www.thenationalherald.com The National Herald April 18, 2009 c v 2 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 Ecumenical Patriarchal Proclamation on the Holy Pascha

Dearly beloved brothers and the ninth hour of the Preparation of equally unquestionable historical the powers of Hades; death itself have Churches of the crucified, children in the Lord, the Passover, he said: “It is accom- reality! This reality has immediate was reduced to nothing more than dead, risen and living Christ, where CHRIST IS RISEN! plished!” and surrendered His spir- and salvific consequences for all of a mere incident introducing hu- before the hopelessness of our In sullenness, one day in the it. This is an unquestionable histor- us. The Son of God, who is at the manity from death to Life. The time, the betrayal of all idols, the 19th century, humankind heard ical reality. The Only-begotten Son same time the Son of Man, was Churches, those “tombs of God,” “lowly gods” that have stolen our from the lips of the tragic philoso- and Word of God, Christ, the risen. God was resurrected togeth- are the wide-open gates of divine hearts, such as the economy, the pher: “God is dead! We killed him! true God, died for our sake. After er with all of humanity that He as- love, the opened entrance to the ideology, the philosophy, the meta- All of us are his murderers … God assuming everything that we have: sumed: in the Body that He re- Bridal chamber of God’s Son, who physics and all those “empty de- will remain dead! What else are the body, soul, will, energy, toil, agony, ceived from the pure blood of the “came out of the tomb as from a ceits” of our “age of deception,” churches but tombs and graves of pain, sorrow, joy, all things except Most Holy Theotokos as well as in Bridegroom,” while we faithful en- we can find refuge, comfort and God?” And only a few decades lat- sin, he finally assumed our greatest His sacred soul. He was risen from ter therein and “celebrate the death salvation. er, we heard from the lips of his concern, namely death – indeed, in the dead, “resurrecting the whole of death, the annihilation of Hades, From the Ecumenical Patriar- younger colleague: “Gentlemen, I its most cruel and humiliating ex- of Adam in His loving-kindness.” the beginning of a new, eternal way chate, the Mother Church, which declare to you the death of God!” pression, namely on the Cross. To Christ’s grave, the “empty tomb” of of life; and, thus rejoicing, we offer experiences to the utmost the Pas- These declarations of atheist this point, we are in agreement Joseph, is forever empty. Instead of hymns to the cause, namely the on- sion, Pain, Cross, and Death, as philosophers shook the conscience with the philosophers. We would being a grave for the dead, it is a ly blessed and glorious God of our well as the Resurrection of Christ, of people. Much confusion ensued even accept that the churches, the memorial of victory over death; it is fathers.” we extend to all the faithful of the in the field of the spirit and of liter- temples, are “the tombs and graves a fountain of life! The spiritual Sun It is fortunate, then, that God Church our wholehearted Paschal ature, of art and sometimes even of of God.” Nevertheless … we recog- of Righteousness has dawned died because His death became the greeting and blessing, together Theology, where, especially in the nize, experience and worship this “beautiful, as from a grave,” granti- source of our life and resurrection. with the embrace of our Lord Jesus West, there was debate even about God who has died, as “a most life- ng the unwaning light, peace, joy, It is fortunate that there are so Christ, who was risen from the a “Theology of the death of God.” giving dead.” Only moments after gladness, and eternal life. It is true many of His “tombs” throughout dead and lives eternally, granting Of course, the Church never had that awful Preparation, in the that the temples were the “tombs” the world, so many sacred temples, life to all people. To Him be glory, the slightest doubt that God had morning watch of “the first of the of God, but they were empty tombs, where each of can freely enter might, honor and worship, with the died. This occurred in 33AD, on the Sabbath,” on the day of the Lord, filled with light and replete with when we are in pain, tired, and in Father and Holy Spirit, to the ages. hill of Golgotha in Jerusalem, in the what occurred was the reason for “the fragrance of life” and the need of consolation in order lay be- Amen. reign of Pontius Pilate, the Roman which the divine economy of the smell of Paschal spring, brilliant, fore God the burden of our suffer- † BARTHOLOMEW Governor of Judaea. After suffering flesh, passion, cross and descent in- splendid, adorned in glory and ing, agony, fear and insecurity – of Constantinople an unspeakable passion, He was to Hades took place. The Resurrec- with life-giving flowers of tangible namely, in order to become rid of Your fervent intercessor crucified as a criminal and, at about tion! And this Resurrection is an hope. The death of God overturned our death. It is fortunate that we before the Risen Christ Encyclical of Archbishop Demetrios of America for Holy Pascha 2009

The Feast of Feasts ing Truth of our faith in Christ. unique exclamation of his belief: Gospel. However, His presence is our lives, and that we are continu- Faith is the substance of things The Biblical record is replete My Lord and my God! (John made manifest in the most superb ously renewed by His healing pow- hoped for, with several accounts of the ap- 20:28). To this, Christ replied to way when we partake of His very er. Τhe evidence of things not seen. pearances of Christ to His disciples Thomas, Have you believed be- real body and blood in the most My beloved Christians, (Hebrews 11:1) after His triumphant Resurrection cause you have seen me? Blessed blessed sacrament of Holy Commu- On this Holy Feast of Pascha, as from the dead. The Gospel of John are those who have not seen and nion, through the physical ele- we fill our churches and our hearts To the Most Reverend Hierar- (20:19-29) presents us with two yet believe (John 20:29). ments of and wine. This is with the light and joy of the Resur- chs, the Reverend Priests and Dea- such appearances of the Risen Thomas needed to see in order why we give thanks to the Lord rection, let us joyfully profess our cons, the Monks and Nuns, the Christ to His apostles in the upper to believe, and Thomas’ struggle when we partake of the Holy Com- belief in the Risen Lord, Who is in Presidents and Members of the room, where they frequently gath- with his doubt and his faith is a munion by acknowledging that we our midst. Through faith and our Parish Councils of the Greek Ortho- ered. In the first of these appear- very human one indeed. Today, we have “received the divine, holy, partaking of His body and blood in dox Communities, the Distin- ances, the Risen Christ showed His profess our belief in the Risen pure, immortal, life-giving and the Divine Mystery of Holy Com- guished Archons of the Ecumenical apostles His hands and His side, the Christ nearly 2,000 years after the awesome Mysteries of Christ,” to munion, let us receive His love and Patriarchate, the Day, Afternoon, scars of the physical agony which appearances of the Risen Christ to quote the words of the Divine Litur- affirm the assurance of His bless- and Church Schools, the Philopto- He endured on the Cross unto His apostles. We do this within a gy. Thus, paradoxically, while we ings upon us. Let us proclaim to a chos Sisterhoods, the Youth, the death. His presence before them society that is removed historically did not “see” the Risen Christ in the world in need that we are people of Hellenic Organizations, and the en- was a visible sign of His Resurrec- by the passage of time since these same way in which His apostles the Resurrection, that we are peo- tire Greek Orthodox Family in tion from the dead. At this first ap- Divine appearances. For this rea- did, we nonetheless do “see” Him ple of hope and salvation, and that America pearance of the Risen Christ in the son, we can rejoice in our belief in and experience Him in a total and we are people of faith. And let us upper room, however, the Apostle the Risen Christ because we know complete way, just as His apostles. invite all to come into the loving Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Thomas was not present. the beatitude pronounced by Christ It is here where we are presented embrace of the living Lord Who is Christ, Hearing of this encounter from which tells us that we are blessed with the element of Divine Mystery Risen and to see Him, experience CHRIST IS RISEN! the other apostles, Thomas had because we are among those who that is a distinguishing characteris- Him, and find everlasting joy and ΧΡΙΣΤΌΣ AΝΈΣΤΗ! clearly stated that he would not be- have not seen and yet believe tic of our Orthodox Christian faith. peace in Him, Who has vanquished On this great and glorious Feast lieve that Christ had risen from the (v.29). It is in this most blessed experience the power of death so that whoever of our Holy Orthodox Church, I dead unless he saw Christ and On this day of Pascha, we gather of our receiving the Holy Commu- believes in Him will not perish but greet you in the abundant joy of touched His wounds. Eight days to celebrate this continued and real nion that we are given the ability to have eternal life (John 3:16). our Risen Lord and in the peace of later, Christ made a second appear- presence of Christ in our midst, see and experience that which Once again we joyfully pro- His unchanging promise of salva- ance to His apostles in the upper Whose Resurrection from the dead Thomas needed to see 2,000 years claim: tion and true life. As we gather at room. This time, Thomas was pre- is at the very core of our Christian ago in order for him to believe. Christ is Risen! Χριστός Aνέστη! night anticipating the dawning of sent, and he was able to see the faith. Christ’s authentic presence is It is in this Divine Mystery of Truly He is Risen! Aληθώς Ανέστη! the new day, our churches, our prints of the nails and spear in the experienced by each and every one Holy Communion that we experi- With paternal blessings in the homes, and most certainly our flesh of the body of the Risen of us in many ways, such as when ence the Risen Christ, that we re- Risen Christ, souls are filled with the radiance of Christ. Thomas recognized the we gather together in His name for ceive the Son of God physically into † DEMETRIOS the Resurrection and the illuminat- Risen Christ with the following, prayer, or when we hear His Holy our bodies and spiritually within Archbishop of America

SAE USA COORDINATOR My Dear Compatriots, THEODORE G. SPYROPOULOS “The holiday among holidays and the celebration among celebrations,” the Resurrection is the most de- AND HIS FAMILY vout and essential Greek Orthodox holiday; its essence is forever weaved into Hellenism. EXTEND BEST WISHES It is the symbol for the victory of life over death, the overcoming of the ephemeral and materialistic TO THE GREEK-AMERICAN COMMUNITY through the resurrection of the human condition: Psyche and Spirit, thus touching Redemption. FOR Resurrection is the victory of truth over the forged and the misleading, of good over evil. The power of love con- quers fear and false perceptions. The only truth is love, bringing us to terms with ourselves and the people around A HAPPY EASTER us. Spring and Resurrection are completely synonymous. Spring brings the resurrection of nature and love, that blossom and permeate the universe. We are the creation of this love and, by nature, its carriers.

