Orthodox Easter Day, also commonly referred to as Pascha, is one of the most significant holidays among the Christian Orthodox communities in Jordan. This religious celebration marks Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead, as documented in the New Testament of the holy Bible. The date of this holy day is determined based on the Julian calendar, differing from the western churches using the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, Orthodox Easter typically falls after the Western Easter celebrations.
The Jordan Orthodox community observes the Orthodox Easter Day with tremendous respect and profound rituals. The Holy Friday procession in the old city of Amman is a compelling spectacle, where followers visit churches for prayers and participate in the procession. On Holy Saturday, the 'Holy Fire' ceremony is observed, which symbolically represents the resurrection. The flame from the Church of the Resurrection in Jerusalem is transferred to all Orthodox churches in Jordan, a ritual dating back to the 9th century.
The actual Orthodox Easter Day in Jordan begins with midnight services, followed by the delivery of 'the good news of the resurrection'. Church bells ring out, songs of joy fill the air, and light from candles illuminate the churches. Families then break their Lent fasting with a festive meal typically involving meat, dairy products, and an Easter Braided Bread known as 'Paska'. This celebration brings together family and friends, strengthening bonds over shared faith and conviviality.