Bright Easter of Christ. What can and cannot be done on April 12, 2026 0 12

What is remembered on April 12, 2026, in the Church

Easter is likely the oldest of church holidays. It is assumed that even the apostles, gathering for the Jewish Passover, remembered the sufferings of Christ rather than the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. And it is certain that it was already celebrated in the 2nd century.

On this day, Jesus, who was crucified on the cross and died three days ago, rose, bringing the Old Testament righteous out of hell, as well as Adam and Eve. This was learned by his sorrowful disciples, who were incredibly overjoyed. Just like them, we rejoice in the Resurrection of Christ.

The meaning of the holiday

What is remembered on this day? The resurrection of the one in whom human nature was united with the Divine. A sinless and immaculate man. Jesus voluntarily gave himself for the salvation of humanity, suffered to redeem all mankind from the sinful curse and the power of death. Descending into hell, he emerged from it and brought forth the righteous, for no guilt was found in him. Possessing the holiness of God, he disarmed death, trampling it.

What does the word Easter mean

Easter or Pesach literally translates from Hebrew as 'passage.' It denotes either the Old Testament Jewish holiday of the exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt or the sacrifice brought on this day (the Paschal lamb). In the New Testament, a third meaning appears — Christ himself as the lamb, because he offered himself as a redemptive sacrifice.

Why is Easter celebrated on different dates each year?

Easter is a movable feast. Its date depends on the lunar calendar, and the method of determining it was established at the First Ecumenical Council. The date is chosen as the first Sunday after the full moon that occurs after the vernal equinox. Thus, the dates vary from April 4 to May 8 depending on the year. So this year, Easter is relatively early.

Traditions of the service

On Saturday evening, shortly before midnight, the midnight office is performed in churches, emphasizing the importance and significance of the upcoming celebration.

Then, there is a procession around the shroud, which is then placed on the altar, where it will remain for 39 days after Easter, until Ascension.

Next, there is a cross procession with the singing of the hymn “Your Resurrection, O Christ Savior!” And this is when the focal point of the holiday occurs — the Easter Matins with the singing of the Easter canon by St. John of Damascus and the Liturgy. The service is conducted with the royal doors open, symbolizing the opening of the gates of Paradise, and at the end of the Liturgy, a special prosphora — artos is consecrated. It remains throughout the Bright Week following Easter on the analogion opposite the icon of the Savior, and on Saturday, after the Liturgy, it is broken and distributed to the faithful. On this night, believers participate in the sacrament of Communion, which is the spiritual center of the holiday.

What is the special bread artos?

The practice of consecrating and storing bread dates back to apostolic times. Having become accustomed to partaking of it with Jesus during his earthly ministry, they would set aside a portion of bread during their meals. This symbolized the presence of Christ among them.

In what vestments do the clergy serve?

The service begins in white vestments, but the main Easter color is red. It is used from Easter until the day of the feast's conclusion. This color signifies God's fervent love for humankind.

What is the special Easter ringing in churches?

During Bright Week, a special Easter ringing, consisting of three parts, is played in churches. In many churches, anyone wishing can join in.

How long is Easter celebrated?

Easter is celebrated for 39 days and ends with the Feast of the Ascension of the Lord. The period is divided into two unequal parts:

Bright Week, which is a continuation of the holiday and lasts for 7 days. During Bright Week, the services are conducted with the royal doors open and are filled with special joy;
Afterfeast, the holiday of Easter is remembered on Sundays. It lasts for 32 days, with the conclusion of Easter on the 39th day.

How to correctly pronounce the main phrase of Easter?

In Church Slavonic, which is the more commonly used version in church practice, we say: “Christ is risen — truly he is risen,” in Russian — “Christ is risen — truly he is risen.” Both are correct.

Is it permissible to commemorate the deceased on Easter?

During Holy Week, Easter, and then throughout Bright Week, the commemoration of the deceased is performed during the Liturgy: after the proskomedia, during the special litanies (“for all who have fallen asleep”), as well as in the secret prayers after the Doxology, — thus, prayers for the deceased are offered on Easter, but not aloud. That is, it is permissible to submit a note for the commemoration of the deceased on all these days.

What can be done on April 12, 2026

One should attend the service.
It is necessary to maintain a good mood throughout the day.
To partake in Communion and confess.
It is customary to invite guests.
It is essential to engage in charity, helping the sick and the poor.
To give dear gifts to loved ones.
To celebrate a birthday if it falls on this day, but not to make this celebration more important than Easter.
To wash.
To have fun and bring joy to those around.

What cannot be done on April 12, 2026

One cannot be sad or frown.
One cannot quarrel.
One cannot overeat.
One cannot baptize children or get married.
One cannot hold memorial services or visit cemeteries.
One cannot work.
One cannot engage in knitting, sewing, or embroidery.
One cannot guess.

What can be eaten on April 12, 2026. Fasting rules

One can eat and drink everything; the Easter table should be especially full and festive, but do not forget about moderation after 40 days of abstaining from rich food.