Easter: the Day of Saint Resurrection

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.