The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 05-04-30

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article

From: The Hellenic Radio (ERA) <www.ert.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] With Firecrackers in Athens and Jugs in Kerkira First Resurrection of Christ

By Athina Saloustrou

At 9:00 the First Resurrection of Christ took place in the Church of Agios Konstantinos, in the centre of Athens. Tradition says that its announcement is simply made at midnight. Loud bangs that denote the roar that followed the miracle of the Resurrection covered all other noises around the area. The ground shook and the loud roar upset the world. The chandeliers swung back and forth, while the firecrackers created pandemonium. The children of the church parish sprinkled rose-petals on the followers. The tradition started in 1955 when parishioners arrived at church carrying their household pots or anything that would make loud noise. Many of them still attend the sermon. The First Resurrection also took place in the upper square of Kerkira with unique splendor, as the people threw jugs out of their windows. Around Greece, intensive preparations are taking place for the joyful news of Christs Resurrection.

Rocket Fight in Chios

In Vrontados, Chios, the preparations are well underway. In the parish of Agios Markos the area around the church has been cleared, and rocket launchers have been set up. But also at the rival parish of Panagia Ereithiani everything is ready for the rocket fight. It is calculated that on the night of the Resurrection around 70,000 rockets will be launched. The rocket fight has made the island a favorite destination among travelers, thus a cruise boat with tourists has arrived at the island in order to watch the tradition from up close. The people of Chios, known for their hospitality, greeted them with gifts and the traditional produce of the island, mastic.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

[02] Strict Security Measures at Temple of Resurrection A Climate of War

By Athina Saloustrou

An explosive climate, nearly war-like, different from the one of devoutness we are used to, is apparent this year at Jerusalem where the Holy Light ceremony will begin at 13:00 under strict security measures, after yesterdays incidents, at the area around the Holy Tomb. The Israeli police have closed off all the entrances and the side streets that lead to the Holy Tomb, while many police security check points have been set up in the area of the Old City. Six blockades have been set up at a distance of 800m along the temple, while the number of Israeli police is equal to the number of followers. Up to this moment, 1,000 people have been allowed entrance in the Holy Tomb, while the police forces that will watch over and guard the Holy Light ceremony is 1,500 men. The followers that have flocked to Jerusalem to celebrate Easter are estimated to 2,000-3,000 people that have traveled from Greece, Cyprus and Russia, and have not been allowed to enter the Temple for security reasons. According to the Chief of Israeli police the process of the Holy Light ceremony that will begin at 13:00 and is expected to last 40 minutes will be similar to the one of previous years. The Greek Patriarch will enter the Sepulcher of the Holy Tomb, while the Armenian will stand in the entrance. The Greek government will be represented by Deputy Minister of Transport, Anastasios Neratzis and a delegation.

Holy Light Arrives in Athens at the Evening

According to information, organizations of Orthodox Arabs are planning a rally, in order to prevent the Patriarch to approach the Sepulcher of the Holy Tomb, which was sealed at around 12:00. The above will be very difficult to accomplish, as security measures are extremely strict.

This evening, the Holy Light will be transported to Athens, and following from Eleftherios Venizelos Airport with 18 Olympic Airlines flights and guarded by the Army will travel to the farthest corner of the Greece. Seven of the flights will depart with a slight delay in order for the Holy Light to be received, while the rest are also expected to be slightly delayed awaiting the arrival of the Holy Light from Jerusalem.

The incidents that took place last night, during the Epitafeios procession, in the yard of the Temple of Resurrection, in the Old City of Jerusalem lead the Israeli police to make arrests when around 500 Orthodox Arabs raised banners and passed out leaflets against Patriarch Eirinaios and asking for his resignation.

Earlier, the Jerusalem Patriarch spoke of defamation and deliberate attacks, commenting on the article of an Israeli newspaper that published two real estate rental contracts to the Israelis, which are reportedly signed by Nikos Papadimas, a former associate of the Patriarch. The Patriarchate describes the contracts as invalid and states its intent to resort to justice.

Translated by Eirene Nisiriou

Related News:

New Evidence on Patriarchate of Jerusalem

The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English Directory - Previous Article - Next Article