Georgia celebrates Orthodox Easter today

Today Orthodox Christians in Georgia are celebrating Easter, which is one of the most significant dates on the religious calendar.

Churchgoers attended mass last night as curfew was rolled back to 11 p.m., however coronavirus regulations such as face masks and social distancing were enforced.

The liturgy started around 11 p.m. last night at Trinity Cathedral in Georgian capital of Tbilisi and other churches. Photo: Nino ALavidze/Agenda.ge archive

Every year on the day after Orthodox Easter, Georgians visit the graves of their loved ones, bringing with them Easter eggs painted red, traditional pastries and wine to commemorate those who have passed.

But this year, given the coronavirus pandemic in the country, the tradition poses a risk to public health as restrictions have been imposed on visiting cemeteries throughout the country on May 2-4.

• Georgian Easter: food, rituals and traditions

President Salome Zurabishvili has also posted in Facebook:

Prime Minister Irakli Garibashvili has wished everyone happiness, peace and health on Easter.

Easter fills us with joy and hope - [and] the hope that life wins over deaths”, he said.

Former Parliament Speaker Archil Talakvadze has tweeted:

Happy Easter! May the miracle of Easter bring you renewed hope, faith, love and joy. Have a blessed holiday! pic.twitter.com/UW5qDN9KUm

— Archil Talakvadze (@A_Talakvadze) May 1, 2021