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Easter in Zakynthos is a special time, unlike other places in Greece; Zakynthos has her own unique traditions and customs.
Below is a general programme of what will take place throughout the Holy Week, 2024.
As Zakynthian tradition has its roots connected deep into Greek Orthodox religion many of our churches will be open for prayer during the Holy week.
Most of the village resorts have their own church so it is easy for visitors to our Island to follow services.
If you have never been to a Greek Orthodox Church then this is the time to attend.
Throughout the week the Church has its services based on “themes” that connect to the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ.
Starting with Palm Sunday services will take place in the morning and in the evening.
Most church services will commence at around 08.00a.m in the morning and then 19.30p.m the evening.
29/04/2024
Holy Monday.
Some village churches may not be open today. However, services will take place in the evening around 18.00p.m in Zakynthos town and at Saint Nicholaos church in the quaint village of Ambelokipi.
An event in the village of Exo Hora will also take place at 19.30p.m. This event will show the traditions and customs of Zakynthos during the Holy Week in documentary form. Cultural groups will dance to traditional Zakynthian music, whilst the women’s choir of “Rodambelos” will sing the unique “moirologio”, lament to our Virgin Mother.
Entrance is free.
At 21.15 p.m at the Public Theatre, Zakynthos town, another event will take place. Αn ecclesiastical vocal ensemble along with two soloists will perform. Entrance is free.
30/4/2024
Holy Tuesday
Today is a special day in Zakynthos and the Church of Faneromeni in Zakynthos town; is one I personally would recommend visitors to take part in. It is here that the men’s choir of Faneromeni will sing the Hymn of Cassandra in true Byzantine style. The service starts around 19.30p.m.
01/05/24
Holy Wednesday.
First of May also being “Protimayia” day. As the day is usually a celebration for workers, this year it has been transferred to the 7th of May. It’s usually this day that flowerwreaths are made and traditionally Zakynthians head for the hills for a family picnic.
However, due to Easter week falling within this period the 1st of May is a Holy day and it is to be mourned. It is this evening we learn of Christ’s plan and he calls for his disciples to repent and join him in the “Last Supper”, which takes place tomorrow.
Services will be held in the morning . However, most will be anointed as all the churches across Zakynthos will be open for this particular custom. The services usually take place in the afternoon around 16.00p.m in some villages, some others starting around 18.00p.m. It is here that the priest will bless the faithful and anoint them with oil.
In the evening around 19.30p.m services will begin once again in preparation for Holy Thursday.
A concert will be given by Philharmonic band of Zakynthos at the public Theatre in Zakynthos town. Entrance free.
02/05/2024
Holy Thursday.
Morning services usually start around 08.30a.m as the faithful take Holy Communion. It is also the day that many will start to dye their eggs red, although the traditional will wait until the first resurrection on Holy Saturday.
In the evening the 12 gospels will be read at all the churches. My personal favourite is the service at Saint Dionysios church, with the men’s choir singing in Byzantine style and the re enactment of Christ being betrayed and hung on the cross, is very moving. If you don’t want big crowds then perhaps you would be better visiting one of the village parishes, such as Saint Nicholoas in Ambelokipi. After the service it is tradition for the Epitaph to be decorated with flowers in preparation for Holy Friday.
03/05/2024
Holy Friday.
Today all of Zakynthos mourns. You will probably notice that some houses have even placed a black flag with a cross on it, hanging from their balconies. The church bells do not sound and the mood generally is that of sadness. Churches are decorated in mourning style even the priests wear black. Services will start in the morning. However, it is Zakynthos town that will have the religious events that mark our own traditions. At midday a special service begins from inside the fifteenth century church of Saint Nicholoas of Molos located in the square of Dionysios Solomos, Zakynthos town. After the service the procession of the “Crucified” will commence. It is here that after the procession the archbishop will bless all four corners of the earth.
Zakynthos does not sleep as they prepare for the Epitaph. In villages across the Island the Epitaph will commence around 20.30p.m. The service will involve taking the Epitaph in Litany as faithful with lit candles follow behind. In Zakynthos town at the Metropolitan Church of Saint Nikoloas of Xenon a service of a special kind starts early hours of Saturday Morning. Just after midnight of Holy Friday and in the wee hours of Holy Saturday, Zakynthos town is buzzing with life. At around 02.00a.m the church service commences with the highlight of the service being two. The Epitaph which usually takes place around 05.30a.m Holy Saturday just before dawn. The Ephitaph will be taken around town where the faithful follow. As dawn breaks the “Gloria” will be heard.
04/05/2024
Holy Saturday.
After the Epitaph returns to the Church of Saint Nicholaos of Xenon, you have two choices. One stay inside the church to experience the “Gloria”. Two, buy yourself a clay pot ready to break at the sound of the “Gloria”. Whilst the faithful are inside the church they will hear the earth rumble and the chandeliers swing, while the lights will flash on and off as a sign that “Christ has Risen” from his tomb. Meanwhile outside, as the faithful hear the news, clay pots will be broken symbolizing the event that “Christ has Risen”. This is what Zakynthians call the “First Resurrection”. Zakynthians will take a piece of a broken pot home for luck and a bouquet of flowers that are sold nearby. A pomegranate will also be broken as they enter their homes, symbolizing rebirth.
If you don’t want to take part in the midnight services of the above, then church service will take place across Zakynthos usually around 08.30a.m
Holy Saturday is a joyous day, Zakynthians will prepare for midnight mass. You will probably notice red flags with a cross, these will replace the black ones as a sign or Resurrection. Homes will be busy dying eggs red and preparing the midnight family meal of “Magaritsa. It is on this day that Godmothers and Godfathers will have given their godchild their “Lambatha”, a special candle in which the Holy light is received.
Church services usually start around 11.15p.m as they prepare to give out the Holy light which has made its way from the Holy Lands. Everyone will wait patiently with their candle as the priest calls out XRISTOS ANESTI, Christ has Risen. It is here that friends and family wish each other well and they often tell each other that Xristos Anesti and the reply will be Alithos (He is true). Soon after the faithful take their lit candles home but before they enter they make a cross with the candle light over the threshold. Red eggs are broken in a match between family and friends, of course whoever has the strongest egg that withstands the punishment given is the lucky one.
05/05/24
Easter Sunday.
Easter Sunday is a family and friends day. The traditional food of the day for Zakynthians is “Avgolemono”. However, with the weather being warmer the foreign tradition of roasting a lamb or goat on the spit has taken favour.
Churches will hold a service around 20.00p.m
06/05/24
Easter Monday.
Today we celebrate Saint George and Our Virgin Mary. Churches in honour of these two will be celebrated. In the village of Skoulikado at 08.30a.m, a typical procession of the icon of the Resurrection and then Divine Liturgy will follow at the Holy Taxiarches.
Α procession of the icon of our Holy Mother will also take place at Agio Lazero church in Zakynthos town. The Litany usually starts around 08.30p.m and goes through some parts of the town.
Zakynthos Informer would like to take this opportunity in wishing all a Happy Easter and we hope you enjoy our traditions and customs during our Holy Week.
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Photos:- Mpampis Sigouros and Public Domain.
