The Holy Week and Easter festivities, known in Greece as Pascha, are a truly beautiful time to visit Leros. Witness the island come alive with vibrant traditions, deep spirituality, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The Municipality of Leros, in collaboration with the Holy Metropolis, has prepared a special program of events that will allow you to experience the magic of Pascha alongside the local residents fully.
A Journey Through Holy Week
Pascha is more than just Easter Sunday in Greece. It’s a week-long journey of remembrance, reflection, and ultimately, joyous celebration. Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday leads up to Easter Sunday and offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Greek Orthodox traditions. Palm Sunday marks the triumphant entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, and in Leros, you might see locals holding woven palm crosses they received at church services.
As the week progresses, the mood becomes more reflective. On Holy Friday, witness the moving Procession of the Epitaphs. Epitaphs, beautiful flower arrangements symbolising the body of Christ after the Crucifixion, are carried through the streets in a somber procession. Later that evening, a spirit of unity fills the air as several churches in Platanos join forces for a spectacular joint procession, illuminated by candlelight and accompanied by the solemn melodies of the Municipal Philharmonic.
The Culmination: Easter Saturday and Easter Sunday
The somber mood of Holy Friday dramatically shifts on Holy Saturday night. The arrival of the Ag. Light, a symbolic fire lit in Jerusalem on Holy Saturday, marks a turning point. Witness the excitement and anticipation build as the island awaits the Easter celebrations. Culminating on Easter Sunday, church bells erupt in a joyous peal, fireworks illuminate the night sky, and the festive Resurrection Service fills the air with uplifting hymns. Join the locals in exchanging greetings of “Christos Anesti!” (Christ is Risen!) and “Alithos estin!” (He is Risen Indeed!), a beautiful tradition that encapsulates the core message of Easter.
Witnessing Pascha in Leros is a truly unforgettable experience. Join the celebrations, embrace the traditions, and discover the magic of Easter on this beautiful Greek island!
Holy Friday (03/05/2024):
- 14:00 – Attend the Service of Deposition and Epitaph at Panagia tou Kastrou (The Castle of Saint Mary).
- 16:00 –Â Witness the Procession of the Epitaph at the 588th Home Guard Battalion (army base in Parhteni).
- 20:15 –Â Join the Gathering of Authorities and Officials before the Town Hall for their visit to the Holy Metropolitan Church “Annunciation of Theotokou.”
- 21:00 – Â Attend the Meeting of the Epitaphs procession. The Holy Metropolitan Church “Annunciation of the Virgin Mary,” “Christ the Savior,” and “Saint Marini” churches in Platanos will come together, accompanied by the Municipal Philharmonic and the Armed Battalion of the Leros Garrison.
Holy Saturday (04/05/2024):
- 20:00 – Be part of the Resurrection Ceremony at the Holy Church of Ag. Georgiou 588 Battalion Home Guard.
- 22:30 – Witness the arrival of Ag. Light is on the pier in front of the cinema in Lakki.
- 23:00 – Attend the service with dignitaries at the Cathedral of Ag. Nikolaou in Lakki.
- Midnight – Celebrate Christ’s resurrection and the DoxologyÂ
Easter Sunday (05/05/2024):
- 10:00 – Attend the Vespers of LOVE at the Holy Metropolitan Church “Annunciation of the Virgin Mary” in Platanos.
Please note: During the Good Friday procession of the epitaphs, the Leros Police Department kindly requests everyone’s cooperation in maintaining order and traffic flow around the Church of Agia Marina, the Holy Metropolitan Church of the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, in Platanos Square, the port of Ag. Marina, and the Leros Police Station.
We hope you have an enjoyable and meaningful Easter celebration in Leros!
