Hristos Voskrese

Voistinu Voskrese

It was a real pleasure to see so many faithful parishioners in church for Divine Liturgy.  Easter is one of the most important holidays celebrated.  There is a great preparation for Easter, and activities the week before follow a schedule made by the housewife. On Thursday before Easter eggs may be dyed.  All colors are used, but some eggs must be dyed red to symbolize the coming happiness in the resurrection.  In some homes, beautiful designs are scraped on the surface of a dyed egg with a sharp instrument.  This unusual technique is the Serbian style of decorating eggs.  The first egg to be dyed is put aside and called "Protector of the House" (Cuvar kuca).  It is placed beside the family Icon and saved for St. George's Day.

Some baking is done on Thursday, so that nothing but only essential duties are performed on GOOD FRIDAY.  On Good Friday, the family observes a strict fast and attends church, where they kiss the grave of Christ. (Plastanica). Even fish and oils are omitted from the menu on Good Friday and only nuts, fruits and vegetables are eaten.

On Saturday, the house and the food for the coming day are prepared.  There are traditional dishes for the Easter meal.  A typical menu includes lamb, lamb soup, sarma (stuffed cabbage), salad and delicious cakes.  Members of the family, and each guest who comes to the house, are offered eggs on Easter morning, with the greeting "Hristos Voskrese" (Christ is risen) and the response is always "Voistinu Voskrese" (Indeed he is risen). Eggs are taped, end to end, and if your egg is broken by another person's, you must give it to him.  This year we had plenty of eggs being taped inside the church hall after Divine Liturgy, prior to the wonderful luncheon prepared by our hard working Kolo Sisters.

Photos by Jelena Mulin; email:  wwwjelena@yahoo.com