Holy Saturday (Orthodox) in Cyprus

Holy Saturday, also known as Great Saturday or the Saturday of Light, is an important day in the Orthodox Christian calendar, especially significant in countries like Cyprus where Orthodoxy is a major religion.

History and Significance:

• Holy Saturday commemorates the day Jesus Christ's body lay in the tomb after his death.
• It is traditionally a day of reflection and quiet mourning.
• It also marks the final day of Lenten fasting and preparation before Easter.

Traditions:

• "Morning Lamentation": A special morning service takes place where hymns are sung to lament Christ's death while expressing hope in his resurrection.
• Preparations for the Resurrection: Families often spend time preparing for Easter Sunday by baking traditional foods like flaounes, which are cheese-filled pastries.
• Easter Vigil: The most significant event on Holy Saturday is the late-night Easter Vigil service leading up to midnight. This service signifies the transition from sorrow to joy as believers anticipate Christ's resurrection.

What People Do: 1. Church Attendance: Many attend church services throughout Holy Saturday. The night-time liturgy is particularly well attended. 2. The Holy Light: Just before midnight, churches are darkened and then illuminated by candlelight, symbolizing Jesus Christ's resurrection. Believers light their candles from the "Holy Fire," which according to tradition, is brought from Jerusalem each year and distributed to congregants. 3. Home Rituals: After attending church services, families return home with their lit candles, using them to make a smoke cross above their doorways as a blessing for the home. 4. Festive Meal Preparation: Following the midnight service and into Easter Sunday, families often gather for a meal that breaks their Lenten fast, featuring rich foods and traditional Cypriot dishes.

Holy Saturday remains an integral part of Easter celebrations in Cyprus, deeply embedded with religious traditions that have been observed across generations.