Written by  Matei Timofte from Romania

The Easter (Paștele) is the most important religious holiday in Romania, as the vast majority of Romanians are Orthodox Christians. It celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and symbolizes hope, renewal, and spiritual rebirth. For Romanians, Easter is not only a religious event but also a deeply rooted cultural tradition that brings communities and families together.

The preparation for Easter begins with the Holy Week, a sacred period marked by reflection, fasting, and daily participation in church services called ,,Denii”. These evening services are especially meaningful on Holy Thursday and Good Friday (Vinerea Mare). On Good Friday, many believers observe a strict fast, sometimes abstaining from food the entire day. In the evening, they attend the special service known as the Denia of the Lord’s Burial (Prohodul Domnului), which commemorates the death and burial of Jesus Christ. This moment is filled with deep emotion, prayer, and reverence.

The most important and emotional moment of Easter takes place on Saturday night, during the Resurrection service. Close to midnight, most believers go to church, each carrying a candle. The atmosphere is filled with anticipation and silence.At exactly midnight, the priest comes out of the church holding beautifully decorated lit candles and calls out: “Come and receive the Light!” („Veniți de luați lumină!”). At that moment, everyone tries to approach and light their own candle from the priest’s flame, passing the light from one person to another until the entire place shines.

After a short service of about fifteen minutes, the crowd sings together the hymn “Christ is risen from the dead, trampling down death by death…” („Hristos a înviat din morți…”). Then, some believers enter the church to attend the Divine Liturgy, while others go home, and some go to the cemetery to light candles at the graves of their loved ones. It is a powerful expression of faith, remembrance, and unity.

The Resurrection service continues into the night and usually ends around 3:00 AM, when the priest blesses the baskets of food brought by the believers. After returning home, people rest for a few hours.