Orthodox Easter takes on additional meaning for debt-ridden Greece

Like Orthodox Christians across the world, Greeks are now marking events they believe led to the crucifixion, burial and resurrection of Christ.

In a sombre procession, a symbolic tomb of Jesus is carried through the streets, in the shadow of parliament, with the debt-ridden country's contemporary woes never far away.

"We have been through a lot," one woman told euronews.

"This is a symbolic day. If we have faith, we can make it. We must give a chance to our new government," she added, stressing that foreign partners must give Greece a chance, too.

"I feel that everything will be fine," she said.

But life remains difficult with Greece struggling to emerge from years of recession.

Our correspondent in Athens, Apostolos Staikos, said:

"At Easter, Orthodox Christians experience great sadness and joy, crucifixion and resurrection. But the economic crisis has added a new dimension to this religious event. In recent years, the Greeks feel that they have experienced only crucifixion, while waiting for a resurrection that never comes."

Source: euronews.com