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Three Kings of Orient and The Carols of Epiphany in Greece

"We Three Kings," originally titled "Three Kings of Orient" and alternatively known as "We Three Kings of Orient Are" or "The Quest of the Magi," stands as a timeless Christmas carol penned by John Henry Hopkins Jr. in 1857. Three Kings of Orient - Lyrics We Three Kings of Orient are, Bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, Moor and mountain, Following yonder Star. O Star of Wonder, Star of Night, Star with Royal Beauty bright, Westward leading, Still proceeding, Guide us to Thy perfect Light. Born a King on Bethlehem plain, Gold I bring to crown Him again, King for ever, Ceasing never Over us all to reign. Refrain Frankincense to offer have I, Incense owns a Deity nigh: Prayer and praising All men raising, Worship Him God on High. Refrain Myrrh is mine; its bitter perfume Breathes a life of gathering gloom;— Sorrowing, sighing, Bleeding, dying, Sealed in the stone-cold tomb. Refrain Glorious now behold Him arise, King, and God, and Sacrifice; Heav’n sings Hallelujah: Hallelujah the earth replies. The carols of Epiphany The Carols of Epiphany is a nationwide custom in Greece and is mainly sung by children on the eve of the feast of Theophany. There are many variations in the verses depending on the region, but most carols begin with the verses "Today is the Lights and the enlightment/ The happiness is big and the sanctification...". Read here "Epiphany in Greece: the Meaning of the Feast - Why We Bless the Waters". The carols of Epiphany in Greece nationwide Today is the Lights and the enlightment The happiness is big and the sanctification Down the Jordan River Sits our Lady the Blessed Virgin Mary She carries an organ, a candle she holds And pleads with St. John. St. John lord and Baptist Baptize this divine child of mine I shall ascend to the heavens To gather roses and incense Good day, good day Good day to you master and the missus. The carols of Epiphany in Kefalonia island A little boy in Bethlehem was placed in a cave, and now a great man runs in the Jordan, with a camel's skin he was wrapped in, and with the girdle of Christ he was girded. I looked up to heaven and saw a cross in the middle, And of all the names (here the name of the landlords of the house), again I looked and saw a wreath or two, And with a good night's sleep, happy Epiphany.

Types of Honey and their Benefits - Greek Honey from Mount Athos

Mount Athos honey: the best and purest monastic honey The types of honey and beneficial properties of each type From ancient times to nowdays, honey has been an integral part of both human nutrition and therapeutic methods. There are many types of honey and all of them have priceless nutritional and energy value. Many types of honey are produced on the peninsula of Mount Athos, some of which are not so well known in Greece. In the following article you will read useful information about the types of honey and the health benefits they have. This blog post will help you choose the best honey tyoe for your family. Greek Chestnut honey from Mount Athos Mount Athos Chestnut Honey is a special honey, which is produced in the protected (NATURA 2000) chestnut forests of Mount Athos. It stands out for its intense peppery taste and its excellent properties. It emerges as a beneficial 'tonic'. Also, it has styptic, disinfectant, and healing properties, useful for the digestive and urinary systems, providing antimicrobial action in the intestine. It is recommended for athletes, the elderly and those with prostate problems or prostatitis. It can also act as an astringent in cases of dysentery. Find here: the original Chestnut Honey of Mount Athos Erica Manipuliflora Honey of Mount Athos Erica Manipuliflora honey is mainly produced in the Yovanitsa region and is collected during the months of September to November. Some years it may not be produced at all and so many prefer it in large quantities! Erica Manipuliflora honey is particularly well-known in France, from which the well-known gingerbread is produced. It is honey of excellent nutritional value and is particularly tonic for the human body. Find here: Erica Manipuliflora Honey of Mount Athos Pine Honey of Mount Athos In the forests of Kapsala and Giovanitsa on Mount Athos, the excellent Athonite pine honey is produced and collected every year in spring and autumn. It is not particularly sweet compared to blossom honey. It has a high content of potassium and sodium and has very strong antimicrobial properties. It also helps to treat inflammation, cough and gout. Find here: authentic Pine Honey of Mount Athos Pure Monastic products with Honey from Mount Athos: Propolis Oral Spray with Cinnamon and Honey - Soothes the throat Propolis Oral Spray with Vanilla and Honey – Natural expectorant Multivariety Honey Pine - Balsam - Thyme This aromatic honey was created from the pine forests of Yovanitsa and the late spring blooms of the Northeast side of Mount Athos. Saint John’s wart or balsam, marubium or broom-plant, elfin thyme or thymus serpyllum and many more plants give a delicate aroma, golden color in the light, rich buttery taste and a particularly pleasant aftertaste. Find here: pure multivariety Honey with Pine - Balsam and Thyme Fir Honey of Mount Athos A unique honey with high nutritional value and mild sweet taste is fir honey. This honey stands out for its special aroma, thick liquid texture, and rare amber color. The holy fathers of Mount Athos produce fir honey using the honeycomb centrifugation method and do not interfere with any heat treatment at all. Thus, fir honey is rich in beneficial properties and keeps all its trace elements unchanged. Fir honey has a high content of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, iron and magnesium, while at the same time it acts as an antiseptic in the respiratory system and treats bad breath. Due to the low content of natural sugars, fir honey is almost never sweetened. Find here: the original Athonite Fir Honey Oak Honey of Mount Athos In the protected (NATURA 2000) forests we also find stands of oak trees. Its production may not be achieved every year due to climate and particular conditions. Oak honey is dark in color with a special and not sweet taste. It has many antioxidant properties and a high content of potassium, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus and iron. It contributes to the well-being of the gastrointestinal system, treats the symptoms of flu and fatigue and acts against hemorrhoids. Find here: Oak Honey of Mount Athos Pure Monastic products with Honey from Mount Athos: Natural Shampoo with Aloe Vera, Honey and Calendula Soap with Butter and Honey - Antibacterial and soothing action Arbutus Honey of Mount Athos Another honey found in the protected (NATURA 2000) forests of the Athonite peninsula is the Arbutus honey produced from the honeydew of the strawberry tree. Its taste is bitter and gives the sensation of baked caramel. It is an excellent source of trace elements, vitamins and natural antibiotic substances that make it a natural health ally. Find here: Arbutus Honey of Mount Athos Blossom Honey of Mount Athos Blossom honey is produced in the small plains in the north side of Mount Athos from the nectar of flowers. It is the sweetest honey and its taste is mild. It contributes to the good functioning of digestion and the proper development of children. It also provides energy and endurance and regulates the functioning of the intestinal system and liver. Find here: Blossom Honey of Mount Athos Ivy Honey of Mount Athos Ivy honey is produced in the area, where the holy cells of Vatopedi Monastery are located and is collected with admixture from the honeydew of oak trees. For this reason, it is darker in color and its fluidity is good. Its sweetness is moderate and depending on the weather conditions it can show a slight bitterness in its taste. Furthermore, it has high content of enzymes, vitamins, trace elements and anti-oxidants. Find here: original Ivy Honey of Mount Athos Read here: Saint Philaret the Patron Saint of Beekeeping

