Greek Orthodox Easter traditions

Greek Ethima Pasha

Easter is the most sacred observance in the Greek Orthodox faith. All the days of Holy Week there is Functions in the church which recounts the Passion of Christ.
The main Easter traditions are:

Holy Thursday:

The housewives make Easter sweets (brioches and cookies) and dye red eggs.
In the afternoon in the church, the priest read the 12 gospels and after the Function, women decorate the epitaph.

Holy Friday:

Τhe Holy Friday is the day of transfer the epitaph. The epitaph wandering around the church and the streets, while the Christians follow behind. Is a day of mourning.

Holy Saturday:

The Holy Saturday is the night of the Resurrection. At 12 o’clock at night, the priest gives the Holy Light to the Christians and chants “Christ is risen”. Christians take the Holy Light with Easter candles and greet each other by saying “Christ is risen” (Christos Anesti) and replying “Truly the Lord had risen” (Alithos Anesti o Kyrios). In many areas lit fireworks. It’s the day of Resurrection, day of joy and celebration.
The Holy Saturday ends the fasting of Lent and returning home to eat magiritsa soup and clink the red eggs.

Easter Sunday:

On Easter Sunday Christians celebrate the Resurrection. On Sunday noon roasting lamb or goat kid and ends the Holy Week.

Easter Monday:

Another national holiday, Easter Monday is a day to take things slowly, and certainly a day filled with delicious leftovers!