Happy Easter dear Amanda !
I almost failed to fulfill my promise to visit this great forum. I am very sorry for being brief for the moment, and couldn`t pass through whole topic. I`ll be back to read all this great poems.
For now I`d write only for what have been asked, and what is related to this our day.
In Orthodox Christian religion (it was the same church with Roman Catholics until 1054) THE BIGGEST HOLIDAY IS EASTER, and after it comes Christmas. (Because, main point of Jesus mission IS HIS SACRIFICE FOR OUR SINS, DEATH AND THEN RESURRECTION.)
Before Easter, people fast 7 weeks (49 days), EATING ONLY VEGETABLES COOCKED without any fatigue. During the fasting, all physical pleasures (including making physical love) should be avoided.
Each Saturday and Sunday, people can confess their sins, and receive the holy communion. If man go to receive the holy communion, before taking it, he/she is not permitted to eat or drink anything. Each one can receive the holy communion each day when is liturgy.
DURING THE BIG OR HOLY FRIDAY no one plays any except sacral musics ... no one laughs in public and you cann`t hear people even speaking loudly.
And when Easter comes (this year Orthodox Easter would come next weekend) .... joy can be felt everywhere.
God bless you all AND HAPPY EASTER TO YOU!
Luka
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