Greeks in America - eBooks4Greeks.gr

126 THE GREEKS IN AMERICAfood, so that the Lent diet is soinetimes most attractiveand tempting.Julian Calendar observed.—The Greek Churchofficially follows the Julian Calendar which is 13days behind the Gregorian Calendar. Thus Christmasis on the 25th of December, but 13 days laterthan the American Christmas, i. e., January 7th.New Yearns day is January 1st, i. e., January 14th.But the people use in business and all other transactionsthe Gregorian Calendar. Many observe evenChristmas as a social occasion with the rest of thecountry, thus having a double Christmas. The sameis truo to some extent with New Year and Easter.Pious Orthodox Greeks partake of communionfour times a year, during the four fast seasons.Confession precedes the communion. But manycommune only once a year, usually, during Lent.Only a minority of the Greeks in America go to confessionand communion.A number of liberal and evangelically inclinedpriests emphasized the utility and effectiveness ofthe confession. One said he utilizes it as an opportunityto instruct, guide, admonish and exhort thepeople in the paths of truth and righteousness.Many Greeks partake of communion on their deathbed. This is partly due i:o the belief that they wouldin this way be cleansed of all their sins and thus enter** Paradise,'' and partly to the wish that thepious act might help the healing and the recovery ofthe patient. Greek priests often go long distancesto render this last service to the dying.Posture at prayer.—There are only a limited numberof seats in the Greek churches, but even these canbe used only during the singing of certain hymns.Almost all stand during the entire service. Kneelingis resorted to only once a year, on the Day ofPentecost. But in America seats are being providedat some churches. Some communities have bought