Macedonian Easter Celebrations

Thousands of Macedonians in Australia celebrate Easter  on the 15 of April according to Julian calendar. Easter church services are joyous as they celebrate Jesus Christ’s resurrection.Easter is the oldest holiday and is celebrated from the second century.

There is no greater joy and admiration than when we celebrate life. On Easter Jesus resurrected thus the faith is created. Christ's resurrection is the light of the world and roadmap for life through the centuries of human history. Resurrection is a joy to afflicted, comfort the sick, teaching the despondent, strength and solid foundation for the believers..

Resurrection is the victory against the enemies, defeat and destroying  the demons, forgiveness and resolution of sins, secure haven from the storm of temptation. On this day as we know, death is defeated by one who had life in himself . From that point, we all accept that truth and filled with great courage and spiritual strength, because death is no longer a threat, no reason to fear. It should be understood as a return to the kingdom of our  Father.

Christ conquered death and thus opened the gates of heaven, gates of light entering all sons and daughters. Although there are many wars, riots and other disasters in the world, we should not be afraid and worried. Justice and truth are still being crucified on the cross, but through the cross comes the joy of the whole world. On that  cross our Savior was crucified and tortured. He did that for us. In his soul he descended to heaven to liberate human nature from decay. It has done and sacrificed for us, we may be filled with life and joy as they fulfill He crucified.

This holiday is the essence of Christianity,confirmation of faith in God. Easter celebrations indicate that our spiritual and national heritage is rich. Easter is a day when the Macedonian Orthodox people celebrate faith and rich Macedonian tradition that persisted through the centuries. Apstol St. Paul said: 'If Christ did not resurrect, our faith would have be empty.'

 Gordana Dimovska

Melbourne, Australia
 

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