Every country has its own features, something that you cannot find anywhere else… And years pass and you do not forget it. Armenia is unforgettable all year round. But spring is special. And not only mild weather, different colorful flowers… No… One holiday makes spring in Armenia remarkable. It is Easter.
People in Armenia celebrate this holiday with a special pride. In 2018, the Armenian Church celebrates Easter in April.
Armenian Easter always coincides with the Catholic, and in some years with the Orthodox, as it will in 2018. Easter is the main celebration of the Armenian Church. On this day, Armenians, like Christians around the world, celebrate the victory of Christ over death – His Resurrection.
Easter is preceded by the Great Lent, during which you cannot eat animal products: the exception is the day of the Palm Sunday – the Entry of the Lord into Jerusalem. The most strict lent is in the Holy Week preceding Easter. Pure Thursday is the day when Jesus Christ established at the Last Supper the saving Sacrament of the Eucharist – Holy Communion, the first participle of the Holy Apostles. This Sacrament is the foundation of the Holy Mass in all Christians of the world. Tasting the Body and Blood of Christ, Christians are attached to God. On this day in the churches of Armenia, there is also a ceremony of washing the feet in memory of the washing of the feet by the Holy Apostles, which Jesus Christ performed as an example of humble service.
On the third day, after the death of Jesus, two women, one of whom was Mary Magdalene, returned to the tomb of Christ, which was discovered open. The angel whom they saw there proclaimed the message of the Resurrection of Christ. In this great Triumph the Armenians greet each other with the words “Christos Harav and merelots” – “Christ rose from the dead!”, To which answer: “Orhnial e Arutiune Christosi!” “Blessed is the Resurrection of Christ!”
In the celebration of the Holy Easter, Armenians visit churches to participate in the Holy Mass, confess and receive the Holy Mysteries of Christ. After that, there should be dinner, for which the best dishes can be served: according to the national tradition, preference is given to fish. As in other Christian countries, eggs are dyed for Easter.
In Armenia special Easter cakes are prepared too. The Easter dishes are consecrated in the temples after the Mass.
Visit Armenia and you can see everything yourselves. This day will be not only in your memory but in your heart too…