If a Christian is asked if he is going to go to church at Easter, the answer is often positive. However, most people go to the temple on the eve of the holiday to consecrate food. Christians who are in the church stand at the Easter service, which lasts all night.
The beginning of the holiday
In different church parishes, the beginning of the festive Easter service may differ, just as services on ordinary days in each church begin at their own time. But the Easter service differs from the everyday divine service in its special festivity. How many Christian holidays exist, but the most sublime and joyful one is on Easter.
The service begins closer to 11 o'clock in the evening. Its main part is preceded by a midnight office. The priests read the apostolic acts and the canon of Great Saturday. At this time, the shroud, which was brought out to the middle of the temple on the eve of the holiday, is carried to the altar until the very Ascension.
If you want to get to the church for the Easter service, it is better to come in advance. On Easter night, a lot of people come to church: not only deeply believers, but also just wanting to see. If you are late, you may not get inside the temple at all.
Soon the most impressive part of the service begins - the procession of the cross. The parishioners slowly leave the church and, following the priests carrying banners, walk around the church three times. Clergymen read prayers, sing troparia. The main festive troparion, the priest, sings three times: "Christ has risen from the dead, trampling death on death and giving those in the grave a belly."
At night, you can consecrate the food you brought with you. It is customary among Christians to consecrate colored eggs and cakes. Some people also bring food that will be on the Easter table. Just don't bring alcohol! The Church does not welcome this.
Continuation of the Easter service
After midnight office, the celebration continues with matins. The culmination of the Easter service is Christ's celebration. All clergy and parishioners congratulate each other on the Resurrection of Christ with Easter greetings. People say "Christ is Risen!" and answer "Truly He is Risen!" After that, they kiss three times and exchange consecrated eggs. Many people leave the church after this part of the festive divine service, especially since the christianity takes place at about one in the morning. But the majority of the parishioners still remain, since the festive liturgy with the communion of the Blood and Flesh of Christ takes place further. Communion on Easter is considered a special grace. Therefore, no one wants to miss such a chance. Depending on how many Christians want to receive communion, the Easter service will last for so long. As a result, she can go until the morning.