May the “Resurrection’s Light that Never Darkens” uplift our Souls, Embrace us with Love and Reconciliation, and may it spring Hope amidst the tribulations of modern man.

With these thoughts I wish, Happy Easter to All Hellenes! Christ Is Risen!

Theodore G. Spyropoulos, Coordinator SAE USA

Αγαπητοί συµπατριώτες και συµπατριώτισσες,

Η «εορτή εορτών και πανήγυρις πανηγύρεων», η Ανάσταση, είναι η κορυφαία και η λαµπρότερη εορτή της Ορθοδοξίας, αδιάρρηκτα συνυφασµένη µε τον Ελληνισµό.

Σηµατοδοτεί τη νίκη της ζωής επί του θανάτου, την υπέρβαση του εφήµερου και της ύλης και τη λύτρωση µέσα από την Ανάταση της Ανθρώπινης Υπόστασης: Ψυχής και Πνεύµατος. Η Ανάσταση είναι νίκη της αλήθειας κατά του ψεύδους και της πλάνης, του αγαθού κατά του κακού. Η δύναµη της αγάπης διαλύει τον φόβο, την ψευδαίσθηση καθώς είναι η µοναδική αλήθεια και µας συµφιλιώνει µε τον εαυτό µας και τους συνανθρώπους µας. Άνοιξη και Ανάσταση είναι έννοιες ταυτόσηµες. Η άνοιξη είναι η ανάσταση της φύσης, εποχή κατά την οποία η αγάπη διατρέχει ολόκληρη την εκδηλωµένη δηµιουργία του σύµπαντος. Είµαστε δηµιουργήµατα της αγάπης αυτής και από τη φύση µας, φορείς της.

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3169/595 4 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 Origins of Pascha and : An excerpt defining the holiest of holidays

By Rev. Alciviadis C. Calivas, Like the Old Testament Passover, event of the Resurrection. The new churches to include the whole week Th.D Pascha is a festival of deliverance. and principal day of worship of the before Pascha. This process began Goarch.org But its nature is wholly other and Christians was the first day of the in the third century. During the unique, of which the Passover is on- Jewish week, i.e., the day in which course of the fourth century the In worship we encounter the liv- ly a prefigurement. Pascha involves the Lord was raised from the dead. week long fast had become a uni- ing God. Through worship God the ultimate redemption, i.e., the They assembled on that day to cele- versal practice, and the week itself makes Himself present and active deliverance and liberation of all hu- brate the Eucharist, through which came to be known as "Holy and in our time, drawing the particles manity from the malignant power they proclaimed the Lord's death Great" (Agia kai Megali Evthomas). and moments of our life into the of Satan and death, through the and confessed his resurrection. The one week fast was increased realm of redemption. He bestows death and resurrection of Christ. Eventually they gave this day a still further by another develop- upon us the Holy Spirit, who makes Pascha is the feast of universal re- Christian name, the Day of the ment: the formation of the forty real the promise of Jesus to be in demption. Our earliest sources for Lord, Kiriaki Hmera (Rev 1:10). It day period of the Great Fast or Lent the midst of those gathered in His the annual celebration of the Chris- would be hard to imagine that the (Agia kai Megali Tessarakosti). name (Matt. 18:20). In our eccle- tian Pascha come to us from the Christians of the first century Lent represents the maximum ex- sial assemblies, therefore, we do second century. The feast, however, would not have projected and con- pansion of the paschal fast. Though more than remember past events must have originated in the apos- nected in some new and significant linked to the six day fast of the and recall future promises. We ex- tolic period. It would be difficult, if way their weekly celebration of the Great Week, the Lenten fast is sepa- perience the risen Christ, who is not impossible, to imagine other- sacred events of Christ's death and rate and distinct from it. "clothed with his past and future wise. The first Christians were Jews resurrection on the annual obser- The celebrations of the Great acts," as someone has noted. Thus, and obviously conscious of the Jew- vance of the Passover. Week developed gradually and in all that is past and all that is future ish festal calendar. They scarcely Another point of interest in this stages. The chronology of the sa- are made present in the course of could have forgotten that the re- connection is the emergence of the cred events of the serial aspects of our liturgical celebrations. markable and compelling events of paschal fast and vigil. According to the passion and the resurrection, as Pascha, which commemorates Christ's death, burial and resurrec- the earliest documents, Pascha is recorded in the Gospel of John, the resurrection of our Lord and tion had occured at a time in which described as a nocturnal celebra- would effect the development of Savior Jesus Christ, is the oldest, the annual Passover was being ob- tion with a long vigil, that was pre- the last three days of the Week most venerable and preeminent served. These Christians could not ceded by a fast. This suggests a con- (Thursday, Friday and Saturday); nection with the Jewish rites of the while the sayings of the Lord and Passover, even though there is a the events in His life immediately distinct difference of faith and rite preceding the passion, as recorded between the Jewish and Christian in the Synoptic Gospels, would ef- observance. One such difference fect the development of the first centers on the time of the celebra- three days of the Week (Monday, tion. The Jewish rite was an Tuesday and Wednesday). In a sub- evening meal that ended at mid- sequent development, the chronol- night while the Christian festival ogy of events pertaining to the rais- consisted of a long vigil that ended ing of Lazaros and the triumphant in the early dawn. It may well be entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, ac- that this delay was intentional, in observe Pascha on the 14 of Nisan, makes mention of the fasting prac- cording to the Gospel of John, order to distinguish the Christian the day on which the Lord was cru- tices that were being observed in would bring about the configura- night from the Jewish. Further- cified, while all the other churches his time by various local churches. tion of a two day festival (the Sat- more, the delay symbolized the ful- observed Pascha on the Sunday af- He wrote, urday of Lazaros and the Sunday of fillment of the Passover by Christ, ter the 14 of Nisan, emphasizing "for the controversy is not only Palms) immediately preceding the and thus signaled the transition the resurrection. These two ways of concerning the day, but also con- Great Week. These two festal days from the old to the new Pascha. It computing the date of Pascha gave cerning the very manner of the fast. anticipate the joy and the victory of has been suggested that this partic- rise to the Paschal controversies of For some think that they should fast the resurrection, and bridge the ular feature of the Paschal night the second century. At the begin- one day, others two, yet others Great Fast with the Great Week. prompted the persistent demand, ning of the third century, these dis- more; some moreover, count their The single liturgical event com- which we encounter early on, that putes were settled in favor of the day as consisting of forty hours day memorating Christ's death and res- the Christian Pascha must come af- Sunday observance of Pascha. and night. And this variety in its ob- urrection expanded very early "as a ter the Jewish Passover. However, difficulties with inade- servance has not originated in our result of a more historically orient- feast of the Church. It is the great have failed to project the events of According to the chronology of quate calendars continued to time; but long before in that of our ed approach and a more represen- Christian festival, the very center the passion and the resurrection of the Gospel of John, the Lord was plague the local churches, until the ancestors." tational type of presentation" of the and heart of the liturgical year. Christ on the Jewish festal calen- crucified and buried on the day be- issue was finally resolved by the It is clear from this testimony Paschal mystery. Each aspect of the Jesus' passion, death and resur- dar, nor would they have failed to fore the Passover and rose the day First Ecumenical Synod of Nicea in that fasting had become an integral mystery was broken down, empha- rection constitute the essence of connect and impose their faith on after. In the year we have come to 325 A.D. The Fathers of the Synod element of the Paschal observance sized ritually, and assigned to the His redemptive work. The narrative the annual observance of the Jew- number 33 A.D., the Passover fell decreed that henceforth Pascha from the apostolic period. It proba- day of the week in which it had oc- of these salvific actions of the Incar- ish Passover. St. Paul seems to indi- on a Saturday. The crucifixion, was to be celebrated on the first bly came about as a result of the curred. nate Son of God formed the oldest cate as much when writing to the therefore, occurred on Friday, Sunday, after the first full moon of words of the Lord, Thus Great Week was born. The part of the Gospel tradition. The Corinthians, while the resurrection happened the spring equinox. The Synod, al- "can the wedding guests mourn crucifixion, burial and resurrection solemn celebrations of Great Week "purge out the old leaven, that early Sunday morning. Eventually, so, determined that the date would as long as the bridegroom is with of Christ, together with the event of and Pascha are centered upon these you may be a new lump, since you the celebration of Pascha in the ear- be calculated in accordance with them? The days will come, when the Mystical Supper, constituted the events. The divine services of the truly are unleavened. For indeed ly Church would be predicated up- the Alexandrian calendar. The Or- the bridegroom is taken away from very heart and center of the Great Week, crafted long ago in continu- Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed on this chronology. thodox Church continues to main- them, and then they will fast" Week. The solemn celebration of ity with the experience, tradition for us. Therefore let us keep the In the beginning, the Christian tain this order. (Matt. 9:15). these events began on Thursday and faith of the first Christians, feast, not with old leaven, nor with Pascha was the occasion for the re- In the early Church, according The Paschal fast, mournful in evening and ended on the early help us penetrate and celebrate the the leaven of malice and wicked- membrance of the entire work of to local custom, the celebration of nature, came to honor the Bride- dawn of Sunday. During the course mystery of our salvation. ness, but with the unleavened redemption, with a special refer- Pascha was preceded by a one or groom of the Church, who was tak- of the fourth century a process was The prototype of Pascha is the bread of sincerity and truth" (1 Cor ence to the Cross and the Resurrec- two day fast. In a letter written to en away, crucified, and buried. set in motion by which the solemni- Jewish Passover, the festival of Is- 5:7-8). tion. By the second century the Pope Victor regarding the Paschal The original one or two day fast ties of the Week would be further rael's deliverance from bondage. The early Church rejoiced in the churches of Asia Minor had come to disputes, St. Irenaios (+ ca. 200) was expanded by many local enhanced and elaborated.

