With joy and emotion, the Orthodox Church celebrates “Summer Easter.” Since early morning, thousands of the faithful have been flocking to the island’s churches and monasteries dedicated to the Most Holy Theotokos, the mother of all Christians.
As it does every year, the Church of Panagia Chrysospiliotissa welcomes the faithful from all over Cyprus who reverently honor the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
“I come here every year.” “Since
we had our daughter baptized here, I come whenever I can.” “I really like
this church for many wonderful reasons; today we’re celebrating the Virgin Mary.” “
We also happen to visit other shrines and other feasts of the Virgin Mary. This year we decided to come here.”
Statements from citizens
In a spirit of reverence, the faithful make their way up to the sacred cave to light a candle and venerate the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary of Chrysospiliotissa.
“Today is a great celebration for all Greeks. We want to say that Panagia Chrysospiliotissa helped our son when he traveled to Berlin for major surgery
.” “Happy birthday.” “Happy birthday
to everyone celebrating today and to those who are always by our side.” “We come here every
year. We light a candle, pay our respects, and leave.” “A pilgrimage
—my mother and my sister are celebrating.”
Citizens’ Statements
“No Christian who turns with faith to the Virgin Mary and lays his hopes at her feet here, or their problems, leaves disappointed—literally ashamed—by the response of our Virgin Mary.”
Archpriest Charalambos Nikolaidis
The feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos was also celebrated with due splendor at the Holy Monastery of Panagia Chrysorogiatissa in Paphos.
“Let us pray that the Virgin Mary, Mother of God, will intercede for our salvation and for the liberation of our Cyprus. Many happy returns, and all the best to everyone.”
Bishop Pagkratios of Arsinoe
“I’ve made it a point to come every year. And I’m very moved.” “Today is a great
feast for Christianity; many happy returns.”
Statements from citizens
A procession took place in the courtyard, with the crowd of the faithful reverently passing beneath the icon of the Virgin Mary.
“I come here every year with my children.” “Every
year. We are Greek Christians.” “We make votive offerings
regularly, but we feel drawn to come here on this day.”
Statements from the faithful
Outside the churches, street vendors offer traditional products and delicacies, keeping alive the tradition passed down from generation to generation.
“I’ve been doing this for 40 years, and I’ll do it for another 50. My father used to come here when I was little, and we’re carrying on the tradition.” “
“I’m trying to learn the trade, to carry on working alongside my grandfather; he’s showing me how to make the cured meats and the tsamarella.” “People prefer the
lokomades.” “
People have been coming since this morning to buy traditional products—siousiouko, palouze, and spoon sweets
.” ““We come here every year; last year it was our father, and this year we’ve taken over.” “We’ve been here
for 40–45 years, in the same spot, under the eucalyptus tree.”
Citizens’ Statements
Watch the report by Rafaella Stavrinou:
The mountains took center stage
Today is the Feast of the Assumption, and while the beaches may have been packed, the mountains also took center stage today.
Quite a few people chose to take a breather from the heat of the past few days, celebrating today at recreational spots in the mountains.
“We’re in Platania—as you can see, the place is packed with people, just like every year.” “We’re
in Platania to enjoy our day.” “
“We’re having a great time, passing around the meat.” “Having
fun with my loved ones and lots of people.”
Comments from residents
For many, the Feast of the Assumption in the mountains isn’t just a different way to escape the heat and the beaches, but a long-standing family tradition.
“It’s our annual big celebration. Let’s not forget the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.” “We’re having
a wonderful time; we’ve been coming here every year for the past 15 years.” “
“It’s been a tradition with our father for 30 years. We’re carrying it on after him, and all of us siblings and our family are having a wonderful time.”
Comments from residents
Traditionally, the menu for the Feast of the Assumption features spit-roasted meat and many other traditional Cypriot dishes and drinks.
“With our souvlaki, our tsimpima, our zivania, and our beer.” “Appetizers
, souvlaki, and ice-cold beers.” “
“We’re grilling our souvlaki, our meze, and drinking our beers.” “We came
to drink our beers and have a good time.”
Citizens’ statements
The roads leading to the mountains were gridlocked by early afternoon, with the police issuing continuous announcements about alternative routes to the mountains, while the majority ofparking areas were completely full.
The weather ruined the day-trippers’ plans, as rain broke out shortly after noon in several areas of the mountain communities.
Beaches were packed
Beyond the mountains, however, the beaches also took center stage.
“We’re here at the beach in Geroskipou, enjoying the beach on August 15 and the view
.” “We’re enjoying the sea. We Pafites—especially those of us from Geroskipou—are privileged to have the sea right next to us
.” ““We came down to the beach to play with the family; luckily, we found it clean, and we’re all having a wonderful time—it’s peaceful, there are lots of people, and we’re having a great time.”
Citizens’ comments
And so, from the bustling mountains to the crowded beaches, the Feast of the Assumption was celebrated in every corner of Cyprus, with tradition, family, and fun taking center stage once again this year.
Watch Eleni Michael’s report:
