Apokries – Carnival

What is the meaning of “Apokries”?

“Apokries” is the three-week period before the Great Lent of Easter. The meaning of “Apokries” is as follows: away from meat. Meat is κρέας in Greek.

Although the period of “Apokries’ is considered the period of joy and happiness, the meaning is different and deeper for the Orthodox Christians. “Apokries” is the period of change. It is linked to the change in spirit and diet. This period the Orthodox Christians prepare for the Easter with awareness. Not only abstainig from meat and diary products but also praying.

What are the names of Sundays of Carnival?

1/ The Publican and Pharisee Sunday (Sunday of preparation)

2/ The Prodigal Son Sunday (Sunday of God’s Forgiveness over his son)

3/ The Meatfare Sunday (Sunday of the last Judgement)

4/The Tyrophagos Sunday (Sunday of Forgiveness)

What is the deeper meaning of each Sunday of Carnival seson?

1/ Publican and Pharisee Sunday (Sunday of preparation)

The first Sunday of Carnival season is “η Κυριακή του Τελώνη και του Φαρισαίου”

According to the Sunday’s parable, humility is a basic ethical virtue people should obtain.

2/ Prodigal Son Sunday (Sunday of God’s Forgiveness over his son)

The second Sunday is “η Κυριακή του Άσωτου υιού”. Τhe Sunday’s parable analyses God’s forgiveness over his son. The deep meaning of God’s grace toward sinners, God’s invitation to his House.

3/ Meatfare Sunday (Sunday of the last Judgement)

Meatfare Sunday is “η Κυριακή της Κρεατοφάγου΄”. Τhis Sunday the Orthodox Christians eat meat before the Holy Lent of Easter. It is the Sunday before the Forgiveness Sunday, that follows.

4/ Tyrophagos Sunday (Sunday of Forgiveness)

Forgiveness or Cheesefare Sunday is “η Κυριακή της Τυρινής”. It is the last day on which the Orthodox Christian consume dairy products. They celebrate the first day of the Holy Lent. All around Greece, this Sunday is special. It is a day full of Greek traditions and customs. All the Greeks spend the day with beloved people and eat delicious Greek recipes. The day that follows, Clean Monday or Pure Monday, “Καθαρή Δευτέρα” follows.

Καλή Καθαρή Δευτέρα!

Λεξιλόγιο – Vocabulary

1/ η Κυριακή = Sunday

2/ νηστεύω = to fast

3/ το κρέας = meat

4/ το τυρί = cheese

5/ η συγχώρεση = forgiveness