201286/500 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 EASTER 2009 5

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© îï ôö 200997/526 6 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 All About Greek Orthodox Easter Traditions The streets of and Greek Shrovetide Sunday with the Burn- celebrate life. Every Greek family GREEK EASTER - Orthodox communities throughout ing of the Carnival King...setting prepares these eggs as part of the A TIME FOR FAMILY the world ring with happy voices fire to an enormous paper maché Easter Sunday Resurrection Table. The people leave the churches sharing Chronia Polla! - Easter effigy of Judas in the early evening. Otherwise, the women in Greek and crowded squares and make Wishes... The fireworks and feasting contin- families are busy baking koulo€ria - their ways to homes of friends and Easter time, from the carnivals ue throughout the night. The next dough cookies and Tsouréki - tradi- relatives. The candles they carry are that come before the Lenten fast day, Kathar΅ Deftéra or Kathari tional sweet bread for the Easter placed in each home and burn through Holy Week and the cele- Deutera, is known as Clean Monday feast. In Corfu and Zakynthos through the night to symbolize the brations of Easter, is a special sea- or Ash Monday earthen water pitchers, Stamnes, Light returned to the world. Cele- son in Greece. For Greeks, Clean Monday is one are thrown into the street to bring brations continue with the cracking Since the date of the Greek Or- of the most festive holidays of the luck. of eggs and The Resurrection Table. thodox Easter is based on a modi- year. Decorated with the colorful lo- On Good Friday or Great Friday, The Kokkina - pasxalina avga - dyed fied Julian calendar and the West- cal almond trees and mimosas flags at homes and government red Easter eggs that are found on ern world uses the Gregorian calen- bursting into bloom, nature invites buildings are set at half mast to the Resurrection Table become dar, the festivities do not usually oc- children and their parents into the mark the mournful day. The Proces- pieces of a traditional game. Each cur at the same time as other Chris- hills of Athens and the Greek coun- sion of the Epitaphios of Christ, the person takes an egg and challengers tian Easter celebrations. tryside. Flying kites and feasting at Ritual Lament that has survived attempt to crack each others' eggs. In 2009 Easter is celebrated by local or outdoor picnics is from Homeric times, mourns the The breaking of the eggs is meant to many Christians on April 19, with how Lent begins in Greece. death of Christ on the Cross with symbolize Christ breaking from the many traditions that make the holi- Htapothi Octopus and calamari the symbolic decorated coffin car- Tomb. The person whose egg lasts the longest is assured good luck for the rest of the year. The traditional foods on the Res- urrection Table: hiroméri - smoked salted pork; cheeses; - a creamy, lemony soup made from the lamb sweetmeats; kouloura - Greek Easter bread; ; Lam- bropsomo and other Easter and plenty of wine, and insure a feast that will last throughout the night. After the night of feasting and celebration, everyone is still up ear- ly on Easter Sunday morning. The Easter Sunday table is prepared and the festivities continue! The Easter meal is truly a feast. Salads of beans, greens and seafood, veg- etable dishes that are grilled or cooked to be served with the rice dishes, , breads, cakes, cookies, wines, ouzo... The main dish at the Easter Table is the lamb or goat (usually kid). Served in honor of the Lamb of God who was sacrificed and rose again on Easter, the whole spiced lamb roasted over a charcoal fire is the most traditional of Greek Easter day of Easter in Greece different or squid, prawns, Soupies Giahni - ried through the streets by the foods. The Easter Sunday celebra- than Easter celebrations in other cuttlefish stewed in wine, rice faithful. On Corfu, the procession tion lasts through the day while vis- lands. with , varieties of bean of St. Spyridon is held on Easter its are made to family and friends Greek foods and traditions mark and salads, Taramosal΅ta - Saturday. and the Easter feast is shared with the season as uniquely Hellenic. fish roe dip, Lenten dolmades or Holy Saturday is filled with an- every guest. The history of Greece traces back Dolm΅ddes - rice stuffed grape vine ticipation of the religious celebra- Each person that enters the far past the beginnings of Christian- leaves, a semolina pudding, tion of Easter and the Resurrection. home is greeted with Gigto kal½ tis ity, but from the very earliest days plenty of meat free salads and the People begin to gather in the iméras! - For the good of the day! of the Christian faith the Islands of once-a-year , a yeastless churches and squares in cities, and with a plate of food and an invi- Greece and the Greek people have bread, are a small portion of the towns and villages by 11 p.m. for tation to join in the feast. Besides embraced these beliefs and made unique tastes of the day accompa- the Easter services. Large white bringing insult and bad luck to a them part of the Greek heritage. Of nied by joyous music. candles, lampada, are carried by host who is rejected, the foods are all the Christian feast days, Easter is If Apokria, Kathara Deftéra and just about all of the faithful. At mid- so delicious...who could refuse? the greatest time for foods, feasting Lenten Sunday feasts are the pre- night the church bells toll as the Easter Monday is a much more and celebration to people in the liminaries for Greek Easter, Holy priests announce Christos Anésti... relaxed day when everyone gets Greek Orthodox faith. Week is the peak of these activities. Christ is Risen! Fireworks are set ready to return to work and school. GREEK LENTEN TRADITIONS On Holy Thursday the bright dyed off, in some areas gunshots are The main work of Easter Monday is The celebrations for Easter truly red eggs that are symbolic of Easter fired and the each person in the to finish the foods that were not begin two months before with Mar- in Greece are prepared. Tradition crowd answers with the joyous re- eaten the day before! di Gras. The Carnival or Apokria says that the Virgin Mother, Mary, sponses of Alithos Anésti - Truly He KALO PASHA... season starts on the Sunday of dyed eggs this color to celebrated is risen and Alithinos O Kyrios - HAPPY GREEK EASTER! Teloni and Fariséou and ends on the Resurrection of Christ and to True is The Lord. Chiff.com

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Βest wishes for a Happy Easter to our friends and all Hellenes

201274/561 8 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 Religion, Family and Customs Valued by Younger Generation

By Eleni Kostopoulos our childhood years as we pass the Special to The National Herald traditions down to our children and build new memories with them at Easter is one of the most signifi- the same time.” cant religious holidays in the Greek Vasilis Apostolides, 24, from Orthodox Church, but for most, it’s New York, NY said he goes to either also a time to celebrate with loved Holy Cross Church or St. Constan- ones, reflect on life and follow tra- tine and Helen in Brooklyn, NY ditions that were launched genera- during Holy Week every year. tions ago. The essence of Easter is “My favorite part of the season is also felt by younger generations of fasting for Holy Week and receiving Greek Americans, who continue to communion on Thursday morning, go to church, dye eggs and fast, and after which I get together my par- who plan on instilling the same tra- ents, two siblings and grandparents ditions in their children’s lives for and eat home-made tsoureki, generations to come. and ,” he said. “My family and I celebrate East- “Holy Thursday probably isn’t the er at home with our relatives and most significant day for others who usually go to Holy Cross or Agios celebrate Greek Easter, but for me, Nectarios,” said 21-year old Vicky it really holds a special place in my Angelis from Brooklyn, NY. “This heart. I’ve followed this tradition holiday is very sentimental to me, my entire life and not spending the because of all the traditions that morning of Holy Thursday with my are embedded in it.” Angelis said family would probably throw me her favorite part of Easter festivities off for the rest of the year!” include helping her mother bake Apostolides added that he plans tsourekia and dying eggs red. on not only introducing these tradi- “Every year we try to make [the tions to his children some day, but eggs] a deeper red,” she joked. “I making sure that they will hold the also love going to church those few same pride that he holds so they nights of Holy Week- it’s the one can do the same for their children. part of the year when you realize “There’s this joy I feel every year something special is happening and it’s great to see how many Greek people actually are in your commu- nity, because those are the days when most people actually go.” Angelis noted that when she has a family of her own some day, she would love to continue the tradi- tions she was raised with, including “egg-dying, attempting to make tsourekia” and fasting during the Lenten period. “I think Good Friday has to be one of my favorite days to go to church, especially when we walk around the block with the epitafio; the looks from the spectators are so funny, but it’s also a sad night, and it’s the one night I actually really think about our faith in religion,” she said. Like Angelis, 22 year-old James day. We do the whole tsougrisma of this time that’s kind of unexplain- Galitsis from Wexford, PA said he the eggs after the Anastasi,” said able and I definitely want my chil- appreciates the various “little Fakaris, whose father is from Ikaria dren to be able to feel that same joy. things” that make Easter a special and whose mother is Chios. The new season is beginning, I get time for his family. “My favorite part of Easter is the to spend time with family and “We usually go to church at Holy big Sunday dinner, when all my friends who I don’t see as often and Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in family and friends get together to I actually go to church, which un- Ambridge Pennsylvania, and that is celebrate with good food and love. fortunately, is something I don’t do followed by the midnight Greek all- It is the highlight of the year in our as often throughout the rest of the you-can-eat lamb and Magiritsa and Ithaca and we take pride in our own family for years to come. “On Easter Sunday, we roast family. My father loves to roast the year. Also, I feel like no matter food coma,” he said laughingly, Galitsis Special, Kokoretsi and the “That I can promise,” he said. lamb and pig in the backyard. My lamb and pig- it brings him great what negative thing is going on in adding that Easter is especially sig- ever popular lamb roast in the back Mariana Fakaris, 23, from dad always roasts a lamb and a pig joy. I would continue the tradition the world, (and this year, that list nificant to him because it is the on- yard. Note: I think my family holds Brooklyn, NY attends St. Nicholas every year at our house- it is our of baking, egg painting, and the seems endless, especially here in ly holiday that brings the whole the Astoria record of 35 people in a Greek Orthodox Church in Bay family tradition. Every year, we tsougrisma of the eggs [with my the U.S.) Easter is a time to focus family together. 5 room apartment on Easter after Ridge for Holy Week and Easter. paint our eggs red on Holy Thurs- children] because it is important to on something greater than yourself “I believe Easter, for Greek church. My family approaches eat- Fakaris said annual traditions prac- day with the Greek dye we buy at keep your heritage alive. It’s impor- and greater than your problems. Americans, enables us to keep our ing as if it were an extreme sport!” ticed by her family are what make the Greek food store. We bake tant that we instill our Greek tradi- It’s a time to appreciate what you traditions and culture strong over Galitis also said that Easter cele- the holiday so meaningful and kourambiedes and koulourakia. We tions to future generations of Greek have and remember Jesus who sac- many years. We are from Epiros brations will remain the same in his memorable. eat faki with vinegar on Good Fri- Americans. We can reminisce over rificed His life for us.”

