The Greek community in Canberra and surrounds has come together to mark one of the biggest holidays on their calendar.
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Held between April 25 and May 2, the Holy Week by the Greek Orthodox Church, which follows the older Julian calendar rather than the Gregorian one, allows people to celebrate Jesus Christ's resurrection.
Services were held at St Nicholas Church in Kingston and St Dimitrios Church in Queanbeyan.
John Loukadellis, president of the Greek Community and Church of Canberra, said there was a record number of attendees after the lockdown of 2020 in which people were restricted to livestreams of services.
"We've seen a lot more young people and young families around church now. At the same time, we're still encouraging elderly members to watch our livestreams as a precaution," he said.
"Our message is to let Christ resurrect in your heart, to be peaceful with your brothers and sisters.
"For this year particularly, helping those in need is more relevant than ever.
"Covid has impacted so many people mentally and financially.
"Our church say that if you're able to buy two, take one home and give the other to someone who can't."
Our church say that if you're able to buy two, take one home and give the other to someone who can't.
- John Loukadellis
The main service during the week was the evening of the resurrection on Saturday before Easter Sunday.
The latter included reading of the gospels in several foreign languages and the blessing of red eggs, to symbolise the blood of Christ, and cheese at the churches.
"They were beautiful services, Mr Loukadellis said.
"I saw so many smiling faces at church again.
"It's a good thing to see so many people united by faith, heritage, community and culture."
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He said the church was open to any member of the public who may wish to attend future services.
"We're a very open and diverse community and for anyone driving past our church, feel free to come in," he said.
"If you put religion aside, our messages of helping others applies to life in general - so they apply to the broader community.
"When you look at our community, some are going better than others.
"The only way to make this place a better world is to help each other."
During Holy Week, the church on Thursday relived the ordeal and crucifixion of Jesus Chris and marked Christ's death on Friday with the procession of the Epitaphios.
The Sacrament of Holy Unction Service, which heals attendees' soul and body and gives them forgiveness for their sins, was held last Wednesday and officiated by His Eminence Archbishop Makarios of Australia.
The Greek and Cypriot population in Canberra and surrounds totals about 10,000, Mr Loukadellis said.
Earlier this year, the church helped the Buddhist Thai Temple of ACT in Lyneham with its renovations.
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