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nadellii

Active member
In Greek church, we light candles and make a prayer. Its one of my favourite traditions. Candles are usually at the front of the church and you usually add a few coins or dollars in the box besides the candles to "pay" for the candles.

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"I am the light of the world; he who follows me shall not walk in darkness; but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Lighting the candle is the light that guides you as you enter church.
The coins that you refer to "to pay for the candle" is incorrect. Placing "money in the box" is an offering to the church, if you give nothing, something or a lot, this is entirely up to you.
The most important thing is that you have to Gods home for prey. ✝️
 
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"I am the light of the world; he who follows me shall not walk in darkness; but will have the light of life." John 8:12

Lighting the candle is the light that guides you as you enter church.
The coins that you refer to "to pay for the candle" is incorrect. Placing "money in the box" is an offering to the church, if you give nothing, something or a lot, this is entirely up to you.
The most important thing is that you have to Gods home for prey. ✝️
Beautiful, this is very true, thanks for sharing
 
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Beautiful, this is very true, thanks for sharing
I used to light a candle nearly every day on my way through the streets in Mykonos to the Delos Port, stopping by different churches on the way,a quiet moment,a silent wish,a few deep thoughts, letting go of a few, understanding meaning of life, living for the day, hoping and looking forward to whatever lays ahead during the busy summer season...a few coins of offering.. ❤️❤️🙏🙏!
 
Lighting a candle is a nice moment when we enter the church. I often do it without thinking. Thanks for reminding me how beautiful of an activity is.
 
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Lighting a candle is a nice moment when we enter the church. I often do it without thinking. Thanks for reminding me how beautiful of an activity is.
I agree! When I enter a Greek church, I am always lighting a candle, but I don't put much thought into it.
 
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I agree! When I enter a Greek church, I am always lighting a candle, but I don't put much thought into it.
It is about unconsciously and unconditionally sending light and love to the Universe and the giver of life to us all!.... ♥️🙏Kalley Mera from Thailand.... Happy Holidays.
 
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It is about unconsciously and unconditionally sending light and love to the Universe and the giver of life to us all!.... ♥️🙏Kalley Mera from Thailand.... Happy Holidays.
Happy Holidays!
 

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?

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?

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.

Greek Easter Family Traditions

I am curious what your family traditions are for Greek Easter. I know lent hasn't even started yet, but I've started doing some planning to make sure my family has all of its traditions all set. Sometimes it takes me a while to find ingredients for some of the foods I serve, etc.

Of course we spend Holy Week in church. We do our best to fast during Lent, and once Easter comes, it's all about serving our traditional dishes. This year I might spend part of lent in Greece to visit some religious sites.

What do you guys all do?

Greek family customs - Personal related

Hi there. Not sure if this is the right forum, but I've got some personal issues with my family. My brother in law (73) is Greek. His wife (my sister) is not. They have a daughter (34) (my niece) that "sides" more with the Greek culture.

My niece has never left home, and has never paid rent or paid for food. She's been mostly jobless although she has worked a few jobs here and there. My sister is fed up with it, but when she confronts my BIL, he says "Greeks don't do that". And what he is implying (I guess) is that Greeks take care of their family in this way.

My BIL had a stroke many years ago and his health is declining rapidly. I am advocating for an attendant to come into the house every day and get him dressed, showered, make him meals, etc. My sister is 73 and she can't physically handle this. She also doesn't want to devote every waking moment to keeping an eye on him. When she suggests an attendant, again, "Greeks don't do that".

Now I'm pretty sure this is all BS, but would love to get some input from any Greek people in this forum.
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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