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Orthodox Easter Sunday
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Millions of Orthodox Christians around the world often celebrate Easter Sunday at a different time to the date set by many western churches.
Orthodox Easter Sunday in Moldova
Orthodox Easter Sunday in Moldova, known as "Paștele Blajinilor" or "Paștele Mare," is one of the most significant and cherished holidays in the country. It follows the Julian calendar, which typically places it a week or more after Western Christian Easter.
History and Traditions
The origins of Orthodox Easter stem from the Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In Moldova, as in many Eastern Orthodox countries, this day has fused with pre-Christian springtime celebrations and customs.
On this day, Moldovans participate in several traditional activities:
Church Services: Many attend midnight church services leading into Easter Sunday, where they receive lit candles to symbolize the light of Christ's resurrection.
Holy Fire: The holy fire is brought from Jerusalem to Moldovan churches, symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection. Devotees share this fire among themselves.
Easter Meals: Families gather for festive meals that often include lamb, symbolizing Jesus—the Lamb of God—and traditional foods like "pasca," a sweet bread.
Egg Painting: A central tradition is painting eggs, particularly red for the blood of Christ but also various patterns and colors representing spring and life.
"Sfintele Paști": Blessed food baskets with eggs, cake, wine, and other items are prepared for church blessing on Holy Saturday or early Easter morning.
What People Do on This Day
On Orthodox Easter Sunday itself:
Families enjoy their blessed festive meals together.
They may also visit graves of loved ones to clean them, leave food offerings (a practice called "pomana"), and remember those who have passed away in a blend of religious observance and folk custom known as "Paștele Blajinilor."
Greeting each other with “Hristos a înviat!” (“Christ has risen!”) to which one replies “Adevărat a înviat!” (“He truly has risen!”) is common.
Throughout Moldova, Orthodox Easter Sunday is not only a religious celebration but one that brings families together to observe longstanding customs that honor both faith and cultural heritage.
