April 2009 Newsletter
 This Month 
Seasonal Article: Lenten Gifts and Treats Special Feature: Greek Easter/Pascha Traditions
What's New: New Gifts, Music, Books & More! Featured Destination: Kastellorizo
Saint Namedays in April April's Recipe: Gigantes Sto Fourno me Meli kai Anitbo
Suggestions & Comments / Subscription Info New Ancient Replicas CDs, DVDs, Apparel, and more!
April's Recipe: Gigantes Sto Fourno me Meli kai Anitbo

(Giant Beans Baked with
Honey and Dill)

A great recipe for lent!

Ingredients:


1 lb. dried lima or Greek giant beans, soaked according to package instructions
1/2 c. olive oil
2 medium-sized red onions, peeled and finely chopped
3 c. peeled, seeded, and chopped plum tomatoes
Attiki Honey in a jar 455g. (1lb.) 2 c. water
3 Tbs. honey
1 c. loosely packed chopped fresh dill
1/4 c. red wine vinegar
2 Tbs. tomato paste
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
 
Preparation:
In a large, heavy skillet, heat 2 Tbs. of the olive oil over medium heat and cook the onions, stirring frequently, until wilted and lightly caramelized (about 15 minutes).

Preheat oven to 375ºF. Rinse and drain the soaked beans and place in a large pot with enough water to cover them by 3 inches. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer partially covered for 30 minutes.

Place beans in a large baking pan with 3 Tbs. olive oil, the onions, tomatoes, water, and honey. Mix thoroughly. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for about 1 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender and the sauce is thick. Add more water throughout baking, if necessary, to keep the beans from burning. fifteen minutes before removing from oven, add dill, vinegar, tomato paste, salt, and pepper. Serves 6-8.


Lenten Bread
Click here for more great Lenten ideas!
Seasonal Article
Ideas for Lent

 

Items the whole family
will enjoy during lent!


A Taste Of Greece
Gift Basket for Lent
 

Greek Lenten Delights
Gift Basket
Captain

Captain's Red Dye for Easter Eggs
Captain

Captain's Easter Egg Dye Set - Red, Blue, and Yellow
 
Byzantine Hyms for Easter Week - Ora Enati by Gaitanos

Byzantine Hyms for Easter Week - Ora Enati by Gaitanos
 
Pentikostarion - Byzantine Easter Hymns

Pentikostarion - Byzantine Easter Hymns
Treasures of Byzantine Music

Treasures of Byzantine Music
Petros Gaitanos, Aima & Idor Poria Sto Theio Pathos - Byzantine hymns of holy week

Petros Gaitanos, Aima & Idor Poria Sto Theio Pathos - Byzantine hymns of holy week
 
Silver Easter Egg   Large

Silver Easter Egg Large
 
Silver Easter Egg Small - Anastasi

Silver Easter Egg Small - Anastasi
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (7.5x10") Hand-made Icon

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (7.5x10") Hand-made Icon
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (5x7") Hand-made Icon

The Resurrection of Jesus Christ (5x7") Hand-made Icon
 
Moustokouloura Papadopoulos Grape and Raisin cookies

Moustokouloura Papadopoulos Grape and Raisin cookies
Greek Macedonian Halva with Honey

Greek Macedonian Halva with Honey
 
Peas in Oil

Peas in Oil
Stuffed Grape Leaves - Dolmades

Stuffed Grape Leaves - Dolmades
Iliada Green Greek Olives (13.3 oz)

Iliada Green Greek Olives (13.3 oz)
Greek Green Olive Paste

Greek Green Olive Paste
 
Eggplants Baked in Oil - Imam

Eggplants Baked in Oil - Imam
Okras in Oil

Okras in Oil
 
Stuffed Peppers and Tomatoes with Rice

Stuffed Peppers and Tomatoes with Rice
Roasted Eggplants and feta Tapenade

Roasted Eggplants and feta Tapenade
 
Greek Delights Loukoumia Assortment

Greek Delights Loukoumia Assortment
 
Sesame and Honey Candy Bar  Pasteli

Sesame and Honey Candy Bar Pasteli
 
The Lenten Collection A Cookbook

The Lenten Collection A Cookbook
 
Nostimo Nistisimon, A Greek cookbook for Lent, In Greek

Nostimo Nistisimon, A Greek cookbook for Lent, In Greek
 Special Feature
 Greek Easter Traditions

Vefa Alexiadou - Festive Cuisine CookbookEaster in Greece

In Greek culture, Easter is the time of rebirth; a time in which people congregate on a daily basis to celebrate with growing anticipation the resurrection of Christ. And being the most important festival on the Orthodox Church calendar, any cultural, ethnic, religious, or even culinary differences between the mainland and the Greek islands are forgotten.

