On this beautiful spring day, the Armenians, along with other Christian nations, celebrated the Holy Resurrection of Jesus Christ (Easter) with joy and exaltation. It is one of the most vivid and most wonderful holidays of the Armenian Church.

In the morning, the Saint Gregory the Illuminator Church and the nearby yard were packed with Armenian believers. The Armenians of Odessa had gathered in the church to celebrate Easter in an intimate environment. Many had baskets full of tinted eggs and red, sweet-tasting wines that were set on the table. The eggs were decorated with images and ornaments symbolizing Easter. Some had grown sprouts in baskets or on platters, and it seemed as though the yellow birdies were secretly smiling.

The sounds of the bells of the belfry of the cathedral heralded the start of the celebration. Fr. Priest Abgar Gilijyan served the Easter Divine and eternal Liturgy along with Deacon Arman Hakobyan, stole-bearer Edmon Hovsepyan and the other servants of the House of God. Among the attendees were the leaders of the Armenian community of Odessa and representatives of Armenian community organizations, the chairman of the Church’s council and members of the religious council.

What was eye-catching was the design of the altar that was in line with the holiday. It was an expression and reflection of the symbol and further highlighted the beauty and charm of the holiday. It seemed to me that everyone had the feeling that there was light and blessing from the altar.

Excerpts from the four books of the Bible were read, the Easter Homily was recited, and the celebrant priest conveyed the greetings for the Holy Resurrection to the people with joy.

Before the Lord’s Prayer, the Holy Father solemnly conveyed the Easter message of Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. Afterwards, he interpreted the origin of this wonderful holiday, the symbol and significance in our lives and said the following: The Resurrection of Christ is the promise for the salvation of all mankind. By being resurrected, Our Savior transformed the cross from a lethal tool to a tree of life. The symbol of Resurrection is marvelous. Today the curtains of the sacred altars have been lifted, showing that the doors to eternity are open and that man and universe were renewed thanks to life and eternity. With the Resurrection of Christ, man has been given the opportunity to fill life on Earth with heavenly blessings and gifts with the love and piety for others. Faithful brothers and sisters, today is the day of glorifying Our Lord, expressing our satisfaction and rejoicing.”

The charming sounds of spiritual songs were heard under the arches and tall cupolas of the prayer house and spread everywhere. During the ceremony, there were Blessings of Resurrection. After the Holy Mass, the priest blessed the goods of Easter brought to the church. Afterwards, the attendees tasted the sacrificed lamb around tables in the churchyard. This beautiful tradition is the expression of the love and kindness of the Armenian nation. After all, we Armenians are a hospitable nation.

The day featured performances by the children of Arevik Armenian Kindergarten and Mesrop Mashtots Armenian School. The ceremony was held near the main entrance to the cultural center. This great Christian holiday is exceptional for each and every Armenian. For adults, it is an opportunity to learn about the great symbol of resurrection, and children love the tinted eggs and sweet pastries.

The children’s performances showed how much they like Easter and how happy they were.

Their movements were natural as they performed Komitas’s song “Hoy, eem Nazani yare”. The pupils of Mesrop Mashtots Armenian School also performed songs (“Zatik”-Easter and “Chamchov Plav”-Rice with Raisins), psalms (“Sourp Astvats…”-God, Kristos Haryav ee Merelots”-Christ is Resurrected) and recited poems (“Hoghme pchets haraven”-A Wind Blew from the South, “Bari Hreshtak”-Kind Angel).

Through staged plays, they presented Easter, the folk traditions, as well as the variety and symbol of the foods that are made for Easter.

The “Aklatiz” weekly talk, the seven feathers of the hero of which symbolize the seven weeks of the Great Lent, was staged, and the hero performed in the form of an old person (he is Grandfather Pas whom Grandmother Utis (Easter) wins).

Dressed in a flowery dress and apron and with a bucket full of red eggs, Grandmother Utis came in to the sounds of joyful music, and the children started fighting with eggs and with exclamations.

Afterwards, Grandmother Utis gladly answered their questions. “The egg is the symbol of the Holy Resurrection. The red egg is the color of Christ’s blood. Cuisine plays a special role during Easter. On Easter, people cook rice with raisins, fish and salads from herbs symbolizing the awakening of spring. The sanctified bread and wine are the body and blood of the Lord…”

-TIDINGS TO US ALL.

HAPPY EASTER!

The ceremony was followed by a performance of Ara Gevorgyan’s triumphant song “Artsakh” by dhol player Arsen Grigoryan.

A charity exhibition-sale was held in the area near the church and showcased the handicraft works by the gifted Armenian girls of the community. Everyone had fun until the evening. With the tiding of the Resurrection, strangers, acquaintances, friends and relatives were congratulating each other and engaging in joyful conversations.

They bid each other farewell, filled with the great faith in the Resurrection.

It is with that faith that mankind is able to overcome the trials and tribulations in life and look towards the future with optimism…

Narine Muradyan

Freelance correspondent of Hayern Aysor

Odessa