The third Sunday after Pascha in the Orthodox Christian calendar is dedicated to the Holy Myrrhbearing Women—those courageous and faithful women who, out of love for Christ, came early in the morning to anoint His body, only to become the first witnesses of His Resurrection. Their faith, devotion, and courage are commemorated on this day, reminding the faithful of the central message of Pascha: Christ is Risen!
Who Were the Myrrhbearing Women?
The Myrrhbearing Women, or Myrrhbearers, were female disciples of Jesus who followed Him during His ministry and remained with Him through His Passion. They prepared spices and myrrh-oils to anoint His body after the Crucifixion. These brave women defied fear, the threat of the Jewish authorities, and social expectations to care for their Lord even after His death.
Named Myrrhbearers in the Gospels:
Mary Magdalene (celebrated July 22)
Mary, the mother of James and Joses—often interpreted as the Theotokos (Mother of God)
Mary, the wife of Clopas
Joanna, wife of Chuza, a steward of Herod Antipas
Salome, the mother of the sons of Zebedee
Martha and Mary, sisters of Lazarus (celebrated June 4)
Susanna
Their love and faithfulness earned them a place of honor as the first to hear the news of Christ’s Resurrection, announced to them by an angel at the tomb.
Secret Disciples: Joseph and Nicodemus
Alongside the women, Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus played crucial roles in Christ’s burial. Joseph, a wealthy and noble counselor, boldly approached Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus, laying it in a new tomb carved from rock. Nicodemus, a Pharisee and secret disciple, brought nearly a hundred pounds of myrrh and spices to anoint the body.
Their actions fulfilled the prophecy and set the stage for the glorious Resurrection that the Myrrhbearing Women would soon witness.
The Icon of the Myrrhbearing Women
Icons commemorating this feast beautifully capture the moment: the angel seated on the stone of the tomb, pointing to the empty grave clothes and proclaiming, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here; He is risen!”
This scene encapsulates the mystery of the Resurrection and the divine reward of faithful service.
Liturgical Celebration and Scripture Readings
The Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearers is celebrated during the Paschal season with great joy. The Divine Liturgy is that of St. John Chrysostom, and throughout this period, services begin with the Paschal hymn:
“Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death, and upon those in the tombs bestowing life.”
Scripture Readings:
Matins (Orthros): Luke 24:1–12
Divine Liturgy: Acts 6:1–7 and Mark 15:43–16:8
Hymns of the Feast
The Troparia and Kontakia sung on this day reflect the themes of burial, resurrection, and the proclamation of victory over death:
Troparion (Second Tone)
“The noble Joseph, taking down Thy most pure Body from the Tree, wrapped it in clean linen with spices and laid it in a new tomb…”
Kontakion (Second Tone)
“When You said ‘Rejoice!’ to the Myrrhbearers, You ended the lament of the first mother, Eve, by Your Resurrection, O Christ God…”
These hymns are rich in theology and serve as a liturgical reminder of Christ’s triumph over the grave.
Commemorated Saints on This Day
In addition to the Myrrhbearing Women, the Church also remembers:
Joseph of Arimathea (July 31)
Nicodemus
Holy Queen Tamara of Georgia (May 1)
All Saints of Thessalonica
Saint Seraphim of Phanar (Dec. 4, 1610)
New Martyr Elias Ardunis (Jan. 31, 1686)
New Martyr Demetrios of Peloponnesos (April 13, 1803)
These saints’ lives, like the Myrrhbearers, are testimonies of faith, love, and bold witness in the face of adversity.
A Timeless Message
The Sunday of the Holy Myrrhbearing Women isn’t just about honoring faithful women from the past—it is about living faith today. Their story challenges us to approach Christ with love, even in moments of grief, fear, or confusion. It reminds us that faith often begins in darkness but is rewarded with the light of the Resurrection.
As we celebrate this day, let us echo the angel’s words:
“Christ is risen, granting the world great mercy!”