Over 1300 crosses were made for Palm Sunday by three generations of Greek Australians honouring the tradition as the Transfiguration of Our Lord church was decorated with palm leaves, palm crosses and palm donkeys.
Father George and Deacon Dimitri shared their enthusiasm to see so many in attendance where Easter customs were being passed down and upheld.
In addition, parish members volunteered to hand-bake 1000 tsourekia for Easter; straight braids and round braids with red eggs in the middle.
“No machines in sight for the mixing and kneading. It’s all hand made,” said Mary Lalios to Neos Kosmos as she commented on the aromas: “nothing beats the sweet smell of home-made tsoureki”.
It is not just baking, “the ladies exchange stories and pass on the traditions to the ‘younger’ generations. Some volunteers have been volunteering for 40 years. A mammoth achievement.”
The baked tsourekia will be available to buy at the parish from today, Sunday, until all sold out ahead of Orthodox Easter week.
Archbishop Makarios and Bishop Evmenios of Kerasounta will be joining the parish on Good Friday.
Father George and Deacon Dimitri together with the thousands of parishioners are due to welcome them with an impressive Epitafio set to be decorated by the parish ladies on Thursday evening.
A video screen will be also be mounted for those that want to attend the liturgy while standing outside of the church.
Three generations of Greek Orthodox Melbournians making Palm Crosses. Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
Photo: Supplied