The final week before Easter is a demanding time for the faithful. Each day, there is a church service lasting several hours, in which the Stations of the Cross are visited and the Gospels preached. At home, it is full stream ahead with spring-cleaning and preparing food for the coming festival. None of the important Easter specialties must be left out: candies, plaited bread rolls, fresh eggs, and drinks must be brought or carefully prepared. New clothes must be bought for the children.

On the Wednesday before Easter, the church candleholders are sprinkled not as they usually are with sand, but with flour. After the service, the women bake this into a loaf of bread and have it blessed in church. Maundy Thursday's preparations focus on dyeing the eggs and the evening mass is very taxing even for the most devout souls. All the Gospels are read in a service, which seems to go on forever.

Photo above: compliments of Vefa Alexiadou's
"Festive Cuisine" - Easter section

During Thursday night, everyone goes into deep mourning. The church icons are covered with dark cloths and the might church bells fall silent until Easter Sunday. The Epitaphios, the symbolic representation of Christ's tomb, which has held pride of place in the church, is garlanded with flowers.

On Good Friday evening, it is ceremoniously carried through the village in a magnificent candlelit procession, followed by the priest and the entire congregation.

Finally, Easter Saturday arrives and everyone is occupied with last-minute food preparations as there will be no time left later in the evening. Everyone proceeds to church with their Easter candles and red-dyed hard-cooked eggs - red to symbolize the blood of Christ. Prayers and singing continue all through the evening vigil until midnight when the priest announces the words of deliverance: "Christ is risen." The bells right out, people embrace each other, exchange greetings, and band their red eggs together - whoever's egg lasts longest without cracking will have good luck the following year - before hurrying home for mayiritsa, fresh Easter soup, which is already steaming in anticipation. Lent is over for another year.

Read about Greek Easter traditions we've featured in past newsletters:
Greek Easter Bread Greek Easter Eggs Greek Easter Soup Greek Easter Rituals
Greek Easter Bread Greek Easter Eggs Greek Easter Soup Greek Easter Rituals
 
 What's New!
  Stylish Greek Shoulder Bags
Canvas GREECE Shoulder Bag Style BG21

Canvas GREECE Shoulder Bag Style BG21
 
Woven Cotton Shoulder Bag Style BG20

Woven Cotton Shoulder Bag Style BG20
Canvas Greek Key Shoulder Bag Style BG23

Canvas Greek Key Shoulder Bag Style BG23
 
Colorful Seashell Shoulder Bag Style BG11

Colorful Seashell Shoulder Bag Style BG11
 
  Wooden Picture Frames with Greek Text
Mother and Father We Love You (or I Love You) 4x6 in. Photo Frame (in Greek)

Mother and Father

We Love You (or) I Love You Photo Frame - in Greek

4x6 in. Frame

5x7 in. Frame
 

Godmother and Godfather We Love You (or I Love You) 4x6 in. Photo Frame (in Greek)

Godmother and Godfather

We Love You (or) I Love You Photo Frame - in Greek

4x6 in. Photo Frame

5x7 in. Frame
 

Grandma and Grandpa We Love You (or I Love You) 4x6 in. Photo Frame (in Greek)

Grandma and Grandpa
We Love You (or )I Love You Photo Frame - in Greek

4x6 in. Frame

5x7 in. Frame
 

Aunt and Uncle We Love You (or I Love You) 4x6 in. Photo Frame (in Greek)

