Greek Culture

GREEK ORTHODOX TRADITIONS

New York City is a very special place to explore various cultures, especially in our neighborhood Sunset Park and Bay ridge. We had the opportunity to learn about the Greek Orthodox traditions by visiting a beautiful roman catholic church and had the privilege to learn more about the religion and the symbolism of the paintings, statues etc.

Greece is located in the Southeastern of Europe, 98% of the people are Orthodox Christians and believe in the Roman Catholic Church such as this one located in Bay ridge called Holy Cross Orthodox Church where there is a populated Greek Culture.

As we were visiting this church we learned that the Orthodox Christians follow a church calender that begins September 1st and ends on August 31st, each day is sacred for the Orthodox Christians.Also we had the privileged to observe the beautiful paintings of this church, we learned that these icons are pictorial representations of saints in paints or mosaic that serve as symbols of holiness.

During our visit in the church, we noticed that it was almost time for a major feast day called Easter. Easter is the most sacred observance in the Greek Orthodox Faith. We noticed many symbolic things such as the candle and egg, from ancient times the egg and candles has been a symbol of the victory of renewal life, and the message of the red egg is victory over death.

Food in Daily Life 

                 

The best part of exploring the Greek Orthodox tradition was the food, we were able to go to New Athens Market and taste Spinach Pie and Cheese Pie that was very delicious. This was a very fun experience to explore new cultures and try new things.