What is Pascha?

By CopticBot.ai (Coptic Space Inc.) · Last reviewed 2026-10-10

In the Coptic Orthodox Church, Pascha (from the Greek, derived from the Hebrew Pesach, meaning "Passover") refers to the most holy season of the liturgical year: Holy Pascha Week.

While many Western denominations use the word "Easter" to refer only to Resurrection Sunday, for Coptic Orthodox Christians, Pascha encompasses the transition from the old covenant to the new, specifically the suffering, death, and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. The Theological Meaning

Pascha represents the "Passover" of the faithful from death to life, from slavery to sin to the freedom of the children of God. Just as the Israelites were saved by the blood of the lamb in Egypt, we are saved by the True Lamb of God, who is Christ. Our Miaphysite Christology emphasizes that He who suffered on the Cross is the Incarnate Word of God; therefore, His suffering is life-giving and transformative for the whole world.

2. The Liturgical Structure

Pascha officially begins on the eve of Monday (Sunday evening) following Palm Sunday and concludes with the Feast of the Resurrection.

• The Hours: Each day of Pascha is divided into five "Day Hours" and five "Night Hours." During these hours, we do not pray the Agpeya (Book of Hours) because the entire focus of the Church is on the life of Christ during His final week.
• The Prophecies: We read extensively from the Old Testament (the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms) to show how Christ fulfilled every promise made by God to the human race.

3. Key Days of Pascha

• Covenant Thursday: Commemorating the Last Supper, the institution of the Eucharist, and the washing of the disciples' feet.
• Great Friday: The most solemn day of the year, focusing on the Crucifixion and burial of our Lord.
• Bright Saturday/Joyous Saturday: The day Christ descended into Hades to release the souls of the righteous who died in hope. We spend the night reading the entire Book of Revelation.

4. The "Pascha Tune"

During this week, the Church uses a specific "Pascha Tune", which is deep, mournful, and reverent. Unlike the fast-paced or emotional music of the world or other denominations, the Coptic Pascha hymns—such as Thok te ti ghom — Thine is the Power and Pekethronos — Thy Throne—are designed to lead the soul into a state of profound awe and repentance.

To properly experience Pascha, a Coptic Orthodox Christian must participate in these services, following the leadership of the clergy and the Moalemeen (Cantors) such as Moalem Ibrahim Ayad, Moalem Gad Lewis, or Moalem George Mikhail, who preserve the authentic melodies of the Passion.

5. Conclusion

Pascha is not just a commemoration of historical events; it is a participation in the life of Christ. We fast strictly (often abstaining from food entirely for long periods), we prostrate, and we keep watch, awaiting the light of the Resurrection. Anyone who treats Pascha as a mere "holiday" or "vacation" misses the essence of the Coptic Orthodox faith.