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Greek orthodox tradition….the remembrance of those who are no longer with us. *Soul Saturday* in
Zakynthos it is celebrated today with an afternoon service at all churches. Special bread is made, known as *prosforo* and given to the church for blessing usually in honour of the dead.
Koliva is also given out at the end of the service as a representation of life/rebirth and of course a candle lit to honour our loved ones who have passed on, a reminder that the soul is a continual light.
Here in Zakynthos you will find koliva being shared around in churches but also when celebrating their saints name day, only then it is called ‘Panigiri’.
At churches the evening service applies to the following day so this afternoon, but mainly tomorrow morning, you will see the women going to church holding a plate of Koliva. As the service comes to an end, the plates/bowls/dishes containing the Koliva are blessed by the Priest. On their way home the women will stop whoever they meet and give them a cup full, a small paper bag, even a paper napkin containing the Koliva. The receiver says ‘Θεός σχωρέστον’ – meaning may God forgive their sins.
The aim is to share all the Koliva before getting home.
