By Bejay Browne
For the second year running the ‘Passion Play’ will be enacted in the grounds of a historic church in Paphos and this year will take place on Orthodox Palm Sunday.
Organised by Fr Miguel de la Calle of St Paul’s Catholic Parish, people of all faiths are being encouraged to come together to take part in the performance on April 5, which is the western Easter Sunday this year.
The Catholic Church in Paphos will be staging the play which will take place outside Ayia Kyriaki church in Kato Paphos, also known as the Church of Saint Paul’s Pillar. Presenting ‘The Passion’ in the Holy Week of Easter is a tradition in many countries around the world.
Last year’s production, which featured a cast of local’s, was a success and enjoyed by both residents and tourists, who asked for it to be staged again.
Fr Miguel said that more men are needed to play soldiers and apostles to make up the cast of around 50 or so.
“If we could have more people taking part this year, it would be wonderful. Everybody is welcome and people of varying beliefs are taking part already.”
Fr Miguel said that the cast consists of various denominations of the Christian faith, as well as Muslims and Buddhists.
The ‘Passion Play’ – also known as the ‘Way of the Cross’ – is a traditional part of Lent and is a dramatic presentation that depicts the Passion of Christ, his trial, suffering and death.
This year the performance is being held on Palm Sunday and will see Fr Miguel play Jesus and enter on a donkey. Children are also being invited to take part. This year’s offering promises to be ‘slicker’ than last year’s enactment, as players experienced some technical problems with wireless microphones.
“We have already pre-recorded the audio. This includes a selection of parts from the Gospels, these have been recorded by a Cypriot actor and singer who has a wonderful voice. He has also recorded the voice of Jesus and the dialogue. The narrative has been undertaken by an English woman.”
Fr Miguel said the historic setting for the play was extremely special, as Saint Paul preached there about Christ. Tradition says that he was tied to a pillar and received 39 lashes as punishment for converting many to Christianity.
The Father, who is directing the performance, said: “We welcome anyone who would like to join us, either to take part or in the audience; it’s a meaningful and deeply moving experience. Easter is an important time to come together, to celebrate and to remember.”
He pointed out that the enactment is a good way to bring entire communities together and is especially important in Paphos as it is home to so many different nationalities who follow all faiths.
The cleric is currently organising rehearsals, costumes and flyers for the event and said that everyone is welcome to come along and to watch and join in the prayers and singing.
“We would very much like people to come along to watch and listen and join us with the singing and prayers.”
The play will be enacted on Sunday April 5t at 4-5pm, outside Ayia Kyriaki (St. Paul’s pillar) church in Kato Paphos. Entrance is free.
The Passion
Performance of the play. April 5. Ayia Kyriaki church, Kato Paphos. 4pm Free. Tel: 99-093988
