European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - March 31, 1988, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Priests of the russian orthodox Church celebrate Lister in � Moscow if Nice. Russian orthodox1 easter by Sharon Hudgins 1 his year is the Looth anniversary of christianity in Russia. Grind Prince Viii Linoir of Kiev vim  Inlo the Christian  in the year 988. Thousands of his subjects followed his example jul christianity under his of tract became tin  s official religion. Volu n Ito Muniss came to Poult in 1917, organized religion a discouraged but Mil outlawed. During  s regime however religious persecution reached its height. , As part of Mikhail Gorbachev s new policy of , or openness the soviet government is considering a More tolerant Altitude toward religion. It is relaxing some restrictions on religious practices. The soviet Union is the Home of millions of believers lutherans baptists roman catholics jews and members of various moslem sects. But the thousand year old russian orthodox Church is the largest Christian organization in the country Wilh several million official members and countless unofficial believers. Eastern orthodox Christian churches including the russian one follow a slightly different religious Calendar from the one used by Western roman Catholic and protestant churches. For that reason Caster will be celebrated by the russian orthodox Church on april 10 this year. Before the russian revolution in 1917, easter was the most important Holiday in Russia. Although religious festivals Are no longer officially observed in the soviet Union easier remains a special time of year when churches Are filled to overflowing and traditional foods Are prepared at Home. And for russian emigre communities around the world easter is still celebrated in the old fashioned Way with Church services and feasts  preserve their rituals and customs. During the six weeks prior to easier stripes Magazine March 31, 7988 devout members of the russian orthodox  abstain from animal products of Iny Kirn milk Buller i Heese , , i Gas. 1 he arrival of  is eagerly Elict Jid As both a spiritual Celebration Anil a release from the c culinary restriction of ent. Reparations for the  begin during passion week the period Between Palm sunday Anil taster sunday. Ingredients Are chopped cooked assembled and garnished the  nil variety of foods limited Only by the resources of each household. On Maundy thursday. The Day preceding Good Friday easier eggs Are dyed some solid red others  with intricate multicoloured designs. On saturday night easter eve the table is set for a lavish Buffet. Arrayed on the White Tablecloth Are the goods always served at easier chilled Vodka often several flavors of it Hailmu traditional russian appetizers such As red caviar cucumbers in sour Cream pickled mushrooms spicy sausages smoked fish Etc. Three kinds of roasted meats symbolizing the holy Trinity Ham wrapped in Rye or cheese Flavoured dough or roast suckling pig Turkey Lamb or Duck and breads sweets and confections. The table is decorated with Flowers greenery and brightly coloured easter eggs. Traditionally in the Center is a Lamb folded out of Buller holding a piece of fresh greenery in its Mouth. Essential on every easier Buffet table arc the traditional pm Sec a and Kulich. Ptiikh.1 is an elegant Rich dessert made from soft while cheese Cream eggs Butler and sugar Flavoured with almonds raisins and candied fruit. Usually uncooked it is a sort of cheesecake prepared in a tall wooden Mold. Inscribed on ils sides Are the idlers Bihe cyrillic initials for the words Khz Riili Vosk Tus or Christ is  the Kulich is a tall cylindrical yeast raised cake similar to a brioche or Liugia Shopf. During baking the cake rises to form a puffy mushroom shaped dome on lop. Usually the dome is frosted Wilh while icing and sometimes it is decorated Wilh coloured sugar candies or pieces of Glac eed fruit. Some Cooks also inscribe the letters ebon their Kulichik. A Row of easter eggs is often arranged around inc base. The a is twi a Kulich and dyed eggs Are such an important part of the easter feast  they Are taken to Midnight mass to be blessed by the priest. The women wrap the eggs and Kulichik in while napkins and the  is carefully placed in a Wicker Basket. All Are carried to the Church and placed in front of the Allar. In Many places a Long thin red Candle is stuck Inlo each Kulich