Orthodox believers visit churches ahead of Easter

MINSK, 11 April (BelTA) - Orthodox believers are havinf their Easter foods blessed in churches ahead of Easter, BelTA has learned.

Throughout the day, Orthodox believers are coming to the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk, among other churches. Parishioner Viktoria Tsypurko said she came to the church following a tradition passed down from her parents. “They used to come and they taught us to do the same, so we continue the tradition,” she said.

Another parishioner, Anna Smelova, came for the blessing along with her son, as she believes it is important to help a child grow not only physically but also spiritually. She considers the Easter season the most fitting time for this. According to her, she comes to church because she is a Christian. “We always come to church on big holidays. In general, we try to attends services more often," she said.

Archpriest Pyotr Demyanchuk, a clergyman of the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk, explained that the tradition of blessing foods on Holy Saturday remains popular among the people. He also clarified that the main meaning of the holiday is not the blessing of food itself, but the joy of Christ’s Resurrection. “These foods are a symbol that Christ died and rose again. We need food, drink, and the maintenance of our physical strength. But the soul comes first. Easter is a holiday primarily for the soul,” the archpriest emphasized.

Speaking about how the blessing of foods is going, Father Pyotr noted that everything is very well organized, without any hiccups.

The blessing of foods at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Minsk will continue until 21.00 and will resume tomorrow, on the Bright Resurrection of Christ (Easter Sunday).