Some people think that eggs and Easter cakes consecrated for Easter are a shrine akin to Communion, well, at least, like prosphora. Others, on the contrary, venerate food consecrated in the temple as an object of festive fun. How to really relate to Easter customs, the readers of the site "" are told by the Old Believer priest of the Russian Orthodox Church about. John Sevastyanov.
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How is Easter celebrated in your community, are there any special customs?
In our Community there is no single, established Paschal custom or tradition. Every year we organize something: either gifts for the whole Community, or a joint holiday meal, or a youth picnic in nature. The only thing that always happens is Christ-glorification. As at Christmas, Christians visit each other and praise the Resurrected Christ.
The main idea in the word of John Chrysostom, which is read out on the very feast of the Resurrection of Christ, is an appeal to those who have come to the temple to come to the calf, that is, Communion. Why, in fact, do they never take communion on Easter?
I think that not taking communion at the Paschal Liturgy is some kind of spiritual impoverishment. In our Community on Easter, up to 50 adults and children receive communion. And even babies. People are getting ready for Communion. This is perceived by many as the culmination of the holiday. We try to explain that the main thing in Easter is not breaking the fast, but Communion - not Easter cakes, but the Body of Christ.
Some go to the cemetery on Easter to visit the dead. Is this an Orthodox custom?
It seems to me that the dispute in the Old Believers, whether it is necessary to go to the cemetery on Easter, is akin to a metaphysical clarification - which is more primary: - a chicken or an egg. Here, in the south, it used to be considered categorically impossible to go to the cemetery on Easter day. I remember how the old-timers said that only Nikonians go to the cemetery on Easter. And we, the Old Believers, will go to Radonitsa.
But now we learn that our Christians in Moldova, in the Moscow region, think the opposite is true - Old Believers go to the cemetery on Easter, and Nikonians go to Radonitsa. Who is right and who is wrong - it is resolutely impossible to make out. I think that in this matter everyone should act in accordance with family traditions and customs. As your ancestors did, so do you. If the ancestors didn’t do anything, then form your traditions in the image of the Old Believer Community to which you belong.
Is it true that the eggs consecrated in the temple must be eaten before the rest of the Easter meal?
I believe that the products that are consecrated in the church after the Paschal Liturgy, of course, should be consumed when breaking the fast, before other food. Indeed, this is the meaning of sanctification. We ask the Lord for blessings to break the fast. So one should not carry huge bags of provisions to the temple. One Easter cake and a couple of eggs is enough to consecrate to break the fast for the whole family. But it’s also not worth comparing consecrated Easter cakes and eggs with prosphora. Nevertheless, such reverence and reverence as for prosphora, eggs and Easter cakes should not be shown.
On Easter, young people and adults not only exchange eggs, but also hit them to check who is stronger. In the old days, eggs were rolled down a hill to receive a gift. Piety-are you these customs?
Painted Easter eggs are a kind of reminder of the miracle of Mary Magdalene, of her assurance to a pagan on the Resurrection. It can be a stretch to say that the Easter egg is a symbol of the resurrection. Therefore, putting such a meaning into this symbol, one should not use it as a baby rattle. If such an egg is perceived simply as a toy, then why not play with it. Especially for children. The main thing is that, while playing with Easter eggs, they do not get used to the shrine and do not lose the fear of God.
Easter is an Old Testament institution. The Jews wanted to leave Egypt in order to return to their homeland. But the pharaoh, from whom they were in captivity, wanting to enrich himself with free labor, did not let them out.
During the years of this captivity, the Lord repeatedly sent signs to Pharaoh through his servant Moses, so that Pharaoh would let the people go to the Promised Land. The last thing God commanded the Egyptian people while the Jews were in their captivity was to slaughter an angtz (that is, a lamb) and anoint the doorposts with its blood. This had to be done because a destroying angel was to come in the night and kill all the firstborn of the land of Egypt. But if the blood of the lamb is on the door, the destroying angel will pass by the house.
Such a lamb, but already in the New Testament, was Jesus Christ. "Easter" is just translated as "the procession past", the procession past death. On the feast of the Resurrection of Christ, partaking of the Body and Blood of the Angel of God, as Christ calls himself, we become anointed with His blood. And death passes us by. Easter is life eternal, it is liberation from death. Christians have found the recipe that makes a person immortal.
Why bless food at Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
The consecration of not only food, but also other material things that surround a Christian is an ancient tradition. Consecrating something, we dedicate it to God, ask God's blessing for it.
On Easter we bring food to the temple. In the villages at the beginning of the 20th century, in general, everything that was put on the table for Easter was brought to the temple, blessed, and the tithe (tenth) was left for the needy. And only after that people broke their fast - they reverently ate the consecrated festive food.
I think it's a very good tradition to ask God's blessing for everything.
How to fast before Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Good Friday is the strictest fast. According to the Charter, nothing is supposed to be eaten on this day. If you can bear it for your health, try it. On all other days of Holy Week, fasting is also strict, we eat only plant foods, and without oil.
When can I break the fast at Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Breaking the fast (the first fast meal after the end of the fast) on Easter is usually performed after the Liturgy and Communion. If you were at the Liturgy at night, then after the night service you can start the festive meal. If you came to the Liturgy in the morning, then in the same way - after Communion - you can break the fast. The main thing is to approach everything with a sense of proportion. Don't overeat.
If for some reason you cannot celebrate Easter in the temple, you can start breaking the fast at about the time when the festive Liturgy ends in the temples. How good is the Church in this respect? We fast together and break the fast together. That is, we do everything together. This is what the modern world lacks so much - commonality.
How to spend Easter day? Are there things that cannot be done?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
On this day, you can not be sad, walk gloomy and swear with your neighbors. But just remember that Easter is not 24 hours, but at least a whole week - Bright Week. In the liturgical plan, the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated for seven days.
Let this week be an example of how we should always behave in society, among people.
How should you spend Easter? Rejoice, treat others, invite them to visit you, visit the suffering. In a word, everything that brings joy to your neighbor, and therefore to you.
What can you eat on Easter and can you drink alcohol on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
On Easter you can eat and drink everything, the main thing is to do it in moderation. If you know how to stop in time, you can treat yourself to all the dishes, drink wine or some strong drinks - not to the point of being very intoxicated, of course. But if you find it difficult to limit yourself, it is better not to touch alcohol. Rejoice in spiritual joy.
Can I work on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Most often, the question of whether to work or not does not depend on us. If you have a day off on Easter Sunday, this is, of course, very good. You can visit the temple, and meet with loved ones, and congratulate everyone.
But it often happens that we turn out to be forced people and, according to the work schedule, are forced to work on Easter. There is nothing wrong if you work hard. Maybe you can be sad about this, but no more than five minutes! Obedience is obedience. Do your work on this day in good faith. If you fulfill your duties in simplicity and truth, the Lord will surely touch your heart.
