January

The start of the new year. December was fun-filled, presents, songs, decorations and many saints to honour. January is a serious month - honouring Basil the Great on the first, then closing with three important men - Gregory the theologian, Basil the Great and John Chrysostomos on the 31st. On this day the churches are filled. School children are lined up and a teacher will lecture those present on the achievements of the three Saints. The Bishop listens to the same talk he hears every year.

Let’s not forget on 2 January Saint Seraphim, Sarov, whose life time in Russia has become known worldwide, his icons recognised at once, his predictions so accurate. (Books and icons are available at the Holy Metochi.) This Russian Saint died in 1833 yet he still delivers miracles. In your private moment of prayer it would be good to call on this Saint - all of Russia does. Learn about the nights in the snow, his friendship with the bear, his warning to the Tzar.

Presented in icons as a tired, bent-over old man he accomplished so much. He cared for the women’s convent at Diveyev. Always serving our Lord, he died peacefully, whilst praying in the 19th century.

The Great Antony, another important saint worshipped on 17 January, has an individual life story - years in the desert, a tough ascetic style, and known as the father of monasticism. Illiterate, he learnt passages of the Bible by listening. An austere life, yet he was 105 when he died. His many followers also had to live frugally in the barren desert. Some philosophers tried to trick the Great Antony but his answer dispersed them.

The Holy Epifania, (Theophany) on 6 January is a major day for the Church, and followed on the 7th by the Day for John the Baptist. The Synaxia of St. John, depicting the gathering of God’s people, listening to John preaching repentance. He too lived in the desert, a rather severe life in harsh clothing, eating only weeds, and calling on everyone to regret wrongdoings. He was the son of St. Elizabeth. Christ said the mother of John should be very happy with such a son. His finger in Byzantine icons is extra long as he points to Jesus as the Messiah.

4 January is the day for Nikiforos the Leper, who saved so many from the Covid virus. A new saint with stark life. Prominent Church leaders have written glowing accounts. Those with long effects from the virus would do well to remember him. He was born in Chania Crete, but moved to Chios, where, next to St. Anthimos, became a monk, then died in Athens in 1964. The holy relics had a distinct aroma and the many miracles started.

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.