Byzantine Easter Traditions: Blessing of Easter Foods

The Byzantine Christian tradition includes many meaningful customs which make our liturgical worship inspiring, spiritually rich, and close to the heart of our people.

Among these venerable customs we count the
custom of blessing food at Easter, especially the foods from which we have abstained since the beginning of the Great Fast. These are traditionally divided into three categories: Easter bread (Pascha), meat products, and dairy products.

The Easter bread symbolizes Jesus Christ as the "living Bread" and His promise to remain with us. Meat products represent sacrificial animals and the return of fallen mankind to God. Dairy products symbolize prosperity and peace in the Messianic times foretold by the Prophets. Eggs symbolize the Resurrection and new life, known as "pysanky" in our national art.