Our Warmest Wishes for a Beautiful and most Blessed Pascha that renews your Faith, uplifts your Spirit and fills your heart with Joy!

Christos Anesti!

Stephen G. and Thelma S. Yeonas WR

201327/516 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 EASTER 2009 9

MR. AND MRS. GEORGE D. BEHRAKIS

send Warm Greetings for a Blessed and Joyous Easter to their children, grandchildren siblings and friends to the parishioners of the historic Holy Trinity Parish of Lowell for its contribution and witness to Orthodoxy and Hellenism

Let us all work together in the resurrected spirit of our Lord to advance our Orthodox Faith and Hellenic Heritage

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ!

T HE B EHRAKIS F OUNDATION a b 3552/632 10 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009

President General Secretary Emmanuel E. Velivasakis, P.E. Erasmia Vlastos Novotny 51 Madison Ave. 8530 Sharon Drive New York, NY 10010 (917) 661-7800 Office White Lake, MI 48386-3472 (917) 661-7801 Fax (248) 698-8580 Home (917) 213-9564 Cell (248) 698-8573 Fax [email protected] [email protected] Wishing

the entire Best wishes to all members of the Hellenic American PANCRETAN Community ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA a Blessed Easter as well as the entire Omogeneia

With over 350 branches in the Tri-State Area and approximately 1,000 nationwide, Capital One Bank is here for it customers financial needs. a b a b Happy Easter

201480/432 3637/499

The Hellenic DR. JAMES H. DOUNDOULAKIS D.M.D., M.S., F.A.C.D. Orthodox Church COSMETIC DENTAL of Lowell REHABILITATION, PC 53 East 66th Street (between Park and Madison Ave.), New York, NY 10021 Established 1900 Holy Trinity Designated a National Historic Place in 1977 Tel.: (212) 517-3365 www.cosmeticdentalny.com Porcelain Laminates ΚΑΛΗ HAPPY Tooth Bleaching and Implants ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗ EASTER “Extreme Make Over” Featured on ABC-TV's "THE VIEW" starring Barbara Walters! Visit our website for video!

Interim Parish Priest For information on cosmetic dental options and Father Anastasios Coulouras implant tooth replacement, read "THE PERFECT SMILE" President Published by the Hatherleigh Press You can review the book by going to www.cosmeticdentalny.com Lewis Demetroulakos we offer the latest in dental treatment options in our State-of-the-Art facility

Dr. & Mrs. James Doundoulakis their daughter Thalia-Areti and son James Jr. send their best wishes to their friends, patients and all the readers of the “The National Herald” a b

a b HAPPY EASTER Hellenic American Academy - Established 1906 ΧΡΟΝΙΑ ΠΟΛΛΑ 201062/555 200053/429 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 EASTER 2009 11

Best Wishes to All Greek-Americans for a Joyous and Blessed Easter

ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ

JOHN, MARGO, ANDREA AND YIANNI a b CATSIMATIDIS 3537/677 12 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 Greek Easter marked POLES TUBLIN by festive music, dancing POLES, TUBLIN, STRATAKIS & GONZALEZ, LLP and traditional foods

By Lois Heyman SAVORY APPETIZERS 46 Trinity Place, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10006 myCentralJersey.com Banis prepares for Easter with Tel.: 212-943-0110 kallitsounia, an appetizer or snack Theodoros "Ted'' Toskos, a resi- made with cheese from Crete dent of the Pittstown section of baked inside dough pockets, as Franklin Township in Hunterdon well as her special spanokopita, a County, remembers growing up in krispy pie made with spinach, Maronia, a village in Eastern cheese, and oil baked in Greece. There, Easter was not only phyllo dough. Banis' personal Best Wishes a religious day that wound up a recipe also includes cream cheese weeklong series of rituals and Her Easter meal also features preparations, but the occasion for a lamb stuffed with whole of big family reunion. In the days be- , roasted along with for a Happy Easter fore Easter, the last week of Lent, and dill-flecked potatoes, and when all they could eat was "bread, lemon chicken roasted with lots of plain bean soup and rice with oregano, , salt and pepper. tomatoes,'' Toskos said, his mother Accompanying the lamb and would bake bread from scratch, chicken are , a thick, cu- with her home-grown yeast, and cumber, dill and yogurt sauce, and bake it in an outdoor, wood-fired many Greek cheeses and condi- oven. ments, most of which are available Between Palm Sunday and East- in Central Jersey through Taste of er, his family "dyed the eggs red, Crete, a local distributor based in baked the tsourekia (sometimes Hillsborough. spelled tsoureki) — the sweet and Esther Luongo Psarakis, who buttery Easter bread — and bought has imported honey, , olive fancy candles for Easter Mass,'' oils, vinegars, spreads, jams and while going to services and proces- preserves from the Greek islands sions at night. During the days, for several years, is about to open Toskos says, "school was out, so I her first Taste of Crete retail store got to run around with my cousins on Route 206 in Hillsborough later and friends.'' this month. ROASTED LAMB Among the specialities on dis- On Easter Sunday, everyone gets play at the store, for Easter or any- up very early to light the outdoor time, are Greek sundried fire for the , rotisserie- paste, smoked paste, cooked whole lamb, for which sweet dessert olives, olive paste hours are spent turning the spit by with apricots and almonds and hand. green olives stuffed with feta or "Being that these were major mixed with cumin and orange. family reunions, we always had The Ta Mylelia line is handmade more than one lamb roasting," in small batches, and a corked half Toskos says, "and I think four was the record." While the adults take turns tending the lamb and those not ac- tively cooking are singing, dancing and drinking ouzo, children duel with hard-boiled eggs, dyed red to represent the blood of Christ. After saying "Christ is risen," they crack the tips of the eggs together, with the holder of the egg receiving the least damage declared the winner.

a b Many Greek families in Central New York New Jersey Jersey maintain ties with relatives in their homeland, and either re- turn for holiday reunions or carry www.polestublin.com out their culinary traditions here. For those without an authentic Greek cook in their family but who would like to experience the real Providing legal services to the Greek American community since 1957 thing, Pithari in Highland Park will be serving a special Easter liter carafe currently is on sale for 3327/313 menu featuring arni souvlas, skew- $18.99. The Biolea line's olive oil ered lamb cooked over charcoal. includes bitter oranges and whole Also on the menu will be the tradi- lemons pressed along with the oil. tional Easter soup, magiritsa, made Its infused vinegars are "very com- with lamb liver and other organ plex on the palate," Psarakis says. meats, dill, scallions and egg- American-born Psarakis married lemon sauce. into a Greek family and was men- Magiritsa is the first re-introduc- tored in the islands' cuisine by her tion to meat-eating, following the mother-in-law, Evangelia, who is fasting for Lent. now 83 but still runs the family's "This soup is typically eaten af- vineyards and olive groves in the ter we return home from midnight mountains of Crete. Psarakis calls Easter Mass," Toskos says. her "a force of nature" and the in- "Soup made with lamb innards spiration for the line of traditional sounds strange, but it's surprisingly Greek olive oil and wine cookies ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ ΑΝΕΣΤΗ light." Psarakis bakes and sells here. They Owner Tassos Stefanopoulos are not terribly sweet, but are says Pithari also will offer a delica- sometimes dipped in honey and cy only served on Easter in Greece, "remind some people of ginger skewered organ meats known as snaps," Psarakis says. They are kokoretsi, also cooked on the spit completely vegan, containing no over charcoal, as well as kontosou- eggs or and therefore heart- from the vli, marinated and skewered pork, healthy, low-cholesterol and low- cooked over charcoal. sodium, with no preservatives. Traditional made With the opening of the Hills- with cucumbers, onion, feta borough store, she also is working cheese, olive oil and lemon — but on developing a Taste of Crete line no lettuce — also will be part of the of table-ready Greek meals, and ex- meal, at Pithari Taverna and on all pects to market items from a range Greek Easter tables. of other authentic Greek food pur- Various regions in Greece are veyors. Peter A. Vlachos known for their own specialty dish- The olive oil and wine cookies es. Hillsborough resident Eleni Ba- may be wonderful, but even nis says goat is a favorite around Psarakis and Banis agree that there Corinth, west of Athens, where she is something truly magical about is from, and villages in the area are the powdered sugar cookies and each known for a special dish. koulourakia, the Easter butter "In the north, they cook more cookies baked by some of their fel- meats and game," she said, while low church members. Family on Crete and other islands, natural- "They just melt in the mouth," ly, seafood is part of the feast. Banis says.

