Greek Orthodox Easter symbolises the renewal of life through Christ’s love and His resurrection after being crucified. The most moving tradition is on the night of Easter Saturday when the Holy Light is passed on to the faithful during the midnight mass. Many Orthodox Christians travel to Jerusalem this time of year to see the Holy Light in Christ’s birthplace.

The original flame is brought by plane to Cyprus from Jerusalem, and it’s a beautiful and spiritually-moving sight to see thousands of candles lit from it and taken home to be kept alive as long as possible, symbolising wellbeing, health and happiness for each household.

Easter is the most important religious event in the Greek Orthodox tradition, more important than Christmas, which was a relatively minor celebration prior to the 1980s.

Pascha, as it’s known in Greek, also marks the end of the fasting period that starts 40 days before Easter Sunday. During this period, no meat or animal products are eaten by those who observe the tradition.

Certain foods are only eaten during Easter, including the sweet bread Tsoureki and the minty, cheesy Flaouna, both are delicious.

CyprusNewsReport wishes you and family a very Happy Easter, love and light.