Spirituality and Mysticism in Orthodox Easter
Vladimirski Cathedral, St.Petersburg, Russia
Easter being the greatest and most important feast in the liturgical calendar is celebrated differently by different Christian religions. The Russian Orthodox Church, whose liturgical ceremony is reminiscent of the ritual which according to documents might have been created by the origin of Christianity from the Greek Orthodox, is unlike its Roman Catholic Counterpart with its dramatic Baroque ritual, still Medieval in style. The various icons painted according to strict rules carried out over the centuries and the atmosphere in the churches, lit up by candles and with mystic ‘a cappella’ choirs which are not visible to those taking part in the ceremony, re-create an element of spirituality and mystery.
The Russian Orthodox Easter ceremony begins, as with all other functions with believers lighting candles in front of icons and praying, touching and kissing these same icons in a display of belief and hope.
Those leading the ceremony, namely the Bishop accompanied by the priests come out of the sacristy and greet believers with hymns sung in different voice timbres accompanied by the choir who makes the responsory. Then, a spectacular procession takes place by those present who after lighting candles, to sign the begging of the new year, flood after the ceremoniers and according to tradition walk three times around the Cathedral.
The Bishop prays with those gathered and then leads his way to the balcony where he speaks to the crowd gathered down in the streets, listening full of enthusiasm his words, reflections and the blessing given at the end. This leads the way to the ceremony inside the church which begins when the gate in front of the main altar opens. During the ceremony clothes colours of the ceremoniers are changed from white to red.
In repetitive cycles, the Bishop and priests come out in groups singing hymns of praise while the choir and occasionally the people respond. The main phrases sung in full voice by ceremoniers is ‘Hristos Voskrese’ literally meaning, Christ has Risen, to which the people respond the same words in full choir. This is repeated over and over with the ceremoniers coming out with candles and incense. The conclusion of the six hour long ceremony comes around when the Bishop gives his last blessing and thoughts about the New Liturgical Year which then leads to the eucharisty, with people flooding to get the holy bread served in a large silver container from the Bishop himself.
At the end, tea is served to those present while they give each other greetings for the Easter and take home with them the cakes and sweets they brought to be blessed early in the morning.
Easter being the greatest and most important feast in the liturgical calendar is celebrated differently by different Christian religions. The Russian Orthodox Church, whose liturgical ceremony is reminiscent of the ritual which according to documents might have been created by the origin of Christianity from the Greek Orthodox, is unlike its Roman Catholic Counterpart with its dramatic Baroque ritual, still Medieval in style. The various icons painted according to strict rules carried out over the centuries and the atmosphere in the churches, lit up by candles and with mystic ‘a cappella’ choirs which are not visible to those taking part in the ceremony, re-create an element of spirituality and mystery.
The Russian Orthodox Easter ceremony begins, as with all other functions with believers lighting candles in front of icons and praying, touching and kissing these same icons in a display of belief and hope.
Those leading the ceremony, namely the Bishop accompanied by the priests come out of the sacristy and greet believers with hymns sung in different voice timbres accompanied by the choir who makes the responsory. Then, a spectacular procession takes place by those present who after lighting candles, to sign the begging of the new year, flood after the ceremoniers and according to tradition walk three times around the Cathedral.
The Bishop prays with those gathered and then leads his way to the balcony where he speaks to the crowd gathered down in the streets, listening full of enthusiasm his words, reflections and the blessing given at the end. This leads the way to the ceremony inside the church which begins when the gate in front of the main altar opens. During the ceremony clothes colours of the ceremoniers are changed from white to red.
In repetitive cycles, the Bishop and priests come out in groups singing hymns of praise while the choir and occasionally the people respond. The main phrases sung in full voice by ceremoniers is ‘Hristos Voskrese’ literally meaning, Christ has Risen, to which the people respond the same words in full choir. This is repeated over and over with the ceremoniers coming out with candles and incense. The conclusion of the six hour long ceremony comes around when the Bishop gives his last blessing and thoughts about the New Liturgical Year which then leads to the eucharisty, with people flooding to get the holy bread served in a large silver container from the Bishop himself.
At the end, tea is served to those present while they give each other greetings for the Easter and take home with them the cakes and sweets they brought to be blessed early in the morning.
