July

A particular event that we remember every year is at the celebration of Pentecost. You all know of the horrid betrayal by Judas Iscariot. Pentecost was 8 June this year with all the associated ritual, the Saturday for souls, the Sunday with kneeling and praying and the Monday with the descent of the Holy Spirit. The wretched betrayal by Judas is remembered everywhere, some villages make a likeness of Judas and then burn it. Children know all the history from their mothers and despise the 30 coins that Judas accepted. That he repented and soon after hung himself means nothing. People like to scold others using Judas as an example. There is no celebration day for Judas of course, but he is never forgotten. There are well known icons capturing the essence of Pentecost, showing the despicable ‘kiss’, the symbolic kiss, of Judas to Christ. A founding of the Church, perhaps in St. Mark’s house in Jerusalem 59 days after the Resurrection with the Apostles and the Holy Mother. (Read the book, Acts of the Apostles.) Doors closed. Judas was not there but maybe his replacement Matthias was. The arrows of fire descended, the noise was from the heavens with a strong wind and suddenly they could all quote the scriptures in foreign tongues. El Greco has painted this scene but not to everyone’s liking. The Russian iconographer, Rublev has painted the best known and loved icon - The Hospitality of Abraham - at a table with three angels. The three are the parts of the trinity. Spiritual unity. The story from Genesis.

This icon is kept in a museum in Moscow and was painted about 1411. Rublev is revered throughout Russia and celebrated on 4 July. Even the threat of war with difficulties for everyone seems minor knowing the Betrayal by Judas. He was a puppet of Satan. All for 30 silver shekels. Sometimes painted with the devil touching him. Sometimes painted after his repentance when hung on the fig tree, with his entrails falling out. Gruesome. Yet another work of art, this time wooden, has Judas, carved, kissing Christ. In Spain, Judas the sinner, the worst. Now we understand how serious it is if someone calls another Judas. Read Matthew and the Acts of the Apostles. All who followed Judas had swords, knives, spears and clubs. One carried a scroll on which was written - Crucify Him. Watch out for todays pharisees, with their fake diplomacy and love of money. “May the powerful win” is their motto. A motto also used by Darwin “the survival of the fittest”. A ‘Committee for Safety’ works selectively, certainly not for our gain. Right now, we see how these undereducated, often unelected, leaders operate.

July is packed with celebrations - Panteleimon, Marina, Prophet Elias, Maria Magdelene. All renowned and young saints. Have a good month and stay away from agitated crowds.

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.