Is it possible to do homework on Easter? Cleaning, knitting, sewing.
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
When we read somewhere that there is a ban on homework on a holiday, we should understand that it is not just a ban, but a blessing that we spend this time in attention to the Lord, the holiday and our neighbors. So that we do not get hung up on worldly fuss. The ban on working on Easter is not canonical, but rather a pious tradition.
Household chores are an integral part of our lives. You can do them on a holiday, but only by approaching this wisely. In order not to spend Easter doing general cleaning until the very night. Sometimes it is better, for example, to leave unwashed dishes in the sink than to be annoyed at household members who have not washed their dishes.
What does it mean if a person dies on Easter? Is this a sign of God's special mercy or a punishment?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
If a believer dies on Pascha or Bright Week, for us this is indeed a sign of God's mercy towards this person. Folk tradition even says that the one who died on Easter enters the Kingdom of Heaven without ordeals, that is, bypassing the Last Judgment. But this is “folk theology”, dogmatically, after all, every person will be judged and will answer for his sins before the face of God.
If an unbeliever dies these days, then, I think, it means absolutely nothing. After all, even during his lifetime, the Resurrection of Christ was not for him a sign of deliverance from death...
Can I go to the cemetery on Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
There has never been such a tradition in the Church. She was born among people during the Soviet Union, when a person was deprived of spiritual fellowship and removed from the Church. Where else could one meet with the afterlife, about which the Church speaks and with the belief in the existence of which the authorities fought so cruelly? Only in the cemetery. No one could forbid visiting relatives at the graves.
Since then, it has been customary to go to the cemetery on Easter. But now, when the churches are open and we can go to the Easter service, it is better to go to the cemetery to visit relatives on other days. For example, on Radonitsa - on the day when, according to tradition, the Church commemorates the dead. Arrive there early, put the graves in order, sit quietly nearby and pray. Read more about visiting the cemetery.
How should we greet each other at Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
Easter greeting - angelic. When the Myrrh-Bearing Women came to the Holy Sepulcher to anoint the body of the crucified Christ with spices, they saw an Angel there. He announced to them: “Why are you looking for the living among the dead?” That is, he told that the Savior had risen.
We greet our brothers and sisters in faith at Easter with the words "Christ is Risen!" and we answer the greeting: “Truly He is risen!”. Thus, we tell the whole world that for us the Resurrection of Christ is the basis of life.
What is customary to give for Easter?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
On Easter, you can give your neighbor any pleasant and necessary gifts. And it will be good if you add an Easter egg, painted or red, to any gift. The testicle as a symbol of evidence of new life - the Resurrection of Christ.
The red color of the Easter egg is a memory of the tradition according to which Mary Magdalene gave the emperor Tiberius an egg for Easter. The emperor told her that he did not believe that a person could be resurrected, that it was as incredible as if this white egg suddenly turned red. And, according to legend, a miracle happened - in front of everyone, the egg turned red, like the blood of Christ. Now the painted egg is a symbol of Easter, the Resurrection of the Savior.
What to do with the shells of consecrated eggs and stale Easter cake?
Archpriest Igor Fomin answers
A pious tradition tells us not to throw away with the garbage what is consecrated in the temple. All this can be burned, for example, in a personal plot, and buried where people and animals will not trample it underfoot.
Why can't you dye eggs under a year old?
How is it impossible? Who said that? It is possible and even necessary to involve children in this. They and you will enjoy it.
We must be very careful if in the water phrase some recommendation follows “but I heard that ... but they told me ...”. This is an analogy of a damaged phone. Such advice will not lead to good.
The Soviet era, of course, also brought something of its own, for example, everyone began to go to the cemetery in a crowd on Easter, and the holiday, which just denies death, faded into the background. We are already living in the victory of Christ. That's all, unfortunately, forgotten. Some buses, trips, glasses begin.
But this does not mean that you need to stop going to the cemetery, no.
Here we are talking about the fact that Easter is a great joy, so this is not the time to be sad, you need to leave all worldly chores, worries and devote this day to God, the remembrance of His Resurrection, the victory of life over death. At the same time, we can pray for our relatives and share this joy with them with all our hearts. God has no dead, he gave us the prospect of eternal life, and we hope for his mercy.
When you can not clean the house before Easter?
Father Alexander Abramov answers
There is spiritual hygiene, it consists in the fact that we really should try to protect ourselves from all kinds of entertainment, routine affairs, and everyday bustle during Holy Week. We need to go to church more. And it is clear that it is desirable to put things in order in advance so as not to miss important events, Holy Week services.
But this is not in the nature of an absolute prohibition, because there is life and there is common sense. The problem is that when people come to church, they have not yet acquired spiritual common sense, and everyday common sense has already been turned off, and this creates such an excellent space to fill their heads with all sorts of nonsense.
Can you get married on Easter?
Answered by Archpriest Alexander Abramov
The question is very clear and the answer will be unequivocal. If you come to church during Bright Week, they will tell you that you cannot get married.
There are days established by the Church on which the wedding is performed - these are Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday.
There are days of the week, regardless of the season, when the wedding is not performed, for example, on fast days or on Saturday.
For example, why don't they get married on Tuesday? Because in this case, the first wedding day will fall on fasting. Well, what kind of beginning of family life is this, if the first day is already associated with restrictions.
They don’t get married on Saturday, on the eve of Sunday, because Sunday is a small Easter and, in a good way, a person on this day should lead a religious life, and not a personal one.
It is clear that many people are inclined to neglect all these traditions of church life, but in order that the neglect does not take on such a wild character, they simply do not get married these days.
Bright Week is like one day of Easter. Great celebration of the Holy Resurrection of Christ. And of course, all attention is focused on this.
Therefore, the wedding on Bright Week is also not performed. Such is the liturgical order.
This is not because the church abhors weddings or people who want to arrange their family life. And simply because we completely devote this time to the celebration of Easter - this is a time of universal joy.
Is it possible to remember at Easter?
Answered by Archpriest Alexander Abramov
If we talk about the church order, then the first memorial service is performed on Radonitsa (the day of special commemoration of the dead) - this is Tuesday of the second week after Easter. In many temples there was such a pious tradition - requiem tables, the place where candles are placed is covered with a cloth, thereby showing that God does not have the dead. And this is especially clear during the Easter week. Easter is the most joyful Christian holiday, it drives out all sorrow and sorrow from the hearts of believers.
As the scripture says: « God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living» (Mark 12:27). You can naturally remember, that is, say “God rest ...” and pronounce the name of the person for whom you are praying. How can we not do this if we love our relatives and friends and of course there is a desire to convey this to God.
Funeral services in the temple (requiem services) on Bright Week are completely abolished, since this is the time of our joy in the Risen Christ, and not sorrow. But this does not mean that the priest does not mention the repose of people at the liturgy.
Is it possible to bury at Easter?
