One of the best nights I’ve ever had in the Americas? It wasn’t a party or a beach—it was Greek Orthodox Easter in Rio. This is the second time I’ve experienced Easter here, and it’s always something special.
Igreja Ortodoxa Grega Santo André is a beautiful church that also houses a Greek hall and a Greek Orthodox library. It’s located in Higienópolis, a neighbourhood that was once home to a bustling Greek community last century—and still carries that legacy in its name.
Led by Father Henrique Cairus—who I also know as Father Errikod—this is a man I deeply admire. He’s dedicated, thoughtful, and above all, a truly wonderful priest. His congregation has welcomed me since 2020. He even mentioned me during the service, which admittedly inflated my ego a little. I admire Father and the Church for their energy and commitment to keeping the flame of Hellenism and the Orthodox faith alive in Rio. The people who assist at the church are equally kind and generous.
As the night wore on and most people went home, a small group of us stayed behind. There was Ausli, of Indigenous Amazonian and Persian heritage; Konstantinos from Greece (we played tavli); Paulo and Miguel—who travelled 170km to be there—both of Brazilian heritage; and Kojo, of Ghanaian background, who speaks seven languages. They kindly offered me a place to sleep at the church hall. It’s the beautiful souls like these I keep meeting here—obrigado. And it speaks volumes about how Greek Orthodoxy connects with people from all walks of life—a true credit to Father.
The Greek Orthodox Community in Rio is led by a woman, Andrea, and all who attend are warm and welcoming. If you’re ever in Rio, please visit. At the dinner following the church service, the charismatic Ausli wore a Canterbury Bulldogs shirt. He’s married to Andrea, while Paulo is set to be married at the church in May. I wish him all the best—though sadly I’ll be back in Sydney by then.
The service itself was beautiful—a real testament to Father.
The choir, a moving mix of male and female voices, transported me straight back to Greece. I felt spiritually uplifted, deeply joyful, and grateful to be in Rio.
One of the choir members is Gabriel, whose Christening I had the honour of attending last year.
Elsewhere in Brazil, in São Paulo—the largest Greek community in the Americas—Easter week was marked by a full calendar of services and events. In the capital, Brasília, the local Greek community also came together to celebrate.
Back in Rio, Greeks and non-Greeks alike enjoyed Easter weekend festivities at O Grego. Sotiris, who manages the place, always takes time to help you appreciate the food. The owner, Kyriakos from Cyprus—who also runs two other Greek eateries—along with the staff and regulars, always make me feel at home. The food and parea take me straight back to Lesvos. As always, the Easter meals drew a full house.
Páscoa in Rio—and in Brazil as a whole—is always something special. Christ is risen, and the community who sang their hearts out over Easter will spend the coming days in joyful reflection on the spirituality that unites us all.
*Billy Cotsis is the author of Aristotle Roberto Carlos Smithopoulos.
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