The majority of Corfiots are Greek Orthodox, following the official religion of Greece. There is however a percentage of Catholics (4%) who owe their faith to their origins, mostly families who came from Malta, but also from Italy and England. The Catholic Archbishopric was established in Corfu in 1310 by Charles of Anjou, and it has maintained a constant presence on the island ever since. Today the Catholic community consists of about 3500 people, (mostly of Maltese descent) who live almost exclusively in the town, living harmoniously side-by-side with the Orthodox community. They are much involved with philanthropic works and are responsible for an extremely well-run old people's home. Up to 1923 the two communities celebrated Easter together, but following the adoption of the Gregorian calendar the celebrations separated as the dates of Easter did not always coincide. In 1964 the Catholic Bishop made an application to the Holy See requesting that Easter in Corfu might be celebrated jointly, in order to avoid family disputes. Approval was granted by the Pope, and within 2 to 3 years the decision was adopted by the other Catholic bishoprics of Greece. Exceptionally in Corfu, on the Catholic Easter Sunday there is a church service for visiting Catholics.
Faith in Saint Spiridon involves many special features with no equivalent in classic Christianity. A retrospective look at the historical and social reality of the times will help us understand the reasons for this great idolatry.
The religious beliefs of the Corfiots, and Saint Spiridon. All the processions. When they take place and why.
Saint Spiridon: The Saint of the Corfiots
Easter: Easter in Corfu is devout, splendid, special. That is why it is unique.
History: The march of history in Corfu, from ancient times until the present day.
Nature: Nature with lush vegetation, unspoilt beaches, traditional villages.
Life Today: Feel the pulse of the island, with its strong cultural connections, its devout religious celebrations. Learn the words you will need.
Culture: Once, there were people living in Corfu who practised the arts. Historical events, chance, the status quo, favoured them, and subsequent generations built on the foundations they created. Artists, writers, poets, scholars and architects lived side by side in Corfu for many years, forming the unique 'culture club'.