The St Michael's Greek Orthodox Church of Antioch has just begun its Easter celebrations, in line with the Eastern calendar.
Nightly activities, which finish early on Sunday, are followed by the breaking of a seven-week fast from all meat and animal products, including eggs, milk and, of course, chocolate.
Last night, members gathered at the South Dunedin church for holy unction, where they were anointed with oil in remembrance of baptism and to relieve illness.
This evening the church will host a reading of the 12 gospels, detailing the historic events leading up to Easter.
Church members sing and chant during lamentation tomorrow night, and on Saturday, around midnight, members use candles, lights and singing to mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
They bring coloured eggs and special types of sweet bread made only at Easter to the service, for the breaking of their fast.
The church congregation includes about 50 families, many from Russia, Greece and Serbia.
Matushka Mary Eades, wife of the late priest Fr Ilian Eades, said membership had dwindled slightly after her husband's death a couple of years ago.
Priests from Christchurch had travelled to Dunedin every month or so for ceremonies, until former Anglican priest Fr Carl Somers-Edgar was ordained in January, Mrs Eades said.
Anyone was welcome to attend the Easter services, she said.