The Best Traditional Christmas carols: lyrics and their origin

Carols are one of the most timeless customs in many regions. They are usually associated with celebrations of the Twelve Days, that is Christmas, New Year and Epiphany. Essentially, the carols are folk songs and their lyrics express customs that are passed down from generation to generation and are sung even today. We Three Kings Of Orient Are John Henry Hopkins Jr. was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and was the author and composer of this christmas song. He composed the carol around 1857 and was inspired from the narrative of the journey of the magi in Matthew 2:1-12. We three kings of Orient are bearing gifts we traverse afar, Field and fountain, moor and mountain, following yonder Star. O, star of wonder, star of might, star with royal beauty bright, Westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect light. Oh little town of Bethlehem Phillips Brooks (1835-1893) penned this cherished Christmas hymn specifically for the Sunday school children within his Philadelphia parish, Holy Trinity Church. O little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie; Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by; Yet in thy dark streets shineth the everlasting light. The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight. Silent night Silent night stands as a timeless Christmas carol. Ideal for various settings such as concerts, performances, church gatherings, and home celebrations. Silent night! Holy night! All is calm, all is bright, Round yon Virgin Mother and Child. Holy Infant, so tender and mild. Sleep in heavenly peace, Sleep in heavenly peace. The first Noel This song is a traditional christmas carol from the 16th or 17th century. The word ‘Noel’ originates from the French word ‘christmas' and Latin word ‘natalis' which means birthday. The first Noel, the angel did say, Was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay; In fields where they lay keeping their sheep, On a cold winter's night that was so deep. Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel. Born is the King of Israel. Away in a manger The origins of the Christmas hymn "Away in a Manger" have often been linked to Martin Luther (1483-1546), but these connections are largely steeped in legend rather than historical accuracy. Away in a manger, no crib for a bed, The little Lord Jesus laid down his sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where he lay, The little Lord Jesus asleep in the hay. Hark! The herald angels sing This Christmas song is based on Luke 2:8-14, the well-known segment of the Christmas narrative that encompasses the angels and the shepherds. Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled." Joyful, all ye nations, rise. Join the triumph of the skies; With th' angelic host proclaim, "Christ is born in Bethlehem." Hark! the herald angels sing, "Glory to the newborn King! O come, all ye faithful The Christmas hymn was a version from a Roman Catholic traditional text that was found in the 18th century in the College at Douai. O come, all ye faithful, joyful, and triumphant, O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem! Come and behold Him, born the King of Angels! O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him, O come let us adore Him: Christ, the Lord. Joy to the world This Christmas hymn is based on a second part of a psalm (Psalm 98:4-9), entitled “The Messiah’s Coming and Kingdom.” Joy to the world! The Lord is come: Let earth receive her King. Let ev'ry heart prepare Him room. And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and nature sing, And heaven and heaven and nature sing. Christmas Carols in