This year the Julian and Gregorian calendars align with Orthodox Easter and that of western Christians with Easter falling on Sunday 16 April.
On Easter Saturday, thousands of faithful around the world will congregate at their local churches to collect the Eternal Flame that is blessed and passed around the congregation.
Christos Anesti (Christ has risen) and Alithos Anesti (Truly, he is risen) will be said from one parishioner to another to confirm the resurrection of Jesus, and we remember his sacrifice in being crucified and resurrecting for the salvation of all humanity.
Families will carry the flame home where they will gather with those closest to them to break the Lenten fast and as is the tradition, eat magiritsa and crack their red eggs symbolising eternal life.
Finally, a celebratory feast will follow on Easter Sunday when people come together with those they hold dear.
Whether one identifies as religious or not, these traditions, which date back thousands of years, serve as a time of reflection – and a welcome one at that – as the world continues to experience instability, war, and famine, and on a personal level, our own challenges; Easter brings with it hope and a chance to start anew.
Neos Kosmos wishes all of our readers, their families and friends Καλή Ανάσταση.