Dr. Alexander Hatsis and office personnel wish the Greek American Community Happy Easter a b

WR Dr. Alexander Hatsis 2 Lincoln Avenue, Rockville Center, NY 11570 3918/611 201484/470 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 EASTER 2009 13 A Little Easter Blessing

By Eleni Kostopoulos said he was willing to remove this the surgery at the Clevelend Clinic have God present everyday and he’ll Special to The National Herald white dermoid- it’s called Peters and the local community really has take you through those situations.” Anomaly (a rare form of anterior had a beautiful response as well. Pappas said she was astounded “Lent always brings a new be- segment dysgenesis in which ab- The beauty of this is that this little that the Ladies’ Philoptohos of Holy ginning; This is the most wonderful normal cleavage of the anterior baby has really brought a lot of Cross was able to adopt this child Lenten season we have ever experi- chamber occurs).” communities together and every and noted that miraculously, every enced,” said Cynthia Raftis, one of Sergio, who both Raptis and time they hear the story, they get a day, something would happen in the women of Holy Cross Greek Or- Pappas said is a happy baby who is soft spot. That’s why we call the ex- his best interest. thodox Church in Mt. Lebanon who always smiling, successfully com- perience ‘the spirit of Sergio’.” “Sergio, being born an orphan in visited Guatemala last December. pleted his surgery on April 3 using Sergio’s surgery was also sup- a very poor environment, and real- On that life-changing trip, the the cornea of a 15 year-old boy. ported by individual contributions. ly not having much of a future, was parish’s Philoptohos spent time at “His behavior in the hospital In the end, the total financial sup- brought into our world,” she said. the Orphanage Hogar St. Rafael was overwhelming,” said Pappas. port was almost equal in value to “It’s amazing that he was nothing and met a beautiful five month-old “The way the nurses and everyone the surgery’s cost, about $12,000. more than an unknown child left in boy named Sergio Valaam whose responded to him, it was like he Friends on the Cleveland Clinic a basket and arrived into the or- story touched their hearts. At just a was meant to be there.” board also helped the efforts by re- phanage on the day of his Saint’s day old, Sergio was left in a wicker Raptis added that his recovery is ducing the initial charge of name. His spirit just kept on touch- basket on the doorstep of the or- going smoothly. $25,000- which would have been ing all of these different people that phanage with a rare and serious “In about six weeks, he’ll re- more than twice as much as the we would run into and of course, hereditary problem that completely move half of the stitches- he had a amount paid. there are always going to be ad- clouded the cornea of his right eye. total of 16 stitches- and in another “He’ll be staying here at least a verse situations that you deal with. “[Rev. Fr. John P. Chakos] of six weeks, he’ll remove the other year and that’s all we know right Even though we didn’t have a con- Holy Cross has been going to Guatemala for the last 10 years and the orphanage, which is Orthodox, is about 12 years old,” said Raftis. “They take a one-week mission trip of typically 12 people and we [the Philoptohos] usually go the first week of December. Everyone there has a choice of what they want to do at the orphanage; One group de- cided they would clean up the land- scape, another group decided they would help the children with crafts, I was quite often in the kitchen be- cause I love to cook and bake. And every moment we had free time on our hands, we’d rush over to the nursery. So Demetria [Pappas] and I were in the nursery one evening and saw this baby and asked, ‘Can’t we help him? Can’t we fix his eye’?” Raftis and Pappas asked the Mother Superior, Mother Ines if they could help Sergio get medical attention in the U.S. Mother Ines agreed to the proposal, noting that since so many unsuccessful at- tempts were made in Guatemala, a trip to the U.S. was an ideal option TOP LEFT: Before coming to the U.S. for medical treatment, Sergio Valaam, less than a year old, was aban- for the sweet orphan. The two doned at Orphanage Hogar St. Rafael in Guatemala with a serious eye condition. ABOVE: Demetria Pappas women obtained a humanitarian and Cynthia Raftis, from the Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church Ladies’ Philoptohos in Mt. Lebanon, are Visa for the baby, which meant that seen with Sergio before his surgery. BOTTOM LEFT: Dr. Traboulsi at Cleveland Clinic holds Sergio for a fol- Sergio would be released within low up appointment post-surgery. Sergio received his cornea from a 15 year-old boy. the month. “During the first week of Janu- eight,” said Raftis. “I think he’s such now,” said Raftis. “In the day time crete plan, we only knew that we ary, the two nuns and the baby a little blessing and that’s been he stays at the home and Demetria wanted him to receive the proper were at our doorstep [in Pennsylva- made apparent in all the ways the is his caregiver.” medical attention for his vision and nia],” said Raftis. “They stayed with community has gotten together to Both women added that the ex- through God’s grace, it’s happened. me for the week and the other two support his surgery. The National perience of bringing Sergio to the He’s now here with us and al- weeks they went to a monastery in Philoptohos donated $5,000, the U.S. for medical attention has pro- though Sergio doesn’t realize Ellwood city.” Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of foundly affected them on a person- everything that’s going on, every- Sergio went through the Univer- America donated $2000, some of al level. one around him has been truly sity of Pittsburgh hospital systems the local Philoptohos’ have made Pappas said, “Sergio has some- blessed by the love he’s brought in- and they brought in special equip- donations as well, like our diocese what reintroduced the idea of al- to our world.” ment and machinery to investigate “I decided to try another hospi- said Raftis. “We talked to the pedi- Philoptohos which donated ways being present everyday in your Although Sergio was always a his vision, but at the time, doctors tal system that was in driving dis- atric ophthalmologist about Ser- $3,000, and our church set up a life- that every day is something spe- happy baby, his newfound family said they didn’t want to touch his tance from Pittsburgh and found gio’s congenital eye problem and I special fund for his surgery. Other cial and you might have some ad- will have a little extra miracle to delicate eye. that Cleveland Clinic was ideal,” set up an appointment. The doctor churches have donated directly to verse situations, but you have to celebrate this Easter.

CHRIST IS RISEN

Live in its fullness this joyous feast; embrace one another lovingly; and gloriously sing the Christian anthem: Christos Anesti! Christ is Risen! For He is risen indeed!

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OUR BELOVED FRIENDS

Evanthea and Leo Condakes

200768/517 a b 14 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009

Paideia Studies in Greece A Very Ηappy 2009-2010 and Joyous Easter to All

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3566/533 Tel/Fax: (860) 429-8518 • http://paideiaonline.org

3780/527

The President of the Federation of the Hellenic Medical Societies of North America

HELLENIC AMERICAN Dr. Spyros Mezitis BANKERS ASSOCIATION and family wishes all wish a Happy Easter to the Greek-American Community & Congratulate the 2008 a Blessed Easter Hellenic Medical Society of New York Scholarship Recipients

Spyros Mezitis, M.D., Ph.D. Endocrinology, Diabetes and Thyroid Disease The NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/ Weill-Cornell Medical Center Lenox Hill Hospital îï ôö 220 East 69th Street New York, NY 10021 Tel.: (212) 288-6661 Fax: (212) 772-1210

a b 3159/354

www.haba.org 200855/174 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 EASTER 2009 15

201512/608

The AHEPA Family Wishes Everyone A Happy and Healthy Easter

87 Years of Leadership and Service to the Community

Are you an Ahepan? Join AHEPA Today!

www.ahepa.org - [email protected] 1909 Q St., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20009 Τel.: 202.232.6300, Fax: 202.232.2140 3271/602 16 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009

Professor D. G. Kousoulas

wishes the readers of «The National Herald» a Happy 801 WEST ADAMS STREET, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60607 Tel.: (312) 655-1234 • www.hellenicmuseum.org and

