Easter Sunday (Orthodox) in North Macedonia

Easter Sunday in North Macedonia, as in other Orthodox Christian countries, is a significant religious holiday that follows the Julian calendar, thus often occurring later than Easter observed by Western Christian churches. The date varies each year but is usually celebrated one week after the Catholic Easter.

History and Traditions

The traditions of Orthodox Easter in North Macedonia are deeply rooted in Christianity and Slavic customs. This day commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, an event considered to be the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

• Midnight Service: The celebrations begin late on Saturday evening with a midnight church service known as the "Resurrection Service." During this service, candles are lit to symbolize Jesus’s passing from death to life.
• Holy Fire: Macedonian Orthodox Christians may also follow the tradition of the Holy Fire, which is believed to be a miracle that occurs annually in Jerusalem. The flame is then shared among congregants at church services.
• Easter Greetings: After the service, people greet each other with "Христос Воскресе!" (Christ has risen!) and respond with "Воистина воскресе!" (Indeed, He has risen!).
• Egg Decoration: Decorating eggs is a common tradition. The first egg is painted red to symbolize the blood of Christ and is kept until next year's Easter as a talisman. Egg cracking games are also played where individuals tap their eggs against each other; the owner of the last unbroken egg is believed to have good luck throughout the year.

What People Do on This Day

On Easter Sunday, Macedonian Orthodox families gather for a festive meal that typically includes dishes prepared during Lent. These might consist of:

• Roast Lamb: A traditional dish served on Easter to celebrate the end of Lent.
• Bread (Paska): Special Easter bread adorned with Christian symbols such as crosses or braids.
• Dairy and Meat Dishes: Having fasted from these foods during Lent, they are reintroduced into meals.

Families spend time together enjoying these meals after fasting during Lent. It's also common for people to visit graveyards to honor deceased relatives by leaving dyed eggs or small bouquets of flowers at their tombs.

Throughout North Macedonia, this day is filled with joyous celebrations reflecting both religious reverence and cultural traditions passed down through generations.