Orthodox Easter

Anastasis, Harrowing of Hell and Resurrection-fresco in Chora Church/Museum, Istanbul.

Orthodox Christians across the world celebrate their most important religious holiday today – Easter.

After a long period of fasting, the Holy Fire has traveled from outside the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem to churches all over the world, and now is the time to celebrate the Resurrection with painted eggs, special cakes and a feast for the whole family. To anyone who celebrates, Happy Easter!

Resurrection and Descent to Hell. Russian Icon, Yaroslavl School, 17th century

And don’t forget: if there is anything in your life that had to die (or that you chose to “kill”) recently, now is a good time to be reborn into something stronger and better, and more illuminated that before. Particularly since today is also the 1st of May, with millions of people celebrating the fertility that follows a long winter (so resurrection is definitely the theme today). International Workers’ Day (also known as Labor Day) is also celebrated today; yet another commemoration of death and suffering becoming the cornerstone for global change for the better.