Theophila Ghebremichael

February 21, 2023
Grade 4

A Tour Through My Easter

Would you believe me if I tell you that my preparation for Easter lasts 55 days? Easter is a holiday that Christians around the world celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In the Orthodox Church, this celebration is given the highest place among all the other feasts. Hence, the church, since the early times of Christianity, has ordained a period of fasting and repentance leading up to the feast of resurrection. In my family, we participate in this preparation with zeal. We also take the celebration of the resurrection of Christ as seriously as our preparation.

Now let me share with you how the believers in the Orthodox Church prepare for Easter through fasting. Because we desire to challenge both our bodies and spirits, we observe a strict fasting season. During this time the adults abstain from food and break their fast by eating vegan food. Though I do not skip meals, I participate in this fast by eating no meat, cheese, eggs, and other dairy products. I also choose not to eat sweets to help me grow in self-control. This fast is 55 days. The first two weeks are for preparation. Fortunately, God strengthens me in order that I may complete this fast. During these days, we also spend more time in prayer and increase our almsgiving. The final and most important week is called Holy Week, which involves daily church services that reflect the last week leading up to Jesus’ crucifixion. On Good Friday, we attend a 12-hour church service in which many do not eat till the end. Although this may seem hard, it actually prepares me for Holy Resurrection.

After the long spiritual preparation that our family undertakes, we prepare ourselves to celebrate the joyous resurrection of our Christ. On Easter Eve, which is known as Bright Saturday, we stop eating after 2 pm in preparation for the special church service that my family attends. Although I feel hungry, I distract myself with the dedicated hymns for that day. The service is 5 hours and ends at 11pm. Afterwards, we exchange greetings saying “Christ is risen” and “Truly he is risen” and are given embellished cookies and chocolates. On the drive home we munch the cookies delightedly and talk nonstop. You might think that we sleep when we get home but you will never guess what we do instead. Midnight feast! Now we feast over traditional food that my mom prepared and at last go to bed. On Easter Sunday, we play Easter egg hunt and continue to celebrate with family and friends. Finally, we celebrate Bassillios’ and my birthday with our favorite ice cream cake since our birthdays fall around Easter time. The way we celebrate the feast of resurrection in our family is unique and exciting.

The way that the Orthodox Church prepares for Easter through fasting may seem demanding, but it helps me personally to create a special bond with Christ and examine my heart. When it is time for celebration, I rejoice with all my heart and fill my belly with mouth-watering, delicious food. Most significantly, the spiritual journey we take as a family adds a deep connection that I cherish. Additionally, the yearly ritual strengthens my faith and forms joyous memories with my family and my church.

Congratulations for our successful completion of the Intensive/immersive summer school program at Holy Trinity. A much deserved thanks to the 18 parents who dedicated themselves to help in this month-long program. Also, to the deacons who themselves had passed through this same experience in their childhood and are now dedicated young deacons who helped out. This is one of Holy Trinity’s dynamic educational program for our boys and girls. Glory be to God!

Ten year-old Aaron and nine year-old Esey served as the main and assistant deacons at todays celebration of the Divine Liturgy. Congratulation to our boys for their hard work and dedication, their parents, and the church.

Our Annual Children's Summer Session, June 1-30 is in progress. The purpose of this intensive program (Monday - Friday, 4:30 - 8:00 PM) is to train our boys and girls in Orthodox worship. They learn how to read Ge'ez, the liturgical language of the Eritrean Orthodox Church. They continue to learn the liturgy and prayers of the Church. Just as importantly, they play, have fun, and grow together.