It's Good Friday!

👋 Hey there expats,

In this week’s newsletter, we’re bringing you Greek Orthodox Church traditions, what’s new on the blog and video snippets from our panel discussion, How to Start a Business in Greece.

Today is Good Friday!

Good Friday, is the day of mourning and reverence for Christianity. It is the day that commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and his death at the Calvary, while the church bells ring in mourning from 12 noon. The ritual starts in the early morning when women decorate with flowers the Epitaph in order to receive the body of Jesus after the mass, and in the evening, the people carry on the Epitaph processions by carrying candles through the streets, where priests (sometimes a military band) and the crowd chant religious hymns.

Did you know?

The word epitaphios is an adjective meaning “funerary, happening on a grave”; it is the Greek title for Thucydides’ famous Pericles’ Funeral Oration, and the origin of the word epitaph. Within a liturgical context, this is also the name of an icon, usually made of cloth and richly embroidered, depicting the body of Christ being laid in the grave, often by the Virgin Mary and some disciples.

In Athens

If you happen to be in Athens today, near Plaka, there will be several Epitaph processions among the small alleys, offering a unique opportunity to witness a cultural experience, even if you’re a non-believer.

On the islands

The practices vary according to region. For instance, in Zakinthos, instead of an embroidered cloth, an amnos (lamb) is used: this is a figure of the dead body of Christ, cut out from board and painted from both sides, placed vertically so that it can be seen from either side of the bier.

In Hydra and Tinos, men carry the Epitaphios until they reach the beach and march right into the sea, until they are at least waist-deep in water, where they may remain for several minutes, often holding the platform high to protect it. During this time, prayers are said for the welfare and safe return of the many seafarers coming from those communities.

On the blog

📜Why You Should Get a Greek Tax ID (AFM) Before Moving to Greece: In our most recent article, we mentioned the importance of obtaining the unique Greek tax number called the ‘afimi’, since it is needed to open bank accounts, secure property contracts, as well as getting a driver’s license. Read here.

Upcoming events

🌎 The Wonder Wanderers: Our endorsed life coach, Elpida Trizi, is hosting a transformative experience, taking place at the end of May at Vitsa Zagorochoria from the 31st of May until the 2nd of June.

That's it for this week's newsletter! As always, feel free to reach out with any questions, suggestions, or if you'd like to be featured.

Wishing you a fantastic week ahead filled with Greek adventures and memorable experiences.

Yassas!

The “My Greek Expat Journey” Team

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