MARCH

Apologies. Once I emphasised how spiritual progress could be made with few books. Now, according to my personal apology, books must be seen in another light. Read what St. Ephraim says: “Christian books are a necessary acquisition, just the sight of them leads us to virtue rather than sin.” Go and get the cheaper, smaller Evergetinos (below). All books from that monastery are recommended. The former Bishop of Preveza, Meletios, says: How many times I heard “this book changed my life”. Every book can rearrange our thoughts. Only too true. Meletios has written challenging books, i.e. on St Ignatios Brianchaninov. Slowly, slowly for these books are for monks. 

On your shelves you will have the essential study books, along with some light hearted books about the lives of saints, about particular rituals, about once a year Services where reminders are useful. The Triodio is a must; the small booklet for Holy Anointment; Τhe Sacrament of Holy Unction - healing the sick. With the help of a small booklet you can follow together with priest the readings and prayers. Osios Efraim the Katounakiotis said, “Reading will fill your spiritual wallet”.

Accumulation of books is preferably gradual, as and when a book is needed, like the exceptional book on prayer by Papacharalambro. Remember St. John the hut dweller (15/1) who after years of cave dwelling died peacefully clasping the Bible given to him years before by his Mother. Edifying. John was the favorite of St. Porfyrios. Some have endured monstrous readings that burnt all preconceived ideas. Formidable shuffling of accepted traditions. Books by Dawkins or Bertrand Russel and Stephen Hawkings can enforce unwanted readjustment. Don’t read them. 

Well into March now with evening Services for the Akathistos, Sundays devoted to Lenten events, and serious fasting. Get a jar of tahini, follow instructions. Soon it will be the day for fried fish with garlic sauce prepared on 25 March for the Announcement to the Holy Mother. We had St Valentines day, 14/2, a festival for lovers, sending unsigned cards, giving sweets, watching birds mating. No one knows who the martyrs were, but the commercial side characterises the celebration. 2 sets of Holy bones are in Scotland and Ireland, not accepted officially, but martyrdom is LOVE. 

We also have books on shelves like the classic Wuthering Heights. Emily Bronte’s great achievement, a romance, with deaths, ghosts, class distinction, and intricate legal bonds, also religion. Authoress, Emily, mentions those who attend church, writes of elderly Joseph a self- declared Christian, she accepted or scoffed at thoughts of the times (about 1870). 

Well into the Lenten period with a most important Sunday for Mary of Egypt (29/3), a story unlike any other , told during the long Great Canon 26/3. Mary lived years alone, admired by seniors, and used today as a fine example of repentance. There is another booklet for you to own, preferably with side notes of explanation. Small and cheap. Trying to Google these subjects is only temporary. After all you need the small explanatory books with you. There are books also on the animals who dwelt beside Saints, lions, who dug graves, bypassed a Saint thrown in their cage. Usually presented as books for children, why not brush up your knowledge?

Ignatios, Gerasimos, Mary of Egypt, Seraphim Sarov and many more. See the theory of Fear of God, usually with two types of fear. Now you must see and learn about the icon (above) which has saved so many people with vices and addictions, – smoking, drinking and narcotics. The Inexhaustible Chalice in Russia. Reading of the merits of this icon, I sincerely hope none of you are so addicted. The icon reminds us of the icon revered at the end of Easter week. The Life Giving Spring.

I wish you all a good month.

August 23 - Festival of The Odigitria

As at every monastery, so too at the Holy Metochi, the celebration of the Saint to whom the monastery is dedicated is the most significant day in the year. 

In the case of the Metochi, our Patroness is the Holy Virgin and Mother of God, the Odigitria, who in this area is called the Panayiopoula. All year in our thoughts and prayers we call to  her to bestow her grace on us.

The 23rd of August is the Return Feast of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the 9th day, and worshippers venerate a small icon of the Dormition, showing the All-Holy settled on her deathbed surrounded by apostles, hierarchs and angels.

Leading up to the day the church is scrubbed, polished and decorated. The Altar is covered with a richly embroidered cloth only used for this festival, flowers fill every corner and rows of flags are strung up and down the street. The  beloved and grace-filled icon of the Panayiopoula is framed in priceless handmade lace.

Celebrating the Panagia Odigitria

The church which so many describe as having a 'soul' is very small, so chairs outside in the quiet street soon fill up with locals and some from further away.

• On 22nd August, Vespers starts at 8 p.m.with the Blessing of the Bread (Αρτοκλασια) and is followed by refreshments.
• On 23rd August, Matins and Divine Liturgy starts at 8 a.m. Later, coffee is served next door, with extra help from a group interested in maintaining Corfu Town customs. Although lacking a refectory we aim at hospitality as that of Abraham.
• The small Canon to the Theotokos is chanted in the evening at 8 p.m., by candlelight, and already we look forward to next year's celebration, God willing.

Each Service is officiated by the Hegumen of the Holy Monastery Platytera.

'All generations shall call me blessed'  Luke 1, 48. That is why we call and pray for her help, our Ever-Virgin Mother. All Holy Theotokos intercede for us.

The church can be contacted by writing to PO Box 532, Corfu, 49100 Greece or by email at info@corfu-odigitria.com.