Orthodox Easter in Serbia
Orthodox Easter, or Vaskrs, celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ and is one of the central feasts of the Serbian Orthodox Church. In Serbia, the non-working holiday period runs from Good Friday through the second day of Easter, while church services and decorated eggs mark the observance.[1][2]
Meaning and timing
The Serbian Orthodox Church describes Easter as the celebration of Christ’s victory over death. Easter falls on a Sunday, and its date changes from year to year; the Church explains that it follows the first Sunday after the first full moon after the spring equinox and Jewish Passover.[2]
This Christian feast is observed by churches around the world, though calendars and dates can differ. In Serbia, the holiday’s religious observances and its legal non-working period are both part of the annual calendar.[1][2]
Church services and customs
The days before Easter include Good Friday and Holy Saturday services. A Serbian Orthodox Church publication describes worshippers venerating the Plashchanitsa, a cloth image of Christ after his removal from the cross, and a procession around the church with candles during the Easter service.[2]
Decorated eggs are a visible part of the celebration. The Church publication describes red as a symbol of joy and the Resurrection, and records the greeting “Hristos voskrese” (“Christ is risen”) and the response “Vaistinu voskrese” (“Truly he is risen”). It also describes people tapping decorated eggs together after the service.[2]
A four-day non-working period
Serbian law recognizes Easter holidays from Good Friday through the second day of Easter, which is Easter Monday. The Ministry of Labour lists these among the religious holidays observed as non-working days; it separately notes that employees of other Christian communities may take Easter holidays according to their own calendar.[1]
The rule for carrying a day off forward when a public holiday falls on Sunday applies to specified state holidays. The ministry says religious holidays are not transferred to the next working day, so an additional substitute day is not created under that rule.[1]
What to expect
A Serbian Government notice explains that state and other public bodies, companies and other business organizations do not work on designated state and religious holidays. The National Bank of Serbia also publishes a holiday calendar listing Orthodox Easter days as non-working. Check the relevant shop or transport provider’s schedule before travelling or making plans.[3][4]
Frequently asked questions
Is Orthodox Easter a public holiday in Serbia?
Yes. Easter holidays are observed as non-working days from Good Friday through the second day of Easter, Easter Monday.[1]
Does Serbia add a substitute day if Easter falls on Sunday?
No substitute day is added under the Sunday rule for state holidays. The Ministry of Labour says religious holidays are not carried forward to the next working day.[1]
What greeting is used at Easter?
A common greeting is “Hristos voskrese” (“Christ is risen”), answered with “Vaistinu voskrese” (“Truly he is risen”).[2]
Are shops and public transport open?
The Government says public bodies and businesses do not work on designated religious holidays. Check opening hours with shops and transport providers before you travel.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Orthodox Easter in Serbia:
- Државни и верски празници Републике Србије- Ministry of Labour, Employment, Veteran and Social Affairs of the Republic of Serbia
- Васкршњи обичаји- Svetosavsko Zvonce, Serbian Orthodox Church
- Нерадни дани од 25. до 28. априла и 1. и 2. мај- Government of the Republic of Serbia
- Public holidays in Serbia- National Bank of Serbia