Decoration of Angry Birds-inspired Easter Eggs in Moscow. Easter (Pascha) is the most important festivity for the Russian Orthodox Church. This year it falls on April 15. The 40 days before Easter form the period called Great Lent, during which the believers prepare through prayer, fasting and meditation. The last week before Easter is called Holy Week. The night of Sunday is the culmination of the celebrations. During the midnight service a procession goes around the church with burning candles, and it's followed by the joyous Morning Prayer and the Communion service. Priests change their vestments from black to white ones; eggs, pashka (a dish made from tvorog) and kulich (Easter bread) are blessed. On Sunday the fast is finally lifted and people can enjoy their Easter feasts, during which the consumption of meat and dairy products abounds. Source: RIA Novosti / Konstantin Rodikov
