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A day at the Holy Metochi Panayiopoula

It happens so often that our Lady, as the good directress, guides people - strangers and pilgrims on this earth - to the calm haven of the Metochi, in the centre of busy Corfu Town. The Virgin Theotokos our intercessor:

• consoles the grieving: who has not needed comfort when someone beloved to them has left this world? That difficult to answer  'Why?' needs patient explaining, and many feel comforted after crying unashamedly.
• helps the hopeless: some are so 'down' that talking over their mishaps under the gaze of the honoured icon, they find new zest and certainty that all is not lost. Belief that a 'door' will open, belief that the Panayia will be assisting, and a 'home' to return to for more personal support.
• nourishes the hungry: not a day passes without offering a breakfast roll, a packet of macaroni, small offers but helpful to those worshippers in need. There are many occassions when we can provide good quality clothing too.
• helps them that labour: 'Please find me a job' is an everyday cry and every effort is made in these difficult days. Yet so often those who do have a job feel under pressure, threatened with losing it. Encouragement to show patience, an effort to increase self-regard, praying to the All-Holy.
• graciously helps all who pray: many seek improvement in their prayer, in general spiritual advancement. There are Orthodox books for every kind of reading, discussion about better communication with God, and names of  Elders for Confession are listed, each of them easily found in Town.

It is a revelation to see how the Theotokos cares for us all.
 
Its true that there is an ever growing number of those who have benefitted from the grace of the Mother of God. Some have walked into a job; some have studied a little English or computer; some undertook a Red Cross nursing course; some are discovering the value of reading the Lives of the Saints and other Orthodox texts. They experience a sense of 'belonging', being members of the one Church, finding acceptance not examination. This sense of belonging is in fact a form of Christian brotherly love.

Children in the area are perpetually in and out. They light their candles, worship the icons, then settle down in a corner for reading,  sometimes painting or creating. There are children of tender age with inadequate family situations and they are regular visitors. There are many young mothers who come with their babies and develop a stronger regard for the Church. Every baby is OUR baby too.
 
The Panayiopoula is small therefore the amount of help is limited. Yet everyone who enters to revere the Odigitria, receives Her loving help.

'As we travel, O Lady, be Thou our companion'.

The church can be contacted by writing to PO Box 532, Corfu, 49100 Greece or by email at info@corfu-odigitria.com.

(In answer to friends from Canada: Yes, we need games and crafts for young children.)