Answered by Archpriest Alexander Abramov
If the death takes place on Bright Week, then a special funeral service is performed, Easter. It is especially touching with regard to babies, because their sinlessness and belonging to Easter are immediately affirmed.
Is it possible to baptize before Easter?
Answered by Archpriest Alexander Abramov
A small digression into history.
Interestingly, in ancient times, the church did not baptize individually at all. This is what we have now. We transfer consumer habits to the church.
For example, we came to the clinic and it seems completely wild to us that we will be admitted at the same time with four other people. And we think the same way about christenings. And earlier they were baptized in a completely different way.
Firstly, they were baptized not in the temple, but, as a rule, in open water, and two or three days a year were chosen for this. People were prepared, talked with them, they underwent teachings in the faith, if we are talking about adults, and then either on Christmas Eve, Epiphany (Baptism of the Lord), or on Great Saturday, they were all baptized together.
There are days when it would be inappropriate to talk about Baptism, say, on Good Friday, when we are entirely focused on the Passion, the sufferings of Christ. Although I, just for reasons of some kind of piety and reverence for God, would not baptize during Holy Week.
But speaking in general, you can accept the sacrament of Baptism at any time and during Bright Week too.
Why can't you paint eggs for Easter?
In general, it is customary for us to illuminate Easter cakes and eggs on Great Saturday, that is, immediately before Easter.
Therefore, we are preparing for this day in advance. But since situations in life are different, you can consecrate your holiday gifts on the very day of Great Easter, this will not be considered something unnatural. Previously, even before the revolution, Easter cakes and eggs were consecrated just after the nightly Easter service before breaking the fast.
As for preparing for the holiday, it is advisable to do everything in advance so that you have time for the most important thing. In order to meet the Bright Resurrection of Christ, you could with joy, with a light heart, could come to meet God, leaving behind all the troubles and worries.
A great event has taken place and it is necessary to remember this, it must become the center of everything.
Why can't you eat eggs before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Bright Easter days are preceded by Great Lent, when we tried to refrain, if possible, from heavy writing (of animal origin), that is, to keep ourselves in a certain focus, one might even say tone, pushing ourselves to inner work. That is, we do not eat not only eggs, but in principle all products of animal origin, as we observe fasting. There are no other superstitious reasons not to eat eggs.
On Great Saturday, we come to the temple to consecrate eggs, Easter cakes, Easter, which will decorate our festive table.
And already after the Easter service in the family circle, we break the fast, that is, now we can afford to taste the festive dishes without a twinge of conscience, but it is also important to observe the measure, not to eat right away, as this is a very big burden for our body.
We rejoice, the holiday has come and now is the time to feast.
What can not be done on the Saturday before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
There are no clear prohibitions. Each person has their own unique life. It is shrouded in so many circumstances and nuances that it is difficult to say anything in advance. Just as it is impossible for this reason to condemn anyone.
But, of course, it is worth remembering that Great Saturday is the day of secret fading. It is also called "Sabbath of Rest".
We still mourn the death of Christ. We remember His removal from the cross and His position in the tomb. In one of the key chants of this day there are the words "Let all human flesh be silent".
But we are all already on the threshold of the Great day and holiday.
We are waiting for the hour when it will be possible to exclaim "Christ is Risen!".
But right now we have to freeze. There is a lull in anticipation of something very significant.
And of course, on this day we should not talk about any fun festivities or excessive worries and worries.
We need to postpone everything, if possible. Be at Liturgy in the morning. And to keep silence and peace in the soul until the start of the Easter service.
Why can't you celebrate your birthday on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Easter is the greatest day of the year. Celebration of life. We glorify our Savior Jesus Christ, for His boundless love and kindness, for giving us eternal life. And of course, this event in the life of every person should become central.
Therefore, the celebration of a birthday cannot be more important than Easter.
On the other hand, there are no prohibitions on this either.
You just need to remember that this is a bright day.
And I would not want to overshadow it with excessive drunkenness, for example, or other obscene things.
Because for many, unfortunately, a birthday is associated precisely with the fact that they would go on a spree in full. And Easter is not the right time for this. Even based on respect for the traditions of the church and the veneration of God.
Can you hunt on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
If you hunt for fun, then definitely not on any day. It is, after all, the killing of living beings.
Sometimes people hunt in order not to die of hunger, then this is acceptable, there is already a question of survival.
Or, for example, when it is a matter of earning money, which also allows you to survive. The main thing is that it does not become mercantile entertainment.
As for Easter days, any believing Orthodox person will try to postpone the hunt for this period, if he is not in emergency conditions, when it is necessary to act according to the situation.
Is it possible to receive communion at Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
It is possible and even necessary. It is only worth preparing for the Sacrament of Communion in advance. And the point here is not only in fasting, but, most importantly, in cleansing the heart and mind.
You need to go to Confession. You can do this on Wednesday, Thursday or Saturday of Holy Week. But a more detailed schedule should be clarified in the temple where you go to come.
In any case, you need to look at the circumstances. If suddenly, for some reason, you did not have time to prepare in advance, then you should ask the priest for a blessing on Communion, explaining your situation.
Recently, an official permission has appeared to allow people to take Communion on Easter without confession. But this right still remains at the discretion of the priest. Because people are all different.
The main thing - do not be silent, do not listen to someone else's advice, if you have a question, then go directly to the one who will help resolve it, in this case - to the priest.
Is it possible to go to the Cemetery on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Everything in the life of the Church is very wisely arranged. Each tradition or rite has its own meaning. And there is a place for everything in it.
We can remember our relatives and friends of the deceased in our own prayers, this is our right and, moreover, it is very important for us and for those whose memory we honor.
Can pregnant women go to the cemetery on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Pregnant women can go to the cemetery, like everyone else. But, according to Orthodox tradition, on Easter do not visit cemeteries.
Since Easter is not the time to commemorate the dead. This is universal joy, universal rejoicing and glorification of our Savior Jesus Christ. The first commemoration of the dead after Pascha takes place on Radonitsa.
When can I confess before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Of course, it is better to come to confession in advance, not to postpone until the last moment.
It will be possible to confess on Great Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday of Holy Week.
But you will need to clarify more accurate information about the time in the temple where you are going to come. Because every church has its own way.
What to wear to church for Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
You can choose any outfit to your liking, but it is important to remember where you are going. And try to look neat and not too defiant.
Is it possible for pregnant women to cook Easter cakes and Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Of course you can, but be careful. In the sense that expectant mothers are very vulnerable and they need to be more careful about their health. To not get too tired.
And preparation for the meeting of the Great Holiday is always a pleasant and joyful business.
Can I work the week after Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
Work is a very personal matter. Someone has the opportunity to take time off, take a short vacation during the Easter week and completely devote this period to God. Get to know the traditions of the life of the Church. But some people just don't have that option. So it is difficult to take any categorical position here. Ideally, of course, it would be nice to visit the Easter Liturgy on the first days of Bright Week once again, in many churches religious processions are performed throughout Bright Week. This is the Joy, which it is a pity to deprive yourself of.
