Keeping the Greek Orthodox Easter Tradition Alive and Well in America

Published by The National Herald, May 6, 2005

BOSTON – A big tent was placed in the yard of John and Fani Nikolopoulos' home in Dracut, Massachusetts on Holy Saturday afternoon. John Nikolopoulos wanted to stay on the safe side for the roasting of the traditional paschal lamb on Easter Sunday.

Despite the forecast, which had predicted sunshine, and 65-70 degree weather last Sunday, things turned out to be different.

Mr. Nikolopoulos, a one-time Hellenic College student and one of the area’s most reputable auto mechanics over the last thirty years, knows well that New England weather can not be easily predicted, nor can the forecast be relied on, and was glad that he put his tent up the day before because rain and 45-degree weather made roasting the lamb a bit more difficult.

Although he went to bed 4 AM morning after attending the midnight Resurrection service, Mr. Nikolopoulos was up and running by 6 AM preparing the coals for the roasting. Athanasios Papoulias, Mr. Nikolopoulos’ uncle from his wife’s side was in charge of marinating and roasting the lamb and the traditional kokoretsi.

Mr. Papoulias, a former police officer in Greece, immigrated to the U.S. in the 1960’s and spent most of his life in restaurant business. On Holy Saturday, he spent four hours teaching Demetris Argyris, a bright young man with a promising carrier as a pharmacist engaged to Mr. Nikolopoulos’ daughter Anastasia, a pharmacist herself, the secrets of the seasoning and skewering of the lamb.

"Demetris is a very good student," Mr. Papoulias said the National Herald, adding that "he is not only a good pharmacist, but also a good student of Easter traditions."

Mr. Papoulias instructed Mr. Argyris "to use little grounded onion, salt, paper, oregano, red pepper and mix them lightly with olive oil."

Mr. Papoulias also told Demetris of the secrets for a good roasting of the lamb: "The lamb has to be distant from the fire. We should brush it constantly with melted butter and lemon juice. Three to four hours are needed for a good roasting."

Mr. Argyris said, "I always wanted to learn these things. We have to continue these traditions." He also said that God and the Church play a pivotal role in his life: "I have placed my hope in God, and everything has gone well."

Reflecting on the meaning and spirit of Greek Orthodox Easter, and on his life in America, Mr. Nikolopoulos that he "adores" his two daughters, Anastasia and Georgia. He also said he has faith in Hellenism.

"Hellenism is going to survive in this land because it has values. It has brought spiritual and cultural treasure to America. And the Church has a great responsibility towards Hellenism. Our hierarchs should take three steps down from their throne and embrace the people a little more; establish more Greek Day Schools, even if some churches close down."



Volume 7 Number 19 - Tuesday, May 10th, 2005	A Publication of the ORTHODOX CHRISTIAN LAITY