Roughly 250 parishioners gathered late Saturday night for the Anastasi (Resurrection) service at Evangelismos Greek Orthodox Church on Bustleton Avenue, marking the most sacred moment of the Orthodox Christian calendar.
Led by Rev. Father Prokopios Nikas, the service began in the darkened church and moved outdoors as the flame of the Holy Light was passed from candle to candle. Father Nikas chanted “Christos Anesti” (Christ is Risen) in both Greek and English, as voices echoed through the night.
At the close of the outdoor portion, Father Nikas lifted his hands and declared, “God bless America, and God bless Greece,” drawing heartfelt cheers from the crowd. The night continued with hymns, lighted candles, and a deep sense of unity among the faithful.