The Hellenic Radio (ERA): News in English, 06-04-22

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

CONTENTS

[01] Traffic Police on Alert Easter Getaway

By Betty Savourdou

Sources: ΝΕΤ 105.8 - ANA

This years Eastern holidaymakers have been more by 10% compared to last years, estimated the Traffic police. In particular, some 710,000 vehicles have left Athens so far. Hitches were reported yesterday, due to the increased traffic flow in Kakia Skala (Athens-Corinth National Highway), at the Afidnes tolls and in Maliakos (Athens-Thessaloniki National Highway), and the Traffic Police let vehicles passed past tolls twice to facilitate the Athenians departing from the capital. The getaway from the urban centres is expected to continue until noon, while authorities are on alert inside cities, as well, for several accidents take place these days due to intoxication and excess speed. As for the weather conditions, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) has forecast unsettled weather conditions, will scattered rainfalls, storms for the coming three days.

Translated by Areti Christou

[02] Salvation and Exultation Awaiting Resurrection!

Sources: NET 105,8 - ANA

Orthodox Greeks are awaiting the promising message of Resurrection to echo in their hearts, while Christs First Resurrection ceremony was celebrated in many churches in the morning. In Jerusalem, the Holy Sepulchre Brotherhood is getting ready for the ceremony of the Holy Light, expected to begin shortly after 1pm. In following, Patriarch Theofilos of Jerusalem will hand over the Holy Light to the head of the Greek delegation, Deputy Foreign Minister Theodoros Kassimis. An Olympic Airlines charter will transfer It to Athens. The plane is due to land at the Athens International Airport at about 18.30pm and a welcoming ceremony will take place. The Holy Light will, then, be transferred to all four corners of Greece, so that the congregants receive it right after the clocks strike twelve.

Messages of Salvation

"The victory of the Resurrection must be experienced as a victory of life, of brotherhood, of the future, of hope," read Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomews proclamation of Holy Pascha.

Athens Archbishop Christodoulos argued that the message of divine apocalypse is translated into a proposal relating to the way of personal existence.

Tirana Archbishop Anastasios underlined that Christs Resurrection has offered mankind the power to free itself from death and the fear and stress death provokes.

Customs Taking Back in Time Revive

Customs that date back to the years of Ottoman rule and beyond revive these days across Greece.

On the Ionian island of Zakynthos, which has been suffering from quakes in the last days, the residents stayed true to their customs and at as early as 4 at dawn they broke jars, as they traditionally do each year on Holy Saturday.

Particularly striking is the celebration on Corfu, where its residents celebrate Resurrection at the central square of the city smashing jugs.

In Agrinio, west of Greece, they celebrate the custom of Halkounia, while in the village of Vrontados on the island of Chios, everyone is ready for the traditional "rocket war."

Greek state and political leaders are to celebrate the Greek Orthodox Easter in the countryside.

President of Hellenic Republic Karolos Papoulias will attend the Resurrection Service in Soufli, north of Greece, while PM Kostas Karamanlis at the convent of Kehrovounoiu on the Aegean island of Tinos.

SYN President Alekos Alavanos is also on Tinos, while PASOK leader George Papandreou is on the island of Paros.

Finally, KKE secretary general Aleka Papariga is continuing her tour in China. She returns on April 27.

Translated by Areti Christou

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