by Carol G

Created on: March 17, 2009

Easter is my favorite of all the holidays. Our family traditions lace the memories of two different kinds of Easter celebrations. One is traditional, the other drifted from overseas with immigrating grandparents.

Most of all, I like the theme of second chances, as I have been blessed with many second chances in life.

I can remember the excitement of Easter morning, and the ritual of the first words spoken. No other words were allowed before the special greeting - Christos Amviat! Translation: Christ has arisen.

Somehow, this phrase lends so much authenticity to the meaning of Easter. Such happy news carried over this many centuries really started the day with joyfulness.

Equally joyful is the reply to the first greeting - Amviat amdiverat - he has risen indeed!

Even when answering the phone you must say Christos Amviat instead of hello. If it happens to be someone who doesn't understand the language - oh well.

This tradition comes through affiliation with a Pentecostal Baptist church. The small group of immigrants who clustered into close neighborhoods pooled their funds for the construction of a church. Around the corner was a huge Greek Orthodox church.

I can picture the small but elegant interior replete with a central baptismal area. Nearby was a small pipe organ. Situated in the corner just past the pipe organ was the stairwell to culinary heaven.

Towards the end of the service, delightful aromas wafted throughout the sanctuary. I can remember how I couldn't wait to head down those steps.

Getting there would often be quite a challenge. Usually one of the brethren would stop you to pinch your cheeks and tell you how chubby and pretty you are. But upon arrival to the spacious dining area, a reward was waiting.

Stuffed cabbage, kifli, poppy seed, and nut roll pastries filled the senses adding to the happiness of the occasion. Proud chefs promptly kicked you out of the kitchen if you were foolish enough to go there.

The family get togethers at Easter time have diminished. Most of us are leading totally Americanized lives, and have spread apart across the nation. But the nice memories still remain as part of a personal tradition.

I have a new friend now. She's named Mother Superior Thesophelonias. She is of a Greek Orthodox denomination, and she knows the tradition.

Whenever I see her, she says Christos Amviat. And I get to say Amviat Amdiverat even though it's not Easter!

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