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nadellii

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There won't be any parades :( so I'm looking for fun ways to keep the Greek spirit alive, any tips?

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Hopefully 2022 there will be Greek parades like normal!

For this year I plan on wearing blue and white on Greek Independence Day March 25th!

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There won't be any parades :( so I'm looking for fun ways to keep the Greek spirit alive, any tips?

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Last year we ALMOST went to march in the Greek Independence Day Parade in Tarpon Springs. That got canceled of course....no big celebration this year either. There's a church service on this morning, Feast of the Annunciation, that is a consideration. Ill wear blue and white and nothing much beyond that.
 
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Hopefully 2022 there will be Greek parades like normal!

For this year I plan on wearing blue and white on Greek Independence Day March 25th!

View attachment 112
Hopefully 2022 there will be Greek parades like normal!

For this year I plan on wearing blue and white on Greek Independence Day March 25th!

View attachment 112
I remember one year attending the Greek Independence Day Parade in Boston. Such a beautiful way to celebrate our heritage. I also remember that when I was in Jr. High, I had a Greek friend who would buy me a blue and white carnation that she and I would proudly wear that day. I also remember that on that day, the kids of the church would do a Greek Independence Day program at coffee hour. Oh my oh my...Lord willing, all will be back to "normal" some day soon.
 
Things are so depressing these days I need to spend March 25th playing Greek music in my house, dancing and celebrating what it truly means to be Greek: to have kefi and make it through difficult times with spirit and grace. Happy Independance Day everyone!!! Xronia polla!!
 
I am going to get back to the roots of history, and do a little studying as to why we celebrate in the first place. For the longest time, I thought March 25th signified the END of the struggle with the Ottoman Empire, but instead, it is considered to be the beginning of the war that led to independence, but it is also the day that marks the beginning of the independent Greek state. I was shocked when I learned that because my perception was a lot different than the reality.
 
If you live in Boston, the city is lighting up buildings and bridges blue to commemorate the day!
 
I am going to get back to the roots of history, and do a little studying as to why we celebrate in the first place. For the longest time, I thought March 25th signified the END of the struggle with the Ottoman Empire, but instead, it is considered to be the beginning of the war that led to independence, but it is also the day that marks the beginning of the independent Greek state. I was shocked when I learned that because my perception was a lot different than the reality.
Wow I had no idea either. That sort of changes the way I view the whole holiday. Looks like I have to brush up on my history too lol, thanks!
 
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Thinking about the Greek way of hospitality...

I thought I would ask your thoughts oh Philoxenia - or the Greek way, or art, of hospitality. I noticed this when I travel in Greece. People are so kind, they often go out of the way for us, when I feel that they don't have to! How can one describe this to someone?

From what I understand, Philoxenia is not merely a practice but a deeply ingrained value within Greek culture that extends far beyond the simple act of hosting. It reflects a genuine, heartfelt welcome to strangers, treating them with the same respect and generosity one would show to a dearly beloved friend. This beautiful tradition, passed down through generations, turns the act of hosting into an art form, embodying warmth, respect, and a profound sense of human compassion. There have been so many stories I can think of...

This thought process was triggered because we were watching My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 - someone in the village had taken on a Syrian refugee. Is this a Greek hospitality thing? Philoxenia?

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.

List of Cretan Dances?

I will be attending a Cretan wedding and am curious about the traditional Cretan dances! I know the dances are slightly different and I want to learn some. I don't know the names of the dances so that I can look them up. I did some research, though. Are any of these dances common at these weddings?
  • Pentozali
  • Sousta
  • Siganos
  • Chaniotis
There's a dance the wedding party typically does in Crete. Which dance is that?

Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

Honestly, I plan to try all 4 - whatever I can do. I think it will all help.

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.
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