Easter, the biggest celebration of Christianity, the celebration of the remembrance of the Resurrection of Christ has arrived! All Christians celebrate the passage of Jesus from the crucifixion to the Resurrection, which is also our passage from the death of sin to the resurrected life of Christ, through our union with Him.
Easter in Nafplio is celebrated with all the enthusiasm and magnificence, that this important religious event requires. The city of Nafplio is decorated with flowers, banners and the churches are illuminated with special colored lights. In the surrounding areas, among the lighted candles, the colors of the flowering lilac, the lilies, the violet and the citrus flowers dominate.
Schedule of Church Services & Events:
Saturday, April 8th 2023 – Saturday of Lazarus
7:00 Orthros and Divine Liturgy in the Churches of the city. The resurrection of Lazarus.
12:00 Nafplio - Square of the Three Admirals (Town Hall)
On Lazarus' Saturday, the preparation for the Lord's Great Resurrection begins and it will be celebrated with the Lazarus' carols, which will be heard in the alleys of the old town of Nafplio from children's voices. The traditional events start on Lazarus Saturday at 10:30 in the municipal units of Midea and Agios Adrianos until noon, with the "Lazaraki" tradition where women knead small bread rolls and children, forming groups, decorate Lazarus and sing the "Lazarus carols".
18:00 Evening Mass
19:30 Vouleftiko
On the same day's evening, there will be a concert by the "Byzantine and Traditional Echoes" choir at 19:30, in the Vouleftiko (First Greek Parliament's building).
A festive music event featuring Byzantine hymns of Holy Week, Lazarus carols from various regions of the Hellenic world, and folk laments of Good Friday, accompanied by musicians and a traditional orchestra, as well as interspersed with contemporary liturgical texts and commentary.
Saturday, April 8th & Sunday, April 9th 2023
10:00 – 20:00 Nafplio, Syntagma Square
On Lazarus Saturday and Palm Sunday, there are two days of joy in the midst of Great Lent and the mourning of Holy Week. In this atmosphere, a Paschal bazaar is held for these two days in Syntagma Square by our municipality, carrying the message of Easter, the message of Life, Love, and Hope to all of our souls.
17:00 Assini
In the square of Assini village in the afternoon, the children will decorate crosses with flowers and will sing Lazarus there as well.
On Lazarus' Saturday from 16:00 to 21:00 and on Palm Sunday from 9:30 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 21:00, an Easter bazaar takes place in the village's square, conveying the message of Love, Giving and Solidarity in view of the Easter days.
Sunday, April 9th 2023 – Palm Sunday
7:00 Orthros and Divine Liturgy – Palm bearing.
On Palm Sunday, the commemoration of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem is honored and despite its joyful character, it is considered the beginning of the Holy Passion.
10:00 Kandia
In Kandia, after the end of the Divine Liturgy, the Cultural Landscaping and Educational Association of Kandia will distribute the traditional "Lazarakia" to the faithful, which young and old have kneaded on Lazarus Saturday symbolizing the Resurrection. Immediately afterwards, a Paschal bazaar will take place in the courtyard of the church, with handmade Easter crafts (candles, baskets, wreaths) made by the women of the village.
11:00 Catholic Church
Orthros and Divine Liturgy – Palm bearing
19:00 Vouleftiko (From Palm Sunday until the Easter Sunday)
An art exhibition opening, featuring sixteen artists, most of them coming from Nafplio. The theme is open, but mainly focused on the subject matter of Holy Week and the Resurrection. Exhibition hours: 19:00 to 23:00. Admission is free.
19:30 Nafplio - Bridegroom's service in the churches of the city.
Choir at the Church of Agios Anastasios in Nafplio, under the direction of choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
Good Monday, April 10th 2023
Memory of the Blessed Pangalos Joseph. On Great Monday, the drama of the Lord is depicted in the person of Joseph the Betrayer, and the week of the Passion begins.
07:00 Mass of Hours and Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
19:30 Bridegroom's service in the churches of the city.
Choir at the Church of Agios Anastasios in Nafplio, under the direction of choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
Good Tuesday, April 11th 2023
The Parable of the Ten Virgins
07:00 Mass of Hours and Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
19:30 Bridegroom's service in the churches of the city.
Holy Tuesday is dedicated to the sinful woman. The famous hymn (glorifying) of the hymnographer nun Cassiani is chanted.
Nafplio, Holy Temple of Genesis of the Virgin (Panagia): The Ecclesiastical Choir of the Holy Temple of Panagia Nafplio, along with the "Symphony" Women's Vocal Ensemble and the Municipal Choir sings the hymn of Cassiani, under the direction of Mr. Theodosius Antoniadis.