Extend Healthy GREETINGS AND BEST WISHES a b

a b FOR A BLESSED PASCHA FOR ALL! Easter

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wishes the omogenia wishes all Rhodians a blessed and joyous Easter and all Hellenes of the Diaspora Hellenic Cultural Foundation Hellenic Investment Group a Hellenic Spirit Foundation Blessed Karakas Associates Karakas Family Foundation Pascha UMSL Karakas Chair of Byzantine History and Orthodox Studies POLYVIOS PAVLIDIS, President UMSL Karakas Family Foundation STEVE PELARDIS, Vice President CHRISTINA KAPOLIS, Secretary for the Advancement of Hellenic Studies

a b WILLIAM ANGELIS, Treasurer Saint Louis, Missouri 200953/201 3629/179 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 EASTER 2009 17 Easter in Greece: Holy Week Customs from Coast to Coast All over Greece Holy Week and Easter in Islands PAROS made in each neighbourhood, and Easter are celebrated in great The procession of the epitaphios large numbers of lambs are roasted splendour and devoutness. The KITHNOS at Marpissa presents, indeed, an in- over these. Eggs, wine and confec- table below lists some of the places The most striking of the island's teresting particularity in that the tionery are also served. Easter where one can enjoy Easter festivi- customs is that of the Kounia procession stops 15 times. At each Tuesday is the feast day of the ties. (swing). On Easter Sunday, a swing stop a part of the mountain is lit up Jerusalem Church, at the entrance is set up in the town's main square and there, children dressed as Ro- to the Varsamo gorge. The church in which boys and girls in tradition- man soldiers or disciples of Christ service is followed by dancing at Easter in Macedonia al costume take a swing. To push reenact scenes from the entry into Alonaki with groups belonging to THASSOS someone on the swing on this occa- Jerusalem, the prayer of the Mount the Folklore Society. Freshly-made In the Community of Limenaria, sion is a commitment to marriage of Olives, the Crucifixion and the cheese, wine, red eggs, etc. are the ancient "Come April and rain" served. custom takes place on Easter Tues- day. Folk dances are performed by ARACHOVA groups from all over Greece. In the evening of Easter Day, the procession of the icon of St George, CHALKIDIKI (IERISSOS) consisting of some 500 people in The most important Easter cus- traditional costume, takes place. tom here is observed on Easter The next day a race for the elderly Tuesday, on the hills. After religious (uphill) is held, starting out from service, the older people start the the Church of St George and ending dance. Gradually all the local peo- on the hilltop. Dance groups then ple join in, until the line of dancers perform, followed in the afternoon is often 400 meters long. All the by female dance groups. The festiv- Easter songs are sung and danced ities continue with traditional "kle- to, ending with the "Kangelefto" pht's" competitions, such as "lifting dance, which is a re-enactment of the stone", etc. the slaughter of 400 inhabitants of Ierissos by the Turks during the War LIVADIA of Independence of 1821. The The most typical custom of this dancers pass under an arch of lau- town is the widely-known and rels, where two young men with unique "Livadia Easter", which is raised swords are standing. In the not only kept alive from year to middle of the song, the row of year, but is given new life by the dancers doubles back onto itself young people, who take part with and the dancers pass each other in great enthusiasm and imagination a final farewell. During the course in the custom of the "lakkos" (char- of the celebrations, coffee made in coal pit for roasting the lambs). Af- a large cauldron, "zografitikos" ter the Resurrection service and be- sweet bread and eggs are served. fore dawn on Easter Day, the prepa- The dance is performed again in rations for the fire are made. This the evening in the main square of requires skill and care. One person the village (Stagira Akanthou). is chosen, makes the sign of the Cross, sets fire to the heap of wood LITOCHORO with a candle from the service. In the evening of Holy Thursday, Gradually, by sprinkling it with wa- the liturgical biers are decorated by ter and using a long stick to stir it, unmarried girls, who during Lent the fire dies down and the vine have been busy making artificial before God and men. On the Resurrection. At midnight on Holy branches, instead of turning to ash- flowers out of cloth for this pur- evening of Holy Saturday, a custom Saturday, the island is filled with es, become glowing charcoal, suit- pose. In the evening of Good Friday is observed by those who have rela- the lights and noise of countless able for the roasting of the lamb. the various epitaphios processions, tives that have recently died and fireworks. The same happens with all the "lak- of the region's churches accompa- which consists in bringing roast ki", and the smoke obscures the ris- nied by choirs of local people, meet meat, wine and bread to the FOLEGANDROS ing sun. The whole town is in the marketplace, creating a church. After these have been Easter is the occasion on Fole- wrapped in clouds of smoke. The memorable spectacle. blessed by the priest, they are dis- gandros for the local people to lambs are then positioned over the tributed among visitors and resi- whitewash their houses. The cus- "lakki", and the turning of the spits PETROKERASA (CHALKIDIKI) dents of the island. tom includes a procession of the and the accompanying merrymak- The relic of the True Cross which icon of the Dormition of the Virgin ing lasts until afternoon. Tradition- is kept in the Xeropotamou SYROS which lasts three days. The icon, al dance groups perform and fire- Monastery of Mount Athos is Syros has its own special way of accompanied by a procession of works are set off until the sky of Li- brought to the Macedonian village celebrating Easter. The two reli- faithful, enters every house on the vadia literally changes colour. of Petrokerasa, 52 kms from Thes- gious communities, the Orthodox island, even the most isolated. saloniki. The village has the "sacred and the Catholic, celebrate togeth- AETOLIKO privilege", unique in the world, of er in a spirit of love, devoutness On Good Friday, large numbers being the home of the relic of the and mutual respect. The cere- of pilgrims visit the Church of the True Cross from Palm Sunday until monies begin simultaneously at the Easter in Central Greece Dormition of the Virgin, where Monday morning in the Holy Week. Catholic Cathedral of Saint George AMFIKLIA there is a historic liturgical funeral This is to commemorate of the sav- in Upper Syros (Ano Syra) as well Here it is worth visiting Dadi in bier of Christ (epitaphios) dating ing of the village from extinction by as at the Orthodox Cathedral of the order to savour the unforgettable from the 13th-14th century. In the a deadly epidemic (plague) in the Transfiguration, each with its own flavour of Easter in these parts in mid 18th century. magnificence and splendour. mainland Greece. 'Lakki" (pits) are Continued on page 18

Best wishes to all on the glorious and life giving Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ

Happy Easter Χριστός Ανέστη

Peter, Aphrodite, Constantina

and Nicholas Skeadas 201434/586 a b 18 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 Easter in Greece: Holy Week Customs from Coast to Coast Continued from page 17 eggs are distributed by the Abbot to wick at one end of the strip, fold the faithful. The Easter ceremonies them up in triangles with the wick same church there is also a miracle- - which convey with bold brush- protruding. This is lit the moment working icon of the Blessed Virgin strokes the splendor of Easter on that the priest pronounces the attributed to St. Luke. From the Patmos - end on Easter Tuesday words "Christ has risen". On the morning of Holy Saturday, the with a procession of the morning of Holy Saturday, the town's central square is the scene of Monastery's icons in Chora. church is decked in white and the observance of many old cus- strewn with strongly scented flow- toms. These continue until the Res- RHODOS (IALISSOS) ers from the mountains, particular- urrection service in the evening, On the Saturday of Lazarus ( the ly small purple scented flowers which is the climax of the day. On Saturday before Holy Week be- (lambres). The women make Easter Sunday each neighbourhood gins), children go from door to Eaters pastries and stuffed lamb. becomes one big open-air lamb door singing the 'Lazaros", and col- The young people make an effigy of roastery. There is singing and danc- lecting money and eggs for the Judas out of old rags, put into its ing, and wine and traditional re- priests. In the old days, no farmer hands the price of betrayal (a bag freshments are served (free of went to the fields to work on that containing 30 pebbles) and hang it charge). day, since they believed that what- in the courtyard until the rags catch ever they would touch would with- fire and go up in flames. Χριστός Ανέστη NAFPAKTOS On the evening of Good Friday, large crowds, consisting of both lo- Christ is Risen cal people and visitors, form pro- cessions to accompany the epitaph, passing through the harbour where lighted torches have been placed THE KRARAS FAMILY for this purpose on the fortress sur-

