Representation of the Earthquake after the Resurrection of the Lord, which takes place at I.N. Of the Most Holy Theotokos Faneromeni (Panagia ton Xenon), in Plakada tou Agiou, interpreting the relevant Gospel passage.
09:00
Liturgy of the Holy Tabernacle of Saint Spyridon and procession of the Epitaph of His Holy Temple. This is the oldest litany of the Saint, which takes place in memory of the miraculous liberation of the island from starvation, probably in the year 1553. According to an old tradition, because on the morning of Holy Saturday the mourning of Holy Friday continues, the Epitaph of I.N., while it is noteworthy that Saint Spyridon is liturgized in the position of a prominent Bishop, that is, he precedes the Epitaph, following the Byzantine cult and especially that of the Queen. The procession includes the bands of all three Philharmonic Orchestras of the city, which perform the adaptation of the mourning procession from the opera “Amleto” by the Italian composer Franco Faccio (Old), the mourning procession “Calde Lacrimae” [Hot Tears] by the Italian composer de Michellis (Blue) and the adaptation of the mourning procession from Beethoven’s “Heroic Accord” (Kapodistrias). The relic of Saint Spyridon, after His procession in the city, is placed at the door for a three-day pilgrimage. This is also an ancient tradition, which probably has its roots in Constantinople, when the relics of the Saint were still in the Holy Temple of the Holy Apostles. In fact, in the years of Venetian rule, the days when he was “the Saint at the door” were considered days of immunity.
11:00
After the end of the litany, the Vespers of the Resurrection are celebrated in the Holy Metropolitan Church and normally, when the Metropolitan sings the verse “Resurrected, God, judge the earth” the bells of all the churches of the city ring joyfully. From the balconies of the houses the inhabitants throw the old clay pots.
This is the custom of the “First Resurrection” with the throwing of the “botides” (clay pots with two handles; one either side). The roots of this tradition are very old. Maybe the sound of the break symbolizes the victory of life over death. The people of Corfu attribute a Christian content to this local tradition, allegorically representing the Resurrection word of the prophet “let me crush them, like pottery”.
In the area of Pinia (Koukounara), in the old shopping centre of the city, in recent years the custom of “Mastella” has been revived. In a barrel decorated with myrtles, flowers and ribbons, full of water, passers-by toss coins, making a wish. With the announcement (bells) of the first Resurrection, the first to dive into “Mastella” receives its content, ie the coins and the… water (bugelo). The event is organized by the Corfu Events Organization (OKE)
21:00
Sequence of the Easter Vigil at the Cathedral of the Catholics (Duomo), accompanied by a church organ and a polyphonic choir, officiated by the Rev. Archbishop of the Catholics. The ceremony ends at 23:00.
22:00
Reception of the Holy Light of the Holy Sepulcher. It takes place in Pentofanaro (Liston) with the presence of the local authorities. The Holy Light is transferred to I.N. of Agia Paraskevi, where the procession of the Resurrection of the Lord begins, presided over by the Reverent. Metropolitan of Corfu. Recently, the acceptance ceremony of St. Fotos from the Catholic Archbishop, who interrupts the Liturgy to receive the Holy Light from the hands of the Orthodox Metropolitan, in the procession to the Church of Ag. Paraskevis at Porta Remounta.
Beginning of the Pannichidos Resurrection Sequence at I.N. of Agia Paraskevi, near the Upper Square.
23:40
From the I.N. of Agia Paraskevi transfer to the Palko of the Upper Square for the Resurrection ceremony, presided over by the Rev. Metropolitan of Corfu. The Resurrection is performed there and “Christ is Risen” is sung, with the three philharmonic orchestras of the city simultaneously playing the “Greeks” march in a spectacular atmosphere. Hundreds of fireworks illuminate the Corfiot sky in the Park of Pano Plateia, in an explosion of colors and accompany the message of the Resurrection, at the sound of “Christ is Risen” All the windows of the large six-storey houses around the square are open, with lighted candles on the balconies ∙ thousands of candles ∙ sparklers ∙ fireworks and drumbeats. At the end of the Resurrection, the bands roam around the city playing and the crowd follows singing. The party has just begun and will last until the morning with “tsilihourda” (local cuisine), red eggs, fogates, columbines and plenty of wine. The whole island celebrates the Resurrection of the Lord with the glory it deserves.
Resurrection Divine Liturgy is celebrated at night in the Holy Temples: St Panton (All Saints), Panagia ton Xenon, St. Jason and Sosipatrou, St. Trion Martiron, Koimiseos Y. T. Mamalon, St. Konstantinos and Eleni (Koulines), St. Panton Gouvia
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