Soldiers of Christ in Hajdúdorog – Lads with Swords in ’The City, which is Most Loyal to the Greek Catholic Faith’
Soldiers of Christ in Hajdúdorog – Lads with Swords in ’The City, which is Most Loyal to the Greek Catholic Faith’
Easter is the biggest feast of the Christian faith. A special way of remembrance developed in Hajdúdorog: from Good Friday (the day of the crucifixion of Jesus) until Easter Sunday lads with swords all dressed in traditional customs serve in the Greek Catholic Cathedral.
They are the soldiers of Christ. Their main task is to guard the Holy Sepulchre, the symbolic resting place of Jesus. Beyond that, they are present on the Resurrection Ceremony at midnight, as well as on the solemn liturgy on Easter Sunday, on the consecration of Paska (special kind of bread prepared for Easter Sunday) and ont he blessing of festive foods.
Soldier of Christ can be any young man who is not married yet. Undertaking the task means a serious practical and spiritual preparation, also it is considered a great honour. The greek catholic community keep count on the identity of the soldiers of Christ and they get a significant role on the religious holidays of the city, too.
The responsible institution for the professional coordinating of the UNESCO Convention in Hungary:
Directorate of Intangible Cultural Heritage, Hungarian Open Air Museum