a b Reading, PA • Wildwood, NJ rounding it. In the centre of the en- trance to the fortress, the torches 3028/557 form a large cross, which lights up the harbour, creating a scene of un- forgettable beauty. This custom goes back many years and com- bines the religious ceremonies with My dear Metropolis of Atlanta family, the heroic endeavour of captain Anemoyannis who set fire to the “Christ was raised from the dead Turkish flagship. by the glory of the Father, so that we too might walk in newness of life” Easter in Dodecanese (Romans 6: 4) PATMOS Patmos is known as the island It is with pure joy in my heart that I join you in prayerful anticipation of our Lord’s passion and glorious on which St. John wrote the Reve- Resurrection and extend my paternal blessings and love, with best wishes for a joyous and blessed Holy Pascha. lation, and as it has the privilege of the faithful and uninterrupted ob- I give praise and thanksgiving to our Almighty God, Who, in His infinite mercy, has granted us the opportunity servance of all the traditions, to celebrate once again this Feast of Feasts, this Holy Day of Holy Days, Great and Holy Pascha! “But thanks be thanks to the presence of the to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ”, St. Paul tells us, as we experience the Glorious Monastery of St. John the Divine, it Resurrection of His Only Begotten Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. attracts many visitors. At the centre of the ceremonies and services is This triumph is a triumph of light over darkness, of good over evil, of truth over lies and deception, of hope over the "Washing of the Disciples' Feet". despair. The good news, my beloved ones, even though we may think that we live in dark and uncertain times, Each year, with its decorations of is that as Christians, we have a Resurrection faith, based on hope, on justice and on God’s ultimate power over palm branches and a rich variety of the forces of darkness and evil. Christ’s victory over death is reality - the very real destructions of the power that spring flowers, it has a powerful vi- leads to death, and the bestowing of the gift of life eternal! sual and emotional effect on all who attend. On Holy Thursday, a Our holy Christian Faith is more than a set of theological dogmas, or moral precepts. While useful and benefi- platform is set up in the square of cial, creeds, moral teachings, church programs and buildings cannot save us or sanctify us. It is by the power of the main town (Chora), which is al- His saving death and holy Resurrection that the Sacraments, the teaching, and the good works of our Church be- ways crowded for the occasion. come themselves a life-giving spring. It is Christ Jesus alone who restores our fallen nature and lifts us up to be- During the ceremony, which lasts come children of God. about an hour and a half, the Bish- op, who "plays the part" of Christ, er. They were only allowed to col- As we celebrate His Victory over sin and death, darkness and fear, I pray that we may love one another and to- washes the feet of twelve monks - lect dry sticks for the ovens in order KARPATHOS gether receive His promise of salvation. May we rejoice in the abundant grace and blessings of our Living Lord, the Disciples- in imitation of the ac- to bake the Easter cookies On Karpathos, instead of spit- and with one mind and one heart, proclaim, “Cristov~ jAnevsth, jAlhqwv~ oJ Kuvrio~” Christ Is Risen! Indeed He tion of Christ before His Crucifix- (Koulouriakia) during Holy Week. roasting the Easter lamb, the cus- ion. On Easter Sunday at 3 p.m., at Also on that day, the housewives tom is to stuff it with rice, split is Risen! May the blessings of the Lord be with you always and may the light of His joyous Resurrection contin- the Patmos Monastery, the "Second bake "Lazarakia" -coiled ring- grain, and intestines. It is prepared ue to shine upon you! I prayerfully remain, Resurrection" takes place, at which breads, symbolising the wrapping in this way on Holy Saturday. It is the Gospel of the Resurrection is of the body of Lazarus in his then put into the traditional Paternally yours with love in our Risen Lord. read in seven languages, and red shroud. On the morning of Holy Karpathos oven, which is sealed Thursday, groups of children visit with mud and clay. On Easter Day, all the neighbourhoods of the the oven is opened and the lamb is town, carrying baskets, singing and eaten accompanied by local wine collecting flowers to decorate the and traditional dances. In the com- bier of Christ. The epitaphios pro- munity of Menetes, St George's Day cession takes place in the early is celebrated by a custom called the morning hours, after the Crucifix- "Laki". The villagers gather on a hill ANTHONY J. BELDECOS, Esq ion rite, after which it is also cus- (St George's Hill) where they enter- tomary for women to stay in church tain visitors and the people of the to sing the traditional laments. nearby villages. Visitors are offered ΕΛΛΗΝΟΑΜΕΡΙΚΑΝΟΣ ∆ΙΚΗΓΟΡΟΣ wine and lamb (free of charge) and KALYMNOS then the villagers throw sticks of On Lazarus Saturday, the cus- dynamite into the gorge. tom of kneading “Lazarus” is still observed. Bread is shaped into a figure with clearly distinguishable Easter in Attica hands, legs and head. After morn- MEGARA ing mass, children roam through Here on Easter Tuesday the "Tra- the neighborhoods singing Lazarus ta" dance is performed. According carols. On Holy Thursday night, to tradition, during the Turkish rule LEGAL SERVICES young and old women sit around the local people one day asked per- the Crucifix and chant the “Funeral mission from the Pasha to build a • Real Estate Song of Christ” which is passed small church. The Pasha gave his down from generation to genera- permission, but on condition that tion. The Funeral Song lasts about they would build the church in one • Personal Injury an hour and has its own melody, day. Otherwise they would be exe- something between a Byzantine cuted. The inhabitants managed to • Commercial hymn and a mourning folk song. It complete the church by midday, is repeated many times. On Holy and dedicated it to St John Litigation Friday, the procession of the epi- "Galileos". Since then, at that very taphs (the biers of Christ) takes spot, after church service, celebra- place. Some biers are adorned with tions take place with the participa- • Liquor Licenses flowers and others with silk cloth tion of the town's traditional dance and the Christians follow them in groups and musicians, and the Estate Planning procession holding lit candles. "Trata" dance is performed. They all come together and pass by the Bishop in front of the Cathedral HYDRA • Business Transfers to receive his blessing and then re- On Hydra, a unique event takes turn to their parishes. On Holy Sat- place on Good Friday : the epi- • Corporations urday, when the prophecies are taphios procession of the Kamini read in mass and the priest says district goes right into the sea. “Christ has risen”, the entire con- There the epitaphios service is held • Partnerships gregation starts clapping; they ap- in an atmosphere of devotion. The plaud out of joy and satisfaction processions of four parishes then and the deep belief that Christ has meet at the main harbour, lending really risen. After mass, lambs are the occasion a colour all of its own. slaughtered and stuffed with rice At the moment of the Resurrection, and thin sliced pieces of liver. Then innumerable firecrackers turn the the stuffed lambs are placed in spe- night into day. cial earthenware pots, called “mououri”, which are then put in traditional dome-shaped ovens. At Easter in Sporades 12 o’clock (midnight) exactly, SKIATHOS 450 North Narberth Avenue Five Greentree Center church bells ring, while dynamites Skiathos is one of the few areas Narberth, PA 19072-1822 Suite 302 are thrown from mountain tops.On of Greece where the Ritual of Easter Monday, in the afternoon, Tel.: (610) 668-0770 • Fax: (610) 667-0552 Marlton, NJ 08053 - 3422 people gather at the port square where they reenact the departure [email protected] Tel.: (856) 338-1300 • Fax: (856) 338-1288 of the sponge fishers as it used to be done in the past; that is, they sprin- Χριστός ανέστη εκ νεκρών kle the ships with holy water, and θανάτω θάνατον πατήσας songs and dance follow. και τοις εν τοίς µνήµασι ζωήν χαρισάµενος. KOS While the grown-ups are occu- TRANSLITERATION pied with the seasonal tasks and churchgoing, the children also pre- Khristos anesti ek nekron, HAPPY EASTER pare themselves for Christ's Resur- Thanato thanaton patisas, rection. They take large old-fash- Kai tis en tis mnimasi ioned keys, tie a string to them and Zo-in kharisamenos! to the Greek-American Community attach a nail to the other end of the string. Then they fill the key with TRANSLATION gunpowder and put the nail in the keyhole. On the evening of the Res- Christ is risen from the dead, urrection the key is banged hard Trampling down death by against the wall to make the gun- death,

WR powder explode and create a pan- And upon those in the tombs 201026/46 demonium. Others take long strips Bestowing life! of paper, put gunpowder and a THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009 EASTER 2009 19 Easter in Greece: Holy Week Customs from Coast to Coast

Mount Athos is strictly observed same day, at 9 a.m., the Epitaphio ter, the man in the barrel would get the early hours of Holy Saturday (concerning the hours of church procession of the Church of St. out, collecting the money in it. On morning and starting from the services). Thus, the epitaph service Spyridon takes place. In 1574, the the evening of Holy Saturday, the "Saint Nicolas" Cathedral Church starts at one in the morning of Holy Venetians prohibited the Orthodox Resurrection service is held in the the epitaph procession takes place Saturday. The procession starts at from holding their epitaphios pro- Upper Square. This is a unique (in accordance with the ancient about 4 in the morning. There is a cession on Good Friday, so ever spectacle. All the windows of the custom), while the Bishop an- leader (a herald) who loudly an- since the procession from the surrounding houses are open, with nounces the Resurrection at sun- nounces the appropriate psalms, Church of St. Spyridon, which in- candles burning in them. Added to rise. while all the people and the cantors cludes the sacred relics of the Saint, these is the memorable sight of the join in. The procession winds along has taken place on this day. This is thousands of candles held in the LEFKADA the picturesque alleyways and cob- an ancient and deeply devotional hands of the faithful who are at- In Lefkada, on the evening of bled paths of the island. All the procession held to commemorate a tending the service in the largest Good Friday the epitaphios proces- houses are lit up, while in the court- miracle performed by the Saint to square in Greece - a magnificent sions of the various parishes, ac- yards there are lighted candles and save the people of Corfu from picture. companied by the local band, occu- burning incense imbues the air famine. The Saint, in the form of ZAKYNTHOS py the town's main street, ending in with a sweet smell. At the Church his relics, goes first and is treated as The celebration of Holy Week on the traditional, Venetian-style, cen- of the "Three Hierarchs", the con- the presiding bishop in the proces- Zakynthos island is considered to tral square. On Holy Saturday gregations of the two churches sion. He is followed by the epi- be unique and unforgettable both morning, the band plays rousing meet at around 5.30 in the morn- taphios. The pace of the procession for locals and visitors. At noon, on tunes in the streets of the town, ing. There, the clergy perform a is set by the solemn music of three Good Friday, crowds of worship- while the housewives throw earth- reenactment of the "Descent into of the town's bands. By tradition, pers take part in the procession of enware vessels from their win- Hell" of Christ. When they come to the funeral march from Hamlet, by the Crucified through the town. In dows. words "Lift up your heads, O ye the Italian composer Faccio, is gates", the priest pushes with force played at the Town Hall by the "Old (with his foot) and opens the outer Philharmonic" band. This is fol- door of the church. Soon it will be lowed by another funeral march - dawn, but nobody goes to bed, be- Calde Lacrime (Hot Tears) - by the cause Holy Saturday is a day devot- Italian Michelli played by the ed to the last-minute preparations Mantzaros band, and, finally, the for Easter Sunday. funeral march from the Eroica of Beethoven by the Capodistrias band. After the procession, the Easter in Peloponnese Saint remains at the door of his TRIPOLI church for veneration until Easter On Easter Sunday the entire Tuesday. At 11 a. m. on Holy Satur- town of Tripoli is shrouded in day, the people of Corfu await the smoke from the many fires which "First Resurrection". When the ser- are lit one by one, starting on Sat- vice ends in the Cathedral, all the urday shortly after midnight, a church bells are rung, and thou- scene which is best viewed from the sands of earthenware vessels are Agios Theodoros Hill. The celebra- thrown from the windows of the tions start in the morning of Easter houses into the streets with a great Sunday with the participation of crash. This custom has its roots in dance groups. Apart from the roast the biblical passage "Thou, O Lord, lamb, local wine, red eggs, ring- raise me up, that I may crush them bread and appetizers are served. as a potter's vessel". Another old Corfiot Easter custom, which has LEONIDIO been revived by the Organisation The most striking custom of the for Corfiot Public Events is the area is that on the night of the Res- "mastelo" (barrel). In the "Pinia" urrection the sky is filled with hot- in the Messiniakos (the local soccer Until 9.30 in the evening the epi- area, below the metal pine cone air balloons released by the faithful team) stadium, with large crowds taphios of each separate church which still hangs there at the junc- of each parish. in attendance. emerges, together with the in- tion of Nikiforou Theotoki and Phi- evitable band, choirs and girls with larmonikis str., the porters (the MONEMVASIA baskets full of multi-coloured "Piniadori") of the town used to Here attention is centered on Easter in Ionian Islands sweetly-smelling flowers. The last gather and place a wooden barrel the Church of Christ Bound CORFU (KERKYRA) epitaphios to emerge, at 09.30 in in the middle of the pavement. (Elkomenos Christos), where all On Palm Sunday at 11 in the the evening, is that of the Cathe- They would decorate it with myr- the services of the season are held. morning, the procession of the sa- dral. In all its grandeur, it is accom- tles and greenery and fill it with The procession of the "epitaphios" cred relics of St Spyridon takes panied by bands playing solemn water. Then they would spread out along the paved alleyways of the place. This procession is being held music (such as the adagio of Albi- into the surrounding area, asking medieval town is a memorable since 1630, in remembrance of the noni), the great choir of the Cathe- passers-by, always numerous at sight. deliverance of the island from the dral, the clergy, and the local offi- that time, to throw money into the dreadful plague epidemic which cials. In the Church of Our lady "of barrel and make a wish. When the KALAMATA cost the lives of so many Corfiots in the Strangers" it is tradition to cre- time for the "First Resurrection" In Kalamata a custom survives 1629. The procession is the largest ate an "imitation earthquake". This came, the "Piniadori" would hunt which stems from the liberation on the island, with no fewer than happens at 6 in the morning of somebody down in the Piazza area war of 1821, namely the game of 14 bands taking part. At 4 p.m. on Holy Saturday - after the reading of to put into the barrel. He, in turn, "bouloukia". The contestants, in Good Friday, the imposing proces- the Epistle - and symbolises the would splash water on everyone traditional costumes and armed sion of the bier of Christ (epi- earthquake which is described in around, while the bands passed with pipes of rolled paper filled taphios) sets out from the Church the Gospel as a triumphal sequel to playing the allegro march "Fear with gunpowder, engage in warfare of St George at the Old Fortress. the Lord's Resurrection. On the not, Greeks". Amid fun and laugh-

