Church service usually starts at 11:00PM, Saturday; to celebrate Christ's resurrection. Though most of the church goers head to the church before 12MN, for us we were there around 11:30PM. We brought candles to receive the light. The language used for the hymns, gospel and prayers is Greek Byzatine.
We entered the side door and joined the queue to light candles. Then we went outside to wait and slowly the crowd filled the ground. Families came for the service -grandparents and the young generation.
Before the clock strike 12MN. The lights inside the church were turned off. The priest held a candle and starts sharing the light till every one's candle is lighted. This light is the Holy fire/light from Jerusalem; which was passed to the bishops here in Cyprus and distributed to different churches.
According to the Orthodox Christians, this symbolizes the miracle that occurs every year at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem on Great Saturday, or Holy Saturday, the day preceding Orthodox Easter. (wiki).
As tradition the light must keep burning till it reach the homes.
When most of the candles were lighted, the church lights were turned on; then the priest went outside towards a prepared platform.
Priest: Christos Anesti (Christ is Risen)
Response: Alithos Anesti (Truly, He is Risen)
The gospel was read and the songs continued. Slowly, some of the church goers were leaving to start celebrating with their families and friends. And we too, head our way out.
Though I was waiting for the happy easter greetings, to say to one another just like in Athens. But here in Cyprus it is usually done at the end of the service.
Outside the church a bonfire was lit. At the tip is Judas' head - the apostle who betrayed Jesus.
On our way home, we were very careful to keep the candle light burning, as it should reach the house for blessings. And yes it was successful! We made sure that every corner of the house received this light.
As a tradition, a soup made of lamb's liver and intestine is the first meal. But the supermarket was out of stock, we had chicken soup with lemon.
Then the easter eggs! I dyed the eggs last Thursday. So each of us chose our eggs and start cracking it. The egg which doesnt crack or has the less crack wins. This is a game enjoyed by everyone during easter. Egg cracking or egg tapping is a symbol of rebirth.
Sunday, is a big day for the easter lunch!
Further reading: https://www.chooseyourcyprus.com/easter-in-cyprus.html
Photo credits to J-Anne.