Posted on 04/23/2006 3:58:31 PM PDT by NYer
VATICAN CITY, APRIL 23, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI wished a happy Easter to all Eastern Churches that celebrate the resurrection of Christ according to the Julian calendar.
"'Christos anesti! Christos vaskries!'" (Christ has risen!), the Pope said today after reciting the midday Regina Caeli with the faithful gathered in St. Peter's Square.
"My cordial thoughts are directed now to our brothers of the Churches of the East, which celebrate Easter today," the Holy Father said. "May the risen Lord grant all the gifts of his light and peace."
Benedict XVI noted immediately "that many people of these populations in Serbia, Romania and Bulgaria, are suffering because of the floods of recent days."
The Holy Father assured them of his closeness "with prayer" and hoped that "thanks to the contribution of all, they may speedily surmount these difficult moments."
To which, on behalf of the Eastern Catholics, I personally add mine ...
I always like the way people congratulate each other in Easter time. Instead of saying "Happy Easter" or along that line, they would say, "Christ is risen!" and the other person would reply "He is risen, indeed!"
Oops, I forgot to mention that I was referring to Slavic people who still use that form above for congratulating each other during Easter.
Thank you NYer. The Pope's message to the Churches of the East was carried on major Serbian media. The Great and Holy Pascha was served for the first time in the largest Orthodox Cathedral in the world, the St. Sava Temple, in Belgrade.
by Archbishop Ioanikie
in the still unfinished church 
That church is going to be gorgeous when they finish the interior.
:-)
In our secular society, the words "Happy Easter" have taken on a different meaning - the Easter Bunny, baskets overflowing with candy, egg hunting and rolling contests. Whereas the words, "Christ is Risen!" , retain the true meaning of this holy day. To which, I gratefully respond, Truly Risen!
Now that is truly awesome!! Thank you for posting the pictures. Love those fountains .... and the incense :-)
St. Sava is close to finish now? It seems it takes so long to finish...
Christos anesti...alithos anesti!
That's interesting. My cousin text messaged me last week with "Happy Easter - Christ is risen!". He's a Roman Catholic who's marrying a Ukranian Rite Catholic girl. I guess he's picking up some of the phrases.
Beautiful liturgy! God bless them both.
Thanks. You can see from the columns on the last picture that they are taking time to do everything in detail, like the double-headed Byzantine eagle at the column's top; the columns themselves being made of polished stone. The ceilings will be covered with pictures of Panagia and the walls will be covered with icons. The floor is usually covered with rugs. It's "heaven on earth." :)
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