Easter is the most significant holiday for Christians, commemorating the martyrdom and resurrection of Jesus Christ. In 2025, Easter will be celebrated on Sunday, April 20. As this important day approaches, many are preparing for the traditional Easter breakfast, which is often preceded by communal prayer and the sharing of Easter greetings. NV has gathered some of the most heartfelt wishes that can be shared with family and friends during this sacred time.
On the occasion of Easter, wishes often center around themes of peace, hope, and the strength to overcome daily challenges. One popular sentiment expresses, "May the coming days bring you peace, hope, and the strength to face daily challenges." This message resonates deeply as families come together to celebrate the resurrection of Christ and the renewal of faith.
Easter is not just a day of celebration; it symbolizes the rebirth of faith, hope, and love. As one wish puts it, "May the Easter of the Lord remind us that even after the most difficult times, light comes." This reflects the essence of the holiday, where believers are reminded of the victory of life over death.
The holiday of transformation is also a key theme during Easter. Many hope that this spring renewal will bring fresh strength, good thoughts, and smiles into their homes. A common wish states, "I hope this spring renewal brings fresh strength, good thoughts, and smiles to your homes." This expression captures the spirit of rejuvenation that Easter embodies.
As families gather, they are encouraged to cherish the moments spent together. One heartfelt message reads, "May this Easter be full of light—not only in your windows, but above all in your hearts." This wish emphasizes the importance of internal peace and joy during this festive time.
Moreover, Easter is a time to reflect on the warmth of family love. One sentiment beautifully captures this by saying, "May Easter fill your homes with the warmth of family love, and your hearts with gratitude for what already is, and faith in what will be." This highlights the importance of gratitude and hope in the lives of believers.
Ultimately, Easter is a celebration of love that is stronger than death. As one wish articulates, "May it bring you peace, joy, and deep confidence that good always wins—also in our families and everyday endeavors." This message serves as a reminder of the enduring power of love and goodness.
As Easter approaches, another significant day precedes it—Great Saturday, which falls on April 19 in 2025. This day is the last of Lent and is observed by both Orthodox and Catholic Christians, as the dates for Easter coincide this year. Such unity in celebration will not occur again until 2028, 2031, and 2034.
Great Saturday is deeply rooted in Holy Week, a time when believers reflect on the suffering, death, and burial of Jesus Christ. The name 'Passion' refers to the 'suffering' of Christ, making this day also known as Passion Saturday. It is dedicated to the remembrance of Christ’s stay in the tomb and His descent into hell, where He liberated the souls of the righteous.
Each day of Holy Week has specific gospel events associated with it, and on Great Saturday, the Church commemorates the burial of the Savior. According to Scripture, the Pharisees feared the disciples would steal Jesus' body, so they set a guard and sealed the tomb. This act inadvertently became a testament to the Resurrection, as the seal remained unbroken when Christ rose from the dead.
In Christianity, Saturday symbolizes a day of rest, reminding believers of eternal rest in God. It is customary to pray for the departed, hoping for their resurrection to eternal life. The Church has established special Parental Saturdays, dedicated to the commemoration of the deceased, with dates for 2025 already noted.
This day is characterized by silence and anticipation, as the sorrow of Christ’s death transforms into the joy of His Resurrection. Believers remember the only departed—Christ, who rests in the tomb. It is a day filled with hope, as every Christian witnesses the greatest mystery—the Savior’s descent into hell, where He frees the righteous souls.
The church service on Great Saturday is among the most solemn and profound of the year. It begins with a special service dedicated to the burial of Christ, starting on Friday night. During this time, 15 readings from the Old Testament are recited, foretelling the Resurrection. One of the oldest rites includes the baptism of the enlightened, those preparing to accept the faith, a tradition that dates back to the early centuries of Christianity.
Before midnight, clergy don white robes, and the Shroud—symbolizing Christ's burial linen—is carried into the altar, where it remains until the Ascension on May 29, 2025. At midnight, the Paschal procession begins, a solemn march to meet the Risen Savior.
On this day, hot food without oil is permitted, but all restrictions are lifted after midnight with the arrival of Easter. However, doctors advise a gradual return to normal eating to avoid health issues. For believers, fasting is not merely about dietary restrictions; it is also about spiritual cleansing.
While the Church does not endorse superstitions, various customs have persisted among the people. This holiday teaches patience, faith, and hope, as the darkness of death gives way to the light of Resurrection. It is a day of spiritual silence, where the Church reflects on Christ's burial and descent into hell—a moment where the story of salvation reaches its climax.
During the service, the 15 readings from the Old Testament are recited, foreshadowing Christ's suffering and victory. Additionally, the Troparion, which begins with "The noble Joseph..." serves as a reminder of the removal of Christ from the cross. This ancient tradition is intertwined with repentance and renewal, symbolizing that just as Christ freed the deceased from sin, baptism offers new life in Christ.
As Great Saturday unfolds, believers are encouraged to engage in spiritual reading, focusing on the Gospel or the lives of saints, rather than succumbing to worldly distractions. In summary, Great Saturday is a day where sorrow meets hope—a time of repentance, silence, and the awaited light of Easter!
