There is no holiday in the Orthodox calendar that would surpass Easter by the intensity of emotions, bright joy and radiant hope. The very word “Easter” means “redemption.” On this day, believers celebrate deliverance from death and transition to eternal and boundless bliss. Jesus Christ, by his resurrection, trampled death, tore out its sting and opened the way to heaven for all who believe in Him.
The whole doctrine of Orthodoxy boils down to two words: “Christ is risen!” And the heart freezes from the joyful expectation of meeting with the Savior, who has passed the mortal path so that our life will last forever.
Passover was celebrated by the Jewish people, celebrating the liberation from slavery. Easter is celebrated by all Christians, celebrating deliverance from death.
The procession of the cross, which necessarily takes place on Easter night, symbolizes the movement of the Church towards the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. To the singing of the canon and the jubilant bell ringing, the faithful bypass the temple. Only after the procession, in front of the closed gates of the altar, the priest announces the joyful news: “Christ is risen!” The doors are opened and the wonderful singing of the Easter Canon is heard. As the altar doors are opened, so will the gates of the Kingdom of Heaven be opened, so that everyone who believes in it will not perish, but have eternal life.
After morning and reading the Word of John Chrysostom, Christhood begins. Believers proclaim the resurrection of Christ, kiss the cross, and then greet each other. The temple is filled with cheers, smiles.
Not cakes and eggs are the symbol of Easter, but Christ. By his deed, he wrested all believers from the nets of the devil and gave hope for eternal life. Therefore we repeatedly exclaim during the service and all subsequent days that Christ is risen!
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