Orthodox Christians observe Easter in different ways across the globe. Some of the main observances include a Paschal Vigil, while others focus on the Western timings of the holiday. In Greece, a lot of seafood is consumed, while Serbs eat fish roe. There are also many unique traditions that are practiced in the Eastern Orthodox Church.
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Greeks eat seafood
During Greek Orthodox Easter, many Greeks eat seafood. They also make special meals, take advantage of dietary restrictions and visit the local church.
One of the traditions is to eat red eggs. These eggs are hard boiled and dyed brightly. It is believed that the color represents the blood of Jesus. Usually kids and moms get together to dye their eggs red.
Some Greeks celebrate Easter by going out to a restaurant or to their ancestral village. Many tavernas offer dishes with wild greens, beans and grilled or stewed fish.
Another tradition is to eat the magiritsa, a soup topped with lemon and egg sauce. This is a traditional Greek dish. However, this does not have to be done on Holy Saturday.
During Lent, many Greeks follow a vegetarian diet, which is not always easy to do. Fortunately, there are many restaurants that cater to vegans.
The traditional Greek cuisine is rich in grains, vegetables and legumes. There are also plenty of desserts to choose from. Traditional recipes include koulourakia, a crunchy cookie with a variety of ingredients such as sugar, flour and butter.
Serbs eat fish roe
In Serbia, Easter is a religious holiday, but also a three-day celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. A lot of the traditional foods for this holiday have been handed down through the generations. The traditional food is a rich and filling meal, and there are some foods that are only eaten on this day.
One of the most common traditions is to dye eggs. They are dyed with flowers and leaves. This is also a way to symbolize the renewal of life after winter. Some Serbs paint their eggs red to symbolize the blood of Christ.
In the Balkan region, a rustic bread known as pogaca is a popular dish. It is made with a soft crust and comes in round loaves. These are often served alongside a salad.
Another traditional dish is a cabbage casserole. It can be prepared with meat, sauerkraut, or rice. There is often a vinaigrette dressing on top.
Several desserts are also enjoyed on this day. Some include authentic Serbian desserts and Middle Eastern desserts. Others are European desserts.
Eastern Orthodox churches observe a Paschal Vigil
The Orthodox Easter Vigil is a celebration of the Resurrection of Christ. It is held in Eastern Orthodox churches as well as in some Lutheran and Anglican Churches. This service begins after midnight on the day of the Resurrection.
It is followed by the Liturgy of the Eucharist. The Paschal Divine Liturgy is the most important celebration of the Church Year.
During the Easter Vigil, the faithful participate in a prayer vigil. They light candles, recite the Lord’s Prayer, and read scripture. At the end of the prayer, everyone joins together to exchange the “Kiss of Peace”.
The Easter Vigil Service includes readings from the Old Testament. These include prophecies about the victory over death. In many traditions, the readings are accompanied by hymns and odes.
During the evening service, the church follows the traditional liturgy, which is celebrated by the priest. At the end of the Vespers, the congregation receives a blessing.
After the readings are finished, the congregation sings hymns and recite the Nicene Creed. The Easter Cross stands in the sanctuary.
Western timings of Easter
Easter is a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus. It’s celebrated by Orthodox Christians, who see it as a celebration of the triumph of life over death.
The Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, which is based on the orbit of the Earth around the sun. This calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the Earth’s equator. Although most Western churches use the Gregorian calendar, some Eastern Orthodox churches celebrate Easter on a different date.
Orthodox Easter can fall anywhere between April 4 and May 8. During Easter, the priests spread light all over the church. They then offer Tsoureki Paschalino, a sweet Easter bread. Other traditions include red wine and the consumption of Easter eggs. Eggs represent new life.
In some traditions, Easter eggs are hard-boiled and boiled eggs are painted red. These symbols represent the victory of light over darkness.
Orthodox and Western Christianity share the same basic beliefs. Both religions recognize that Jesus Christ was resurrected from the dead. However, both religions also celebrate different dates for Easter. Some of the differences are related to the different calendars used by both denominations.
