Στην ημέρα που ο ήλιος ζεσταίνει,
Μια χαρούμενη θέα που ευφραίνει.
Τα άνθη σε χρώματα φωτεινά κοιτάζουν ,
Και την ομορφιά της ζωής μας δείχνουν.
Τα αυγά κρύβουμε, παιχνίδι γεμάτο γέλια,
Μια καταδίωξη που γεμίζει την καρδιά με ζεστασιά.
Τα χαμόγελα είναι παντού, σε κάθε γωνιά και χώρο,
Δημιουργώντας έναν κόσμο γεμάτο χαρά και αγάπη.
English translation of the Greek poem:
On the day when the sun warms,
A joyful sight that delights.
The flowers in bright colors gaze,
And they show us the beauty of our lives.
We hide the eggs, a game full of laughter,
A chase that fills the heart with warmth.
Smiles are everywhere, in every corner and space,
Creating a world filled with joy and love.
Easter Sunday this year, 2024, falls on March 31st in most countries. So you might already be knee-deep in preparations for the festivities! Greek Orthodox Easter follows the Julian calendar and falls on a different date than Western Easter. This year, Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday falls on Sunday, May 5th, 2024.
Greek Orthodox Easter: A Celebration of Faith and Renewal
Greek Orthodox Easter is considered one of the most important holidays on the Greek calendar. It is a time of deep spiritual reflection and joyous celebration. Here’s what you need to know about this significant event.
The Date
Unlike Western Christianity which follows the Gregorian calendar, the Eastern Orthodox Church bases its Easter dates on the Julian calendar. This often results in Greek Orthodox Easter being celebrated a few weeks after Catholic and Protestant Easter. In 2024, Greek Orthodox Easter is celebrated on the 5th of May.
The Significance
Greek Orthodox Easter commemorates the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It marks the passing of winter to spring, symbolizing renewal and new life. The celebration begins with “Great Lent,” a strict 40-day period of fasting. This period ends on Lazarus Saturday, which commemorates the resurrection of Lazarus from the dead.
The Traditions
Greek Orthodox Easter is rich with traditions and customs. Good Friday, known as “The Epitaph Mass,” is a day of mourning. A replica of Christ’s funeral bier is decorated with flowers and paraded through the streets.
Easter Saturday, known as “The Resurrection” or “Anastasis,” is a day of joyous celebration. At midnight, the resurrection is proclaimed, and the faithful light candles, symbolizing the light of the Resurrected Christ illuminating the world. Fireworks light up the sky, and the salutation “Christos Anesti” (Christ has risen) is exchanged.
The Feast
After the midnight service, families return home to break their fast with a traditional soup called mageritsa. Easter Sunday is a day of feasting. Lamb is traditionally served, symbolizing the Lamb of God who was sacrificed and resurrected.
Conclusion
Greek Orthodox Easter is a profound spiritual journey marked by reflection, repentance, celebration, and feasting. It’s a time when families come together to celebrate their faith and the promise of renewal and new life. Whether you’re in Greece or anywhere else in the world, the spirit of Greek Orthodox Easter is a powerful reminder of the enduring message of hope and resurrection.
Love & Light
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