Greek Easter tradition calls for fasting, reflection, and then feasting

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By Robyn Bradley Litchfield • rlitchfield@gannett.com • April 23, 2008
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While for much of the world Easter has come and gone, the Greek Orthodox Church of the Annunciation's special celebration is still a few days away.

As part of the Eastern Orthodox Church, the Montgomery church's Easter, or Pascha, is based on the Julian calendar as opposed to the Gregorian calendar, said Father Michael Condos of the Montgomery congregation.

Members of the church observe a 40-day Lenten season that begins with Clean Monday (much like Ash Wednesday) and includes fasting and prayer. The period ends on the Friday before Holy Week.

"This is a time for purification of the body and soul, a time to prepare for Holy Week -- like spring training for baseball," said Condos, who is always eager to share his faith and traditions with others.

In the days leading up to Easter, members of the church will refrain from eating meat, dairy products, eggs, olive oils and seafood (shellfish is allowed). So when Easter arrives, everyone marks the holy day with great feasts, either as a church family or at home with loved ones.

Longtime church member Harriette Kamburis said, "It (Easter meal) is one of the biggest and best meals of the year."

Traditional meals include lamb, which symbolizes the Lamb of God, a sweet braided bread called kouloures, which represents the sweetness of life and eggs that are dyed red, symbolizing the blood of Christ. Meals also usually include potatoes, Greek pastries and salads with plenty of cheeses and olive oils.

Leading up to Easter, the church has a number of moving services. Condos said members gather late Saturday evening for a service that is based on the tradition of the Miracle of the Holy Fire that took place in Jerusalem. The sanctuary lights are turned out and the priest brings out a lighted candle, which is then passed around for everyone to receive the light.

Then, congregants go outside and read the gospel about how the women came to find the empty tomb, Condos said, adding, "We go outside to signify that the message is for everyone and not just for ourselves."

Kamburis said that before departing that evening, the church family moves to the community center to break the fast with mageritsa soup, a blend of either lamb or chicken with eggs, lemon and rice.

"Easter is a special time and has some wonderful traditions," she said. "And you want to carry them on with your children and grandchildren."

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