Easter in Russia

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.

The origin of Easter

The origin of the Russian name for Easter (Paskha) can be traced back to two possible sources; an ancient Judaic holiday called ‘Pasah’ which was celebrated every year during one week in spring, to mark the date when the Jews were released from Egyptian slavery; and to the Greek word ‘pasho’ which means “to suffer.”

Great Lent

The 40 days before Orthodox Easter is called Great Lent, and is a period of preparation. The last week before Easter is called Holy Week. During these days church services remind worshippers about the last moments of Christ’s life on Earth.

Willow Sunday 

In the Russian Orthodox Church, the Sunday before Easter is known as Willow Sunday. The blooming willow symbolizes the end of harsh winter and the renewal of spring. It also protects people and livestock from diseases, homes from lightening and misfortune.

Maundy Thursday during Holy Week has a special significance; this is the day when Jesus shared the Last Supper with his followers and was betrayed by one of them.

The common name of this day is Clean Thursday. People clean their houses, crockery and all utensils. This is a time to prepare dishes for the holiday: painted eggs, kulich, and paskha. The reason for this is that during the last three days of Holy Week it is forbidden to work or to do anything around the house.

Holy Friday

is a day of mourning, and people are not supposed to eat anything. On the eve of Holy Saturday, devout Christians do not leave the church after the liturgy, but remain there until nightfall, and consume only bread and wine. 

Сhurch service

The night of Sunday is the culmination of the Easter celebration, with the midnight service, the procession around the church with burning candles, and the joyous Morning Prayer and Communion service bringing people together in a spiritual joy. Priests change their black vestments to white ones; eggs, pashka and kulich are blessed, and Great Lent is over.