Greece Carols are one of the most timeless customs in many regions of Greece. Christmas Carols - in Bethlehem We bid good evening, gentle folk. Would you… would you desire to hear told Of Christ's nativity divine? We'll sing... we'll sing it to your household. For Christ is born in Bethlehem. Sing out... sing out in jubilation! The heavens break forth into joy. Rejoice... rejoice all of creation . The King of heaven has been born, Who is… who is the world's creator. With horses 'round him in a cave, He lies... he lies inside the manger. The hosts of angels sing His praise: "All glo... all glory in the highest!" The faithful shepherds at his side Draw near... draw near him, first to be blest. From out of Persia, Magi come; With gifts... with gifts they will adore him. Led by the brightness of the star, Three kings… three kings, who bow before him. So, many years we wish to you And all…and all of your relations. And may God grant you peace and joy In all...in all your celebrations. Christmas Carols - Lyrics in Greek Καλήν εσπέραν άρχοντες, Kalin esperan, archondes, αν ει.. αν είναι ορισμός σας, an i... an ine orismos sas, Χριστού τη Θείαν γέννησην, Christou tin thian yennisin να πω… να πω στ’ αρχοντικό σας. na po... napo st' archontiko sas. Χριστός γεννάται σήμερον, Christos yennate simeron εν Βη.. εν Βηθλέεμ τη πόλη, en Vi... en Vithleem ti poli, οι ουρανοί αγάλλονται, i Ourani aghallonde, χαίρεται η κτίσις όλη. cheri, cheri i ktisis oli. Εν τω σπηλαίω τίκτετα, En to spileo tikteta, εν φα.. εν φάτνη των αλόγων, en fat... en fatni ton aloghon, ο βασιλεύς των ουρανών, o Vasilefs ton ouranon και ποι…και ποητής των όλων. ke pi... ke piitis ton olon. Πλήθος αγγέλων ψάλλουσι Plithos angelon psallousi το Δο.. το Δόξα εν Υψίστοις to dho... to dhoxa en ipsistis και τούτο άξιον εστί ke touto axion esti η των… η των ποιμένων πίστις. i ton... i ton pimenon pistis. Εκ της Περσίας έρχονται Ek tis Persias erchonde τρεις Μά… τρεις Μάγοι με τα δώρα tris ma... tris maghi me ta dhora, άστρον λαμπρόν τους οδηγεί astron lambron tous odhighi χωρίς…χωρίς να λείψει η ώρα. choris... choris na lipsi ora. Χρονιά πολλά ευχόμεθα, Chronia polla evchometha στους σε.. στους σεβαστούς γονείς σας stous se... stous sevastous ghonis sas και σ’όλους τους αγαπητούς ke s'olous tous aghapitous φίλους.. φίλους και συγγενείς σας! filous... filous ke singenis sas! Carols Christmas The song 'Christmas' is very well-known in Greece and abroad as well. It is not a folk song, while its lyricist and composer are Stelios Sperantzas and Georgios Horafas respectively. In the corner fireplace glow the embers red and still. While outside the snowflakes fall, softly on the window sill. All the village keeps a watch in the cold moonlight church bells toll the glad some news: Christ is born this night. You whom all the angels praise, come to us this holy night. We shall cut the Christmas bread, join us for the sweet delight. Near the hearth so warm and bright, we have made your bed, where my Christ Child you may lay down your sleepy head. Carols Christmas - Lyrics in Greek Στη γωνιά μας κόκκινο τ’ αναμμένο τζάκι. Sti ghonia mas kokkino t’ anammeno tzaki. Τούφες χιόνι πέφτουνε στο παραθυράκι. Toufes chioni peftoune sto parathiraki. Όλο απόψε ξάγρυπνο μένει το χωριό Olo apopse xaghripno meni to chorio και χτυπά Χριστούγεννα το καμπαναριό. ke ktipa Christoughenna to kambanario. Έλα Εσύ, που αρχάγγελοι Σε ανυμνούν απόψε, Ela esi, p'Archangeli s'a nimnoun apopse πάρε από την πίττα μας που ευωδιά και κόψε. pare apo tin pitta mas pou evodhia, ke kopse. Έλα κι η γωνίτσα μας καρτερεί να ρθεις! Ela k'i ghonitsa mas karteri na'r this, Σου έστρωσα, Χριστούλη μου, για να ζεσταθείς! Sou strosa, Christouli mou, ghia na zestathis.

