The History And Traditions Of Orthodox Easter

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Easter is one of the most highly celebrated holidays in the Christian faith. While it is widely known that Easter is celebrated differently around the world, most people are only familiar with the Western Easter celebration. Did you know that Orthodox Easter, which is celebrated by the Eastern Orthodox Church, is celebrated on a different date and has its own unique customs? In this article, we'll explore the history and traditions surrounding Orthodox Easter.

A Brief History of Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Easter is celebrated on a different date from Western Easter because the Eastern Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar. This means that while Western Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon after the vernal equinox, Orthodox Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. This often results in Orthodox Easter being celebrated on a different date than Western Easter.

Orthodox Easter is also known as Pascha, which is the Greek word for Passover. In the Orthodox tradition, Pascha is not just a one-day celebration, but a week-long event known as Holy Week. Holy Week begins with the Sunday of the Palms, which commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and ends with the Resurrection on Sunday, the day of Pascha.

Greek Orthodox Holy Week Traditions

The Greek Orthodox Church is one of the largest branches of Eastern Orthodoxy and has its own unique traditions surrounding Holy Week. The week begins with Lazarus Saturday, which commemorates Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. On Palm Sunday, worshippers will carry palms in a procession to represent Jesus' triumphant entry into Jerusalem.

Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, is when the Last Supper took place. On this day, Orthodox Christians will remember Jesus washing the feet of his disciples and breaking bread with them. This is also the day when the Twelve Gospels are read in church.

Good Friday is a day of mourning and fasting. The day is spent in somber reflection and prayer, and many Orthodox Christians will not eat any food until after the Resurrection on Sunday. On Saturday night, Orthodox Christians will gather in church for the Paschal Vigil. This service lasts until after midnight when the Resurrection is celebrated with the lighting of candles and hymns of joy.

Traditional Greek Easter Customs

Greek Easter is one of the most exciting times in Greece, with many customs and traditions that have been passed down through generations. One of the most prominent customs is the coloring of Easter eggs. Eggs are dyed red to represent the blood of Christ, the shell representing the tomb where Christ was laid after his crucifixion. On Holy Saturday, these eggs are cracked against each other, representing the earthquake that occurred after Christ's death.

Another Greek Orthodox Easter tradition is lamb roasting, known as kokoretsi. This involves roasting a whole lamb on a spit, along with various other meats and offal. This dish is often served at Easter gatherings and is a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ.

Celebrating Orthodox Easter Around the World

Orthodox Easter is celebrated in many countries around the world, including Russia, Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, Ukraine, and Romania. Each country has its own unique traditions and customs surrounding the holiday.

In Russia, Easter is preceded by Lent, a 40-day period of fasting and prayer. On Easter Sunday, many Russians will attend an Orthodox Church service and eat traditional Easter foods, such as kulich – a sweet bread made with raisins and candied fruit – and paskha – a creamy dessert made with cottage cheese and served with fruit.

In Greece, Easter is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with many people attending church services throughout Holy Week. On Easter Sunday, families will gather together to enjoy a traditional feast, often including lamb or goat, along with various traditional Greek dishes.

Orthodox Easter Traditions Across Time and Space

Orthodox Easter is a time for celebration, reflection, and remembrance. While the traditions and customs surrounding the holiday may differ from country to country, the core message remains the same – the resurrection of Christ.

Whether you celebrate Orthodox Easter or simply appreciate the uniqueness and diversity of cultures around the world, this holiday is a reminder that the message of hope and renewal is universal, and that we can all come together to share in the joy of new beginnings.

So this year, take some time to learn more about Orthodox Easter and the traditions and customs that make it such a special celebration. Who knows, you may just discover a new way to celebrate one of the most important holidays in the Christian faith.

The History and Traditions of Orthodox Easter

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