What can you do on Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
In principle, there are no specific restrictions here.
Great Lent ended as a period of deprivation and strictness towards oneself.
The turn of Great joy has come, now is not the time to be discouraged and sad.
Do what brings you joy. Communicate with relatives and friends, share with them the joy of the Risen Christ.
Just do not forget about the most important thing that we have been moving towards through all these weeks of Great Lent. Try to visit at least once more at the Easter Liturgy (in many churches, processions of the Cross are also performed throughout Bright Week) - do not deprive yourself of this joy.
Is it possible to guess before Easter?
Archpriest Andrey Efanov answers
You can never guess. Yes friends, it is.
What is so bad about divination, you ask.
First, it is disrespect for the Will of God. Secondly, it is a neglect of the freedom that the Lord has endowed each of us from birth.
When we use even comic, as it seems to us, fortune-telling, getting an answer, we program ourselves for certain actions.
And the most interesting thing is that this happens already unconsciously.
In social psychology, there is such a thing as a "self-fulfilling prophecy." In childhood, parents can impose some kind of attitude on a child, for example, “you are clumsy.” And this attitude will hinder him greatly in life. Unconsciously, he will act in such a way as to confirm it in every possible way, dooming himself to failure in advance.
It would be many years before he tried to figure out what was what.
And here the scheme is very similar. We learn some prediction about ourselves and at this moment we lose the freedom of choice, the freedom of action, since everything will now work for this setting.
If you identify with the world of the church, you will have to make a choice.
What and who do you believe in? If you are with God, then you must trust Him, otherwise nothing.
Everyone knows that after the festive service, returning home from the temple for the first time after a forty-day fast, believers sit down at the festive table and break the fast, that is, they eat quick food, which they consecrate in the church before that. Usually these are Easter cakes, cottage cheese Easter and painted Easter eggs.
“Conspiracies and rituals for Easter”
Easter cakes shine on Saturday evening. I am convinced that to sanctify 
you need ONLY Easter, eggs and Easter cake. We always put a beautiful small artificial flower with which we then decorate the icons. My grandmother also laid one unpainted egg, which was eaten when breaking the fast along with the dyed ones. But not everyone does this, this is an old custom from the area where she was born.
Easter cake, Easter and eggs are placed on a large dish, the dish is placed on a new clean white towel or piece of cloth (linen or cotton, not artificial!) And tied in a knot. In the church, the knot is placed on a bench and carefully untied. After consecration, they are tied back. The towel is kept until the next Easter - this is the famous Easter towel (towel), which relieve many diseases. They wash the towel only on the next Maundy Thursday and use it again to consecrate the Easter cake.
I believe that there is no need to drag the entire festive table to the church - 5 types of sausage, lard, ham, pies, fish, wine ... What you won’t meet ... I even saw vodka in some. It’s hard to imagine a greater blasphemy… But if it’s nice for you to get drunk on Easter just consecrated vodka – the church is loyal to this – bring it… Batiushka will wince, but he will illuminate everything that you brought… sick, removing spoilage, etc. It is impossible to give away consecrated krashenki - only unconsecrated ones.
They break the fast on Sunday morning, or immediately after 
vespers - who went to her. You can’t sleep during the all-night service - sleep health and good luck. If you couldn't go to church, light a candle and read prayers - you can turn on the live broadcast of the service.
They talk like this: Everyone washes, dresses, sits down at the festively laid table, on which stands the consecrated Easter, Easter cake and eggs. Light an Easter candle(it glows together with the Easter cake, then it goes out and lights up in the morning when breaking the fast and reading a prayer, if it burns out, light another one.), they read prayers, if there is time - morning, Easter, if not - “Our Father” and “Theotokos” (usually this is done by the eldest man in the family - the Master, if there are no men - the eldest woman. If the eldest has critical days - then the next). Pay attention - at the Easter meal only family members gather, friends and acquaintances are not invited to the Easter feast! 
“Conspiracies and rituals for Easter”
The elder divides the consecrated egg, Easter cake and Easter according to 
the number of people at the table. This piece of egg symbolizes happiness, health and good luck for everyone for the whole year, so if you don’t even like such food, these pieces are a MUST eat. The owner pours a little holy water for everyone (drink in three sips). There is an opinion that Easter cake and eggs cannot be cut with a knife, but only broken - I do not share it, but if it is unpleasant for you to cut Easter cake with a knife and you think that something will follow - break it with your hands, gnaw, saw with a spoon :))) ...),
Having tasted everything and washed down with holy water, I begin to eat the rest of the fast food. Breakfast flows smoothly into lunch. There is no dinner on Easter Sunday.
And every morning of Holy Week they begin in the same way - with reading prayers and breaking the fast. For every day - one sacred egg or a half, a piece, a small piece of a sacred cake and Easter.
Important - SACRED Easter cakes and eggs cannot be carried to the cemetery. And when they change testicles- also non-sacred (I paint a lot, then I consecrate a few, I definitely leave a few consecrated ones and put them on a shelf with icons - it doesn’t deteriorate at all and just dries up). Out of curiosity, as a child, I remember breaking such eggs - I could not believe that an egg could lie for many months and not go rotten. Really - if there is "grace" in the house- inside the egg is not spoiled, but dried up without any unpleasant odor.
Interesting fact - if a bad person or someone with bad intentions has visited the house, as they say “with the evil eye” - even old, already dried Easter eggs immediately begin to emit a strong rotten smell. Checked many times. The fact is that they absorb the negative directed against you and your home. Unfortunately, after that they have to be thrown away. I also broke these out of curiosity - inside there was blackness, mold, some kind of mucus. This is despite the fact that before such a "visit" the eggs lay quietly for several months, or even years.
In fact, there is such a sign - if a consecrated Easter egg has deteriorated in your house or baptismal water is rotten- we urgently need to consecrate the house - something is not right there. It is advisable to invite a priest.
Consecrated eggs, Easter cake and Easter it is impossible to throw it in the garbage can, toilet bowl and in general in the trash. Burn too. They need to be fed to the birds if they have deteriorated (did not have time to eat). Dogs can't. Shell from consecrated eggs also not to be thrown away. It is dried and used for treatment (water is drawn, ground in a coffee grinder and added to the patient's food at the tip of a knife). This is a very valuable healing agent. If you can't wait to destroy it, throw it into a river or stream.
Many argue on the issue - to go or not to go to the cemetery on Easter. The priests say that this is a joyful day and it is not worthwhile to overshadow it with fellowship with the dead. If you are shedding tears and grieving at the cemetery, it is undoubtedly better to postpone the trip until a special day (Radunitsa - Tuesday after Easter).
On Easter week, you need to say hello with words "Christ is risen", and the answer is "Truly risen"(Priests speak Old Slavonic "resurrection") You can go to visit with colored eggs.
