Easter is the most sacred holiday in the Serbian church. I found this ironic, because I could not find any one to take me to an orthodox service. I talked to several people and they were like "yeah we celebrate Easter we just don't go to Church". Non the less Serbs do have many traditions and we did see what constitutes a small crowd at the Church near our flat (I mean more then 5 people there on a Sunday). Like in America they dye eggs, and the Easter Bunny does make a visit. There is no egg hunting (as far as we could tell) but the eggs are very important. You exchange eggs with visitors, but red eggs are most important. You keep a red egg in your house all year. A friend told me it keeps evil spirits away and brings good luck. It also represents the blood of Christ and is a reminder of his sacrifice. Most people have a wooden egg they paint red and keep. The Easter service in the orthodox church starts at 11 on Saturday night and ends at midnight with the priest chanting "Hristos Vaskrse" (he is risen) three times. Almost all the stores, cafes etc were closed today so it was different in town. This place is usually hopping. Overall it was sort of a surreal experince for me. They celebrate this huge holiday, and say all these things, but they really don't get it. Christ came to die and to live, but in that he seeks relationship, and that was missing here. We celebrated Easter with an international congregation. It was good worship but we missed LPC and family. Check out our Facebook for pics of the kids.
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