Anastasi & Easter
Written by Marisa Hazakis On the evening of Holy Saturday, we celebrate the miracle of the Holy Fire and Christ’s Resurrection at the midnight Anastasi Service. Traditionally, an Anastasi meal follows the service, where the faithful break their fast. On Easter Sunday or Pascha, families gather to enjoy the “Feats of Feasts”. Holy Fire from the church […]
Holy Saturday
Written by Marisa Hazakis On Holy Saturday, the church commemorates the burial of Christ and His descent into Hades. The day in between His Crucifixion and Resurrection, Holy Saturday is also called the Great Sabbath, since it is the day that Christ “rested” in His tomb. The Matins service of Holy Saturday is observed in […]
Good Friday
Written by Marisa Hazakis Good Friday, the most solemn day of the year, commemorates the death of Christ on the Cross. The services of Good Friday actually begin on Thursday evening with the reading of the twelve gospels, which recount the events of the Passion of Christ. The following morning, we observe the Reading of […]
Holy Wednesday: Sacrament of the Holy Unction
Written by Marisa Hazakis On the afternoon or evening of Holy Wednesday, the church offers the Sacrament of the Holy Unction for the healing of the body and soul and for forgiveness of sins. The Sacrament of the Holy Unction is the church’s specific prayer for healing of body, mind and spirit. Although it can […]
Services of the Bridegroom
Written by Marisa Hazakis Beginning on the evening of Palm Sunday until the evening of Holy Tuesday, the church observes the Services of Christ the Bridegroom, which recount and commemorate Jesus’ last earthly days. It is important to note that the church day always begins the evening before the secular day so, most of the […]
Palm Sunday
Written by Marisa Hazakis Palm Sunday is the celebration of the entrance of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem after he had raised Lazarus from the dead. Read on to find out more about the Palm Sunday service and other traditions. The Sunday before Pascha (Easter Sunday) and at the beginning of Holy week, the Orthodox church celebrates the […]
Saturday of Lazarus
Written by Marisa Hazakis Saturday of Lazarus celebrates the miracle of Jesus Christ when he raised Lazarus from the dead. Here’s what you need to know: The Saturday before Holy Week begins, the Orthodox church celebrates the miracle of Christ raising Lazarus from the dead, after he had lain in the grave for four […]
Xristos Anesti & Happy Easter
Xristos Anesti (Happy Easter) from the NAHYSOSA team and all our affiliates around South Africa. We wish you all a blessed day and a wonderful time with your family and friends! A quote we thought was relevant today from our all time favourite movie, My Big Fat Greek Wedding: ‘What do you mean he don’t […]
Holy Thursday: Meaning of the Red Eggs
Ever wondered why at all Greek Easter tables, there are red eggs placed beautifully in mom’s favourite dish? If you don’t know why or what the symbolism is, check our image below! According to greek Orthodox tradition, eggs are to be dyed on Holy Thursday in commemoration of the Last Supper, the final meal which […]
Easter Koulourakia
We all love Holy Week Traditions! A week where families get together, be it at church or in the kitchen to prepare for the Easter Sunday lunch. Check out the recipe below for those of you who will be spending the next few days baking delicious koulourakia! They definitely one of our favourite treats. If […]