PHOTO Christians mark Easter - solemn masses held across Bosnia and Herzegovina

Solemn Masses throughout Bosnia and Herzegovina and the world

The commemoration of Christ's resurrection is celebrated with solemn masses led by archbishops and bishops, especially in larger cities. Believers gather to celebrate this holy day with prayer, song and fellowship.

The Easter liturgy at the Cathedral Church of the Nativity of the Theotokos in Sarajevo was led by Metropolitan of Dabar and Bosnia Hrizostom in the presence of believers.

His Eminence emphasized that wise policies should be the solution to all social and political problems in which Orthodox Christians have once again found themselves.

"This is what politics is for, to reach solutions that are acceptable to all through dialogue and tolerant confrontation of different axioms and principles," the Metropolitan said.

He also said said that the Orthodox people must be what Christ said "light to the world" and that shining shows the way where this world should go.

A Holy Mass was held at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Sarajevo, marking the Catholic Easter, led by Archbishop of Vrhbosna Tomo Vuksic.

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Easter vigil - the most profound liturgical moment

The night before Easter is marked by the Easter vigil, which many call the richest liturgical rite of the Church. Early Christians, inspired by the Jewish Passover rites, spent this night in prayer, reading holy texts and vigil, awaiting the coming of the Lord.

When is Easter celebrated?

Easter has no fixed date – it is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first spring full moon, which means it can fall between March 22 and April 25. This practice has its roots in the Jewish holiday of Passover, which is why numerous biblical texts in the Easter liturgy are dedicated to the symbolism of the exodus from Egyptian slavery.

Lent and three-day rituals

Preparation for Easter begins with Lent, a 40-day period of fasting, penance and spiritual preparation that begins on Ash Wednesday. The peak of the Easter celebration is the holy three days: Maundy Thursday (Lord's Supper), Maundy Friday and Maundy Saturday, which ends with a solemn vigil and Easter Sunday.

Easter Sunday opens a new cycle

Easter is not just a one-day holiday – it opens the Easter cycle that lasts 50 days, and ends with the Feast of All Souls (Pentecost). The first eight days constitute the Easter Octave, a period of intense joy and liturgical celebration.

Religious obligations and ritual symbolism

Ever since IV. century, new believers were baptized on Easter night, while the Fourth Lateran Council in 1215 introduced the obligation for all believers to confess and receive communion at least once a year - precisely on Easter.

In the Western liturgy, the Easter vigil includes the blessing of the fire, the lighting of the Easter candle, a procession, followed by the reading of sacred texts (five from the Old Testament and two from the New Testament), the renewal of the baptismal promises and the solemn Eucharist.