You don’t have to be of Greek background to join in the Greek Easter festivities, says staff member Fiona Quinn of Shelford Girl’s Grammar in Melbourne.
On Thursday Shelford Girl’s Grammar Year 7 students Daphne and Helena shared their Greek Easter traditions with their classmates in a special presentation.
Both girls brought in their decorated Greek Easter candles and spoke of the holy flame that is passed around the church on Good Friday, and on Saturday followed by joyful well wishes of “Xristos Anesti!”
Helena spoke of her own personal touches to the Greek traditions, including dressing up with her sister as angels as they light their candles at church on Good Friday, whilst Daphne spoke about koulourakia, which she likes to make into bird-shapes.
Year 7 and 8 students also dyed eggs red and held a Greek Easter competition to determine who had the strongest egg.
At Oakleigh Greek Orthodox College (OGOC), students explored Easter from a spiritual perspective including fasting, confession and communion as well participated in various Greek Easter activities at the school.
Primary school students painted red eggs and decorated an Epitaphio of Christ with rich braids and colourful flowers.
In true Easter spirit, students generously donated to the 2010 Easter Food Hamper and Toy Appeal for Families in Need, an initiative of the Greek Welfare Centre.
Students at Alphington Grammar carried on the Easter celebrations with loukoumades cooking and an Easter treasure hunt on Friday for the Year 7s.
Students at St John’s Greek Orthodox College made koulourakia (also on Friday) and will hold an Easter afternoon tea when they resume in Second term.