DECEMBER

Some Marias have been forgotten. They celebrated on 21 November, the Presentation of the Virgin. Only three years old with mature stature but childlike characteristics, she went to Zechariah, a number of virgin maidens accompanying her and Ioachim and Anna close by having kept their promise. All this is shown in an icon The Presentation of the Virgin, now kept in the Moscow museum Treteyakov Gallery. Bless you, who celebrated then.

This has to be the most loved month of the year. Except for the fasting expected from us. Beginning on 15 November and going to Christmas Eve. (Not as strict as the Easter fast.) Housewives have lots to plan before Xmas - the food is traditional, the house is decorated, everyone must have a gift, the tree is displayed (some pious Orthodox are against the Xmas Tree), warm clothes are necessary, heating is arranged for the Nativity of the Lord on 25 December, a despotic Service with beautiful troparia and splendid icons. Some prepare special bread, the man of the house cuts it, the ladies sing carols and on Christmas morning all go to church. Turkey or pork at 2 o’clock, with sauces and vegetables, and then the heavy but delicious Xmas pudding.

The icons are a literal retake of that famous moment. Sheep wander. Joseph is bewildered, the Shepherds gaze at the crib, the scene is rough, with large animals hovering over the holy infant. A star shines brightly leading the wise men to the manger. Many villages create a manger, since Greece is a maritime nation, they put a Christmas boat in the village square.

Byzantine icons reveal the happenings as told in the New Testament. Tradition is important as we see in 2 Thessalonians 2/15. Adhering to Scripture is not old-fashioned, rather it is a beneficial duty. Remembering St. Paisios’ words, “To save the family traditions” for with no family midday meal, all together, Greece will wither. St Paisios was right, our villages diminish, mother and father both work, children come home to an empty house and pull edibles from the fridge, family unity is found in an Enid Blyton book.

Scientists have analysed the timing of the star, the distance covered by the wise men, the precise time of Christmas. All investigations and theories, have led nowhere. The beautiful story, emotional moments, repeated, make our Christmas. Who is tired making a wonderful Xmas? Hundreds of times we enjoy Services, carols, and preparations. Again and again. Aren’t we supposed to be happy? If educated leaders divert us, emphasise some trivial matter, for everyone knows how diversion succeeds. Basically, it’s like “change the subject”. Hitler and Stalin knew how best to use propaganda, and don’t forget Edgar Hoover and McCarthy who had the Americans scared. Opium and football are just two of the  many diversions. Diversions that lead to destruction. Marx tried hard but communism was doomed. We don’t need others to find our happiness. Aristotle said “Our happiness depends on ourselves”. After all happiness is a spiritual experience.  Including love, grace and gratitude. Nothing comes easily. Everyone wants to find happiness. Even the man who hangs himself. With grace we are near to God, but without grace we sink to the level of beasts. We are upset by minor things but minor things can comfort us.

We would all like to be recognised by God and the angels. The beauty of Saints. They have power, they have splendour and lustre. All they know and devote themselves to is God. They serve Him with all their heart. Truth is sacred to them but we only know lies. So many lies are almost the norm, and truth is difficult to recognize. Present situations, all over the world and within Greece, are so ambiguous, so detrimental to a life of happiness, we are badly tested. People are tired of this testing. To arrange personal security is to bolster your ego. This is simply not Orthodox.

In December we celebrate St. Nicholas, St. Barbara, St .Anna, St.Evgenia, and St.Ignatios. An important date is 12 December, the big day for Corfiots celebrating St. Spyridon. A recommendation is for you to have the icon of St. Barbara in your house - she is beautiful and Dostoyevsky said beauty will save the world. To relish the story of St. Ignatios, to remember St. Evgenia, meaning politeness, so uncommon today.

So, may your time of festivities be joyful, traditional, pleasing to all, and most significantly, may you all be happy. Do allow half an hour to visit the holy Metochi. We will have all the traditional sweets to offer, and a selection of icons to examine.

We celebrate that great Saint Paisios - everyone has heard of him - on 2 December. The other two of the recently much loved and respected Saints, Iakovos on 22 November and Porfyrios - respected for his wisdom - on 2 December.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year with spiritual happiness. Like St. Ephraim of Syria who was called “God’s Harp”. The popular Saint of Russia St Seraphim of Sarov who loved the icon “Joy of all Joys”, said umpteen times “My Joy”. These samples are full of spiritual happiness.

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.