Orthodox Christians are celebrateing the holiest day in their religious calendar, Orthodox Easter. The holiday follows seven weeks of Lent, a period of prayer and fasting strictly observed by believers in Russia, the seat of the largest of the Eastern Orthodox Churches.

VIDEO - RussiaToday : News : Happy Easter! Orthodox Christians celebrate biggest holiday




Orthodox Christians are celebrateing the holiest day in their religious calendar, Orthodox Easter. The holiday follows seven weeks of Lent, a period of prayer and fasting strictly observed by believers in Russia, the seat of the largest of the Eastern Orthodox Churches.
Believers in Moscow have flocked to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour to take part in the Midnight Easter service, which is led by the Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia, Aleksy II.

In Russia the holy day is observed both by believers and non-believers, many of which are now busy painting eggs and baking kuliches – traditional Easter bread. Russia’s top kitchen is also preparing traditional food for the event.

The Kremlin kitchen is a recipe for historic reconciliation. Outside, red stars are competing for attention with Orthodox crosses. Inside, cooks that used to feed Soviet bosses are now baking Easter bread for the new Russian bureaucrats.

Easter is the most important day in the Orthodox calendar but what makes it really special is that in Russia it is celebrated by people of various religions and even by those who don’t believe in God at all. According to polls, only three per cent of Russians observe the Great Lent but more than 80 per cent celebrate the end of fasting and the coming of Easter.

RussiaToday : News : Happy Easter! Orthodox Christians celebrate biggest holiday

Kuliche used to be taller...and what no Paskha? Not the Holy Day...the food... 'Farmer' or 'Cottage' Cheese with other ingredients shaped lik a pyramid...Grandma used to hang it in the tub for a few days to get excess moisture out

Happy Easter.

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I must admit, Easter in the Orthodox tradition was a total trip. Three days of church and eating and praying and eating and more church and more eating.

I was never real big on church but I sure gained respect for all the Babuyi who were willing to stand in line all night until dawn to get their basket blessed. They take devotion to a different level and whether you believe as they do or not, they sure made me feel welcome, and fat.

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Orthodox procession brightens New York

As the Orthodox Church marks the first week after Easter – Bright Week - believers in New York have been celebrating the occasion with a religious procession through the streets of Manhattan. The clergy in Russia say the parade symbolises the worldwide unification of the Orthodox faith.

video - RussiaToday : News : Orthodox procession brightens New York

'Bright Saturday' marks the end of the first week of Easter. And it is even more special this year because, watching over the ceremony, is the holy image of the Kursk Root Icon, which is believed to hold miraculous powers.

Russian Orthodox tradition usually includes a procession around a church. The problem is, Manhattan’s infrastructure doesn’t allow for that. But, with the help of the New York City authorities, the procession takes place around the block.
It’s not a common sight on East 97th street. Passers-by stop to look at the 60 clergymen and hundreds of Orthodox believers taking part in the celebration. For them, this is history in the making.
Many say this service is the culmination of an 80-year journey towards the worldwide unification of the Russian Orthodox Church.

RussiaToday : News : Orthodox procession brightens New York