Easter in Leposavic: The most beautiful egg painted with Christ’s image, the strongest came from Belgrade

At the Church of St. Basil of Ostrog in Leposavic, the most joyful Christian holiday, Easter, was celebrated in the presence of a large number of faithful. The Divine Liturgy was served by the local clergy, and the Easter message of the Serbian Patriarch Patriarch Porfirije was also read.

Following the liturgy, Holy Communion was administered and blessed bread (nafora) distributed.

The churchyard was filled with many children who eagerly awaited the traditional competition for the most beautifully decorated and the strongest Easter egg.

This year’s winners were Vanja Radovanovic, who won the award for the most beautiful egg, and Luka Marjanovic, whose egg was declared the strongest.

The winners, as well as the second- and third-place participants, received trophies, icons, and other appropriate gifts.

Vanja painted Christ, inspired by her mother’s idea.

“I have been competing for several years, but this is the first time I have won a prize. I got the idea for the drawing from my mother, who was my inspiration. I painted Jesus Christ on the egg because He is the essence of Easter. It didn’t take me much time to draw, but it required a lot of effort and attention. First, I made a sketch, and then I painted it with tempera using a thin brush,” she explained.

Luka Marjanovic came from Belgrade, and having the strongest egg made the holiday even more special for him.

“I came from Belgrade to visit my grandmother in Leposavic. I didn’t expect to win, but I’m really happy that I did,” Luka said.

Protoiereus Dragan Djukic extended Easter greetings to the faithful.

“Christ is Risen! Today is a great occasion in the churchyard of our temple, as the faithful, together with their children, have been preparing for this holiday for seven weeks through fasting. Even the children fasted, so the joy this morning was immeasurable, as everyone received Holy Communion. After that, the traditional competition for the most beautiful and strongest egg was held, which further delighted the youngest. Now everyone returns to their homes and families to celebrate the greatest Christian holiday in joy,” said Djukic.