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nadellii

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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!
 
Something similar happened to my aunt—her test results got buried in her inbox, and by the time she followed up, things had progressed. It’s scary how small things like a missed email can have such big consequences. Since then, she’s been more mindful, even started using a traditional incense burner during her self-checks to create a calm space. Little rituals help her stay grounded.
 
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Best Christening Gifts for a Close Friend's Child?

What are some good christening gifts for the child of a close friend?

It’s been quite a while since I’ve been to a Greek christening, and the last one I attended was for a relative, so I’m realizing I’m not completely sure what is considered appropriate these days.

Since this is the child of a close friend, I’d like to give something a little more meaningful than just a standard gift, but I also don’t want to overdo it. Are religious gifts like an icon, cross, or children’s Bible still common? Would money, jewelry, or something personalized be appropriate?

I’d also be interested to know whether there are certain gifts that are traditionally given by family members or the godparents that I should avoid duplicating.

What have you given for christenings recently, especially when the child belonged to a close friend? I’d love some ideas that feel thoughtful and appropriate.

Are most Greeks left or right?

Are most Greeks liberal leftist progressives? Most that I encounter are. Not only that but self hating. WHY?

Information About Apokries?

I’ve been curious about how people experience Apokries and what it looks like in different parts of Greece. For some, it seems centered on big public celebrations and costumes, while for others it’s more about smaller gatherings, food, and local customs.

I’m especially interested in the traditions people grew up with. Was Apokries something your family actively celebrated, or did it feel more like a community event? Did you attend costume parties, parades, or specific local festivities? And how did days like Tsiknopempti fit into it for you?

I’d also love to hear whether your experience changed over time, for example, celebrating differently as a child versus as an adult, or noticing differences between village and city celebrations.

For those who no longer live in Greece, do you still mark Apokries in some way, or has it faded with distance?

I’m looking forward to hearing how this tradition shows up for others.

Greek Traditions from Childhood?

I’d love to hear everyone’s memories of Greek traditions from childhood, especially the small everyday things that may not even seem unusual until you look back on them later.

For me, some of the strongest memories are tied to food, church, family gatherings, name days, holiday preparations, and the feeling of constantly having people around. Even certain sounds and smells immediately bring everything back.

I’m also curious how traditions differed depending on region or family background. Did your family keep strong village customs? Were there things your grandparents insisted on doing a certain way? Any traditions connected to Easter, Christmas, weddings, coffee, hospitality, music, or food?

For me, we ate a family-oriented Sunday meal where everyone go together after church. That was a big part of things for me.

What are your favorite name day traditions?

I’ve always loved the tradition of celebrating name days. In my family, they’re just as meaningful as birthdays, and sometimes even more fun because they bring everyone together in a different way.

When a big name day comes around, especially one that several family members share, we often turn it into a full family gathering. For example, on a name day like Nick/Nikolas, where there might be multiple people celebrating, it becomes almost like a mini family holiday. Someone hosts, there’s plenty of food, and everyone comes by to wish the celebrants “chronia polla.”

I also like the simplicity of the tradition. Even if there isn’t a big gathering, people still call or send messages to acknowledge the day.

Do you celebrate name days in your family? And are there certain ones that turn into larger celebrations because several people share the name?
Share and discuss Greek traditions related to Greek weddings, christenings, dance & holidays!

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