Penza, 16 April 2012. PenzaNews. Bright Week (Renewal Week) is the period of seven days beginning on Pascha (Easter) and continuing up to (but not including) the following Sunday, which is known as Thomas Sunday during which orthodox believers rejoice and celebrate Christ began on Monday, April 16. Every day there is outdoor cross procession after a liturgy. During all first week after Easter everybody can come to the orthodox temple and with priest blessing go to a bell tower to ring bells to announce joyful event for believers.

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In Bright Week ordinary fasting is suspended, and the entire week is fast-free. There are hymns and spiritual songs instead of morning and evening prayers.

The day before the bishop Penza and Kuznetsk Veniamin held Paschal Divine Liturgy in Uspensky cathedral. He congratulated orthodox belivers of the region on Easter.

Prime Minister Valery Savin read governor Vasily Bochkarev’s congratulation.

Besides, he presented an Easter glass egg made by Nikolsk craftsmen to the archbishop.

In service end bishop Veniamin took out a candle with Holy Fire frm Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem and all believers could light their candles from it.