Easter: the Day of Saint Resurrection
14:12 – 03.04.10
On April 4, the Armenian Apostolic Church will be celebrating Easter
or The Resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Easter is the central religious feast in the Christian liturgical
year. According to Christian scripture, Jesus was resurrected from the
dead on the third day after his crucifixion. Some Christians celebrate
this resurrection on Easter Day or Easter Sunday (also Resurrection
Day or Resurrection Sunday), two days after Good Friday and three days
after Maundy (Holy) Thursday.
The day is also called Zatik in Armenian, which means removal,
separation from sins and return to God. Both in the Old and New
Testaments, Easter is considered one of the most celebrated holidays.
As part of Easter celebrations, people dye boiled eggs with different
colours; red being a dominant colour used in Armenia. The egg stands
for the symbol of resurrection and the beginning of a new life. The
colour red symbolizes crucified Christ’s blood that he shed in order
to save humankind.
On Easter eve, a liturgy is offered in Armenian churches when all
those who have been fasting for Lent receive a sacrament and come out
of fasting. Then the Easter celebrations begin!
At 6 pm today, a liturgy will be offered at Saint Sargis and after
that people will come out of fasting and celebrate the holiday of
Saint Resurrection.
On April 5, Armenians will visit cemeteries and will burn incense in
commemoration of their dead relatives.
Tert.am