Eggs change, knock. If an egg breaks, the one with the egg intact takes it. But, with practice, you can learn how to keep your egg intact. To do this, it is held with a "pinch" in a certain way.
Why you can’t go to the cemetery on Easter, the priest’s answer to this important question amazes many believers. Oddly enough, but many do not even know that on Easter, from the point of view of the Orthodox religion, it is completely wrong to go to the cemetery.
This is even considered a great sin, because, a bright holiday, the first, in a series of subsequent forty holidays, you need to spend among your family and in the circle of close relatives who are still alive. Easter is, first of all, the feast of the living. What not to do in
Where did the ban come from
It must be said that the tradition of going to the cemetery on Easter appeared among believers in Soviet times. Then, as you know, religion was banned, traditions were not passed down from generation to generation, and often there was simply no one to turn to for advice on what and when to do the right thing. Consequently, during this period, people who believed in God tried to somehow preserve traditions: as best they could.
In order to somehow celebrate Easter, people strove to visit the cemetery on this day, so that they could calmly share their joy there with already deceased relatives. At least they won't hand over the KGB and write a complaint. But, now, when religion is again held in high esteem and every person who reaches out to God has the opportunity to learn about everything, ask questions, and observe rituals correctly, one should remember that Easter is a bright holiday, it is a holiday of living people.
On Easter Day, the fact that Jesus Christ rose from the dead is celebrated and on this day it is necessary
think only about something good, rejoice. Rejoice in the fact that Jesus Christ has risen and thereby proved that there is no death, there is only a transition to eternal life, to the Kingdom of God. Easter is precisely the celebration of life, but not of death. Over the next few weeks, there will be a special day for this when you need to go to the cemetery with the good news. But this is not done on Easter itself.
When to go to the cemetery in honor of Easter
Why you can’t go to the cemetery on Easter, the priest’s answer has already been received. Now let's look at exactly what day is specially allocated in the church calendar in order to go to Easter with the bright news of the Resurrection of Christ. Here we are talking about Tuesday, the second Tuesday after the holiday. That is, not on Easter week, but immediately after it. This is a big memorial day during the Orthodox year, it even has its own special name - Radonitsa or Radunitsa. In some countries, this day is an official holiday. options, .
It is also necessary to understand that for us the people who lie in the cemetery are dead, but for Christ every soul, regardless of whether the body lives or not, is alive. So, there is no big difference for the Lord with what a person wants to be christened: with a living relative or a dead one, in principle, does not exist.
About church canons
It should be noted about why you can’t go to the cemetery on Easter, the priest’s answer is that, of course, there are no strict prohibitions according to church canons. If a person wants to think about the dead people and commemorate them on Easter, then no one will forbid it. But here it should be remembered that, if possible, it is better to postpone the commemoration until a day specially allocated for this.
In some sources today you can find information that the custom of going to the cemetery on Easter appeared long before the October Revolution. In tsarist Russia, many ancestors lived in the countryside, the roads there were bad. The temple, as a rule, was built next to the cemetery. So, in order not to go far to the same place twice, many immediately after the Easter service went to the graves of their ancestors to lay a painted egg there and congratulate the deceased relatives on the feast of Easter. Many believe that the tradition of visiting the cemetery on Easter has developed in this way.
All the same, if you read modern church literature or talk with a priest, it will be noted there that on Easter itself you should not go to the cemetery. This holiday is not a day of sorrow, you need to rejoice and have fun on Easter. Moreover, now, after a long Great Lent, this can finally be done. It is worth remembering that already on the second Tuesday after Easter, there will be Radonitsa Day. It is on this day that you need to go to the cemetery to inform the deceased relatives, friends and relatives that Christ is Risen from the dead. Excellent way.
Why you can’t go to the cemetery on Easter, the priest’s answer suggests that it’s best to postpone this trip until a special memorial day. I would like to remind you that, according to the Orthodox tradition, it is not necessary to carry food to the cemetery: dead people, in whom only the soul is alive, do not need human food. However, you can take a painted egg with you to the cemetery as a symbol of Easter and eternal life after death.
Records found: 19
Hello, father! I am addressing you with a question, which, I think, many have already addressed more than once: 1. Is it possible to eat consecrated Easter cake and eggs not on an empty stomach? Is it possible to throw egg shells and crumbs from consecrated Easter cake and eggs into ordinary garbage? Forgive me, I just want to sort it out once and for all. Save you Lord!
Alexei
Alexey, consecrated Easter cakes and eggs can be eaten at any time, it is not at all necessary to do this on an empty stomach. Leftovers from these products can be thrown into the regular trash.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Bless, father. I have a question. My work colleague is Muslim. When I said that I was going to the Epiphany service and for holy water, she asked me to bring water to her as well. I asked her: "What are you going to do with her?" She says, "Drink." I tell her that this is not mineral water to drink just like that. Such water must be drunk with faith, crossed. Because she won't do that. She said, "So what. God is one." I, of course, brought her water. But it torments me that I dared to prove something to her. Maybe you should have just given her water without getting into a discussion? Or was it not necessary to give water at all? Understand me, please.
Love
Hello Love. You did everything right. And on Easter treat her with Easter cake. Just remember that all conversations in such cases should be friendly. And if that doesn't work, then keep quiet.
Priest Alexander Beloslyudov
Hello, father! Tell me, please, what to do if the Easter consecrated Easter cake is moldy?
Elena
Elena, usually in such cases they bury the Easter cake in the ground, in a place that is not trampled down (where people do not go), or you can throw this Easter cake into the river.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
CHRIST IS RISEN! I don't know if I did the right thing. My neighbor asked me to take her Easter cakes to the consecration, she is reluctant to stand, she says, I can’t stand it, her legs hurt. Drinks often. And I told her that it was better for herself, and that what I would consecrate to her is like a dead poultice, only to calm her conscience, and not to save her. I would take it, of course, if she was really weak and sick. And then I thought, maybe I refused in vain, what do you think?
Svetlana
Svetlana, if you had not refused, you would have done a very good deed, and this is very useful and good for the soul. Do not refuse good deeds, they ennoble the soul. And your neighbor in time, perhaps, will gather her strength and go to the service herself, but at the moment you could make sure that she was not deprived of grace on the feast.
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
Hello, father! Tell me, please, when can I bake Easter on Thursday? I heard that you can't bake on Good Friday, but you can on Thursday and Saturday. Is it so? Tell me please. Thank you.
