First Resurrection services observed across churches in Cyprus

On Holy Saturday, Christians across Cyprus gathered in churches to observe the First Resurrection liturgy. The services transitioned from a period of mourning to celebration, marked by the traditional ringing of bells and the custom of crashing clay pots. Despite an official recommendation from the Holy Synod and the Archbishop to refrain from running or jumping within the church during the ceremony, customs varied by location. At the Church of Timios Prodromos in Kornos, a priest continued the tradition of moving energetically during the service. Conversely, Father Herakleidios at the Metropolitan Church of Saint George in Paralimni, known for his past viral participation in this custom, appeared to follow the recommendation for a calmer pace this year. The ceremonies took place throughout the island as part of the Orthodox Easter preparations. The event drew large crowds of believers participating in the longstanding religious tradition.