Worshippers in Romania celebrated Easter on Sunday at nighttime services held in churches around the country.
More than 85% of Romanians belong to the Orthodox Church which follows a different calendar to Western Christian churches most of which marked Easter on March 31.
The reason for the different dates for Orthodox Churches is that they calculate Easter according to the Julian calendar, while the western churches use the Gregorian calendar.
The traditional sung service begun with the Saturday Midnight Resurrection in which Patriarch Daniel delivered well-wishes to Orthodox believers which were broadcast on Romanian TV.
The culmination comes with the congregation holding lighted candles and chants “Hristos a inviat!,” Christ Has Risen!” in services that go on until the early hours.
On Easter Sunday, a feast follows the Lenten fast where believers enjoy roast lamb, drob or lamb meatloaf, cozonac and pasca cakes, plus traditional multicolored Easter eggs.
Russia, Greece, Ukraine, Serbia and Bulgaria also follow the Orthodox faith which adheres to the Gregorian calendar. Easter is the biggest feast in the church calendar.
In his Easter address, Russia’s Patriarch Kirill wished for “God’s blessing over Russia,” its people and all countries where the church has a presence.
Take advantage of Orthodox Easter break and visit a few Romanian fairs
