Easter Sunday

Orthodox Christians celebrated Easter – the most significant holiday of the year. Easter services were held in all churches of Pridnestrovie. Archbishop of Tiraspol and Dubossary Sawa led the service, which took place at the Cathedral of the Exaltation of the Cross in Tiraspol. The PMR Supreme Council Chairman Alexander Korshunov took part in it.

The Speaker noted that this holiday is perceived by believers as the main symbol of revival, fidelity to moral duty and hope.

The Chairman of the Supreme Council recalled that Easter is a holiday that is usually celebrated with those closest to us.

Easter should be celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox according to the resolution of the first Ecumenical Council of Christian Churches in Nicea in 325. The holiday has been “wandering” through time and falls every year on different days in the period from April 5 to May 8 since then. Christianity having come to Ancient Rus from Byzantium brought the ritual of celebrating Easter. The entire week preceding this day is usually called Great or Passionate.

The Orthodox Slavs had many customs and rituals dedicated to the days of the Great Week, which are still observed today. Maundy Thursday is traditionally called Clean Thursday. Starting from Maundy Thursday, people prepare for the festive table by painting and painting eggs. They bake Easter cakes, products made from the best wheat flour with images of crosses, lambs, cockerels, hens, doves, larks and honey gingerbreads starting from Thursday.

Orthodox Christians will celebrate Easter for another 40 days. It is generally accepted that all this time Christ will walk the earth, and the Orthodox will rejoice at Easter. The first week is considered the most solemn. It is called Bright Week. Anyone can ring the bells in all churches this time. The royal doors in all churches are open. They symbolize the gates open to Kingdom of heaven.