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dpappas87

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I was asked to be a nona (godmother), and I'm helping my best friend plan the baptism for her firstborn son. We're so excited but we want a lot of her family members to be present. I know technically baptisms are supposed to be held inside the church, but has anyone heard of baptisms being outside? She's planning on having the baptism in Greece, and the weather will most likely be very nice. Does anyone know if this is possible?
 
I would say the following could help with a safe Greek baptism (although I am not a Dr.):

- Mandatory masks
- Limit amount of people
- Try to have good ventilation if indoors or outdoor reception after church
- Social distance tables and seat people with same households

Anyway, there are a few things that come to my mind, congrats on being the Nona, it is a huge lifelong honor! :)
 
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I would say the following could help with a safe Greek baptism (although I am not a Dr.):

- Mandatory masks
- Limit amount of people
- Try to have good ventilation if indoors or outdoor reception after church
- Social distance tables and seat people with same households

Anyway, there are a few things that come to my mind, congrats on being the Nona, it is a huge lifelong honor! :)
I would say the same! Try and keep everything outdoors if possible and speak with the priest beforehand and see if they can put the kolibithra outside. If you explain that you want close family (especially elderly) at the baptism, I'm sure they will understand.
 
I was asked to be a nona (godmother), and I'm helping my best friend plan the baptism for her firstborn son. We're so excited but we want a lot of her family members to be present. I know technically baptisms are supposed to be held inside the church, but has anyone heard of baptisms being outside? She's planning on having the baptism in Greece, and the weather will most likely be very nice. Does anyone know if this is possible?
It is not possible to have a Greek wedding outdoors as the physical church is a symbol that is very much part of the service. Perhaps only family be allowed inside and others remain outside until the service is over.
 
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It is not possible to have a Greek wedding outdoors as the physical church is a symbol that is very much part of the service. Perhaps only family be allowed inside and others remain outside until the service is over.
Does this apply to baptisms as well?
 
I would stick with adhering to the church's safety guidelines, and then try to make the celebration afterwards outdoors, with as much social distancing as possible. If that is not possible, maybe you should consider limiting the guest list, having people wear masks, and make sure the room is well ventilated?
 
It is not possible to have a Greek wedding outdoors as the physical church is a symbol that is very much part of the service. Perhaps only family be allowed inside and others remain outside until the service is over.
Actually, I attended a Greek orthodox wedding outdoors in Rhode Island last year by the beach! Apparently it is possible but you have to find a priest willing to setup an altar outside. Not sure exactly what this involves but I know it's possible.
 
Actually, I attended a Greek orthodox wedding outdoors in Rhode Island last year by the beach! Apparently it is possible but you have to find a priest willing to setup an altar outside. Not sure exactly what this involves but I know it's possible.
Thanks for the advice! I guess I just have to find a priest who's a bit more modern, and maybe help with the setup lol
 

When does Orthodox lent start this year?

I noticed our Easter is late - May 5th - but Western Easter is at the end of March. Has Lent already started for them? When does our Lent start?

This year, I plan to do a stricter Lenten fast, so I want to plan some things out in advance.

Lent is a time for introspection, repentance, and spiritual growth. Through the dedicated practice of fasting, prayer, and charity, believers seek not only to grow closer to God but also to better understand themselves in relation to God’s will.

Advice about making Greek coffee

I've developed a fascination with Greek culture and cuisine, and one aspect I'm particularly eager to explore is Greek coffee. I've heard that it's a unique and delicious brew, but I'm not quite sure how to make it at home.

I understand that Greek coffee is traditionally prepared using a special pot called a briki, but beyond that, I'm a bit lost. What type of coffee grounds should I use, and how finely should they be ground? Are there any specific brands or blends that are favored for making Greek coffee?

I'm also curious about the brewing process itself. Is there a particular technique for achieving that rich, foamy texture that Greek coffee is known for? And what about serving suggestions? Are there any traditional accompaniments or customs that I should be aware of?

Thanks in advance!

Greek Wedding Traditions Roundup

I am helping someone plan her Greek wedding. I wanted to make a list of all the traditions we need to keep in time for the big day. Did I miss anything?

The Stolisma

The wedding day begins with the ritual of 'Stolisma,' where the bride and groom are prepared separately by their families. It's a moment filled with emotion, songs, and blessings, setting the tone for the day. I had honestly never heard of this. Do people still do it?

The Krevati

An amusing tradition is the 'Krevati' (bed making), where family and friends gather to decorate the couple's future bed with baby items, symbolizing fertility and a happy family life. Money is also often thrown on the bed for good luck and prosperity.

The Crowning (Stefana)

One of the most iconic rituals during the ceremony is the exchange of crowns or 'Stefana.' I believe they need to buy the crowns they want in advance?

Koufeta

No Greek wedding would be complete without 'Koufeta'—sugar-coated almonds given to guests as wedding favors. These bittersweet treats represent the ups and downs of married life and are shared in odd numbers to symbolize indivisibility and shared life.

Ideas for Celebrating the New Month - Kalo Mina

Growing up, I heard my family say this all the time when there was a new month. I finally started paying attention to the tradition and ritual of saying it.

Kalo Mina actually means "Good Month" but my family took it a step further. We developed the habit of doing something special as a family to celebrate.It depends which day it falls. Some things we've done:

- Brunch - We do this if it falls on a weekend.
- Dinner - Going out to dinner is great any time of the year!
- Journaling - We've done family journaling parties, sitting together reflecting on the month. Sometimes we read aloud what we write (depends how the month went LOL)
- Goals - No matter if we do anything, like go out to dinner or brunch, we always sit and review our goals for the month together.

Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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