Nafplio, Holy Church of Agios Anastasios: Choir at the Church of Agios Anastasios in Nafplio, under the direction of choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
Good Wednesday, April 12th 2023
The anointing the Lord myrrh prostitute woman. Day in which the Eucharist and Holy Unction is glorified in the Churches.
07:00 Mass of Hours and Divine Liturgy of the Presanctified Gifts
10:00 The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (A ')
12:00 Nafplio, Amalias street, in the surrounding area of the statue of Michalis Lambrinidis:
The Center for Speech Therapy and Creative Employment "Dimiourgó" (I create) invites us to amazing cookie battles... All the amazing pastry chefs put art and imagination into ready-made cookie dough and decorate them. The best cookie will win the chocolate bunny!
17:00 The Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist (B ')
19:30 Bridegroom's service
Four events from the last moments of the Lord: Holy Washbasin, Last Supper (tradition of the Sacrament of Holy Communion), Prayer of Jesus on the Mount of Olives and his surrender to martyrdom.
Nafplio, Holy Church of Agios Anastasios: Choir at the Church of Agios Anastasios in Nafplio, under the direction of choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
21:00 Nafplio - Church of Saints Constantine and Helen, Neο Vyzantio district (after the end of the Mass): Concert by the Mixed Polyphonic Ensemble of the Nafplio Folk Choir, the "Symphony" women's vocal ensemble of Nafplio, and the Nafplio Youth Choir, featuring works of religious vocal music based on poetry by Odysseas Elytis and music by Theodossios Antoniadis, as well as hymns and odes from the Holy Week service. Instruction and direction by the Maestro and Chief Musician Theodossios Antoniadis.
Good Thursday, April 13th 2023
Four events from the last moments of the Lord: Holy Washbasin, Last Supper (tradition of the Sacrament of Holy Communion), Prayer of Jesus on the Mount of Olives and his surrender to martyrdom.
07:30 Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
Holy Thursday is the day when red eggs are traditionally dyed. The Twelve Gospels are read in all the Churches and the Epitaphs are decorated. In the evening, following the Holy Passion, the choirs give their own color and tone.
11:00 Nafplio - Square of the Three Admirals (Town Hall)
The Municipal Cultural Organization will carry out an action reviving the tradition of dyeing red eggs, which is a centuries-old tradition of the Orthodox world, symbolizing the blood of Christ, as well as the joy of the Resurrection.
11:00 Drepano village
The Cultural Association of Drepano, with the children of the village at the association's offices, create Easter crafts with flowers and red eggs. They decorate the Epitaph with flowers that they have collected from the courtyards of the village's houses.
12:00 Nafplio, Amalias street, in the surrounding area of the statue of Michalis Lambrinidis:
The Center for Speech Therapy and Creative Employment "Dimiourgó" (I create) presents an activity inspired by the paintings of great artists who created Easter customs. Children create collages on greeting cards and everyone shares their wishes together...
19:00 Mass of Holy Passions (The Twelve Gospels)
Nafplio, Holy Church of Genesis of the Virgin (Panagia): the Ecclesiastical Choir of the homonymous church, along with the "Symphony" Women's Vocal Ensemble and the Municipal Choir chants the hymn "Today Hangs" and the "Blessings", under the direction of Mr. Theodosius Antoniadis.
Nafplio, Pilgrimage Church of Agios Anastasios: the choir of the homonymous church chants in the Mass of the Holy Passions (Twelve Gospels) under the direction of the choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
23:00 Nafplio, in the Churches of the city.
During the decoration of the Epitaphs, the music ensemble "Byzantine & Traditional echoes", under the direction of choreographer Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas, chants hymns from the Holy Week services, the Praises and the traditional Lamentation of the Virgin Mary in the city's churches.
The Choir Workshop of Nafplio, under the direction of Mr. Yiannis Nikolopoulos, chants hymns and praises from the Holy Week services during the decoration of the Epitaphs in the city's churches.
Good Friday, April 14th 2023
The Holy and horrible Passion of the Lord. It is the day of the Unnailing and the procession of the Epitaphs.
09:00 Mass of the Great Hours
11:00 Evening Mass of the Unnailing
After the Great Mass of the Unnailing, "Symphony", the Female Vocal Ensemble of Nafplio, under the direction of Theodosius Antoniadis, will sing the praises of Good Friday and religious hymns, in the courtyard of the Temples of the city of Nafplio.
19:30 Nafplio - Mass of the Epitaph of Mourning.
In the evening, choral groups participate in the Mass of the Epitaph.
Nafplio, Church of the Genesis of the Virgin Mary (Panagia): the Ecclesiastical Choir of the Church, under the direction of Theodosius Antoniadis, sings the hymns and the mourning procession "funebre" and "E Gennae Passae".
Nafplio, Holy "Evangelistria" Church: the Nafplio Choir Workshop with its polyphonic and youth choir chants praises of the day.
