Priests urge quiet on Easter Sunday
Easter of the Dead, celebrated today and on Monday, April 20, is a time to honor the deceased. The veneration of the dead, which symbolizes the connection between the living and the departed, holds particular significance for the Orthodox Church. Viorel Cojocaru, a priest at the Church of the Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, emphasizes that from a symbolic perspective, Easter of the Dead links the earth to the sky and connects the past with the present and future.
"The Church advises that we maintain a sense of reverence at the cemetery by offering alms that are dear to our souls. We should give what we would like to receive. Essential items for these offerings include coliva (a traditional grain dish), a lit candle, pasca (Easter bread), a red egg, and a cake. The Church discourages turning the cemetery into a venue for memorial masses, excessively consuming alcohol, or using it as a fashion display," stated Viorel Cojocaru in an interview with Radio Moldova.
Believers are encouraged to focus on spirituality rather than material concerns on this day, which is dedicated to contemplation, the priest said.
"The first aspect is the personal commemoration of an individual. Commemorative days are observed, beginning with a procession and culminating in commemorations on the individual's birthday or the anniversary of their passing. We also have general commemorations, such as this celebration, which is distinctive because it takes place in cemeteries rather than in churches," the priest added.
Traditionally, the Easter of the Dead is celebrated on the Monday following Thomas Sunday, one week after the Resurrection of the Lord. On this day, believers remember their deceased relatives and friends by visiting cemeteries, lighting candles, and giving alms to maintain a symbolic connection with the departed, believing that these gestures help their souls.
We remind you that the Chisinau City Hall will be providing free transportation on April 19 and 20 to facilitate visits to the "Saint Lazarus" Cemetery and other cemeteries in Chisinau and its suburbs.
Buses will run under special conditions and will be added as needed to accommodate the increase in passenger flow during this period. Some traditional routes will be extended to ensure access to the cemeteries, and special routes to the "Saint Lazarus" Cemetery will be designated with the signs "C", "D" and route Nb. 27.
