With Faith and Hope...

 Cypriots have always been a religious people, with the church playing a major role in their lives. As an example people old and young still cross themselves when they pass a church. The Archbishop is a central figure who often voices his opinion on current issues, in an effort to guide and advise.

Easter in Cyprus means people attend church services throughout the Holy Week, with Holy Saturday the time when people light their candles to celebrate Jesus' resurrection from the dead and the bringing of light to the world, often with a effigies of Judas burning in all the church courtyards as a symbolic gesture of those who refused to believe.

Everyone lights a candle at midnight on Holy Saturday. It's a beautiful moment, a moment of great emotion and reflection, everyone singing 'Christ has risen' in unison, faces lit up against the candlelight, a sea of candlelight enveloping the church courtyard.

This year will be more poignant than before after all the events which have unfolded. Those who were not usually religious will feel different, digging deep into their ravaged souls in a desperate attempt to find their lost faith. It is a time to believe in a higher power, whatever that may be, call it God, call it the Universe but having faith is an integral part of survival. Many will turn to the church for support as in other times of Cypriot hardship. To light a candle means to pray and to believe and hope, at least in something.