Why is Wine Important in Orthodox Religion: Old & New Testament

Wine in the Christian Orthodox Religion During the spread and flourishing of Christianity in Greek-Roman civilization, wine had already been a staple foodstuff. Therefore, it did not take a long time for the Christian religion to accept it and treat it as a blessed commodity. It is noteworthy that the words ‘wine’ and ‘vineyard’ are frequently used as examples in the Evangelical parables and there are many references to them in the Holy Scripture. The symbolism of wine during the cementation of Christianity In the Old Testament As we know from the writings in the Old Testament, wine acquired distinctive symbolism. After the flood, Noah planted and managed to create his own vineyard. In Exodus, God gave a promise to bless three significant goods for human life: bread, water and wine. The lands and climate in the regions of Hebron and Palestine were conducive for the cultivation of vineyards. Viticulture flourished in a short time and gained great demand, as people cultivated their vines to produce the blessed wine. David hymns wine through his psalms, saying: "And wine that makes glad the heart of man..." (Psalm 104:15) and "You have put gladness in my heart, More than in the season that their grain and wine increased" (Psalm 4:7). Essentially, David believes that wine delights the heart, which is one of the most vital organs of the human body and the center of human emotions. In the New Testament In the New Testament, it also becomes clear that wine acquires a sacred significance through various events. Jesus Christ starts his numerous miracles at the wedding in Cana, where He transforms water into wine. Later, in the Last Supper, our Lord gave a cup of wine to His disciples, saying: "For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Matthew 26:28). With this mention of our Lord, it was established to offer bread and wine in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist, symbolizing the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Here you can find icons of the Last Supper. Read here: Wines of Mount Athos: the Secret behind Monastery Wine...since the 10th century! Nama, the wine of the Holy Eucharist ‘Nama’ or ‘Anama’ is the wine that is used in the Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist and is prepared through a special process. For approximately 48 hours, the grape must boils slowly until it is concentrated. For every 600 kilograms of grape must, a bucket of already condensed stum is added to initiate fermentation once again. Throughout this entire process of preparing the Nama wine, great care is recommended, as the stum can turn sour. The presence of wine in sepulchral customs It is worth mentioning that in sepulchral customs that are preserved even today, the presence of wine is necessary. During the sacrament of burial, the priest prays, pouring some wine on the grave of the departed. In addition, during the exhumation, the bones are washed with wine. In the past, in some areas, relatives washed the warm body of the deceased with wine or vinegar. In certain regions in Greece, at the memorial services, the relatives bring, along with koliva, wine or stafylarmia (in Greek σταφυλαρμιά) that is grapes in petimezi (i.e. concentrated stum). Read here: Koliva: the symbolism of the ingredients and how we decorate them. Saint Tryphon, Patron Saint of Viticulture During the pruning season, all monasteries that have vineyards, as well as the rural population outside the walls of monasteries, pray for a good harvest, to the Patron Saint of Viticulture and agriculture, Saint Tryphon. Here you can find icons with Saint Tryphon. Source: "Athos and Wine" by Eleni Kefalopoulou, with contributions from Aris Fotiadis.

Eldress Galaktia of Crete: the 4 Things God Wants from Us

WHAT LORD WANTS The caretakers who lived near Eldress Galaktia of Crete recorded her teachings, in order to capture her spiritual wisdom to enlighten the world. Below you will read Gerontissa's words in full about what she feels the Lord wants from us. 18th September 2016 - Record from her caretakers ELDRESS: «Whoever feels even a little bit of the Light of God, the love of God, loves the whole world afterwards. He/She prays for the whole world. You see what God is and what you are. You cry for your sins afterward. I don't know anything else. Ask the educated to tell you. I feel that there are four things that God primarily desires: Repentance, humility, silence, and love accompanied with mercy in secret. These are the foundation. The rest come afterwards... ». From the book "H Οσία Γερόντισσα Γαλακτία της Κρήτης ", in the Greek language.

What is the explanation of Holy Thursday in the Greek Orthodox Church

Why is it called Maundy Thursday During the Great and Holy Thursday, all the christians commemorate the Last Supper of Jesus Christ with his disciples and the washing of their feet. It is the fifth day of the Holy week and is also called Maundy Thursday. The word Maundy comes from the latin word ‘mandatum’ which symbolizes the words of Jesus Christ ‘I give you a new commandment’. Why is the Supper of Holy Thursday called ‘Secret’? An explanation from the Greek language Father Stefanos Anagnostopoulos explains that the word ‘Μυστικός’ in Greek (Mystikos, meaning ‘secret’), is delivered from the noun ‘initiate’ which comes from the verb ‘initiate’ (in Greek μυώ, myo). Therefore, the Last Supper did not take place in secret, but it had a higher cause, to initiate the Apostles in the martyrdom that would follow. In the Last Supper, our Lord Jesus Christ revealed, presented and taught to His twelve disciples, that the sacrament of His Sacrifice on the Cross has already been accomplished. The Supper of Holy Thursday is called ‘Last’ because Jesus Christ initiated His disciples and through the disciples, us, into the saving sacrifice: He Himself performed the Cross of Calvary. Through the Last Supper, Jesus Christ, in an inconceivable way to the human mind and common sense, foresees the events of the betrayal, the Trial, the Passion, the Calvary and the Sacrifice on the Cross. And He expects them because they are present in the food of His Holy Body and His Holy Blood..."Take, eat, this is My body", he says to his disciples, “Drink from it, all of you. For this is My blood…” For the Lord to speak in this manner, signifies that the Sacrifice has already been performed and continues to be realized till nowadays through our Divine Liturgy! Here you can find icons with the Last Supper.

