Large number of faithful attend Easter liturgy at the Church of St. Nicholas in Strpce

At the Church of St. Nicholas in Strpce, the Easter liturgy was served in the presence of a large number of faithful. Local residents say that they celebrate the most joyful Christian holiday traditionally within the family circle.

In the home of Emilija Redzic Mirkovic, everything is ready for the Easter celebration, as preparations began several days earlier.

“Easter is the most joyful and greatest Christian holiday, and we celebrate it traditionally within the family circle. We begin preparations a day or two before Easter by dyeing eggs, which is something all members of my family take part in. On the first day of Easter, we attend the Divine Liturgy, after which we return to our homes and celebrate all three days of Easter with our immediate and extended family, relatives, and friends, in joy and gratitude to the Lord for everything,” said Redzic Mirkovic.

Boban Staletovic said he was pleased to see a large number of believers in church.

“People have come to receive Holy Communion, to unite with God. It is truly beautiful to see such a sight, that more and more people are turning to God and the Church. May it be for everyone’s health and salvation; it is a good sign for our people. Today, it is customary to eat an Easter egg, and then we begin with richer food since we have been fasting all these days,” said Staletovic.

Filip Veljkovic will also spend the holiday traditionally with his family.

“Traditionally, I came to receive Holy Communion, and I will spend this holiday within the family circle,” said Veljkovic.

Priest Bosko Klisaric reminded that the faithful rejoice in Christ’s Resurrection because the Lord has conquered death.

“Easter is our most joyful Christian holiday. All Orthodox Christians celebrate it for three days. The suffering of our Lord begins on Holy Thursday, followed by the silence after He was taken down from the cross. In our Church, the bells do not ring during those days; instead, wooden clappers are used, which marks the introduction to Easter. Only then does the Holy Fire descend from heaven—that miracle of God. It is a confirmation of the coming of the Holy Spirit and of the Resurrection. Let Christians rejoice in Christ’s Resurrection, because the Lord has conquered death. I extend Easter greetings to all Orthodox faithful with the words ‘Peace of God, Christ is Risen – Indeed He is Risen,’” said Klisaric.