Easter Bread

Russian Easter is this weekend and everyone in the village is preparing their Easter bread for the celebration, and I'm joining in on the tradition.  I'm not sure where the tradition comes from, but it seems to be a very important part of Easter in the village.  The Russian Orthodox church observes lent several times throughout the year, but the Easter lent is the most strict within observances and much more strict than any other denomination I'm aware of and Easter bread is loaded with all the eggs and butter and fruits and nuts they've not been allowed to enjoy.  Easter bread can be made anytime the week before Easter, but must be made with Holy water if made on Good Friday - part of why I'm making mine tonight rather than Friday night as I don't have any Holy water.  I assume most in the village will then take their bread to the church so Father can bless it, then they'll exchange it with friends and family and take it home to enjoy.  If the bread has been blessed it cannot be thrown away, but must instead be burned if there is any left uneaten.  I will confess that I was a bit unprepared for this culinary adventure as I didn't get a recipe until a few days ago and I can't exactly go to the grocery store for ingredients.  Thus after marking out everything that I don't have or Mike doesn't like (he hates pineapple and coconut, both of which are popular tidbits) I had to get a little inventive so mine will have nuts, oranges, and cherries.  I have a feeling I just may bring this Alaskan Easter tradition home with me.