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(What international students love about celebrating Orthodox Easter)
🐣 Easter in Russia is not just a holiday — it’s an experience. Whether you're religious or not, it's one of the warmest and most meaningful times of the year. With its colorful traditions, deep spiritual roots, and strong family values, Orthodox Easter (Пасха) offers international students a unique chance to feel part of Russian culture.
Let’s explore what makes Russian Easter special.
🐣 Easter in Russia is not just a holiday — it’s an experience. Whether you're religious or not, it's one of the warmest and most meaningful times of the year. With its colorful traditions, deep spiritual roots, and strong family values, Orthodox Easter (Пасха) offers international students a unique chance to feel part of Russian culture.
Let’s explore what makes Russian Easter special.
⛪ When is Easter celebrated in Russia?
Orthodox Easter usually falls a week or more after Western Easter. That’s because it’s calculated using the Julian calendar, not the Gregorian one.
In 2025, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 20.
On the Saturday night before, thousands of people across the country gather in churches for the midnight service — the most beautiful and moving moment of the year for many.
In 2025, Orthodox Easter will be celebrated on April 20.
On the Saturday night before, thousands of people across the country gather in churches for the midnight service — the most beautiful and moving moment of the year for many.
🍞 What do people eat on Easter?
Three words: kulich, paskha, and eggs.
- Kulich (кулич) is a tall, sweet bread — imagine a fluffy cake with raisins, vanilla, and icing on top.
- Paskha (пасха) is a creamy dessert made from cottage cheese, decorated with the letters ХВ (“Christ is Risen”).
- And of course — colored eggs, traditionally dyed with onion skins or beet juice, though now they come in all styles and colors.
After 40 days of fasting (Lent), Russians break the fast with this joyful meal. Even non-religious families often follow this tradition.
🎨 Symbolism and beauty
Easter in Russia is full of symbols of life, light, and rebirth. Churches are decorated with flowers, candles, and icons. People greet each other with:
"Христос воскрес!" ("Christ is risen!")
To which the answer is: "Воистину воскрес!" ("Truly risen!")
There’s also a fun custom where people gently knock boiled eggs together — the one whose egg doesn’t crack is the "winner."
“I walked in as a guest. I left feeling like a grandson.” — Lucas from Argentina
🏡 Easter as a time for family
For most Russians, Easter is less about presents — and more about home, food, and time with loved ones.
Many students who live far from home try to travel back to their families. Those who can’t — often celebrate with friends, roommates, or international classmates. It's a time of sharing and kindness, no matter your religion.
💬 What international students say
“I’m Muslim, but I loved celebrating Easter with my Russian neighbors. They invited me for kulich and tea. It felt like family.”
— Zain, student from Egypt
“I didn’t expect it to be so peaceful and joyful. The midnight church service was unforgettable.”
— Esther, student from Ghana
🗓 How to join the celebration in 2025
If you're in Russia during Easter:
Even if you’re far from home, you’ll feel the warmth of a Russian Easter.
- Try attending a midnight service — even just once
- Buy (or bake!) a kulich
- Visit a market and see beautifully decorated eggs
- Spend time with your Russian friends — they’ll be happy to share this tradition with you
Even if you’re far from home, you’ll feel the warmth of a Russian Easter.
📍 Studying in Russia means more than just classes — it’s a cultural journey.
At Main Education, we help you not only apply to university, but also feel at home in a new country.
👉 Learn more about studying in Russia with us
👉 Learn more about studying in Russia with us
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