Orthodox holidays in April, can be divided into two categories - holidays, the dates of which are constant, and those who celebrated every year on different days.This fully applies to the entire Orthodox calendar.Therefore, speaking about the holidays of a month, you must specify the year in question.
most joyous holiday of the year
Enumerating Orthodox holidays in April 2015, we must first call the Holy Resurrection.Orthodox Christians around the world celebrate the great event - the resurrection from the dead our Lord Jesus Christ.Taking away all the sins of the world, he redeemed them suffering on the cross and resurrection, opened the way to eternal life to all who believed in him, ready to follow Him.Easter - the biggest holiday not only in April, but the whole year.
Entry into Jerusalem
Exactly one week before Easter marks the entrance into Jerusalem.This rolling twelve great holiday.April 5 Orthodox calendar began counting the last seven days of Jesus' earthly ministry.
this day crowds cheers "Asan!" Greeted him on his way to Jerusalem.According to the custom of those years, the road in front of him strewn branches of palm trees, in abundance growing in Palestine.In our northern climates they do not grow, so replacement is the feast of willow, which are brought into the church.Hence the name - Palm Sunday.All subsequent week in memory of the suffering of Jesus Christ is called the Holy.It precedes Easter - a bright and joyous celebration.April 5 Orthodox world is preparing to recall those great and tragic events.
Lazarus Saturday
next day on which you want to stop - April 4.Religious holiday celebrated on this day is called Lazarus Saturday.I installed it in memory of the resurrection of Jesus Christ Lazarus.The description of this event is contained in the Gospel.The Lord brought back to life, who died a few days before the brother of Martha and Mary, in whose house he was frequently.
miracle happened on the deep and sincere faith in Him.The church, marking the celebration shows that nothing is impossible for God."According to your faith will get you" - these words of Jesus Christ are indispensable for any miracle.Lazarus Saturday is sometimes called the Palm, as always preceded by Palm Sunday.
But the date of Easter each year varies, can sometimes fall in May.Accordingly, the Twelve-over holidays associated with it, also do not have their permanent choice.Holiday Entry into Jerusalem though rare, is in March.However, there are days that are permanently marked in the Orthodox calendar as holidays.Let's talk about them.
holy elder who survived the occupation
first date on which to stop, it is April 3rd.Which festival is celebrated on this day, you know, maybe not everything, but it certainly deserves attention.On this day the Church celebrates the memory of St. St. Seraphim Vyritsky.The period of his earthly life is separated from us very short period of time.After living 83 years old, he departed to the Lord in 1949.Gifted lively wit and talents, for half a century, before taking monastic vows, he is doing business, amassed a considerable fortune.But choosing the path of service to God, Reverend gave all people, shut out of the world.His name is closely linked with the regional Vyritsa village, where for twenty years Reverend bore the main monastic feat - a feat elders.He nourished his spiritual children in the period of Stalin's repressions, and during the occupation, and heavy post-war years.By the saints, he was canonized in 2000.
Annunciation
next day - April 7, the Orthodox holiday called the Annunciation.This event tells the gospel.It tells about how the Lord through His messenger, St. Archangel, he announced the greatest Its purpose - to show the world the flesh of his Savior.Events of such importance to humanity of this is not yet known.
with humility and faith Mary took his words.It is unconditionally accepted the news.In its pure, virginal soul was not born a shadow of doubt in the omnipotence of God.His will was ready to obey it unquestioningly.That's why April 7 - Orthodox holiday, so revered by all.
Remembrance wives-bearers
Remembering Orthodox holidays in April, not to mention the 26 number.Although it is not mentioned in the list emphasizes the holidays, but still need to talk about it.On this day in the service of the saints remember wives-bearers.These are the women who early on Saturday morning, when still only dawn broke, came to the tomb of the Savior to perform the ceremony, prescribed by Jewish law.They brought with them the flavors and fragrances (precious oil - the world), which intends to anoint His body, preparing for burial.They were the first heard from the angel the news of the miraculous resurrection of Christ, in her first believed.
In general, the role of women in the service of the Lord is very great.They followed him everywhere, trying to save him from everyday worries.They are not healed the sick and raised the dead, but thanks to the deep faith and commitment to Christ earned crowns of holiness.This day is celebrated as the feast of Orthodox women.
life of our people can not be imagined without the Orthodox holidays.By their very nature, they go beyond the usual celebrations, which are fun and festivities.It is no exaggeration to say that a return to the origins of our national culture.Orthodox holidays in April, they are an integral part.