Aunt and Uncle
We Love You (or) I Love You Photo Frame - in Greek

4x6 in. Frame

5x7 in. Frame
 

  Fashion Jewelry
Evil Eye Greek Key Earrings Style EK24

Evil Eye Greek Key Earrings Style EK24
Evil Eye Greek Key Earrings Style EK26

Evil Eye Greek Key Earrings Style EK26
Evil Eye Greek Swirl Motif Earrings Style EK29

Evil Eye Greek Swirl Motif Earrings Style EK29
 
Deca Lepta Coin Earrings Style EK46

Deca Lepta Coin Earrings Style EK46
Phaistos Disc Earrings Style EK47

Phaistos Disc Earrings Style EK47
 
Evil Eye Minoan Dolphin Earrings Style EK50

Evil Eye Minoan Dolphin Earrings Style EK50
 
GREECE rubber band bracelet (white or blue)

GREECE rubber band bracelet (white or blue)
Sports Team Circular Lapel Pin

Sports Team Circular Lapel Pin
 
Evil Eye Circular Lapel Pin

Evil Eye Circular Lapel Pin
Leather Evil Eye Anklet Style TB020

Leather Evil Eye Anklet Style TB020
 
Evil Eye Beaded Anklet Style TB021

Evil Eye Beaded Anklet Style TB021
Wearable Worrybead Bracelet 110954

Wearable Worrybead Bracelet 110954
  Sterling Silver Greek Jewelry
New Arrivals to Our Silver Jewelry Collection!
Sterling Silver Phaistos Disk Dangle Earrings (3.5cm)

Sterling Silver Phaistos Disk Dangle Earrings (3.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Phaistos Disk Dangle Earrings (7.5cm)

Sterling Silver Phaistos Disk Dangle Earrings (7.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Greek Key Dangle Earrings (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Greek Key Dangle Earrings (6.5cm)
Sterling Silver Greek Swirl Motif Dangle Earrings (6.8cm)

Sterling Silver Greek Swirl Motif Dangle Earrings (6.8cm)
 
Sterling Silver Minoan Dolphin Cuff Bracelet (6cm)

Sterling Silver Minoan Dolphin Cuff Bracelet (6cm)
 
Sterling Silver Double Dolphin Cuff Bracelet (6cm)

Sterling Silver Double Dolphin Cuff Bracelet (6cm)
 
Sterling Silver Ram

Sterling Silver Ram's Heads Cuff Bracelet (6cm)
 
Sterling Silver Serpent Cuff Bracelet (6cm)

Sterling Silver Serpent Cuff Bracelet (6cm)
 
Silver Circular Duel 15mm Symbols Cuff Bracelet (6cm)

Silver Circular Duel 15mm Symbols Cuff Bracelet (6cm)
 
Silver Circular Duel 10mm Symbols Cuff Bracelet (6cm)

Silver Circular Duel 10mm Symbols Cuff Bracelet (6cm)
 
Silver Two-Sided Oval Pendant: Alexander (or Athena) with Parthenon 3cm

Silver Two-Sided Oval Pendant: Alexander (or Athena) with Parthenon 3cm
 
Silver Two-Sided Circular Pendant 2.3 cm - 4 styles - Alexander, Parthenon, and more

Silver Two-Sided Circular Pendant 2.3 cm - 4 styles - Alexander, Parthenon, and more
 
Sterling Silver Religious Icon Pendant - St. John the Baptist (2.2cm)

Sterling Silver Religious Icon Pendant - St. John the Baptist (2.2cm)
 
Silver Minoan Double Axe Pendant (2.5 cm)

Silver Minoan Double Axe Pendant (2.5 cm)
 
Silver Circular Phaistos Disk Pendant (2.5 cm)

Silver Circular Phaistos Disk Pendant (2.5 cm)
 
Sterling Silver Alexander-Owl Men

Sterling Silver Alexander-Owl Men's Ring JP104R
Sterling Silver Phaistos Disk Ring JP102R

Sterling Silver Phaistos Disk Ring JP102R
 
Sterling Silver Star of Vergina Ring JP108R

Sterling Silver Star of Vergina Ring JP108R
Sterling Silver Star of Vergina Ring JP107R

Sterling Silver Star of Vergina Ring JP107R
Sterling Silver Star of Vergina-Alexander Men

Sterling Silver Star of Vergina-Alexander Men's Ring JP106R

 
Sterling Silver Perched Owl Pendant (22mm)

