Macedonians celebrate Easter today. Late on Sunday evening, crowds gathered in churches across the country to hear the news of the resurrection.

For a first time in independent Macedonia, the Macedonian Orthodox Church also joined in the sharing of the holy fire, lit in Jerusalem. A Bulgarian delegation that was sent to receive the fire, included a Macedonian cleric in its ranks.

From Skopje, where the fire was flown it and welcomed by Archbishop Stefan, it will be shared throughout Macedonia.

Traditionally, Easter is celebrated with the breaking of brightly colored eggs which symbolize the resurrection and victory of life over death.