Happy Name Day Nikiforos! …and the San Jose Greek festival begins today!
Do not forget to call every Nikiforos you know today, to wish them well on their Name Day, saying “Hronia Polla ( Χρονια Πολλα) in Greek!
Agiou Petrou kai Pavlou
June 29 is dedicated by the Church to the memory of the Chief Apostles Peter and Paul. So do call any Petros or Pavlos or Pavlina you know today, and wish them a happy name day!
Peter and Paul, Happy Name Day to all!
The Church celebrates the Apostles Peter and Paul today, two of the most prominent figures in Christianity.
Happy Name Day Elias!
In Greece, chapels and monasteries dedicated to Prophet Elias are found on mountaintops also often named after him. Peasants used to ascent Mt. Taygetus in the Spartan plain on Prophet Elias’ feast day of July 20 to light fires in his honor and to throw incense into the fire as an offering to the Prophet.
Happy St. George Day!
Saint George is one of the most beloved Saints throughout the Christian world. He is also called the Great Martyr and the Trophy Bearer. In Greece, every area has a chapel or church dedicated to his memory, and the name George is one of the most common.
Greek Easter
Traditionally, Easter must be observed on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the spring equinox.
Greek Easter is rich with cultural traditions that go beyond religious observance, weaving together centuries of customs, food, music, and communal celebrations. It is a time of family, faith, and community, a time of spiritual depth and joyful festivity. Red eggs is an iconic symbol of Easter; the red color represents the blood of Christ, and the egg symbolizes new life and resurrection The "Egg Tapping" Game is a fun and competitive tradition, activity in Greek homes and is said to bring good luck for the coming year.Two people take a red egg and tap them together—one person holds their egg steady while the other taps. The person whose egg doesn’t crack wins.
Μεγαλη Τριτη
Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα (Holy Week) from the early Christian centuries, was named the week before Easter because, according to the church teachings, great, secret, and salvific events occurred during it: the Holy Passion, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (1822) by William Blake, Tate Gallery.
On Holy Tuesday the Church commemorates the Parable of the Ten Virgins According to Matthew, ten virgins await a bridegroom; five have brought enough oil for their lamps for the wait, while the oil of the other five runs out. The five virgins who are prepared for the bridegroom's arrival are rewarded, while the five who went to buy further oil miss the bridegroom's arrival and are disowned.
The parable forms one of the themes of the first three days of Holy Week, with its teaching about vigilance, and Christ as the Bridegroom.
Μεγαλη Δευτερα
Μεγάλη Εβδομάδα (Holy Week) from the early Christian centuries, was named the week before Easter because, according to the church teachings, great, secret, and salvific events occurred during it: the Holy Passion, the Crucifixion, and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.
Κυριακη των Βαιων (Palm Sunday)
In the Orthodox Church, Palm Sunday underlines the emergence of Jesus as the king who comes to save his people. He enters Jerusalem victorious, on a donkey, surrounded by the crowd that greets him lavishly, humble, with no guards or wealth.
In Byzantine times, the same re-enactment was performed with the participation of the emperor, "The Emperor's Walk" who would walk through the city of Constantinople holding the image of Christ, accompanied by the priesthood. The procession would end at Saint Sophia church. According to testimonies, the emperor was then distributing palm branches to the crowd, while the Patriarch was offering candles for the Holy Week.
April Fool’s Day in Greece
April Fool’s is the only day in the year Greeks are wary about lies…
Arkas, https://arkas.gr/shop/
Greek Independence Day & The Day of the Annunciation
For nearly 400 years, the Greeks were under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. March 25, 1821, is considered the official start of the revolution. On that day, Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the flag of revolution at Agia Lavra in the Peloponnese. This symbolic act marked the beginning of an armed uprising, although the war itself would last until 1829.
Athens, 25 of March Parade
The day also has religious significance, as the church celebrates the Day of the Annunciation, when the Archangel Gabriel appeared to the Virgin Mary in Nazareth and announced that she would conceive the Son of God, Jesus Christ, through the Holy Spirit. The moment represents God's intervention in human history, signaling the beginning of the Incarnation of Christ.
For many Greeks, the day symbolizes both the historical struggle for freedom and the spiritual promise of hope.
22nd San Francisco Greek Film Festival
@ Delancey Street Screening Room, San Francisco
Join us in person or online!
The San Francisco Greek Film Festival (SFGFF) is dedicated to promoting the best film work by Greek and Cypriot filmmakers from around the world. During the annual film festival week, the SFGFF strives to screen a variety of independently produced arthouse and mainstream features, shorts, and documentaries.
Saint Theodoros Name Day
In many villages in Peloponnese, on the eve of Saint Theodoros’ Name Day, young girls would make koliva and take them to the church in honor of all the Theodoroses who were celebrated that day. During the Day of the Saint, relatives would visit the cemetery and bring koliva for their loved ones who had departed, and those who passed without living heir. In many places in Greece, young single girls would place the Saint Theodoros koliva under their pillow at night to dream who they would get married to.
Do reach out to and phone every Theodoros and Theodora that you know and wish him or her well, saying “Hronia Polla ( Χρονια Πολλα) in Greek.
Happy Charalampos and Chariklia Name Day!
Church of Agios Charalampos in Thesssaloniki - Dependency of the Mount Athos Monastery of Simonopetra
Saint Athanasios Day
Saint Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373) lived in Alexandria, Roman Egypt. Conflict with Arianism shaped his theologian career. He was known as Athanasius Contra Mundum (Latin for 'Athanasius Against the World').
Saint John Name Day
Happy Name Day to Giannis (John) and Gianna (Joanna) today!
Agios Ioannis, Prodromos
Theophania
The Blessings of the Waters at rivers, lakes and the sea celebrate the Baptism of Jesus today.
Happy Name Day to Fotini, Fotis and Theophanis today!
Join us to bake revani together!
Revani is a popular dessert in Greece and throughout the Middle East, often served during holidays, special occasions, or as a sweet treat with coffee or tea. Spongy and delicate, it is dressed in surup and is truly delicious.
Happy New Year, St Basil Day!
Happy Name Day to all Vasiliis and Vasiliki, don’t forget to call them and wish them health and prosperity and happiness!
Baking Spanakopitta, the authentic Florina way!
Spanakopita with homemade phyllo is deeply rooted in Greek culinary tradition, especially in the Northwest. It is a beloved dish, enjoyed for generations and is often associated with family gatherings. It can be served as a main dish, appetizer, or snack, and can be enjoyed both casually and formally, adding to its widespread appeal. Join us to practice an authentic recipe from Florina, Greece.
Click here to sign up for the online class!
Join us to cook Gemista together!
Join us to cook gemista, one of the most loved dishes in Greek cuisine.