Nafplio, Holy Church of Agios Anastasios: the choir of the homonymous church chants in the Mass of the Epitaph of Lamentation and the Praises, under the direction of the choirmaster Mr. Konstantinos Routoulas.
21:15 Nafplio - Beginning of the Procession of Epitaphs
The processions of the epitaphs of Good Friday in the historic center of Nafplio have a different color and follow a kind of ritual, which make the event more impressive. The processions of the epitaphs (of Agios Georgios and of the Panagia) come out in a defined order from each church and meet in the center of the city, in Syntagma Square. Throughout the route, the municipality will place lighted candles, which metaphorically point the way, while the Municipal Philharmonic will accompany playing mourning processions from the Greek and Italian repertoire. Instruction and direction by the Maestro and Chief Musician Theodossios Antoniadis.
21:15 Tolo beach
The Divine Drama of Christ's Passion reaches its climax with the Service of the Epitaph on the evening of Good Friday. One of the most beautiful and original customs is the procession of the Epitaph in Tolo, into the sea. After the procession of the Epitaph around the district, the procession ends at the sea, to bless and sanctify the waters. The spectacle is majestic, impressive and is accompanied by boats and myrrh-bearers, who sing with enthusiasm.
22:00 – Syntagma Square: "Oh, my sweet Spring..."
Mrs. Erofili & Mrs. Argiro Kaparou. Recitation of poems: Anna Psarra. Piano: Evangelia Mavridou.
Two important performers, Erofili and Argiro Kaparou, invite us to a different musical meeting on Good Friday, dedicated through musical poetry to the memory of those who have left us, to human absence, sacrifice, and their significance for each one of us. Songs about love and its diversity, forgiveness, loss, lullabies, musical poems, and hymns will be heard. A musical performance in a solemn atmosphere, in the spirit of Holy Week.Between the songs, the actress Anna Psarra recites poems.
Good Saturday, April 15th 2023
The Godly Burial and the Descent of the Lord into Hades
07:00 Divine Liturgy of St. Basil
10:30 the First Resurrection
The events and customs of Holy Saturday are, perhaps, the best moments of Easter in Nafplio. It is the day when we pass from the mourning of the epitaph to the joy of the first Resurrection, which takes place here at 11:00 am. The bells of the Churches ring joyfully.
11:30 Kandia
In Kandia, after the end of the Vespers of Holy Saturday and the Divine Liturgy of St. Basil, the Cultural Landscaping and Educational Association of Kandia will offer cookies and red eggs, in the courtyard of the village's Holy Church.
23:00 Mass of Holy Light
On the night of Holy Saturday at 23:00, the Resurrection Liturgy begins and outside the churches at midnight, the faithful along with chanting "Christ is Risen", will enjoy the colorful fans of fireworks.
24:00 Orthros and Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection. Christ is risen!
Easter Sunday, April 16th 2023
00:00 Orthros and Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection
The day dedicated to the roasting of the traditional lamb, to the crunching of red eggs and to the burning of Judas.
18:30 Midea
The Evening Mass of Love, at the Church of Saint John the Baptist. After the evening service, dances and songs of the spring Easter cycle will be performed in the square of the church, in an attempt to revive the custom of "Agapi" (Love) by the Local Community of Midea and the "Alkmini" Cultural Association of Midea.
20:00 Nafplio – Holy church of Agios Georgios
The Evening Mass of Love, at the Church of Agios Georgios. The Holy Liturgy will be conducted by His Holiness Reverend Metropolitan of Argolis, Mr. Nektarios.
20:30 Tolo beach
At 20:30 in Tolo, after the "Love" Mass, the burning of Judas takes place in a spectacular way on a floating platform, which is visible from all over the bay of Tolo.
Easter Monday, April 17th 2023
07:00 Festive Orthros Mass and Divine Liturgy of the Resurrection in all churches
Easter Thursday, April 20th 2023
18:00 Agia Moni Monastery, in Aria district of Nafplio
Great Celebration's Vespers of the Life-Giving Spring's Day .
Easter Friday, April 21st 2023
07:00 – 10:00 Agia Moni Monastery, in Aria district of Nafplio
Resurrection Matins and Divine Liturgy with procession, in celebration of the Life-Giving Spring.
Sunday of Thomas, April 23rd 2023
07:00 Divine Liturgy in all Holy Churches
Did you know that?
During Holy Week, under the responsibility of the Municipality of Nafplio and the Municipal Organization of Culture, Environment and Sports, the churches in the city of Nafplio will be specially illuminated, giving a unique touch to the atmosphere of the Week of the Holy Passion.
From Holy Thursday to Holy Saturday, digital works of art with religious content with themes of Holy Week will be displayed in Syntagma Square.
