Easter service in the church is distinguished by a special solemnity and loftiness. And this is not surprising, given the fact that Easter is one of the most important Christian holidays in the year. The reverence that parishioners do in the church at Easter is largely due to the strict observance of beautiful centuries-old rituals. Alas, not all of those who decide to attend the service at Easter know about the specifics of its conduct. About how to behave during the Easter service, its features and the main rites, and will go further.
When is Easter in 2016?
Easter refers to the transferable church holidays. And this means that the date of its holding varies from year to year. For example, in 2016, according to the Orthodox church calendar, Easter falls on 1 May. Hence the Great Lent will begin on March 14 and will last exactly forty days until the Resurrection of Christ. Beautiful and original congratulations for Easter look here
Features of the service in the church for Easter
Easter - church As already mentioned above, the Easter service is distinguished by a special solemnity: clergymen dress in white festive cassocks, a silver bell ringing, and in the air there is a unique fragrance, made of incense, fresh baked goods and flowers. All this is complemented by the splendor of the church decoration, the angelic voices of the choir and the joyful mood of the parishioners. The Easter service begins in the church on Saturday night, shortly before twelve o'clock. Its first part is called "Midnight". Exactly at midnight the first bell ringing, which is called "Blagovest", is heard. He informs everyone that the holiday has begun. The ringing of the bells marks the beginning of Zautreni, during which a religious procession takes place around the church. At the end of the course, the priest sprinkles believers and the products they brought with holy water. After Zautreni, the Paschal Liturgy begins, during which people sing and bless believers. For charming Easter greeting poems, see here.
What do parishioners do at the church for Easter?
Easter - service in the church Believers mostly celebrate Easter at churches, Easter eggs, Easter cakes and Easter cakes. Often parishioners bring other food products, the most popular among which are: fruit, pastries, salt. There is also a list of products not approved by the church for sanctification, for example, meat, sausages and alcohol. Bring food preferably in a wicker basket, gently covered with a white towel. In addition, in some churches for Passover passes and the rite of Communion. It can pass only those believers who fasted and on the eve of a bright Easter holiday confessed in the church. It is also important to know about the basic rules of behavior that apply not only to Easter, but also to any other service:
Before entering the church, you must cross three times and say: "Lord, have mercy."
Dressing in church should be modest, but festive. Women should be in skirts or dresses, the length of which should be below the knee. The head should be covered with a handkerchief or kerchief, preferably a light shade.
makeup should be modest, and lips without lipstick, so as not to leave traces of makeup on icons.
You should be baptized only with your right hand, even if you are left-handed.
during the service the men stand on the right, the women on the left.