Religion & Temples

1. Πού είναι η εκκλησία;

   pu I-ne i e-kli-SI-a

   Where is the church?

   Usage

   Find a Greek Orthodox church

   Grammar Note

   "εκκλησία" is the etymological source of "ecclesia". Greek Orthodoxy is the main religion

2. Τι ώρα αρχίζει η λειτουργία;

   ti O-ra ar-CHI-zi i li-tur-GI-a

   What time does the service begin?

   Usage

   Ask about the time of an Orthodox church service

   Grammar Note

   "λειτουργία" is the Greek source of "liturgy". "αρχίζει" is third-person singular present

3. Μπορώ να μπω μέσα στην εκκλησία;

   bo-RO na bo ME-sa stin e-kli-SI-a

   May I enter the church?

   Usage

   Ask respectfully before entering a church as a tourist

   Grammar Note

   "μπω" is the subjunctive of "μπαίνω" (to enter); "μέσα" means "inside"

4. Πρέπει να καλύψετε τα μαλλιά σας

   PRE-pi na ka-LI-pse-te ta ma-li-A sas

   You need to cover your hair

   Usage

   Tell visitors to cover their hair, as some monasteries ask women to wear a scarf. In most Orthodox churches the usual rule is covered shoulders and knees, not hair

   Grammar Note

   "Πρέπει να..." (must/need to) introduces the subjunctive for obligation

5. Παρακαλώ μιλάτε ήσυχα

   pa-ra-ka-LO mi-LA-te I-si-cha

   Please speak quietly

   Usage

   Request quiet speech during a religious service

   Grammar Note

   "μιλάτε" is the polite plural imperative of "μιλώ" (to speak); "ήσυχα" is an adverb

6. Υπάρχει τζαμί εδώ;

   i-PAR-chi tza-MI e-DO

   Is there a mosque here?

   Usage

   Find a mosque in Greece; they exist in Athens and Eastern Thrace

   Grammar Note

   "τζαμί" is a loanword from Turkish "cami" (mosque)

7. Είμαι χριστιανός

   I-me chri-sti-a-NOS

   I am a Christian

   Usage

   Describe your religious affiliation

   Grammar Note

   Nouns change by gender; feminine form ends in "-ή"

8. Έχετε χορτοφαγικό φαγητό;

   E-che-te chor-to-fa-gi-KO fa-gi-TO

   Do you have vegetarian food?

   Usage

   Find vegetarian food following religious or ethical dietary restrictions

   Grammar Note

   "χορτοφαγικό" is the adjective of "χορτοφάγος" (vegetarian), from "χόρτο" (grass/herbs) + "-φάγος" (eater). "φαγητό" (food) is the separate next word

9. Σήμερα είναι θρησκευτική αργία

   SI-me-ra I-ne thri-skef-ti-KI ar-GI-a

   Today is a religious holiday

   Usage

   Explain why shops may be closed on a religious holiday

   Grammar Note

   "αργία" is feminine, so the adjective takes feminine form "θρησκευτική"

10. Θέλω να κάνω μια δωρεά

    THE-lo na KA-no mia do-re-A

    I would like to make a donation

    Usage

    Express a wish to make a donation at a church or chapel

    Grammar Note

    "δωρεά" shares roots with "δώρο" (gift). "Θέλω να κάνω..." = "I want to make..."

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