After Easter (Post Resurrection)

Explanation to the Observance of Haevorae Days (Bright Week)

by Dr M C John, Muringayil

I felt the need of explaining the reason for observing seven days following Easter as Bright Week or Haevorae days, which would be summarized as under:

1. In the beginning, it was the tradition of the Church to teach the basic faith (Catechism) during the period of the Great Lent, to those who wanted to become members of the Church. Such candidates were known as Catechumens. The rudiments of Christianity were taught by Bishops right from the 25th day of the Lent, by putting the Cathedra of the Bishop at the central part of the nave of the church. The reason behind putting the Cathedra (Chair) in the middle of the nave is a reminder to the faithful that High Priests used to teach Jews about their canons by sitting in the seat of Moses. The reason for placing the "Golgodha"; at the middle of the nave of the church on the 25th day of the Lent also is attributed to the starting date of imparting teachings to the Catechumens

2. Such Catechumens, who after successful completion of the training, were given baptism on the day of Easter.

3. The system of Baptism, Holy Myron and the Holy Qurbana became a practice in the Church much later. Those who were baptised on Easter Sunday, would be asked to wear white dress throughout the week till next Sunday. We may imagine the sight of a town wearing only white dress throughout the next week, spending time in prayers to become eligible to receive the Holy Communion on the next Sunday following the Easter Sunday. These days were called "Bright days" or "Haevorae Days" because of the purity being displayed by wearing only white dress. (Contextual word - we are supposed to wear only white dress while attending our churches).

At the end of the week, all who were baptised on Easter Sunday would be administered the Holy Communion giving a new beginning in their life called "Puthu Njayar". A new chapter in their life would commence here on this particular day, because the Holy Communion was given to them as true Christians.

I hope the concepts of "Haevorae days" or "Bright Days" and the "Puthu Njayar" have been amply explained here.

Source: ICON

See Also:

Passion Week Supplement in Malankara World
Sermons for Passion Week

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