The Third Sunday of Pascha: Honoring the Myrrh-Bearing Women and St. Joseph of Arimathea

“The noble Joseph, when he had taken down Thy most pure Body from the tree…”

As we continue to bask in the radiant joy of the Resurrection, the Holy Church invites us on the Third Sunday of Pascha to contemplate the courage, love, and devotion of the Holy Myrrh-Bearing Women, as well as St. Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus—figures whose quiet faithfulness bore witness to the mystery of Christ's Passion and Resurrection.

A Gospel of Courage and Love

The Gospel reading for this Sunday comes from Mark 15:43–16:8, which recounts how Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Sanhedrin and a secret disciple of Christ, went boldly to Pilate to ask for the Body of Jesus. This act alone was dangerous, risking both his reputation and safety. We then read of the Myrrh-Bearing Women—Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, Salome, Joanna, and others—who came to the tomb early on the first day of the week, bringing myrrh to anoint His body.

“And entering the tomb, they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen! He is not here.’” — Mark 16:5-6

Though the Apostles had scattered in fear, these faithful women stood by the Cross and journeyed to the tomb while it was still dark. Their actions remind us that love casts out fear (cf. 1 John 4:18) and that true discipleship often takes quiet, steadfast form.

The Hymnology of the Day

The Church’s hymnography exalts these saints with deep reverence and poetic beauty. The Apolytikion (Troparion) for the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women proclaims:

"The noble Joseph, when he had taken down Thy most pure Body from the tree, wrapped it in fine linen and anointed it with spices, and placed it in a new tomb. But Thou didst rise on the third day, O Lord, granting the world great mercy."

Another hymn extols the bravery of the women:

"The angel came to the myrrh-bearing women at the tomb and said: 'Myrrh is fitting for the dead, but Christ has shown Himself a stranger to corruption! So proclaim: The Lord is risen, granting the world great mercy!'"

These hymns do not merely recall history; they invite us into active participation—to imitate the boldness of Joseph, the devotion of the women, and the unshakeable hope in the risen Christ.

Words from the Saints

Saint Gregory the Theologian reminds us of the paradox of strength found in gentleness:

“They [the Myrrh-Bearing Women] came, seeking the dead, and found the Living; they came mourning, and returned rejoicing… They were the first to see the Resurrection, apostles to the Apostles.”

Saint John Chrysostom praises Joseph for his bravery:

“When even the disciples had fled, this man went in and was very bold… He exposed himself to death, taking the risk for what he loved.”

Their example shows that resurrectional faith is not passive. It is courageous and sacrificial. It risks everything for the sake of Christ.

A Lesson for Us Today

In honoring the Myrrh-Bearers and St. Joseph of Arimathea, we are reminded that the call to discipleship is often quiet, humble, and hidden. Yet in their simplicity, these saints became the first proclaimers of the greatest truth in human history: Christ is Risen!

In a world still marked by fear, confusion, and the sting of death, the Church raises up their memory to show us that love—steadfast and fearless—finds Christ, even at the tomb.

Let us ask their intercessions today, that we too may walk with faith and devotion in the light of the Resurrection.

Christ is Risen! Indeed He is Risen!