Google trend - Orthodox Easter

Orthodox Easter - 10 things to know with detail

• Date: Orthodox Easter falls on a different date than Western Easter due to differences in the calendar systems. Orthodox Easter is usually celebrated later than Western Easter, following the Julian calendar instead of the Gregorian calendar.
• Preparation: Orthodox Christians prepare for Easter through a period of fasting and prayer known as Lent. This period usually lasts for 40 days, during which believers abstain from certain foods and engage in spiritual practices.
• Holy Week: The week leading up to Orthodox Easter is known as Holy Week. It begins with Palm Sunday, commemorating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, and includes other important days such as Holy Thursday (Last Supper), Good Friday (Crucifixion), and Holy Saturday (Holy Fire).
• Midnight Liturgy: The main Easter service in Orthodox churches is the Midnight Liturgy, which begins on Saturday evening and continues into the early hours of Easter Sunday. The service includes the lighting of candles, chanting of hymns, and the proclamation of Christ's resurrection.
• Paschal Greeting: A common tradition during Orthodox Easter is the exchange of the Paschal greeting, "Christ is risen!" to which the response is "Truly, He is risen!" This greeting symbolizes the joy and hope of Christ's resurrection.
• Easter Eggs: Like in Western Easter traditions, Orthodox Christians also decorate and exchange Easter eggs as a symbol of new life and rebirth. The eggs are often dyed red to represent the blood of Christ.
• Easter Bread: A special type of bread called "pascha" or "kulich" is baked for Orthodox Easter. This sweet bread is often decorated with icing and symbols of the cross or lamb, and is typically eaten after the Midnight Liturgy.
• Easter Feast: After the Midnight Liturgy, Orthodox families gather for a festive meal to celebrate Easter. Traditional dishes vary by region, but common foods include roast lamb, eggs, cheese, and other festive dishes.
• Easter Services: Orthodox churches hold multiple services throughout the Easter period, including additional liturgies and processions to commemorate the resurrection of Christ. These services are attended by many believers and are an important part of the Easter celebration.
• Symbolism: Orthodox Easter is a time of great joy and celebration, as it marks the triumph of life over death and the promise of salvation through Christ's resurrection. The rituals and traditions associated with Orthodox Easter are rich in symbolism and meaning, reflecting the core beliefs of the Christian faith.