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November
Getting now into November and the important celebration in Salonika of their honoured protector St. Dimitrios back on 26 October is over. Everybody goes to this church - it is like the world stops on this day.
November opens with the two brothers, St, Kosmas and St. Damianos who are celebrated on the first of the month. They had good medical knowledge, never accepted payment but asked the sick to believe in the strength of the Lord. They became known as the unmercenaries. One day they were out gathering herbs, their helper chanced it, threw stones and murdered them. In those days their successful treatments were quietly accepted, whilst their Christian beliefs were dangerous. Today a medical society would oust them for belittling the superior profession. Most hospitals have a small chapel in their name, the icon shows Cosmas holding his diploma while Damianos holds some utensils. There are many such esteemed doctors from those early days with many smaller monasteries devoted to them. We acknowledge them throughout the year.
On 8 November we celebrate Michael and Gabriel, well known figures from icons on the doors of churches, and many bible references. Then on the 9th the great day of St. Nectarius, name of the Bishop of Corfu. Nectarius had a complicated life yet is loved today for his many wondrous works. There are short easy to read books about him at the Metochi, free for you. He is associated with Aegina Island where he opened a women’s monastery. Join one of many organised trips, be blessed, and be sure to read of his life, his humbleness, his principles, and his devotion to the correct.
25 November is the very great day of St. Catherine, with easily recognized icons, famous for her beauty, her wisdom and profound faith. She was able to convince brainy men to adopt the Christian faith, was tortured, then died painfully. Many have her name, many churches and monasteries honor her, many go to Sina to the first, important monastery devoted to her. Go, it is never too late. Whoever travels to Sina, returns with admiration and awe. Monks there never tire of relating stories.
After St. Stylianos (26/11) we close the month with St. Andrew (30/11). Patras is the place for memorable worship.
November, as you see, is a month of well-known Saints before we enter the Christmas month of December. It is fast approaching!
Have 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.
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.
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