Christ, risen from the dead.”
Source: Riznica Portal
