The Many Languages of Pascha (Orthodox Easter)

This anecdote from isopod can’t help but make you smile:

Pascha (Orthodox Easter) is the only holiday where I feel like I have to brush up on my language skills before the liturgy.

During the liturgy, the priest shouts “Christ is risen!” and everyone responds ”Indeed He is Risen!” in many, many languages. It’s also how people greet each other after the liturgy. I can remember the Russian “Khristos Voskrese!” but never remember that the response is “Voistinu Voskrese!” Greek is easier: “Christos Anesti! Aleithos Anesti!” (though, to be honest, this is probably more memorable to me because of too many viewings of My Big Fat Greek Wedding.) And because my priest’s sons love it, I still remember the Swahili, though I’m unsure of the spelling: “Kristu amefufuka! Kweli amefufuka!”

And beyond that, I’ll respond in English “Indeed He is risen!” with a smile and a shrug.

~reblogged by Trent Gilliss, senior editor

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