By THEODORE PANAGOPOULOS
It was dubbed the quietest Easter ever in the long history of Orthodoxy and Christianity
in general.
The coronavirus restrictions made no exceptions, forcing thousands of Orthodox faithfuls in Adelaide as well as around the world to resort to their laptops, tablets and TV sets to allow the Easter spirit into their homes.
The Passion of Christ or as Greeks call it the ‘Divine Drama’ walked along the footsteps of the COVID-19 drama throughout the Holy Week, making it a digital revolution for Church and the practicing of faith.
This year’s reference point for all Easter services for the Greek Orthodox Community of South Australia was the Cathedral of Archangels Michael and Gabriel in the city.
Usually packed out, this year the hymns and chanting by the four priests and the chanters throughout the Holy Week echoed on the walls of the empty cathedral, while all the services were broadcast live on the Community’s social media.
The only one “attending” the services was the small camera, installed inside the church to facilitate with the live broadcasting.
“It was quite eerie to be honest,” said Father John Konidaris, the church’s vicar.
Both on Good Friday and Holy Saturday the services were conducted as per normal without the usual procession of Christ’s tomb around the block, but with hundreds of people tuning in to YouTube and Facebook to watch the services live.
The Greek Orthodox Community’s President Mr Bill Gonis said Easter was very difficult and different for all of us but we were required to go through this to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
“This year due to the circumstances our homes have temporarily become our churches,” Mr Gonis said.
The Community’s churches will continue to conduct services behind closed doors and with online links for live broadcast on the internet, until further notice.
