For millions of Orthodox Christians around the world, Easter Sunday is tomorrow. Today’s Resurrection Saturday, a day that signifies the rising of Jesus after three days on the cross, and thus the beginning of a new hope for humanity.
Greeks celebrate Resurrection Saturday at midnight, with a church mass and a massive display of fireworks reminiscent of July 4th in the US. This particular one is way extraordinary, and must be watched.
Easter Sunday is a big, festive gathering of friends and family, to share glorious food that follows 40 days of fasting. Roasting a lamb on a spit is reserved for those that own homes with a yard; the majority of Greeks will bake it in the oven, with roasted lemon potatoes.
Despite being on the agnostic side of things, I do maintain a positive approach to the ceremonial aspect of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Millions of Greeks, Russians, Romanians, Bulgarians and Serbs share two millennia of religious co-habitation and celebrate Easter tomorrow.
In the US, lamb – and my favorite, goat – is hard to find. Lamb meat has a distinct flavor and it’s tastier than beef, when cooked right. The closest store to get lamb is in Tampa, according to this nifty lamb locator.
If you celebrate Easter tomorrow, have a great time whether you enjoy lamb or some other type of festive meal.
Χριστός Ανέστη και Καλό Πάσχα – Christ has risen and Happy Easter.
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