Easter Sunday (Orthodox) in Cyprus

Easter Sunday, known as "Pascha" in the Orthodox Christian Church, is one of the most significant religious events in Cyprus. The date varies each year as it is calculated based on the Julian calendar, typically falling later than Easter observed by Western Christian traditions.

History and Traditions

Cyprus has a deep-rooted religious heritage with Orthodox Christianity playing a central role in its culture. The island's Easter traditions are steeped in history and have been preserved over centuries.

• Holy Week: The week leading up to Easter Sunday is marked by various church services, including the solemn Good Friday processions and the Saturday midnight service.
• Midnight Service: On Saturday night, churchgoers attend a midnight mass where the priest announces Christ’s resurrection with the phrase "Christos Anesti!" (Christ Has Risen!) to which people respond "Alithos Anesti!" (Truly He Has Risen!).
• Holy Fire: The Holy Fire ritual involves bringing flame from Jerusalem to Cypriot churches symbolizing Jesus’ resurrection.
• Lambades: Children often receive ornate candles called "lambades," which they carry during the midnight service.

Activities on Easter Sunday

• Feasting: After fasting during Lent, Cypriots enjoy a festive meal on Easter Sunday that typically includes traditional foods such as "flaounes" (cheese-filled pastries), "tsoureki" (a sweet bread), and red-dyed eggs signifying Christ's blood and rebirth.
• Souvla: A highlight of the day is grilling lamb or goat on a spit called "souvla," which is a communal activity enjoyed with family and friends.
• Games: A popular game played on this day involves cracking red eggs against each other; the owner of the last uncracked egg is considered lucky.
• Visiting and Greetings: People visit relatives and friends to exchange gifts, wishes, and share meals.

These customs reflect Cyprus's strong community spirit and reverence for tradition, making Orthodox Easter a time of joyous celebration across the island.