Orthodox Christians across Azerbaijan are marking Easter today, one of the most important holidays in the Christian calendar, with midnight services, centuries-old traditions, and a message of unity and renewal.

From late Saturday into Sunday, churches in Baku and other regions filled with worshippers attending festive religious services to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ - the central event of the faith, The Caspian Post reports.

On the eve of the holiday, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev extended his congratulations to the Orthodox Christian community, highlighting the country’s long-standing culture of tolerance and coexistence. He emphasized that this atmosphere has played a key role in fostering harmonious relations among people of different nationalities and religions.

Easter, one of the oldest and most significant Christian holidays, symbolizes hope, renewal, and spiritual rebirth. This year, it is celebrated on April 12 according to the Orthodox calendar.

In the days leading up to the holiday, believers follow long-standing traditions - baking kulich (Easter bread), preparing paskha (dessert made with curd cheese, dried fruit, nuts, and spices), and bringing these festive foods to church for blessing on Saturday. The celebrations peak with a solemn nighttime procession and liturgy, marking the beginning of Easter.

On Bright Sunday, families gather around festive tables, share traditional treats, crack painted eggs, and greet one another with the joyful words: “Christ is Risen!”.