Easter in Russia is one of the two most important Russian religious holidays. Just like Christmas, Easter in Russia is celebrated according to the Julian calendar. It usually occurs in April or May, about two weeks after it’s celebrated by the Western Christians.

A shifting holiday

Easter in Russia is called Paskha. The name derives from the Jewish holiday of Pesach, which was dedicated to the release of Jews from Egyptian slavery. Another origin theory says it comes from the Greek phrase “I suffer”. 

Paskha

Paskha is preceded by 40 days of Great Lent, the most important event in the Orthodox church year. Those who observe it are not supposed to eat meat, dairy and, on some days, even vegetable oils. On the last Friday before Easter (Good Friday), people have no food or drink until the evening.

Great Lent

Russians are supposed to do all their pre-Easter chores during the last week before the holiday, also known as the Holy Week. Houses should be cleaned before “Clean Thursday”, which is when Russians dye and decorate eggs.

Preparation

On Saturdays, everyone cooks traditional Easter food and those who fast are not allowed to taste it while cooking. It is also common to bless the food at church during the night service.

The Easter church service starts on Saturday evening and lasts until dawn. This is usually an impressive ceremony with candle lights and liturgical chants. At midnight, the bells are rung to announce the resurrection of Christ; the priest says “Christ is risen!” and people respond with “He is truly risen!”

Church service