Greek Orthodox Easter - Celebration of New life and Hope -

Christ Is Risen, He Is Risen Indeed
Christós Anésti̱! ... ónto̱s anésti̱!

On Sturday May 4th. at the stoke of mightnight we celebrate around the world the Greek Ortodox Easter... Always my favorite hollyday since chilhood. It is the most joeous, happy, full of happiness and zest for life celebration that I know of.

Starting with the midnight mass the celebration of Easter would go down for 3 days of continuous family parties, good time, food and joyfull activities.

Still remember my large, laud and funny family! I keep alive the spirit of my Greek heritage and enjoy the magic of old days, year after year, with religious conviction.  

The Greek Orthodox Easter always fall right after Passover is because Orthodox church uses the Julian calendar and the western world use the Gregorian calendar to set the Easter dates ......the Julian calendar was in use since 45BC,the Gregorian calendar was decreed by pope Gregory in February of 1582...

One of the main differences between the Eastern Orthodox Easter, and the Western date concerning Easter is this, Eastern Orthodox, or Greek Orthodox Christians will never celebrate Easter before the Jewish Passover. Because the Orthodox, (and most Christians) believe that Jesus celebrated Easter BEFORE the Pascha (Easter.) An Orthodox Christian knows that Easter will always fall AFTER the Jewish Passover, not before.

On a personal note I like to add here my own recollection about Easter in my childhood back in Europe...

The grandmother's house, I was born, in Bucharest,  was in the same neighborhood with the Orthodox Church - Patriarchal Cathedral - one of the most beautiful architectural, historic monument of Romania.

The Cathedral situated on the top of a hill surrounded by beautiful garden with pathways, benches and old trees.

My grandfather would take me almost every morning to play and run along those alley and blumming trees.

I still remember days of spring when the fresh air, flower aroma and birds chirps were bursting through my open window... Easter was always assimilated in my mind with spring - a fresh new beginning and a immense feeling of joy.

Easter Holiday were much anticipated.

Traditionally, celebrations in Romania begin on the Saturday evening. Dressed in all their finest clothes and holding candles, people gather round the churches. At the Easter Resurrection Mass (Slujba de Inviere) just before midnight, the priest comes out to give a blessing, distribute holy bread and provide the flame from which everyone will light their candles. Suddenly the darkness is lit up....

       COME TO GET THE LIGHT ~ Light from Light ~

And thousands of candles take to the streets... Everyone tries to keep the flame alive until they arrive home. They bring the light into their home!

I still see, when I close my eyes, the ocean of lights coming down the hill of from the Cathedral of thousands and thousands of people caring the candles... and the powerful sound of the church bells.

Now 3 days of celebration begins...

There, around the table, the family comes together for a special Easter meal. Roast lamb and home-made cozonac (sponge cake with nuts and poppy seeds) are the traditional dishes.
The traditional Easter eggs - that were only dark red - the red wine and the Easter Bread made of sweet cake, breaded with red eggs.
And of course my mother the Greek style roasted lamb and olives dishes.