Γεια σας και καλό Πάσχα! On Sunday the Greeks celebrate Easter. The government has imposed rules in order to avoid the spread of COVID.

There is a curfew (απαγόρευση κυκλοφορίας) from 22:00 to 5:00. We can relocate after sending a text message to 13033 stating the code 6 and our name and address. A group of nine people is allowed indoors and twelve people outdoors. The use of self tests is recommended by the government. We still cannot move from one region to another, so the traditional Greek Easter “at the village” (Πάσχα στο χωριό) is not an option.

On Monday the restaurants and cafes reopen. They will stay open until 22:45 and people have to sit outdoors. There will be no music. We still have to send text messages using the code 6.

If you live in Greece and would like to go to church, note that the Resurrection service (Ανάσταση) will take place on Great Saturday (Μεγάλο Σάββατο) at 21:00, outside the church.

https://blogs.transparent.com/greek/wp-content/uploads/sites/20/2021/04/red-1362583_1280.jpg

Πασχαλινό λεξιλόγιο (Paschal vocabulary)

• Καλή Ανάσταση: literally it means “have a nice Resurrection day”
• Χριστός Ανέστη: Christ is risen! This is the phrase we use when greeting after the Resurrection service. The response is “Αληθώς!”, which means “indeed” or “Αληθώς ο Κύριος”, which means “The Lord is risen indeed!”.
• Χρόνια πολλά: literally it means “many years” (live many years or have a nice life) and it’s a generic wish that can be used in all circumstances.
• νηστεύω: to fast

Example: Θέλω μια χωριάτικη χωρίς φέτα γιατί νηστεύω. / I want a Greek salad with no feta cheese because I fast.

• η λαμπάδα: Paschal candle

Example: Αγόρασα μια ωραία λαμπάδα στο βαφτιστήρι μου. / I bought a nice Paschal candle for my godson.

• η Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα: Holy Week

Example: Φέτος νηστέψαμε μόνο τη Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα. / This year we fasted only during the Holy Week.

• ο Επιτάφιος: Epitaph

Example: Η γιαγιά έδωσε λουλούδια στα παιδιά για να στολίσουν τον Επιτάφιο. / The grandmother gave the children flowers to decorate the Epitaph.

Καλό Πάσχα!

Φωτογραφία από Siggy Nowak από το Pixabay