Holy Week
Holy Week. "Megali Evthomada" is the biggest festival of the Greek church - more so than Christmas. this year it was rudely interrupted by a council meeting! In fact the leader of the opposition, Mr Koukianakis, actually complained about it at the start of the meeting- the answer was "Tough! Non of us like it but it has to be done and can't wait" The meeting started at 7pm and continued till about 1.20 am! The draft plan for public works expenditure was approved, so at least work can begin!
Back to Holy week. Holy Thursday is the day for painting eggs. Traditionally red, but can be found in all colours. Good Friday the girls and women gather flowers to decorate the "bier" in the church and in the evening a service is held where the bier is carried around the village and the churchyard is blessed. It is lovely to see all the village people together lighting candles at the graves and it is also a social occasion. Tonight ( Saturday) the churches have midnight services ( or as near as possible if the local priest has to cover several villages) followed by a bonfire on which is burned an effigy of Judas ( Rather like the English "Guy") Tomorrow Easter day is great feasting and celebrating - far more than Christmas. Today is not a day for the squeamish to visit villages - lots of sheep and goats being slaughtered and prepared for tomorrow! The children are looking forward to Easter gifts and tonight there will be many Barbies and action men etc with candles attached in evidence at the midnight service
Καλο Πασχα
Back to Holy week. Holy Thursday is the day for painting eggs. Traditionally red, but can be found in all colours. Good Friday the girls and women gather flowers to decorate the "bier" in the church and in the evening a service is held where the bier is carried around the village and the churchyard is blessed. It is lovely to see all the village people together lighting candles at the graves and it is also a social occasion. Tonight ( Saturday) the churches have midnight services ( or as near as possible if the local priest has to cover several villages) followed by a bonfire on which is burned an effigy of Judas ( Rather like the English "Guy") Tomorrow Easter day is great feasting and celebrating - far more than Christmas. Today is not a day for the squeamish to visit villages - lots of sheep and goats being slaughtered and prepared for tomorrow! The children are looking forward to Easter gifts and tonight there will be many Barbies and action men etc with candles attached in evidence at the midnight service
Καλο Πασχα
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