Hristos a înviat!

Hristos a înviat! (Christ is risen!)  It is Easter Monday here in Romania because Romanians celebrate Easter according to the Eastern Orthodox calendar. 
We personally began our Easter celebration by joining online services from the US last week and by talking with our family via Skype. 
Thursday, we joined our church family here online, remembering the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for us on the cross and celebrating the Lord's Supper together in our own homes as we were led by Pastor Simi and his family from the church.  It was a moving time.

One of the Easter eggs we received

Saturday, Nancy delivered some of her famous brownies to a few of the neighbors, keeping appropriate distance, of course, and received back  other treats along with some traditional red-dyed decorated Easter eggs.
On Sunday, we again joined the church family online and celebrated in song and in the Word the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  After service, the pastor and his family drove to the homes of several church members and greeted each one, maintaining distance by staying in the car.  It was hard not to be able to give hugs, but seeing one another was a wonderful encouragement. 
Today, Easter Monday, is a holiday in Romania.  The streets are even quieter than they have been for the past few weeks.  Romania's President Ioanis has extended his stay-at-home orders until at least mid-May.  We praise God that we and those around us are all safe and healthy.
Even though we could not celebrate Easter in the traditional ways, our Savior is still risen and alive and with us today.  Praise his holy Name!