Greek Orthodox faithful mark Easter from homes

Greeks celebrated the resurrection of Christ very differently on Saturday night, confined at home due to coronavirus restrictions instead of congregating in churches.

Greece is under lockdown as the country tries to prevent the spread of the virus and the government had warned faithful to stay away from churches.

Many in the northern port city of Thessaloniki and around Greece stepped out on their balconies at the stroke of midnight with lit candles to mark the resurrection.

The threat of a fine for violating the lockdown measures did not stop some faithful who stood outside St. Demetrios Church in Thessaloniki with lit candles, while the church bells rang at midnight.

Greece has recorded 2,235 confirmed cases of the virus and 110 deaths, according to a tally by John Hopkins University.

For most people, the new coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms, such as fever and cough that clear up in two to three weeks.

For some, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, it can cause more severe illness, including pneumonia and death.