May the love and grace of our risen Lord be with our Holy Church in America and our Parish of the Archangels in Stanford Connecticut

Χριστός Ανέστη Χαρούµενο Πάσχα

V. Rev. George Poulos Parish Council, Youth a b Philoptochos, Greek School Sunday School Archangels Greek Orthodox Church 1527 Bedford St., Stamford, CT 06905 Tel.: (203) 348-4216 3045/523 20 EASTER 2009 THE NATIONAL HERALD, APRIL 18, 2009

warm water. Add a teacup of flour and beat the mix. Cover the mix Greek Easter Recipes with a towel and place it in a warm place to rise. Slightly heat the milk, the sugar, the butter and the orange Easter Midnight Soup a thin stick and rinse them thor- LAMB ON THE SPIT rind and place them in a bowl. Greek: Μαγειρίτσα oughly. Greek: Αρνί στη σούβλα Add the yeast, the eggs, beaten, Rub them with salt and lemon and the flour, stirring constantly. juice and rinse them again. Cube Make sure the dough is neither too INGREDIENTS them into small portions. INGREDIENTS soft nor too tough. Cover this • a lamb's liver, heart, lights In a large saucepan, sautee the To serve 6-8 persons, you need a dough with a towel and let it stand and intestines onions in the butter, until they start lamb that weights about 5 kg! in a warm place for about an hour • juice of 3 lemons to change colour. and a half. • salt Add the chopped intestines, liv- METHOD When the dough has doubled in • 6 spring onions, trimmed, er, lights and heart, fry together for On Easter Sunday Morning, the size, knead it again by hand and rinsed and finely sliced a few minutes, stirring. fire is started at about 7.00 am to shape plaited breads. Brush the • 25 gr. butter Add the shredded lettuces and ensure that the wood is reduced to breads with 2-3 beaten egg yolks • 2 cos lettuces, trimmed, all the fresh herbs and sautee for a glowing embers by the time the and bake them in a medium oven shredded and rinsed carefully few more minutes. roasting starts. The lamb or goat, for about 30-35 minutes. (use only their young leaves and Add the hot water, and season- having been properly cleaned, is hearts) ing, cover and cook for 30 minutes. rubbed with lemon all over his skin Greek Cookies From Smyrna • about a teacupful of fresh dill Then add the rice and cook for a and seasoned with salt, pepper, Greek: Πασχαλινά κουλουράκια or fennel, rinsed and finely further 10 minutes. oregano and both outside από τη Σµύρνη chopped, or parsley Remove from the heat and let it and inside. Then the souvla, the clear indication that it is nearly EASTER SWEET BREAD • 1.2 lt hot water stand for 10 minutes, before pro- long round iron stick, having also cooked is when the flesh shrinks Greek : Τσουρέκι INGREDIENTS • salt and black pepper ceeding with the been properly cleaned and rubbed away from the bones. Please note • 2 cups butter • 60 gr. rice sauce. with lemon, is passed through the that the fleshy parts (legs and INGREDIENTS • 1 1/2 cups white sugar Avgolemono Sauce Add the Avgolemono Sauce to animal from one end and out shoulders) take longer to cook, so • 1 kg flour • 4 egg yolks • 2 eggs the soup, stirring. Return to a very through the head. The back feet are they draw most of the glowing em- • 1 teacup butter • 1/2 cup milk or orange juice • juice of 2 lemons gentle heat for 2 minutes, stirring secured by passing one through the bers to the two ends, making two • 2 tablespoons grated orange • 8 cups sifted all-purpose flour METHOD at the same time. muscle of the other and are then small piles of them under the fleshy rind • 2 teaspoons baking powder Rinse all the meat. Turn the in- It should be by now a quite a tied with wire. It is also recom- parts which gives those parts the • 6 eggs • 1 tablespoon grated orange testines inside out with the help of thick soup. manded to tie with wire the spine extra heat they require, while the • 1 ? teacups sugar rind of the lamb on the spit. thin body is cooking at a slower • ? teacup milk • 1 egg Two iron poles with forked ends speed. • 2 tablespoons yeast METHOD are inserted in the earth by the fire. Serve with a lot of fresh season • ? teacup lukewarm water Sift together flour and baking At the beggining of the roasting ses- salad, taramosalata, melitzanosala- METHOD powder and set aside. In large sion the lamb is at about 60-70 cm ta and Scarlet Easter Eggs. Dissolve the yeast in the luke- bowl, cream together butter and from the fire. Later the poles are sugar. Add 4 egg yolks one at a lowered so the meat rests at a dis- time, beating well after each one. tance of 30-40 cm from the fire. Add milk and flour. Work with the The long iron spit ends in a han- hands until dough is smooth. Add dle and members of the family take grated orange rind. Dough should it in turns to sit and turn it almost be stiff so add additional flour if continually (Now there are ma- needed. Break off small portions of chines doing that for us!). While dough and roll out into pencil-size the meat is cooking they brush on a strips about 11 inches long. Fold mixture of olive oil, lemon juice each strip into thirds, sideways, and oregano. and press lightly together at ends. A lamb roasted like this takes Place cookies on ungreased baking about 4 hours or less, presuming sheet. Brush tops with beaten egg. that it is of the desirable weight of 5 Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees kgr maximum. It is vital that the C) for 18 to 20 minutes. lamb cooks very slowly, even if it takes longer than three hours. A Greek-recipe.com

To all Orthodox Christians we wish a blessed Pascha

ORDER OF AHEPA and Christos Anesti DISTRICT #5 NEW JERSEY/DELAWARE JOHN G. THEVOS - GARDEN STATE DISTRICT Καλό Πάσχα The District Lodge officers and the entire AHEPA family Χριστός Ανέστη wishes everyone Χρόνια Πολλά HAPPY EASTER - ΚΑΛΗ ΑΝΑΣΤΑΣΗ Ted Fanikos-Governor Philip Vogis-Lt Governor George Horiates-Secretary George & Margo Chryssis Savas Tsivicos-Treasurer Bill Harrison-Marshall and Family Sammy Thomas-Warden a b Nick Mariolis-Athletic Director Southborough, MA Ted Vittas-Sons Advisor 3789/631 201529/625

Our Best Wishes to the Community for a Happy THE AMERICAN Easter HELLENIC INSTITUTE & IT’S AFFILIATES

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Best Wishes for a Very Blessed and Joyous Easter to all our Greek-American friends

Dr. Ahmed Mohiuddin, MD, FACC President and CEO a b Medical Center of Boston International, Inc. 33 Pond Ave., Brookline, MA 02445, USA Tel.: 1-617-738-7300 Fax: 1-617-739-4821

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