Easter Heritage in the Middle East and North Africa
Ancient sacred Christian texts are part of family moments that contribute to the formation of family identity.





The Importance of Hymn Books, Prayers and Sacred Texts During Easter in the Eastern Churches
Easter, or Pascha, is the most important and greatest holiday in the Eastern Churches, where believers celebrate the resurrection of Christ from the dead. In this context, hymnbooks, prayers, and sacred texts play a vital and central role in commemorating this great religious occasion. These books are not only considered religious study materials, but also carry great historical and familial value that contributes to understanding and documenting Christian family history.
Hymn Books and Their Role in Family Cohesion
Hymnals contain hymns and songs sung during the Easter period. These hymns are considered part of the cultural and religious heritage of the Eastern Churches, as they are passed down from generation to generation within families. When families gather in church to celebrate Easter, hymns are sung communally, strengthening family and social bonds and rekindling shared memories. These family moments contribute to forming family identity and make each individual part of a religious family heritage rooted in history and tradition.
Books of Prayers and Family History
The prayer books contain the texts that are read during religious services at Easter. These books are a living record of the religious traditions practiced by Christian families throughout the ages. When family members participate in saying prayers together, they are participating in a ritual that dates back centuries, which promotes awareness of family history and religious heritage. Often, ancient prayer books contain notes or commentaries written by family members over the years, and they often contain family arbors (family trees) which add a personal dimension to the historical dimension of these texts.
Sacred Texts Are a Link Between Families in the Past, Present and Future
Holy texts, such as the Gospels and Epistles, are read during the Easter period to remind believers of the importance of the occasion. These texts are more than written words, but are also part of the spiritual heritage of Christian families. When holy texts are read in church, believers feel that they are part of a larger story that brings together previous generations and the current generation. Many of the sacred books kept by families also contain family trees and other valuable information about family history, not to mention any notes or comments written by individuals from previous generations in the footnotes of these books. All of this contributes to strengthening feelings of belonging and connection with the past, strengthening family ties, and contributing to a deeper understanding of family history.
Preserving Family Heritage
The Holy Books play an important role in preserving family heritage. The Holy Books play an important role in preserving family and religious heritage. By caring for and preserving these books, families ensure the transmission of their religious and cultural heritage to future generations. This heritage is considered an integral part of family history, as it reflects the values and beliefs that shaped the family’s identity throughout the ages.
Connecting Generations and Strengthening Family Ties
Hymnbooks, prayers, and sacred texts are considered more than just religious tools in the Eastern Churches. They are part of the family’s history and heritage, connecting generations and strengthening family bonds through shared religious celebrations. By preserving and appreciating these books, families preserve their ancient heritage and pass it on to future generations, which contributes to the continuation of family identity and its connection over time.