Elder Papa Tychon of Mount Athos

Papa-Tychon was born in Novaya Mikhalovka, Russia, in 1884, from pious parents, Pavel and Elena. When he was seventeen, they gave him their blessing to go on a pilgrimage to the monasteries of Russia for three years. Completing that, he moved on to the God-trodden Mountain, Mount Sinai, for two months, and settled in the Holy Land, beyond the Jordan, to live as an ascetic for a while. Unfortunately, the elder couldn’t find his peace there because of the many pilgrims and was forced to leave for the Holy Mountain. On the Holy Mountain, Papa-Tychon lived for five years at the Cell of Bourazeri (a dependency of Hilandar), and then got a blessing to move to a cave in Karoulia, where he lived as an ascetic for fifteen years. All these years that he stayed at Karoulia, he spent his time in fierce struggles. His ‘handiwork’ was to make great and small prostrations, as well as to say the Jesus Prayer and study. So he struggled with philotimo -a term Elder Paisios often uses to mean 'the love shown by humble people'- to become an angel internally, too, not merely externally by wearing the angelic habit. Eventually, Papa-Tychon left Karoulia as well and moved to Kapsala, at the southernmost tip of Athos (above Kaliagra) to a Cell belonging to the Monastery of Stavroniceta. There, he looked after an infirm, elderly monk for a time. After the elder died, received his blessing to stay there. In Elder Paisios’s words, ‘Divine grace revealed him to people and many, who were suffering, ran to him to consult him and be comforted through his great love’. It seems that although he was Russian, Papa-Tychon became a spiritual father to Orthodox of all ethnicities, his great disciple, Elder Paisios, for instance, being Greek. Seeing the great need of these people, Papa-Tychon yielded to their entreaties that he be ordained, so that he could hear formal confessions. He providentially received a donation from America through the head of Prophet Elias Skete, and hired some monks to build a chapel at the Cell dedicated to the Precious Cross. There, according to Elder Paisios, he celebrated spiritually every day with his rule of prayer, which combined the mourning of the Cross and the brightness of the Resurrection, with his great ascesis and almost no human consolation in the hollow of Kaliagra, where he gazed at heaven and lived the joys of Paradise with the angels and saints. When anyone asked him, ‘Do you live all alone in the desert?’ the elder would reply: ‘No, I live with the angels and archangels, with all the saints, with the Mother of God and with Christ’. Once, a man attempted to rob him, even going so far as to tie a rope around his neck in order to force him to give up his money, of which of course he had none. When the police finally caught the thief, they tried to get Papa-Tychon to testify against him, but he replied, ‘But, my child, I forgave the thief with all my heart’. Although the police laughed this off, ‘In the end the police chief took pity and let him go back to his Cell from Hierissos because he was crying like a little child at the thought that he would be to blame for the thief being punished’. Whenever he would have a visitor, after praying with them in the chapel and visiting for a while, Papa-Tychon ‘would get up with great joy and say: “Now, I have a treat for you”. According to Elder Paisios, who lived with Papa-Tychon at the time, in 1968 the latter ‘had a presentiment of his death, because he continually referred to death’. After the feast of the Dormition, he became bedridden and did not want anyone with him for some time so that his prayer would not be interrupted. Then, in the last ten days of his life, he asked Elder Paisios to stay with him. Because he could no longer go to the Chapel of the Precious Cross, where he had celebrated the liturgy for so many years, he asked Elder Paisios to bring him the Cross from the Altar ‘as a consolation’. Two days after the feast of the Nativity of the Mother of God, that is, on 10 September 1968, Papa-Tychon fell asleep in the Lord (thus, taking into account the calendar difference, the anniversary of his repose was only 11 days ago). According to a promise he made to Elder Paisios, after three years he began to appear to his spiritual child once a year, bringing him great consolation.

