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Holy Week: Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday celebrates the joy of the Resurrection; the choir and
congregation exult:
"Christ is risen from the dead! He trampled down death by death and by His Resurrection He granted life unto us. Glory unto Him for all ages. Amen."
The Resurrection of our Lord is theprori1ise of salvation for all humanity. The faithful exchange the Easter greeting: "Krisdos haryav ee merelotz" and "Orhnyal eh harootiunun Krisdosee".
The faithful share a joyous Easter feast, often including lamb and colored eggs (symbols of new life) and Easter bread (choereg). On the Monday after Easter, Armenian families in some parts of the world visit the graves of loved ones, share choereg and eggs among themselves, and whisper to their departed loved ones, "Krisdos haryatz ee merelotz!"
Easter Sunday is followed by a period of 40 days, during which time there are no saints' days or fasting days. This period is dedicated to the glory of Christ's Resurrection and to the 40 days He spent on earth after His Resurrection. The 40th day after the Resurrection is Ascension Day, commemorating our Lord's entry into heaven.
Fifty days after Easter is Pentecost, on which day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles and gave them the power to preach in various tongues. This is marked as the birthday of the Church.
Easter Sunday
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