On Maundy Thursday, which according to ancient traditions began after the sunset of the previous day, the Church commemorates four important events. Before the Last Supper, the Savior washed the feet of His disciples, in display of humility. Then, during the Last Supper, He established the sacrament of the Eucharist by breaking the bread and giving it to the disciples saying: ”This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” He also gave them a cup of wine saying: “Drink from it, all of you. This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins."

After the Last Supper, Jesus went to the Garden of Gethsemane to pray to His Father. But for 30 pieces of silver, Judas betrayed him to the guard sent by the Pharisees.

The Orthodox Church commemorates this day with blessing of oils and reading of the 12 Gospels by the Apostles John, Matthew, Mark and Luke.

On Maundy Thursday, before sunrise, eggs are dyed and the dough for Easter ritual breads is kneaded.

In ancient times, people dyed eggs only in red with the help of natural dyes. The eggs symbolized the blood of Christ and the Resurrection. Nowadays, Easter eggs are dyed in a variety of colors, but the Orthodox tradition dictates that the first egg should always be in red. It is the egg Christians bring to the church before the Holy Thursday services.