Easter is the most important Orthodox holiday celebrating the victory of life over death and good over evil. On this day, Christian believers bake Easter cakes and Easter, paint eggs and light them in the church during the service.
Instructions
Step 1
This bright holiday is celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon, which occurs on the day of the spring equinox. This is why the date for the celebration of Easter is always different.
Step 2
Preparation for it begins long before the significant date. Before Easter, there is Great Lent, which lasts seven weeks and ends on Saturday, on the eve of the holiday. Its meaning lies in cleansing the soul of the believer from sinful thoughts, repentance and the exercise of love and kindness towards others. At this time, you should limit yourself from carnal pleasures and gastronomic meals. And on Maundy Thursday (the last before the holiday), you need to put things in order in your house.
Step 3
After cleaning, start cooking Easter cakes and pasta, paint eggs and cook other foods to light them up in the church later. Thus, having received the blessing of the festive table.
Step 4
On the night from Saturday to Sunday, festive services begin in the churches. They usually take place from 11 pm to 4 am. At this time, the Acts of the Holy Apostles are read in the church and a procession of the cross takes place, which precedes the beginning of Easter Matins.
Step 5
It is recommended that the Church fully defend the entire service, but you can come for the blessing and consecration of Easter meals at any time. When going to the temple, put Easter cakes and eggs in a basket. Dress simply and neatly, with clothing covering your arms, knees and décolleté. Women should cover their heads with a scarf or any other head covering. Makeup should be modest and without lipstick, so that when kissing icons and crosses you do not leave marks on them.
Step 6
Upon entering the church, cross yourself three times with a bow in the waist. You need to do this with your right hand without a glove. Men should take off their headwear. During the service, do not speak loudly, do not communicate on a mobile phone, and do not push people apart.
Step 7
Light up a few candles for the health and peace of your loved ones. They should be placed in different places. For health, it is lit in front of the altar and the images on the right side. For peace - on the left. As you light the candles, mentally say the names of those for whom you are asking.
Step 8
Be baptized with the words: "In the name of the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit", "Lord, have mercy", "Glory to the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit." And when a priest overshadows you with the Gospel, a cross, or an image, you need to bow down. During the procession, go behind the priest.
Step 9
Leaving the temple, also cross yourself three times with bows in the waist. On your way home, start your festive breakfast with your family with the words "Christ is Risen!"
