Orthodox Easter in Cyprus!

 

 An article regarding some interesting Orthodox Easter traditions with a few personal comments and additional photos: 

As an island with a rich and diverse history, it’s no surprise that Cyprus has many traditions. Locals embrace these traditions, bringing unique events and culinary delights to the next generations, so they are never forgotten. Easter is celebrated in Cyprus with a great ceremony. It’s such a joyful time of year and is actually the largest festival in the Greek Orthodox calendar. If you visit Cyprus during Easter, you’re sure of a warm welcome and a whole lot of fun! Here are just some of the wonderful Cypriot Easter traditions… 

Flaounes – Easter cheese pastries 

Most festivities in Cyprus involve delicious food, and Easter is no exception. One unique delicacy that you really must try are flaounes, the most delightful cheese-filled pastries. Cheese is combined with the Greek spice mahlepi, and encased in dried mint pastry which is covered with sesame seeds. There are both salty and sweet versions of this tasty treat, with the sweet version also containing sultanas. They’re a traditional family home bake at Easter, but don’t worry if you’re only visiting, you’ll find flaounes available from most bakeries over the festive period. 

We just purchased some today and have yet to try them.  A report will follow. 
 

Bonfire Night 

Good Saturday becomes rather magical as the sun sets in Cyprus, as many bonfires are lit, symbolizing the punishment of Judas for betraying Jesus. Some of these bonfires have been weeks in the building and so are pretty impressive to see ablaze. It’s a great time to take a drive around the island. 

This should be an adventure.  About 3 blocks from our apartment there is a huge open area where preparations are occurring for this event.  Hope the fire department is on standby.  We’ve seen other fires occur here, burning old furniture, etc.
 

Epitaphios 

Epitaphios is the first of the two major Easter church services and is held on Good Friday night. On the morning of Good Friday, girls from the local village decorate the epitaphio with flowers, a representation of the tomb of Christ. This impressive floral arrangement is present in the church during the service, after which it is carried out and paraded through the streets, followed by a congregation, mourning for Christ.

Red eggs and egg cracking 

You can still enjoy chocolate eggs at Easter in Cyprus, but there’s another egg tradition here too. Hard-boiled eggs are dyed red, to represent the blood of Christ. When the eggs are cracked, this is symbolic of the opening of the tomb of Jesus. 

We’ve heard some people keep their red eggs from year to year as a remembrance of Christ.  They sell red dyes in the stores.  As well, there is quite an assortment of chocolate eggs of many sizes wrapped in red cellophane for the celebrations.  

Midnight Mass 

For a truly mystical experience, join the crowds at the churches at around 11pm on Good Saturday, for Midnight Mass. It’s a real spectacle when at midnight all the lights are extinguished and the churches are plunged into darkness. Then the priest lights a candle, creating one small glow in the darkness. From this, the candles of all the congregation are lit, until the church is beautifully lit up with candlelight. The service continues until 3am, but don’t worry if this is a little late for you as many people leave around 12.30am. 

We will attend this Mass at President Nelson’s suggestion, without our name tags. 

Easter Sunday Lunch  

Easter Sunday is a time for feasting. Lamb is a traditional Easter treat, often spit roasted in the garden. There’s a wonderful celebratory feel in the air, as friends and families gather together to play games and feast together. 

These are typical ovens for sale for roasting the Easter lamb.

We will have a pot luck following church Sunday.  President Georgiev is providing the lamb. 

So many interesting traditions.  We'll send a follow up in our next blog.

Elder and Sister Kiddle