Koliva: the symbolism of the ingredients and how we decorate them

What do All Souls’ Days symbolize? Our Church established two All Souls’ Days for those who have fallen asleep, because many people at times died in the sea or in mountains and cliffs or due to poverty and did not receive the typical memorial services. For this reason, "The holy Fathers, moved by philanthropy, established this memorial service for all devoutly departed Christians throughout the ages". In the Orthodox monastic life, memorial services and in general the memory of death, have a great importance. For this reason, the holy fathers give special attention to kolliva, both in their preparation and consumption. When we celebrate the All Souls’ Days The first All Souls’ Day of the year is 57 days before Holy Easter. It is also called “Saturday of Souls” and is the Saturday before Meat fare Sunday. Οn Meat fare Sunday we seek to commemorate the Second Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. Our dead have not yet been judged, so we remember them on this day and, invoking the infinite mercy of the Lord, we beg Him with the memorial service we do, to rest them. The second All Souls’ Day of the year is 48 days after Holy Easter. It is also called "Saturday of Souls" and is celebrated before Pentecost Sunday. All Soul’s Days are connected with memorial services as both are held in memory of our own people who are no longer alive. Our tradition calls for koliva for All Souls’ Days, which we take to the Church in honor of our beloved departed. Why do we eat kolyva at memorial services The kolyva are one of the oldest Christian customs of the Orthodox Church that is preserved until today and is directly connected to the departed. According to the tradition, the koliva were established to be offered to the temples by Saint Theodore Tyron, who had distributed koliva in the region of the Euchaites in Galatia during a period of famine. Another tradition states that Saint Theodore Tyron performed a miracle on Emperor Julian. In particular, the emperor was about to force Christians to eat only food derived from sacrifices, eliminating all other kinds of food. Either way, koliva were established to be offered both on All Souls’ Days and at memorial services to those attending there and then to the homes of relatives and friends. Here you can find book about the Memorial Services and Their Benefits. Why the ingredients from the koliva must be nine Koliva is made of 9 ingredients because they symbolize the angelic orders, which are nine. Each ingredient is accompanied by its own symbolism. What are the ingredients in the koliva and what do they symbolize 1. Wheat: the main ingredient of koliva is wheat, which is usually boiled and symbolizes the earth and people, who are not alive. 2. Pomegranate: the second ingredient is the pomegranate and symbolizes the mercies and splendor of Paradise. 3. Sugar: the next ingredient that is included in the koliva, is sugar, which reveals the sweetness of Paradise. 4. Raisins: raisins are the fourth ingredient that shows the Vine that is Jesus Christ. 5. Parsley: parsley is another ingredient and symbolizes rest " in a place of green pasture ". 6. Breadcrumbs or sesame seeds: these two ingredients indicate the soil. 7. Cinnamon: cinnamon is one of the main ingredients that is used in koliva and indicates the fragrance and the various scents ("…laid it in a sepulchre that was hewn in stone, wherein never man before was laid…”). 8. Almonds: they symbolize fertility and life is perpetuated with offspring. 9. Silver and white sugared-almonds: the final ingredient is the silver and white sugared-almonds that symbolize the unaltered bones after the wear and tear of the body. Here you can find the two monastic recipes for the koliva. The decoration of the koliva The decoration of the koliva and the tray are of outstanding value. It serves Christian symbolism and with the joyful note it imparts, it tries to relieve the sadness and pain of losing a person. The decoration of the koliva can be done with either pomegranate, almonds or sugared-almonds. Also, various seals, stencils, usually made of wood, are used to imprint the Cross or another Christian symbol in the center of the koliva. These wooden seals usually have two handles for easy installation and removal, which makes them very easy to use. They depict various symbols in the center such as the Cross with two little angels and the symbol IC XC NIKA or Saints such as Saint Paisios, Saint John the Theologian or Saint Paraskevi. Here you can find the seals for the koliva.

Saint George the Trophy-Bearer: The Miraculous Icon at Xenophontos Monastery on Mount Athos

