The night of the Resurrection is mystical in our city. Additionally, we found the most beautiful churches that are scattered across the city that are worth visiting that day.
The imposing cathedral of Athens could not be missing from the list, since here the Resurrection is impressive. Also, on Good Friday, the procession of the Epitaph is accompanied by the Philharmonic Orchestra of the Municipality of Athens and meets at Syntagma Square with the epitaphs of the churches of the historic center.
Just a few meters from the metro of Evaggelismos, you will think that you are on an island, if you visit the picturesque chapel of Agios Georgios, overlooking the whole city. Also, here, on the night of Holy Saturday, you will have the opportunity to watch a spectacle with dozens of fireworks that make the sky red. Just make sure you start early to walk upstairs, as it is very busy that day to use the car.
If you want to completely avoid the crowds, the church of Agia Fotini overlooking the sacred rock of the Acropolis and the temple of Olympian Zeus is the ideal choice. Built on the ruins of the ancient sanctuary of Hecate, next to the sanctuary of Panos, the church of Agia Fotini has a special mystical atmosphere that will make you feel the spirit of the Resurrection.
In the center of the busy square, this beautiful church is famous for the honorable four-part choir of Themistocles Polycrates, which counts 127 years of life and has an inseparable relationship with this church. Their chants will shock you not only on Holy Saturday but the whole Passion Week, whenever it is worth visiting it even once these days.
On the well-known street of bars and cafes, is the beautiful church of Agia Irini, which was the former holy Metropolis of Athens. It is one of the constant choices of the Athenians, as there one can watch the world-famous Greek Byzantine choir, created by Lykourgos Angelopoulos, who has been its lead singer since 1985.
Unique in its kind, it is located on Bohali Street and offers an original spectacle on the day of the Resurrection. After the resurrection bells ring, a celebration follows the sounds of percussion instruments, while the choir represents moments from the life of Christ theatrically. Know that to enter the Ethiopian Coptic temple, you must take off your shoes. Also, according to the custom, the Cutters wear white clothes, so make sure you are in tune with the atmosphere.
The Armenian church at number 10 on Kriezi Street is another alternative proposal for the day of the Resurrection, while on Good Friday its operation, which is accompanied by a church organ, is of great interest. If you are lucky, because this does not happen every year, you will have the opportunity to watch the prayer in both Greek and Armenian-, along with three other neighborhood churches that meet at the exit of the Epitaph.
It is located in one of the most beautiful and picturesque districts of the center, on Erechtheos Street, and in fact, the Holy Light first arrives there from Jerusalem, just before taking its way to the Diocese. If you cannot stand the fireworks, it is probably the best choice, as there are rarely such spectacular "explosions" there.
A little further, in Anafiotika, is this church between Prytaneiou and Epimarchou streets. Its historic bell, on display in the church's foyer, is the first to ring in 1833 after the country was liberated from the Turkish yoke. It is famous for the service of Holy Tuesday when many believers rush to hear the Troparion of Cassiani.
The cosmopolitan church of Kolonaki, with its magnificent courtyard, attracts many Athenians - you will see a lot of people here. And because the temple has a more modern concept, you can find out about the program of functions and sequences from its official website.
Also known as the Russian Church in Athens, the Holy Trinity is a meeting place for the people who moved here after the fall of the Soviet Union. On Holy Saturday, the service is held in Russian and the faithful arrive with red eggs, Easter bread, cheeses and cold cuts, garlic for strength, and butter with salt, which they share at the end. Also, pay attention to the pictures that are decorated with embroidered fabrics throughout the Holy Week.
One of the most beautiful churches in the city, very close to the Acropolis, which in its way unites Orthodox with the ancient heritage. Although its interior, which is adorned with magnificent frescoes of the 18th century, does not appeal to many people, the service of the Resurrection takes place in its magnificent courtyard that smells of jasmine.
Featured Image by: A.Savin
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