Natalia
Natalia, the entire Passion Week is preparing us for the Great Feast of Easter. We prepare not only spiritually, but also physically. Easter cakes can be baked from Monday of Passion Week. After all, for example, in monasteries and in production - large volumes of baking, and in two or three days they will not have time to provide everyone. At home - yes, they start baking from Thursday, because the volumes are small, and therefore there is no need to bake earlier, and eggs are also dyed closer to Easter, starting from Thursday. You don’t particularly focus on this, start baking as you like, you can from Great Monday.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Hello! Please advise me: since last Easter, the shells from consecrated eggs, crumbs from Easter cakes and molds in what they were baked remained in my house, as far as I know, you can’t throw it away, but I don’t know what to do, can you tell me? Thank you in advance,
Christina
Christina, we always burn or bury consecrated objects or things that have become unusable, or bury them in the ground. If you have a dacha, then in the dacha in the stove you can burn it all or bury it under a tree. Also, spoiled consecrated products can be thrown into the river.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Hello! How should Easter be celebrated if dad died 5 months ago? Is it possible to bake Easter and paint eggs? How and when to go to the cemetery? Thank you.
Elena
Hello, Elena! It is possible and necessary to celebrate the Resurrection of Christ, bake Easter cakes and paint eggs. After all, Easter is a Feast of feasts for both the living and the dead. And it will be possible to pray for the pope at the funeral service and go to the cemetery on Radonitsa, May 14.
Priest Vladimir Shlykov
Hello, father! My birthday is May 4, falls on Good Saturday, they say that you can’t celebrate! What do i do?
Ekaterina
Ekaterina, why would you celebrate your birthday on Holy Saturday, this is a strict fast, when you can’t eat almost anything, only strictly fast food. On this day, the church sings "Let all human flesh be silent," that is, one cannot celebrate a birthday on this day. This is the day of preparation for the Great Feast of Holy Pascha. We consecrate Easter cakes, eggs. The best thing is to celebrate your birthday on Easter, May 5th. You will have a doubly holiday, and do not sin before God. On Easter, you can have any products, and have fun, and celebrate in the restaurant.
Hieromonk Viktorin (Aseev)
Is it permissible for an Orthodox to eat something sweet or tasty, such as ordering pizza or buying ice cream, or is it sensuality?
Anna
Hello Anna.
As you know, the most delicious food is prepared in Orthodox monasteries. Bread prepared with prayer even in fasting resembles Easter cake. So there is nothing wrong with a hungry person refreshing himself with delicious, skillfully prepared food.
However, without feeling hungry, you should not get carried away with taste sensations, otherwise you can fall into the sin of gluttony.
Help God.
Priest Sergiy Osipov
Bless, father. I came to God in adulthood, although I was baptized as a child. I well remember my first conscious visit to the temple for a service, and not to light a candle or dedicate Easter cakes. I didn't last half an hour. When I realized that I would just faint, I left the temple. He sat down, caught his breath, and went again. And... went out again. And so three times. Thank God that after that first experience I did not give up, but decided to force myself, no matter what it cost me. And so, step by step, overcoming unwillingness, physical discomfort, laziness, I, with God's help, overcame this difficult period of churching. My teenage son is going through the same thing right now. I did not force or drag him to the temple. I decided that the best sermon for him would be the way of life that I chose, and not my exhortations. You can imagine my joy when he himself wanted to go to the temple. And here it is. I understand that he needs to go through this period, especially since he has not yet gone to confession and received communion. He says he's not ready yet. I do not rush and do not insist, I am afraid to destroy this sprout that has sprouted in his soul. I gave him all the necessary literature, I help with advice and pray for him. But even then, in my case, and with him now, my question remained unanswered. Why do new believers experience such discomfort during the period of churching, why does a healthy, physically strong guy who goes in for sports leave the church after fifteen minutes of being in the service, because he is simply in a semi-conscious state, that this is the enemy’s work or the impact of the grace of God, which (as says in a prayer before reading the Gospel) burns, cleanses, sanctifies the whole person? And how to help him not to fall away during this period, not to give up on everything, but to endure and go through this path? Save you Lord.
Oleg
Oleg, unfortunately, after our era of Soviet atheism, the fact that our compatriots fall into a semi-conscious state in the temple has become a sad norm. This is in its purest form a demonic influence, or rather, "retribution" for our turning to God. Tell him that this is not scary, let him not be afraid. And let him fight - after all, he is a fighter, like any man. The demon will not survive this fight and will run away.
A friend of mine also experienced similar temptations and constantly left the temple. But one day he set himself up like this: "Why am I going to run like this? Let it be, what will be, but I will not leave my place in the temple!" And so he stood and prayed. Yes, the demon did not leave him, and he experienced an attack of faintness, and even almost fainted, but did not leave his seat, and - this was the last time, he won.
hegumen Nikon (Golovko)
Hello! Tell me, please, what to do with the shell of the consecrated eggs and the paper that covered the cake?
Nina
In rural areas, you can simply burn the shells and paper. And in city churches there are special boxes for this. It is better for you to clarify in your temple how it is customary to deal with shells, paper, candle ends specifically at your parish.
Archpriest Andrey Efanov
Hello, the servant of God Anastasia writes to you, this month I turn 24 years old. I myself am from Ukraine, but I have been living in Spain for 12 years. I am writing to you because I no longer know who to turn to and from whom to get good advice or just kind words. Last year I visited the Intercession Monastery in Moscow for the first time, I was at the holy relics of the Blessed Matronushka. I knew about her before, as a child my grandmother gave me a pamphlet about her life and the great power of her prayer. When I went with my godmother to the monastery, she told me that if you sincerely pray to Matronushka, she helps in many ways. At that time, my mother was in a severe depression, she was treated with pills. I thought that it was probably worth asking for my mother and, in general, for my family, for my loved ones. But I also had a personal request to Matronushka, I really liked one guy. His name is Maxim, he himself is a pediatrician from Moscow, but he happens to be in Spain, his mother, sister and our mutual friends live here. So, through mutual friends, I met him. In general, I asked Matronushka to pray for us, so that everything would work out with him. It was in April. We corresponded a lot on the Internet, and in August he finally arrived. We spent a lot of time together, I was in seventh heaven with happiness. Soon he nevertheless told me that he liked me, and everything worked out for us, although we stayed together for only a week, then he left for Moscow. I was very grateful to Matronushka that she heard me and helped in all requests, my mother also no longer complained about her health. Months passed, we communicated with Maxim via the Internet, called back and kept in touch in every possible way. But already in December, I felt that he did not miss me, did not write the same way as I did to him. We never told each other that we love. But I already felt it in my heart. I always asked him about his family and friends, he told me about his problems. I became very related to him. And when I felt this cold from him, I thought that now, he will come, and everything will fall into place. Because communication on the Internet is, of course, not at all the same as in reality. At the end of January, our communication completely came to naught, I knew practically nothing about him. I even tried to attract his attention, inventing various problems for myself, so that he would listen to me and worry about me. In February, on Valentine's Day, of course, I wrote him a congratulatory letter, he did not answer me. Of course, I was offended, and then he told me that we need to meet. He was already in Spain, and we met, I already felt at that moment that things were