Orthodox Christians around the world await today the hopeful message of the Resurrection. The “First Resurrection” is a distinctive element of Orthodox heritage. It takes place on the morning of Holy Saturday and serves as a prelude to the great night of Easter, strongly symbolizing the transition from mourning to joy and from silence to life.

The sounds of the First Resurrection were already heard at Panagia Faneromeni, also known as the Church of the Foreigners, located in the historic center of Corfu. The service with the first joyful message began, as every year, shortly after 6 a.m., with chandeliers and pews shaking, while at 11:00 the traditional “pot smashing” follows.

“Gloria” in Zakynthos with clashing metals

With deafening noise, the First Resurrection—known as “Gloria”—was also celebrated at the Metropolitan Church of Zakynthos, where the earthquake of the New Testament is reenacted.

Young people strike metal objects—old tanks, barrels, and tin containers—keeping the tradition alive, adapted to modern times. In the past, they would hit church pews and clay objects to represent the earthquake and the Resurrection of Christ.

A unique First Resurrection in Chios

A deeply reverent atmosphere filled the Church of Panagia Evangelistria in Chios on the morning of Holy Saturday, where the First Resurrection was led by the “flying priest,” who each year throws bay leaves in his distinctive, energetic way—a moment that often goes viral.

The Metropolis of Naxos “shook” during the First Resurrection

With great splendor and strong symbolism, the First Resurrection was celebrated in Naxos on Holy Saturday morning, marking the prelude to Orthodoxy’s greatest feast.

At the Metropolis of Naxos, the atmosphere was unique. As the hymn “Arise, O God, judge the earth…” was heard, the church literally shook, as worshippers forcefully struck and moved the pews, creating a powerful rhythmic sound that reflects the symbolism of the moment.

At the same time, the church chandeliers swayed in the same rhythm, representing the earthquake that, according to tradition, accompanied the Resurrection of Christ.

The Holy Light arrives in Greece on Holy Saturday afternoon

The Ceremony of the Holy Light will take place at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem under strict restrictions, and the Holy Light is expected to arrive in the afternoon at Athens International Airport, from where it will be distributed across the country. Yesterday, the Epitaph processions took place throughout Greece in a solemn atmosphere.

A special mission will depart by aircraft from Greece to Tel Aviv, with the crew remaining at Ben Gurion Airport and the delegation traveling by road to Jerusalem to receive the Holy Light. The procession will move from the Patriarchate to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre via an internal route, with police presence controlling access

Giannis Loverdos stated:
“Of course, things are difficult. We have done everything necessary for the transport to take place normally, as last year and in previous years. We informed the Israeli authorities that on the morning of Holy Saturday at 7 a.m., the aircraft will depart from the Elefsina air base.”