The Panepirotic Federation of Australia, the Cretan Federation and the Messenian Federation at the Archiocesan District of Northcote is hosting the Virgin Mary’s lament at 6.30pm this evening at the Holy Archiepiscopal Monastery of Axion Esti, Northcote.
For centuries women identified Panayia’s loss as their loss. Assuming her voice they fashioned laments based on Orthodox hymnography and traditional poetry and music.
The laments are diverse throughout Greece and as this is a cultural phenomenon that is in danger of dying out.
Dean Kalymniou will present a lecture analysing the culture and theology behind the phenomenon and the Cretans, Pontians and Messenians will be presenting laments from their region.