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7 THE SHEPHERD • APRIL 2021 • SAINT SPYRIDON GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH OF SAN DIEGO GREEK LANGUAGE SCHOOL Greek Independence Day Celebration: We had a busy month in March preparing for the Greek Independence Day Celebration via Zoom. Congratulations to all our Greek School students for their excellent presenta- tions and all the parents and teachers for all their hard work. Special thanks to Nektarios Tradas for editing and producing the pro- gram and to Jenny eologidis and to her children Artemis, Iason, and Philipa Tsiro- nis and also Irini Ampelas for their excep- tional music talents. We are grateful to you all and we thank you for all you do for our school. Greek Paschal Traditions: Pascha is the most important religious cel- ebration for the Greeks, even more than Christmas. Traditionally, women dye eggs in red, and godparents buy new shoes, clothes and an Easter candle called a lambada (λαμπάδα) for their Godchildren. In villages the exterior of the houses and the streets are newly whitewashed in preparation for this important time. One of the most mesmerizing moments in the Services of Holy Week is the “Hymn of Kassiani” (Τροπάριο της Κασσιανής) chant- ed once a year on the evening of Holy Tues- day. It speaks of the woman who anoints Christ’s feet and seeks His forgiveness for her sins. Kostis Palamas, one of the greatest Greek poets, was inspired by the message it conveys, that forgiveness is the only path to inner peace. On Good Friday, the day of mourning, the Επιτάφιος, (the tomb of Christ with its icon) is decorated with thousands of owers. e Epitaphios is taken out of the church and carried away through the village or the neighborhood (in the big cities) to the cem- etery followed by a slow procession. At the cemetery everyone lights a candle for the dead: then, the Epitaphio with its procession returns to the church where the believers kiss the image of Christ and pass under the Epitaphio while it is being held high as sym- bolism that each one passes death by Christ’s death and resurrection. During Holy Saturday (Μεγάλο Σάββατο), shortly before midnight, people gather in church holding white candles which they light with the “Holy Light” distributed by the priest. When the latter chants, “Christ is risen” (Χριστός Ανέστη), people exchange wishes and the so-called “Kiss of Love”. With the “Holy Light” of the candles they make three times the sign of the cross on the door post over the front door of their houses for good luck. en they all gather around the table, they crack red eggs and wish one an- other Christos Anesti. On Sunday morning, mainly in Greek countryside, lamb is pre- pared on the spit and people eat and dance usually until late at night. is year, 2021, Greek Orthodox Easter will be quite di erent for all of us as well as for most countries around the world; in these unusual times, Greek Orthodox Christians around the world are celebrating Easter vir- tually amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Easter services in Greece and all over the world will be held in empty or partially empty church- es due to restrictions on public gatherings. Even though we may not all be in churches together we will be united by our traditions and faith praying for a brighter future. May the renewal of life at Pascha bring new Blessings of love, hope, peace, good health and happiness to you and your loved ones! ΤΟ ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΣΑΣ ΕΥΧΕΤΑΙ «ΚΑΛΟ ΠΑΣΧΑ!» Athena Kotinopoulos Georges, M.Ed. Greek Language School Director Direct: 619-992-4452 athenakotinopoulos@gmail.com Director of Greek School • Paid position • Established school and curriculum • Accredited with the San Diego Unified School District • Ages 4 – HS and Adults • 9 active teachers • Support staff For information please email greekschoolboard@gmail.com POSITION AVAILABLE