Eastern Orthodox Christians the world over celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ this coming Sunday, April 12. After a Lenten period of reflection, self denial and prayer, we all look forward to the Feast that is Easter (Pascha).
Today, I spent the day preparing the Easter Eggs, always dyed red to signify the blood that Christ shed for our sins.
During our Easter celebration we will crack them together while announcing “Xristos Anesti”and “Alithos Anesti”. Literally,, Christ is Risen, Truly He is Risen. We crack them to signify Christ’s breaking forth from the tomb. It is such a wonderful, meaningful tradition!
We Greek Orthodox Christians also bake a traditional sweet bread called Tsoureki. I started mine early, as it requires 3 risings. Here’s the dough after the first rising…
Then, after the second rising, I braid the dough and place in pans to rise again…
These loaves have been brushed with an egg wash and sprinkled with sesame seeds…
45-50 minutes in a 350 degree oven and…..
I like to brush with melted butter and honey just to guild the lily…and because Yiayia taught me that way!
Praise be to God, Kalla Pascha!
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