February

One of the days ahead is St. Valentines day. A day for lovers to welcome St. Valentine. The Orthodox church does not recognise this day - nor does the Church associate with Carnival but suggests Saint Iakanthou. The theory is that there is love all year round.

Now, apart from the evening Complines, we start the Triodio. The book you all need – heavy and expensive, but a must. Before you click out, know well that next time we meet there will be a lot to read, learn and familiarise yourself with - 1, The fear of God, and 2, The Inexhaustible Cup, the icon for release from fearful attachments.

During the Triodio we say the famous prayer of St.Ephraim, so you can be prepared. Most priests say the prayer quickly, it would be better if you knew it and accordingly followed the ritual.

St Ephraim was the Master of teachers, on subjects like belief, and respect. His writings are most valuable, included in the Evergetino - an essential many volumed book, but a shorter, less expensive version, is the Mikro Evergetino from the Paraklitou monastery. Well chosen snippets with explanations, very good for the money. Now your library is growing but certain books are essential, and enjoyable. No one is going to advise you in this crazy world so accept the advice here. In 373, St. Ephraim died peacefully, and is remembered on 28 January. See his icon below, wearing the Syrian turban.

One of St. Ephraim’s comments is “Brothers, wisdom is not found in exaggerated education, but the beginning of wisdom is “Fear of God”. The small Evergetino is something for every household.

So, after these saints in February, the introduction to Easter when priests will remind all for confession, early, for fasting, for constant church attendance, for tiring fasting, little sleep, much work. The life of ascetic monks. You can offer oil for the candilia and flowers for beauty. Egoymenos Basiliou (Iberon Monastery) writes that “beauty will save the world”. A day for St. Filothei, 19/2, with church in her name, even a suburb. and a day for St. Polycarpos. Reading his life will astound you and I imagine many of you will ask him to intercede for you. He was always attentive to others, feel free to ask him for rain, to provide food, to remember you. There is a perfect icon of St. Polycarpos in our Metochi. Come and see it. All we know about St. Polycarpos comes from the first writings known, these have inspired many to believe. St. Meletios on 12/2 is a life sure to win you, so many monks today ask to have that name. The Kontoglou icon of St. Polycarpos is well known but icons for St. Meletios are fewer. Books explaining Easter rituals, food, confessions are plentiful.

One is by the Bishop of Argolis, another two are from the Optina Monastery when three monks were killed by a deranged man. Plenty of copies for you all.

Easter services need preparation, awareness and eagerness. How can you attend the local church not understanding anything? Sure, there is a lot to learn, but to feel too. There moments when a wave of conscience will sweep over you, personal, some act or some reference pricks you. No spiritual counsellor knows your personal moment. The fasting may be difficult, but there are thousands achieving the fast and you can find recipes everywhere. Once I heard a woman who missed her olive oil. She was wailing at age 65. We won’t worry about her. Some people never learn. Imagine how many spiritual advisors have explained to her the meaning, the benefit, the history. It’s not for us to interfere.

I wish we could all eat our Easter food together - roast lamb, red eggs and plenty of wine. Have a good preparation time and get prepared as never before.

Chronia Polla!

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.