The story behind the Miraculous Icon of Saint George The miraculous icon of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer is located at the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos on Mount Athos and dates back to the period of Iconoclasm. How the icon was saved from the Iconoclasts During the time of the Iconoclasm in Constantinople, the Iconoclasts acted against sacred icons and attempted to get rid of them by throwing them into the fire. When they came across the icon of Saint George, they tried to destroy it in the same way, but were unsuccessful. The miracle of the icon in the fire The iconoclasts threw the icon into the flames, but it remained unharmed, with only a little damage to the garments of Saint George. At that moment, a servant of the king stabbed the icon where the saint's chin was, and immediately blood began to flow! The heretics were stunned by this event. They were scared, decided to leave the icon behind and disappeared. At the same time, a devout christian found the icon of Saint George and prayed for its safe passage through the sea. During his prayer, the faithful's words were as follows: "Great Martyr of Jesus Christ, Trophy-Bearer Saint George, you who performed so many miracles during life and after death, and who have just now left your holy icon safe from fire, preserve it now and carry it safely through the sea, wherever you know and desire, for the glory of our God." With these words, the christian threw the icon on the sea. Here you can find icons of Saint George the Trophy-Bearer. How the icon arrived at the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos The holy icon of Saint George arrived by Divine Providence in the 10th century at the coast of the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos on Mount Athos. At the spot where the miraculous icon was found, at the edge of the beach next to a rock, existed the small Monastery of the Great Martyr Saint Demetrius, where a small chapel still stands to this day, erected by Saint Xenophon. Initially, the holy icon of Saint George was placed there. It is said that when Saint Xenophon saw the icon floating on the sea, he personally financed the construction of the old Cathedral of the Monastery in honor of Saint George. Since then, Saint George has been considered the patron of Xenophontos Monastery. The Holy Water of Saint George with its healing properties Why was he named 'Dysuritis' At the location where the miraculous icon was found, acidic healing water flows to this day. According to tradition, this is the holy water of Saint George, which has healing properties for kidney ailments, gallbladder issues, and the disease of dysuria. Thus, Saint George received the sobriquet 'Dysuritis'. Read more here: Holy Monastery of Xenophontos: The Monastery of Panagia Hodegetria and Saint Georgios Today, the miraculous icon of Saint George is placed in the main Church of Saint George on the eastern column. The holy icon depicts Saint George in full figure, as well as the wound on his neck with blood, as a sign of the miracle that occurred centuries ago. Even today, the icon reminds the countless miracles that were performed by the Holy Great Martyr Saint George. The monks honor and commemorate Saint George the Trophy-Bearer and Saint Demetrius the Myroblyte daily during the dismissals of Divine Services. Here you can find icons of Saint George and Saint Demetrius. When is the celebration of Saint George Our Church commemorates the memory of Saint George twice a year. On April 23rd, we honor his dormition through beheading, and on November 3rd, we celebrate the disinterring of his relics.

What does Candlemas mean and what we celebrate on February 2

What is the meaning of Candlemas and what this festival recounts The word Candlemas, also called the Feast of the Presentation of Jesus Christ, the Feast of the Purification of the Blessed Virgin Mary, or the Feast of the Holy Encounter, is a Christian celebration that honors the presentation of Jesus in the Temple. It is based upon the account of the presentation of Jesus in Luke 2:22–40. In Greek the Candlemas Day is called “Υπαπαντή” (Hypapante) and comes from the Greek word 'hypantao' which means to welcome someone. At the temple, Saint Simeon the God-receiver welcomed Jesus Christ with other pious faithfuls and took Him in his arms. Then he was enlightened by the Holy Spirit. Who is Saint Simeon the Just According to our Church, Saint Simeon lived in Jerusalem and was a devout Christian. It is even said that he had lived over 200 years because the Holy Spirit had confided to him that he would be alive until he met the Messiah. One day the Holy Spirit appeared to Simeon the Righteous and advised him to go to the temple. He obeyed. After a while, Joseph appeared with Virgin Mary, holding Jesus Christ and delivering him into the arms of Saint Simeon. He, holding the Messiah in his hands, praised God, saying: “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” Then Saint Simeon turned to the couple, who were looking at him with admiration and, addressed to Virgin Mary, said: "Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed." Here you can find icons of Simeon the Righteous. What we celebrate the Candlemas Day The event of the Presentation of Jesus Christ in the Temple is described by the Evangelist Luke and states that it happened forty days after the birth of Jesus (Luke 6', 22-39). According to Evangelist Luke, Christ was the first child of the family and as the law defined for firstborn children, he had to be dedicated to God. In earlier times, according to the Mosaic law, the firstborn boys of the family symbolized the firstborn, who had been saved in Egypt and thanks to them were dedicated to God. Today something similar is happening with the forty day blessing (Churching). Forty days after the birth of the infant, the parents go to the Church and "offer" their child, as Virgin Mary offered Jesus Christ to Simeon the Righteous. Through the liturgical act that is followed, the path of baptism and the reception of the child into the Christian life are opened. Read here '40 Days Churching Of Mother And Child - Why it is Important'. When do we celebrate Candlemas The Feast of the Presentation is celebrated on February 2nd, as it is the fortieth day from December 25th, when Jesus Christ was born. Our Church honors the Meeting of our Lord in the Temple as an extraordinary feast. Joyful hymns are sung from February 2 to 9, in order to bind the holy event and spread joy and hope throughout the world.

