Do They Celebrate Easter In Greece?
Easter in Greece Lamb and Gusto by Rick Steves from www.ricksteves.comThe Importance of Easter in Greece Easter is one of the most important religious holidays in Greece, and it is celebrated by both the Greek Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church. For the Greek Orthodox Church, Easter is the most significant holiday of the year, even more important than Christmas. In Greece, Easter is a time of great joy, celebration, and spiritual renewal. The Date of Easter in Greece The date of Easter in Greece is determined by the Orthodox Church's calendar, which is based on the Julian calendar. This means that Easter in Greece is usually celebrated later than Easter in Western countries. In 2023, Easter in Greece will be celebrated on Sunday, April 23rd. The Celebrations Leading up to Easter The celebrations leading up to Easter in Greece are known as Holy Week, and they are a time of intense religious devotion and preparation. The week begins on Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. On Holy Thursday, the Last Supper is commemorated, and on Good Friday, the crucifixion of Jesus is remembered. On Holy Saturday, the Resurrection of Jesus is celebrated, and the week culminates in the joyous celebration of Easter Sunday. Easter Traditions in Greece The Easter traditions in Greece are rich and varied, and they reflect the country's deep religious and cultural heritage. One of the most important traditions is the preparation of the Easter feast, which includes a variety of traditional dishes such as lamb, kokoretsi, and magiritsa. Another tradition is the dyeing of eggs, which are often painted red to symbolize the blood of Christ. The Midnight Resurrection Service One of the most beautiful and moving Easter traditions in Greece is the Midnight Resurrection Service, which takes place on Holy Saturday. This service marks the moment when Jesus is believed to have risen from the dead, and it is a time of great joy and celebration. At the stroke of midnight, the priest announces, "Christos Anesti" (Christ is Risen), and the congregation responds, "Alithos Anesti" (Truly He is Risen). The church bells ring out, and people light candles and fireworks to celebrate. The Epitaph Procession Another important Easter tradition in Greece is the Epitaph procession, which takes place on Good Friday. The Epitaph is a decorated bier that represents the body of Jesus, and it is carried through the streets by the faithful. The procession is accompanied by mournful music and chanting, and it is a solemn and moving event. Conclusion In conclusion, Easter is a very important holiday in Greece, and it is celebrated with great joy, devotion, and spiritual renewal. The traditions and customs associated with Easter in Greece reflect the country's deep religious and cultural heritage, and they are a testament to the enduring power of faith and community. If you are ever in Greece during Easter, be sure to experience the beauty and wonder of this ancient and meaningful holiday. ...