going to part. He told me that he wanted to clarify our relationship and expressed everything, said that the distance tormented him and he did not like it. But I understood that, probably, someone appeared with him, and I asked him about it. He answered me honestly and admitted that he had another girlfriend. At that moment, when we were talking, everything was like a blur for me, I probably didn’t even understand that it was real. I thought it was all a dream and I was about to wake up. In this incomprehensible state to me, I even told him that all this was logical, that we had no feelings. I guess I just wanted the breakup to be easy for him so he wouldn't think I was in love. At the end of our meeting, we even laughed and talked about the next meeting. In general, from this conversation I also learned that he was seriously ill. Suffering from epilepsy. I felt terribly sorry for him. I have seen all the horrors of this disease in my life. When I came home, when I realized that all this really happened to me, that I was no longer with him, I felt so bad in my soul as it had never been before. I didn’t even have anyone to talk to at that time, because my parents were on trips. In the morning I talked with my loved ones, told about everything. My aunt even told me that, probably, it was God who took me away from such a person, such a patient. At that moment, I even thought that she was right. But after a while, I realized that I, as a believer, can never think like that, and I realized that I love him even with such a serious illness. I sincerely began to pray for him, for his family and his healing. On Forgiveness Sunday, he wrote to me and asked for forgiveness for everything he had done to me. I forgave him. But all the pain I still did not go away, I suffered a lot. Then I thought that, probably, God is punishing me in this way for something, and I began to prepare for Easter. I have read many articles about communion and confession. I wanted to confess and take communion, to repent for all my sins. She kept fasting and tried to remember all her sins, not to hide anything from the Lord. For Easter, I went to our Orthodox Church of the Archangel Michael, here in Spain. Before the service, she prayed for all her loved ones, lit candles for everyone who asked and for whom she wanted. I prayed at the icon of Matronushka. After confession before the service. She defended the entire service, consecrated Easter cakes. In fact, it became easier for me after visiting the temple, we even began to communicate with him again, but all my grief for him did not go away. And for a month now I continue to pray for him to God, I pray for him and for his entire family, even for his current girlfriend. I ask the Lord and the saints for help, I ask for his healing and return to me, if that is the Will of God. I read prayers every day and every night. When memories begin to oppress me, I say prayers, but nothing helps me. I understand that I love him very much, that my love is sincere and real. For all my pain, I have never wished him harm and even called him a bad word. Many months have passed, and this heartache and loss does not let go of me. There is still hope in my heart that I can be with him. Now I'm already asking God to help me forget about him, to send me another person. I read the girl's prayers for marriage every day. I understand that it is bad to write to you about this, but thoughts of death already visit me. It just seems to me that this is the only way I can get rid of these mental anguish. I just can't live like this anymore. I have exams for entering the University very soon, and I can’t even concentrate on anything. I read a lot of books and literature, including the lives of the saints, in order to somehow facilitate my existence, so as not to think about it. I cry every day, and I don’t even know how to stop and calm down. In any place, such sadness finds me that I am simply torn in hysterics. My health on all this ground was also shaken, I lost a lot of weight and, due to a lack of vitamins, my teeth began to deteriorate. They said it was all due to stress. Can you please tell me if I'm doing something wrong? Maybe I don’t pray like that, or I ask God too much? Maybe I'm bothering him with my petitions? I no longer know what to think about ... I know that God does not do everything so quickly, which does not help immediately, and you need to be constant in your prayers. But I no longer have the strength. What should I do? What is the right way to ask? Should I hope and believe that I will still be fine with him? I want to go to St. Petersburg this summer, I read that Saint Xenia also helps in such cases. Help me as much as you can, I beg you. Thank you.
Anastasia
It is difficult to say, dear Anastasia, why it all turned out this way. The reasons may be different, but you need to forget your lover. The Lord will certainly help you, if only you do not interfere with Him by constant thoughts about what has not come true. You are young and have not yet experienced many difficulties in life, and the first hardships knocked you down. Strive to visit the temple more often, remember that the Lord cares about you and that all difficulties will soon pass. You are already at the perfect age, and you are still learning. Isn't it time to work, to benefit people? This, of course, does not exclude further education, but still it is time not only to receive, but also to give. And it is useful to visit the relics of Blessed Xenia, but at the same time you should not leave daily prayers. Help you Lord!
Archpriest Andrey Efanov
Christ is Risen! Everywhere the Bible is translated differently, so sometimes it happens that I don’t know how to understand. On Easter, when she went to sanctify Easter cake, they handed out postcards with the image of Christ, and on the back of the commandments of God. I read the second commandment, as for the first time, and a stupor sets in. Further, I found from N. Serbsky: "The second commandment" Do not make yourself an idol and no image; do not worship them and do not serve them. This means: do not deify the creation, do not revere it as the Creator. If you climbed a high mountain and met the Lord God there, why do you look back at the shallow marsh growth at the foot of the mountain? If a person wanted to see the tsar and, after long efforts, achieved a meeting with him, will he look around at this meeting and look at the tsar's servants and lackeys to the right and left? He can behave like this only in two cases: either he cannot bear the presence of the king and seeks support from those around him; or sees that the king is unable to help him, and is looking for a stronger patron. "I read a lot of explanations about the icons, but they are all ornate, unconvincing. Not a single one sounded like this:" yes, yes, no, no. "From some Since then it has become important for me to fall to the crucifixion in church, and hugging His legs, to be alone for a while. And now what to do? I am afraid to pray to the icons, so as not to belittle God, not to offend.
Tatiana
Truly, Christ is Risen! It is precisely in order not to fall into the sin of idolatry that the Church distinguishes between itself "worship", which only God is worthy of, and "reverence", which can also extend to the images of God. What is the difference? So, when you stand in front of the Crucifixion, you prayerfully turn not to the wood and paints, but to the One Who is depicted by paints on the tree. Thus you worship Christ Himself and honor His image. Paganism, against which this commandment is directed, pays divine honors to the image itself, which is a false manifestation of religiosity, and therefore a sin.
Deacon Elijah Kokin
Hello! Tell me, please, why didn't the priest sprinkle me with holy water when we went to church to bless Easter cakes and eggs before Easter? He sprinkled our Easter cakes, sprinkled my son, but not me.
Anna
Priests during Holy and Bright Weeks serve in the mode of maximum return, and the priest could simply forget to sprinkle you with holy water due to fatigue. There is nothing terrible in this, because you came to consecrate the Easter meal, which was done. It is important to sanctify your soul with prayer, confession, communion, and you can sprinkle yourself with holy water.
Archpriest Andrey Efanov
Colleagues-Catholics on Holy Monday were treated to Easter cake and eggs at work. They already have a holiday, but we have Lent. I didn’t eat, then I fed it to the pigeons. What if they were consecrated? In the evening I read at home how to one of those who did not eat when everyone was at the meal, but they served him separately, the elder said that it would be better for him if he ate meat. On the one hand, I could not eat, on the other hand, for some reason, my soul was restless. What was the right thing to do in order not to allow blasphemy, not to violate the will of God, not to offend a person?