Virgin Zoodochos Pigi - Life Giving Spring of Balikli

The Life-Giving Spring of the Most Holy Theotokos, also known as Panagia of Balukhli, stands as one of the majestic churches of Constantinople and holds utmost significance for Orthodoxy. Two main versions prevail regarding the history of the Sanctity of the temple. The first version regarding the history of the Life-Giving Spring The first version is attributed to Nicephorus Callistus, which highlights how Emperor Leo I the Thracian (457-474 AD) aided a blind man, several years before becoming emperor. Specifically, Leo, also known as Macellus, encountered a blind man in Constantinople, who asked for water to quench his thirst. The miracle involving Emperor Leo and the blind man In his effort to assist the blind man, Leo heard a voice directing him to the location of the water. Indeed, he found the spring with water and when he returned, he gave the water to the blind man. Right after, Leo heard the voice again, urging him to wash the blind man's eyes with the same water. He obeyed and performed this act. Suddenly, the blind man regained his sight! As soon as Leo witnessed this, he realized that the healing of the blind man, as well as the voice speaking to him, came from the Most Holy Theotokos. He also understood that the spring from which he took the water, was miraculous and the water was therapeutic. The healing water at the temple During Leo’s reign as emperor, recalling the miraculous incident that had occurred, he decided to visit that spot to build an imposing temple. According to tradition, therapeutic water flowed in the underground of the temple and a large number of believers came to visit it. The miraculous water of the Holy Temple's Spring performed significant miracles, offering all kinds of healing. As a result, even Turkish residents visited it to avail themselves of its benefits. Unfortunately, the Temple was destroyed by the Turks, but it was later rebuilt around 1830 AD into a larger Temple. It was named the Life-Giving Spring of Balιkli, or Panagia of Balukhli, or Virgin Mary of the Spring, or Zoödochos Pege (Greek: Ζωοδόχος Πηγή) including the monastery, the church, and the holy spring. The term "Balik" in "Balıklı" originates from the Turkish word for ‘fish’. The miracle with the frying fish According to tradition, on May 23, 1453, a monk was frying fish next to the holy spring when he was informed that Constantinople had fallen. The monk stated that he would only believe the news if the frying fish fell into the holy spring. Right at that moment, the fish came back to life and fell into the spring, confirming what had been said. To this day, fish are preserved in the cistern of the Life-Giving Spring. The second version regarding the history of the Zoodochos Pege The vision of Emperor Justinian According to the second version, as narrated by the historian Procopius, Justinian found himself in a very beautiful place during a hunt. There, he envisioned a small chapel surrounded by a crowd of people and a priest in front of a spring. The priest, pointing to the spring, said that this was the source of miracles. This event led Justinian to build a monastery. Along the way, the temple was demolished by an earthquake, but it was rebuilt by Empress Irene of Athens, the wife of Emperor Leo IV. Find here: icons of the Panagia Life-Giving Spring. The destruction of the Temple and the rebuilding Many disasters and reconstructions of the temple followed until around 1830 AD when the icon of the Virgin Mary was found and the temple was rebuilt for the last time. Until today, it remains majestic and in its underground part, water gushes from the spring that was built with marble. When does Panagia Zoodochos Pigi celebrate Orthodox Church celebrates the inauguration of the Holy Temple of the Virgin of the Life-Giving Spring five days after Easter Sunday, specifically on the Friday of Easter Week.

Prayers for the Departed - What dates are All Souls Day?

Why the All Souls’ Days are established The two All Souls’ Days have been established by our Church in honor of all those people, who have departed and did not receive the prescribed memorial services. When are the All Souls’ Days The first All Souls’ Day of the year is 57 days before Holy Easter, while the second All Souls’ Day is 48 days after Holy Easter. Since Holy Easter is a moveable feast, the All Souls’ Days are also moveable. For the year 2024, the first All Souls’ Day of the year is on March 9th and the second All Souls’ Day is on June 22nd. For the year 2025, the first All Souls’ Day is on February 22nd and the second All Souls’ Day is on June 7th. For the year 2026, the first All Souls’ Day is on February 14th and the second All Souls’ Day is on May 30th. For the year 2027, the first All Souls’ Day is on March 6th and the second All Souls’ Day is on June 19th. Here you can find recipes for Koliva from Mount Athos. What do kolyva symbolize During the All Souls’ Days, as well as during memorial services, the faithful use to offer kolyva (or koliva) to the Church for the souls of their departed loved ones. Koliva symbolize the mutual resurrection of humans, and the wheat, the primary ingredient, represents the human body. Orthodox Prayer for the deceased O God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the souls of Thy departed servants in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which they have committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth. For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen. Here you can find the book 'Memorial Services'. Prayer for the dearly missed Remember, O Lord our God, Thy servant, our brother/sister, (name), who has reposed in the Faith and hope of life eternal, and in that Thou art good and the Lover of mankind, Who remittest sins and blottest out iniquities, do Thou loose, remit and pardon all his/her sins, voluntary and involuntary. Deliver him/her from eternal torment and the fire of Gehenna, and grant unto him/her the communion and delight of Thine eternal good things prepared for them that love Thee. For though he/she hath sinned, yet hath he/she not forsaken Thee, and he/she undoubtedly believed in the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; and even until his/her last breath did he/she confess Thee in Orthodox fashion: God glorified in Trinity, Unity in Trinity and Trinity in Unity. Wherefore, be Thou merciful unto him/her and reckon his/her faith in Thee, rather than his/her deeds, and in that Thou art compassionate, grant him/her rest with Thy saints; for there is no man that liveth and doth not sin. But Thou alone art wholly without sin, and Thy truth is forever; and Thou alone art the God of mercies, and compassion, and love for mankind, and unto Thee do we ascribe glory, to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.