Our First Easter - April 30, 2005

In the Orthodox Church, Easter is often referred to as "Pascha" which is from Greek and means "Passover". It is the Holiest day in the Church and is celebrated in all Orthodox churches. The service usually starts with a vespers and Matins on Saturday evening. The church is dark except for a few candles in a reverent reminder that Christ has not yet risen from the tomb and lies on a tomb in front(to the lower right in the photo).

During the service, the faithful will process around the outside of the church in darkness. Upon returning, lights are illuminated, the burial tomb of Christ is gone and everyone shouts in joyous triumph "Christ is Risen From The Dead, Trampling Down Death By Death, and Upon Those In The Tomb, Bestowing Life!"

Often, the faithful bring baskets of food to be blessed. The contents of the baskets represent items that many have abstained from eating during the great fast (Lent) before Easter.

]

After the service is over, the faithful gather together and share their baskets.