I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that there are not many better places to spend Spring than in Greece. The wildflowers are in full bloom and the weather is amazing. Below, Rob is standing on our street which never looks better than in April. I'm glad we're here to enjoy it this year (although Corinth is a fantastic alternative).
On Good Friday Rob and I went out for a walk but ended up doing a tour of sorts consisting of ten different churches. In Greece (and probably many other Orthodox Christian communities) Good Friday is a day for churches to open the front doors, ring the bells, and allow neighbors the opportunity to mark the death of Christ. Each church had an alter that was wrapped in fresh flowers containing an image of the crucified Christ. We waited in line at each church to get a close up look, while the Greeks waiting to kiss the image. It was such a great way to spend the afternoon. But, I didn't have my camera. :(
On the evening of Good Friday Rob and I headed back out into the city for a stroll and found ourselves following the sound of church music. We ended up at a little church and stayed to participate in their services. I didn't understand the lyrics of the Byzantine sounding music, but it was probably the most "religious" experience I've ever had on Easter. Next we processed with this church in a candlelit walk around the neighborhood with the cantor and priest at the front of the line. Again, it was an experience that I am unable to describe in words (and I still didn't have a camera with me).
Below is a church in Moni Petraki (a Byzantine monastary) in our neighborhood. We stopped by on Saturday afternoon for a quick photo so I would have an example of these little Greek churches to show you!
The most important church service takes place on Saturday night beginning around 11:00 pm and ending just after midnight. You see, the Orthodox Greeks have been fasting since Carnival so following the late night service they all rush home or to the local taverna and have a feast! :) Rob and I along with a few other friends spent our night on Lycabettus at the St. George. It's a little church so besides going in for this quick photo, we stood outside for the duration. Although it was very windy and a bit chilly, the views of the city were well worth the effort. The best part for me is when midnight approaches and the church bells throughout the city begin to ring. At about the same time fireworks can be seen from all directions and awesome red flares shine in the nighttime sky. As you can see, we weren't the only people who made the trek up to Lycabettus.
Another highlight was the lighting of the candles. The flame is flown to Athens from Jerusalem and then it is spread around the country. Oh, and the flame doubles as a hand-warmer on this chilly evening.
To top off the Easter celebrations the school hosts a lamb roast. It's a fun day filled with lamb-basting and good eating! Oh, and did I mention the weather? It was sunny and 70 degrees! Best Easter Ever!
On Good Friday Rob and I went out for a walk but ended up doing a tour of sorts consisting of ten different churches. In Greece (and probably many other Orthodox Christian communities) Good Friday is a day for churches to open the front doors, ring the bells, and allow neighbors the opportunity to mark the death of Christ. Each church had an alter that was wrapped in fresh flowers containing an image of the crucified Christ. We waited in line at each church to get a close up look, while the Greeks waiting to kiss the image. It was such a great way to spend the afternoon. But, I didn't have my camera. :(
On the evening of Good Friday Rob and I headed back out into the city for a stroll and found ourselves following the sound of church music. We ended up at a little church and stayed to participate in their services. I didn't understand the lyrics of the Byzantine sounding music, but it was probably the most "religious" experience I've ever had on Easter. Next we processed with this church in a candlelit walk around the neighborhood with the cantor and priest at the front of the line. Again, it was an experience that I am unable to describe in words (and I still didn't have a camera with me).
Below is a church in Moni Petraki (a Byzantine monastary) in our neighborhood. We stopped by on Saturday afternoon for a quick photo so I would have an example of these little Greek churches to show you!
Another highlight was the lighting of the candles. The flame is flown to Athens from Jerusalem and then it is spread around the country. Oh, and the flame doubles as a hand-warmer on this chilly evening.
To top off the Easter celebrations the school hosts a lamb roast. It's a fun day filled with lamb-basting and good eating! Oh, and did I mention the weather? It was sunny and 70 degrees! Best Easter Ever!
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