The bells of Greece’s holy temples and monasteries rang joyfully last night as the faithful celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ forty days late.
People were unable to celebrate the Resurrection on April 18 this year, as churches were shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. Instead, the service was streamed live on television or the internet.
But last night, Archbishop Ieronymos officiated over a service at Athens Cathedral from 9 pm until 1 am, while thousands of Orthodox faithful gathered at churches around the country to chant “Christ is Risen” and celebrate the Resurrection of Christ.
Many people received the Holy Fire, while some also used the occasion to receive Holy Communion, as is tradition during Easter.
Social distancing was maintained and in some churches, the ceremony was held outdoors.
The Holy Synod said the services would “give the faithful the opportunity to experience the joy of Easter of which they were deprived due to the coronavirus pandemic.”
READ MORE: Belated Easter Saturday liturgy to be held in churches across Greece.