Sterling Silver Perched Owl Pendant (22mm)
 
Sterling Silver Comedy and Tragedy Masks Pendant (25x13mm)

Sterling Silver Comedy and Tragedy Masks Pendant (25x13mm)
Sterling Silver Minoan Dolphin Pendant (35mm)

Sterling Silver Minoan Dolphin Pendant (35mm)
 
Sterling Silver Jumping Minoan Dolphin Pendant (35mm)

Sterling Silver Jumping Minoan Dolphin Pendant (35mm)
Sterling Silver Erechtheum and Caryatids Pendant (22x12mm)

Sterling Silver Erechtheum and Caryatids Pendant (22x12mm)
Sterling Silver Satyre Theater Pendant (30x17mm)

Sterling Silver Satyre Theater Pendant (30x17mm)
 
Sterling Silver Circular Greek Key Dangle Earrings (27mm)

Sterling Silver Circular Greek Key Dangle Earrings (27mm)
Sterling Silver Teardrop Greek Key Dangle Earrings (32mm)

Sterling Silver Teardrop Greek Key Dangle Earrings (32mm)
Sterling Silver Triangular Greek Key Dangle Earrings (35mm)

Sterling Silver Triangular Greek Key Dangle Earrings (35mm)
Sterling Silver Triangular Greek Key Dangle Earrings (30mm)

Sterling Silver Triangular Greek Key Dangle Earrings (30mm)
 
Brand New Category: Men's Cufflinks!
Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks with Onyx Stone (20mm)

Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks with Onyx Stone (20mm)
Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks with Lapis Stone (20mm)

Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks with Lapis Stone (20mm)
Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks (17mm square)

Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks (17mm square)
Sterling Silver Ancient Greek Swirl Motif Cufflinks (14mm)

Sterling Silver Ancient Greek Swirl Motif Cufflinks (14mm)
Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks (11x17mm rectangle)

Sterling Silver Greek Key Cufflinks (11x17mm rectangle)

Sterling Silver Phaistos Disc Cufflinks (20mm)

Sterling Silver Phaistos Disc Cufflinks (20mm)
 
Sterling Silver Phaistos Disc Cufflinks with Greek Key (20mm)

Sterling Silver Phaistos Disc Cufflinks with Greek Key (20mm)
Sterling Silver Parthenon Cufflinks with Greek Key (20mm)

Sterling Silver Parthenon Cufflinks with Greek Key (20mm)
Sterling Silver Parthenon Cufflinks (17mm)

Sterling Silver Parthenon Cufflinks (17mm)
 
Sterling Silver Star of Vergina Cufflinks with Greek Key (20mm)

Sterling Silver Star of Vergina Cufflinks with Greek Key (20mm)
 CDs
Nikos Vertis, Ola Ine Edo

Nikos Vertis, Ola Ine Edo
 
Nikos Vertis, Ola Ine Edo - Deluxe 2CD Edition

Nikos Vertis, Ola Ine Edo - Deluxe 2CD Edition
Aggeliki Iliadi, Ego Milao Me Tin Kardia Mou

Aggeliki Iliadi, Ego Milao Me Tin Kardia Mou
 
George Dalaras, Ta Hromata Tou Hronou

George Dalaras, Ta Hromata Tou Hronou
Filippos Pliatsikas, Balarines Epitrepode

Filippos Pliatsikas, Balarines Epitrepode
Pashalis Terzis, Glenti Me Ton Pashali - 38 Non-stop Hits

Pashalis Terzis, Glenti Me Ton Pashali - 38 Non-stop Hits
 
Vasilis Karras, Opos Palia

Vasilis Karras, Opos Palia
 
Stamatis Gonidis, Girnao Ekei

Stamatis Gonidis, Girnao Ekei
 
Stamatis Gonidis / Vasilis Saleas, Prosdoko Anastasin (2CD) - Hymns Of Holy Week

Stamatis Gonidis / Vasilis Saleas, Prosdoko Anastasin (2CD) - Hymns Of Holy Week
 
Fresca 3 : The Chart Hits of 2008-09 (2CD + Bonus PAL DVD)

Fresca 3 : The Chart Hits of 2008-09 (2CD + Bonus PAL DVD)
Rithmos Remixed - 15 Remixed Hits

Rithmos Remixed - 15 Remixed Hits
 
Efa Milli, Anexigito

Eva Milli, Anexigito
Melina Aslanidou, Sto Dromo - Best Of...

