June

Recently an episode in Athens made headlines, destroyed careers and showed up illogical arguments. At the National Art Gallery where they displayed the works of a contemporary artist, with religious subjects. A member of parliament visited, the press were there, all arranged, the parliamentarian threw down the works, the staff ran belatedly to halt further damage, the friend (lawyer) defended the parliamentarian who lost the support of his party. The paintings, gone wrong icons, were shown repeatedly, the channels belabored the subject, the artist was interviewed some days later crying about his victimisation, the Church opined, the Gallery dithered to rehang or not the works, the pious revolted. Probably the artist was unable to paint faces. Such happenings occur often in Orthodox Greece, either with amateurish plays of lewd content, or art shows with unacceptable images, usually at Christmas, Easter or 15 August. We all know that Byzantine icons glorify the saints, after all Saints Paraskevi, Lucia, Catherine all look fine despite their afflictions. Only St. Mary of Egypt, the patron saint of repenters, is bony, naked, a wreck of the desert. Also St. Christopher, patron Saint of drivers, is sometimes shown as ugly since he was once a cannibal. Years ago, all the buses in the villages had an acceptable icon swinging over the steering wheel. You can see the ugly icon at the Athens Byzantine Museum.

During May we celebrated the prophet Isaiah, 9/5, which this year was a difficult day. Greeks were watching the Vatican, the smoke, asking who would be the new Pope, would Trump influence the voting. Only 1 or 2 candles were lit for Isaiah. Fotis Kontoglou in his unsurpassed book on icons, talks of a gruesome icon for churches, showing Isaiah upside down, tied to a tree with two soldiers ready to cut him with a wooden saw. This martyrdom is not often seen but usually Isaiah is portrayed with the prophets Daniel and Solomon, around the Theotokos, as in the miracle working icon of Kursk.

He holds a scroll with one of the many memorable sayings of his. At this time, his words of hypocrisy are valuable “With your lips you honor, but your heart does not” (Is. 29/13.) Isaiah, with his prediction for the coming of the Messiah is loved today through his majestic book in the old Testament. To approach the Lord with no sun or moonlight for the Lord is Light.

A major day in May celebrated Saints Constantine and Helen (21/5), then St. John the Russian with his determined belief, plus his powerful miracles. Many went to his monastery on the island of Evia. and St.Ypomoni (patience) on 30/5. In June we have the St Kalliopi, (8/6) a very pious youngster, beautiful and set on supporting her belief. She refused to marry the pagan Roman chief, who started to wound her till finally they chopped off her head. All saints are spiritually of the same stature. Closing June there is the day for Peter and Paul, with the famous icon.

Now you have two books to read. First do read the book of Isaiah, then you can get Kontoglou’s book on icons. Not for you to paint, but to see why certain icons are positioned in the church, to learn why angels have certain symbols. These are at the Holy Metochi. Knowing the reasons for, and why, can be so edifying.

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.