Olga
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It is not necessary to offend a person by refusing to share a quick meal with him, even if you are fasting at the moment. On the other hand, it’s hard for me to believe that a believing Catholic would be offended if you say to him: “You know, we still have Passion Week and a strict fast now.” What can be wrong here? It seems to me that it would be more correct to politely refuse than to take food that you are not going to eat. It is one thing for a monastery, where, contrary to the general charter, you take on your own post, and quite another thing when you, albeit in the circle of non-believers, keep the post established by the Church.
Priest Alexander Gumerov
Hello! Tell me, please, where can I put the shells from the consecrated eggs and the crumbs from the Easter cake?
Elena
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To an unassailable place - that is, to a clean place, closed from walking over it with feet - for example, throw it into a river or bury it in the ground in a forest or somewhere in nature.
Deacon Elijah Kokin
Hello! They say that if someone in the family died shortly before Easter, then you can’t bake Easter cakes and paint eggs on Easter? Is it true? Thank you in advance!
Olga
Of course it isn't! Easter is the celebration of the triumph of victory over death, realized in Christ, thanks to His Bright Resurrection. And, as it is said in Holy Scripture, "God is not the God of the dead, but the God of the living" (Mark 12:27). Therefore, the opinion that you cite is pagan superstition, and not Christianity. Christians, I repeat, on Easter celebrate victory over death, regardless of whether one of their loved ones died at that time or not.
The bright holiday of EASTER is approaching. Several times, by the will of God, I happened to celebrate Easter in Ukraine (the churches of the Moscow Patriarchate). There, the order of the Easter service is approximately as follows: on Saturday, Easter eggs and Easter cakes are not consecrated in the church. At night, on Saturday, usually at 23:00, the all-night service begins. All-night services on Easter night end in different churches at different times, but usually at 3-4 in the morning. And at the end of the All-Night Vigil, the priests bless Easter and everything that was brought from home. After the vigil, early in the morning, everyone who spent that night (and morning!) in the church rush to their families with candles and consecrated food. This is how the sacred Easter night passes in Ukraine, during which the people stay awake and rejoice in churches until the morning, and at dawn (about 5 am), returning home, they joyfully greet each other on Easter: “Christ is Risen”! Father, please answer the QUESTION: why in all Moscow churches (and the Moscow region) at about 2 o'clock in the morning the all-night service ends, the DOORS CLOSE, everything calms down until 9 in the morning ?! After all, this is wrong ... How is it possible to close churches until the morning and sleep on Easter ?! I note that the "standard answer": "because there are a lot of people" - is not correct. There are also many people in Kyiv, but the temples are open all night and all morning. Thank you.
Michael
There are also different practices in Moscow churches. Usually, they try to finish the service by 2 o'clock so that people can get home by metro. In our church, parishioners are offered tea and cakes, and those who wish to stay in the church for a long time, and already at 7 in the morning an early Liturgy is served, then at 9.30 a late one. So in Moscow it happens in different ways and very often depends on the wishes of the parishioners of a particular church.
1. Why worship and pray to icons, when the Lord himself forbade any worship of the works of human hands, "for it is written: worship the Lord your God and serve Him alone." (Matthew 4:10) 2. Brothers, if you are brothers, what are you teaching here, what Forerunner? Why do you distort the Word of the Living God, the Bible is one, John the Baptist was because he baptized Jesus Christ, and he was also the son of Zechariah. Question: Why Forerunner? And where in the Bible does it say that Elizabeth's jubilation is prayer? (Luke 1:42) But in Luke 1:46-55 it looks more like a prayer. In general, Jesus commanded to pray like this - Matthew 6:9-13. Why are you leading people away from God? God - He is alive and he is not in the icons. Jesus is always with each of us, and He always loves us. Why have I never heard this in an Orthodox church, that Jesus Christ died in my place, redeemed me, saved me, loves me and gave me eternal life. You called yourself Orthodox Chritians, so have this right to glorify Christ so that your glorification is pleasing to the Lord! After all, you know so much, and, for sure, you know what the Lord did with those who worshiped idols, why do you bring God's wrath on yourself and on people? And why do you have to bake paska and paint eggs on Easter? For some reason, the Bible doesn't say anything about it. So if the Lord didn't command to do it, why do it? And why does no one anticipate that later celebrations with beer and vodka will obviously not lead to anything good? In general, the Lord said that drunkards will not inherit the Kingdom of God. I wonder if anyone can answer me??? God bless you! 3. Honestly, it would be better if you just printed the Bible.
Inna
Dear Inna (apparently, all three questions were asked by the same person), I am more than sure that your questions did not arise by themselves - you read the Bible from beginning to end, then went to an Orthodox church and began to be surprised at the inconsistency of one with the other - no. Most likely you belong to one of the so-called. "evangelical" churches, where these "inconsistencies" were pointed out to you, i.e. You are the bearer of a certain tradition, and this in itself excludes the objectivity of judgments. Any Christian tradition presupposes a certain method of interpreting the Bible, so why should one give preference to the interpretations of some modern American preacher and neglect the interpretations of the disciples of the holy apostles (St. Polycarp of Smyrna or Ignatius the God-bearer)? Now, in order: 1. Orthodox do not "worship" icons, but "venerate" them, worshiping the Archetype through the image. The icon is not an idol, because an idol is an image of a false deity, and an icon depicts the True God. This turned out to be possible due to the fact that God became a man, so the Old Testament commandment is no longer applicable here. The icon is the space of a grace-filled meeting of a person with God and the saints, this meeting is evidenced by the personal prayer experience of Orthodox people, and the numerous miracles performed from icons. 2. The word “Forerunner” is Church Slavonic, and in Church Slavonic “flow” also means “procession”, i.e. The forerunner is the forerunner of the Savior, because it is said about him: “And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76). 3. An excerpt from the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55) is indeed used in Orthodox worship - at Matins, but the words spoken by Elizabeth (Luke 1:42) were uttered by a person in a state of grace-filled rapture, so they were included in one of the most famous prayers addressed to the Mother of God - "Virgin Mary". 4. The custom of cooking Easter cakes and coloring eggs for Easter is not obligatory for believers, this is not a Sacrament. This is just a folk tradition consecrated by the Church, and it is a pity for those people who consider themselves Orthodox only because they appear in the church once a year to bless Easter cakes. 5. The text of the Bible is posted on our website (thanks for the advice). 6. Now regarding the love of Christ and Orthodox preaching. The fact that you did not hear about this in an Orthodox church only indicates that you rarely appear there - this is indeed the central point of our faith. Moreover, a true disciple of Christ is distinguished by the fact that he not only speaks of love, but, above all, does deeds of love: “I give you a new commandment, that you love one another; as I have loved you, [so] let you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:34-35). The Lord vouchsafed me to meet people in the Church who radiate this love of Christ. I don't know if you can say the same about your community, but to be honest, the tone of your letters is rather acrimonious, which devalues your argument. Help you Lord.
