Coric: Easter is more joyful when celebrated with the Serbian people in Kosovo and Metohija

The greatest Christian holiday, Easter, is joyful wherever you celebrate it, but it is even more special when spent with the Serbian people in Kosovo, says pilgrimage guide Ivana Coric.

Coric notes that Serbs in Kosovo mostly gather in churches, which represents the symbolism of the Resurrection itself.

"Easter, as the most beautiful and greatest Christian holiday, is certainly joyful wherever you celebrate it – whether in your homes with your families or while traveling. However, I have the impression that it is even more joyful and more special when it is welcomed and spent in Kosovo and Metohija with our people. If our people gather anywhere in Kosovo, especially during major holidays, it is precisely in the church. Such gatherings represent the symbolism of the Resurrection itself, with the aim that the Serbian people continue to survive there, but also to be reborn. When it is a holiday like Easter, it truly leaves a special impression," Coric told Kosovo Online.

She assessed that the most joyful Christian holiday may be even more special for travelers who come to Kosovo than for the people who live there.

"It is a special feeling when we are on holy land, and every visit there is a holiday for us. It is very gracious when the Resurrection of Christ is celebrated with our people who live in the conditions in which they live. They need support and love, and for us it is very beneficial," Coric emphasized.

As in previous years, this year as well, through the organization "Serbian Solidarity," within the campaign "Resurrected Kosovo and Metohija," they will visit three maternity wards in Kosovo – in Pasjane, in North Mitrovica, and in Gracanica, and give gifts to babies born during the holiday.

"We give gifts to babies born from Good Friday until the second day of Easter and to their parents in order to help them a little. These include cosmetic products, diapers, bodysuits, and financial assistance. This is a symbolic action aimed at providing them with support and thanking them for staying, for enduring on holy land, and for the birth of children. The trip during which we carry out this action is especially emotional," Coric said, adding that this year they received a large donation of 1.5 million dinars collected by believers of the Eparchy of Valjevo.

She pointed out that this year as well she will celebrate Easter in Kosovo.

"This time it will be even more interesting because we will go earlier and help people with preparations for welcoming the resurrection and the holiday. The preparations are joyful. In Kosovo and Metohija, the custom of decorating eggs is well known and it is spreading. They strive not to forget it, and for us who do not live in Kosovo and Metohija to learn that skill as well. It is truly very beautiful. The holiday is announced through that joy," Coric concluded.