For Orthodox Christians the feast of the Resurrection of the Lord - the main in a year.He symbolizes the spirit of victory over sin and death, love and goodness - of malice and cruelty.
Origin of Easter - the Old Testament.In the Jewish tradition, Passover is celebrated slaying a lamb, which was eaten in remembrance of the Exodus from Egypt.It is possible that this festival existed in domoiseevskie times, but finally gained its importance after the Jews were expelled Pharaoh, and in a hurry to leave their homes.The Jews were saved, helped wondrous divine intervention, because people could die in a barren desert, pursued by hordes of enemies, but this did not happen.Hurry escape was reflected in the other Jewish holidays.Unleavened Bread were observed on the day after Passover.The meaning of this holiday was that the sons and daughters of Israel took with them into exile had not yet vskisshee dough.
Thus, the origin of Easter is associated with getting rid of painful physical death and captivity.Jews traditionally celebrate it with your family at night during a full moon at the spring equinox.Astronomical date of Easter requires celebrate it on the fourteenth day of the month of Nisan, to capture, called Aviv.
Passover ritual for centuries changed and acquired new features.After the introduction of Deuteronomy, he ceased to be a family and became celebrated in the temple.Lamb was slain on the altar, and the blood of his imbrue not doorposts tents and canopies, and the altar.The protagonists in the rite of sacrifice - the Levites and priests.Easter was the main holiday, which had the participation of all the Jews.Claiming divine origin of Easter, Hebrew priests strengthened their position in public life and facilitate the formation of the statehood of Israel.
Christians around the world celebrate the Resurrection of the Lord as a day of spiritual salvation.On Good Friday, Jesus, who gave the world a new commandment was executed, and in the night from Saturday on the first day of the week has risen.The sacrifices made by the son of God, has become redemptive.Passover acquired a new meaning.Jesus took part in the Jewish Passover rite, called the Last Supper.However, instead of the traditional doxology Hallel He speaks very different words.Instead of offering a lamb to eat His flesh and blood.This was the first Eucharist.Since that time, the faithful receive Holy Communion, bringing a bloodless sacrifice.
Old Testament origin of Easter is also reflected in the symbols accompanying the church service.Bread symbolizes the body of Christ, and His blood - wine.Instead of the expected Messiah, the Jews, designed to save the Jewish people from suffering, came a new Savior of all mankind to the commandment, "Love one another", and revenge (an eye for an eye) He contrasted forgiveness.
St. Seraphim of Sarov greeted all year they encountered people in Easter: "Christ is Risen, my joy!" But he made it clear that the Resurrection is not momentary, it is eternal, and there is no end to it.
