{Info-Prim Neo interview with Father Valeriu Potoroaca, parson of Saint Pantelimon Church in Chisinau} [– Why is the Resurrection considered the most important Christian holiday? ] – The Church and the people call it the “Holiday of all Holidays”. It is the greatest moment for all Christians because it celebrates Christ’s Resurrection after being crucified. His crucifixion symbolizes His sacrifice to redeem the sins of mankind, His Resurrection symbolizes the resurrection of the souls of men who renounce sin, who repent before God and who receive His forgiveness for committed sins. Before Easter, there is the Great Lent, which commemorates the events that preceded the Resurrection. The last week, called the Great and Holy Week, begins on Palm Sunday, when Jesus entered Jerusalem, and ends on Holy Saturday. This week commemorates the passion of Christ, His crucifixion and death on Holy Friday. [– We all know the Great Lent before Easter is the most important and it prepares us for the Resurrection. Can we enjoy the holiday without fasting?] – During the Paschal Vigil, all priests read a teaching of St. John Chrysostom who calls all those who fasted or not, who consider themselves worthy or not, to come and enjoy the Resurrection. If a Christian couldn’t fast or he was negligent, he should dare and enjoy the holiday. The most important thing is that people realize their sins and resent, and the holiday is observed through fasting. The Great Lent prepares us to meet God’s Resurrection, who, through His crucifixion, redeemed our sins and brought the chance for a new world. We fast 40 days to commemorate Jesus’ fasting before he started preaching his teachings. Fasting cleans our minds and bodies, it helps us think clearer about our lives. The Great Lent isn’t a goal itself, no. Like others fasts in the Orthodox Church, it’s meant to purify our souls. The Resurrection can be truly felt only after being prepared. [– How to properly finish the Lent?] – At the end of the Vigil, believers are still fasting. After charging with the Resurrection holiday energy, they go home and have the Easter meal. Because it’s a holiday, the Church allows various dishes and drinks. However, people must do it with measure and decorum. The excess of feasting with food and drinks diminishes the significance of the holiday. Only by combining both spiritual and earthly delights, we can truly feel the holiday. Believers engage in preparation for Easter with everything they consider most important to their lives. Undoubtedly, if there is joy, there is delight. It’s the happiness brought by the Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ. [– Why is it so important that we attend the Resurrection Vigil?] – The Resurrection Vigil is special because we come to repent for our sins. It is the culmination of our efforts. Christians attending the Vigil feel an unexplainable joy. We come to observe the Resurrection of God through prayers. There are many church songs that can be heard only on this occasion. The most important is the hymn “Christ is risen from the dead/ Trampling down death by death/ And upon those in the tombs/ Bestowing life!” The Resurrection of our Lord always brings light and hope. If we fast and follow the church rules, we won’t despair and we’ll know that God won’t forget us and will help us. This hope is given by the holiday of Easter and by every Sunday. This day can be considered a secondary Easter, so that we should go to the church every Sunday.