You are all invited to join us for a celebration of Greek Easter on May 5 at 5:30 PM in the Parish Hall… Easter is the most important feast day on the Eastern Orthodox calendar as it represents Christ’s Victory over Death. It is celebrated with traditional food after rigorous fasting during the 40 days of Lent, a time when all animal products are forbidden—i.e., eggs, milk, cheese, butter, meat, fish and even olive oil. Only the strictest go without olive oil.
The reason that Greek Easter is celebrated at a different time than Latin Easter is because the Eastern Church uses the Julian Calendar instead of the Gregorian. In Greece the Easter Feast often takes place outdoors with roasted lamb on the spit and various dishes made with all the ingredients that were forbidden during Lent.. Dancing and music are a big part of the day. Another tradition is that of cracking hard boiled eggs and saying, in Greek, the greeting “Christ has risen”, and the response, “Indeed He has”.
This will be a potluck dinner. All dishes are welcome, but if you’d like the adventure of trying something Greek just give us a call. We will attach a recipe for “Spanacopitta”,(spinach pie). It would help if you could bring some hard boiled eggs dyed red—one for each member of your party and one or two extra. Brown eggs are best, but white will be fine. I use red food coloring, (1 TBSP and 1 TBSP vinegar to a cup of boiling water)
Last year we were pleased that everyone was so willing to take part in all our customs – from cracking eggs to dancing. Greek dancing is very simple – it’s only a matter of walking, (sometimes quickly), in time to the music. Some of you have expressed the desire to have a lesson before the big day and we’ll be happy to provide that if you can come up with a time and date. We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible on May 5, and encourage you to bring friends who may not be members of Emmanuel…. This is truly an occasion when the phrase, “The More the Merrier!” applies. There is a sign-up sheet in the Parish Hall. Please bring your beverage of choice – coffee will be provided. Some help with clean up would be much appreciated.
Here’s wishing you a Joyous Spring, and even though it’s a bit early, “Christos Anesti”
With warm regards to all, Ingrid and George (Karnikis)
** A recipe for Spanakopita (Spinach Pie) is available in the Church Office.