One of the most joyful Orthodox events is recognized as the day of the Resurrection of Christ, popularly called Easter. This is a rolling holiday that is celebrated on different dates every year.
After seeing off a long protracted winter and celebrating Maslenitsa, Christian believers begin Great Lent, which is considered to be the most severe and difficult. During this period, every believer prepares for repentance, rethinks the essence of his being and purifies his soul.
The last Holy Week of Lent is considered the most terrible week of the year for Orthodox Christians and reminds of the torment of Jesus in the last days of his life. Good Friday became a dramatic culmination before the Resurrection of Christ - on this day the Son of God was crucified.
The word "Easter" itself has an ancient Greek origin and literally translates as "get rid of". It was on this day that Jesus was resurrected, and all mankind was freed from their sins. In the Orthodox world, this day personifies eternal life and victory over death.
What date will Easter be in 2016?
Easter is celebrated annually after the end of Lent - on the first Sunday after the end of Holy Week. This year, true believing Christians observe Fasting for forty days, from March 14 to April 30.
In 2016, the date of the great church holiday of Easter coincided with the red date of the production calendar, namely the day of spring and labor. Therefore, Orthodox believers will celebrate Easter on Sunday - May 1st.
Since ancient times, it is believed that Easter brings peace and tranquility to every home.
Some Easter Sunday traditions:
- on this bright day, in no case should you offend other people, swear, be sad and commit any sins;
- dyed eggs, blessed cake and sweet buns should become indispensable attributes of the festive table;
- on Sunday night, true believing Christians go to the procession of the cross, confess their sins, perform a prayer service and receive communion;
- on Easter Sunday you cannot clean up and do any kind of work;
- on this day it is customary to rejoice, hug and, when meeting with another person, say: "Christ is Risen!" - "Truly He is Risen!"
