Καλή Παναγία!
Τα έθιμα του Δεκαπενταύγουστου
What are the preparations before the the Dormition of the Virgin Mary?
The Dormition of the Virgin Mary is the most important celebration day of August for the Greek Orthodox Christians. From the first day of August until the fifteen, a lot of pilgrims all around the world visit the island of Panagia, Tinos, to pray in front of the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary. The Holy Icon is located in the central church of Tinos island, Panagia Evaggelistria.
Preparation before the Dekapedagoustos
1/ “Paraklisi”
During the Dormition Fast that last 14 days, a special church service takes place in all the churches at 6 pm. The service is called “Paraklisi”. Priests and believers read psalms inside the churches. They pray to ask for intercession and healing. All the believers go to church to attend the “Paraklisi” service, the Intercessory service and honor the Virgin Mary.
2/ Dormition Fasting
Dormitory fast starts the first day of August and finishes the fourteenth day. The Orthodox Christians do not meat, dairy products and fish with back bones. Seafood is permitted on specific days.
3/ Local feasts – Local panigyria of Dekapedagoustos – Πανηγύρια
Panigyria are special Greek celebrations before the fifteenth day of August. in all Greek islands panigyria take place out of churches. People of all ages take place. They eat together, sing and dance Greek traditional dances. Moreover, there are some merchants who sell various products, such as local products, sweets and toys for kids. Tinos and Ikaria hold traditional village panigyria that both the island’s habitants and visitors enjoy.
Καλή Παναγία σε όλους τους Έλληνες και τους επισκέπτες της Ελλάδας!
Καλό Δεκαπενταύγουστο!
Λεξιλόγιο – Vocabulary
1/ απολαμβάνω = to enjoy
2/ γιορτάζω = to celebrate
3/ η παράκληση = paraklisi, service
4/ ο ύμνος = hymn
5/ το προϊόν = product