Melina Aslanidou,
Sto Dromo - Best Of...

 
Nikos Ikonomopoulos, Akousa

Nikos Ikonomopoulos, Akousa
 
Stelios Rokkos, Pano Ap

Stelios Rokkos, Pano Ap' Ton Kosmo
Pix Lax, Best Of (3CD + DVD)

Pix Lax, Best Of (3CD + DVD)
Marianta Pieridi, Se Prokalo

Marianta Pieridi,
Se Prokalo

 
Eleni Tsaligopoulou, San Psemata (3CD)

Eleni Tsaligopoulou, San Psemata (3CD) 3CD)
 
Marinella - Kostas Hatzis, Recital Dia Gio

Marinella - Kostas Hatzis, Recital Dia Gio
Elena Paparizou, Vrisko To Logo Na Zo Boxed Special Edition

Elena Paparizou, Vrisko To Logo Na Zo
Keti Garbi, Kainourgia Ego

Keti Garbi,
Kenourgia Ego
Glykeria, I Glykeria Se LaΪka & Rebetika (2CD)

Glykeria, I Glykeria Se LaΪka & Rebetika (2CD)
 
Glykeria 4CD Collection

Glykeria 4CD Collection
 
Yiannis Parios, Gia Panta Mazi - 4CD Box Set

Yiannis Parios, Gia Panta Mazi - 4CD Box Set
Meres Radiofonou

Meres Radiofonou '50 - 4CD Collection
 
Manolis Aggelopoulos, I Kardia Tou Tsigganou - 4 CD Collection

Manolis Aggelopoulos, I Kardia Tou Tsigganou - 4 CD Collection

 
Arleta 4CD Collection

Arleta 4CD Collection
 
Sotos Kappas, Mediterranean Voyage

Sotos Kappas, Mediterranean Voyage
 
Spasta Ke To Pasha (3CD) 160 Glentzedika For Easter

Spasta Ke To Pasha (3CD) 160 Glentzedika For Easter
 
Pashalino Glenti (4CD) 106 Non-stop Folk Horeftika

Pashalino Glenti (4CD) 106 Non-stop Folk Horeftika
 
  DVDs
O Kaliteros Mou Filos, in Greek (PAL)

O Kaliteros Mou Filos, in Greek (PAL)
O Agnostos Ekinis Tis Nihtas (PAL)

O Agnostos Ekinis Tis Nihtas (PAL)
 
Paraggelia DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

Paraggelia DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
Mia Tenia Tou Thodori Atheridi - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

Mia Tenia Tou Thodori Atheridi - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
O Periergos Yiorgakis - Curious George - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

O Periergos Yiorgakis - Curious George - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
Stahtopouta Strofi Sto Hrono - Cinderella - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

Stahtopouta Strofi Sto Hrono - Cinderella - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
 
I Aliki Sti Hora Ton Thavmaton - Alice in Wonderland - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

I Aliki Sti Hora Ton Thavmaton - Alice in Wonderland - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
Moulan 2 (Mulan 2) - O Thrilos Sinehizete - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

Moulan 2 (Mulan 2) - O Thrilos Sinehizete - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
Mirmigkia - ANTZ - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

Mirmigkia - ANTZ - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
 
Kung Fu Panda DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

Kung Fu Panda DVD
(PAL/Zone 2)
 
WALL-E (GOUOL-I ) 2-DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

WALL-E (GOUOL-I )
2-DVD (PAL/Zone 2)
 
SpongeBob Volume 9 : Oi Xazoi tis Bandas DVD (PAL)

SpongeBob Volume 9 : Oi Xazoi tis Bandas DVD (PAL)
  Books
Greek Fiction Anthology Volume A, in Greek

Greek Fiction Anthology Volume A, in Greek
 
Greek Fiction Anthology Volume B, in Greek

Greek Fiction Anthology Volume B, in Greek
Greek Fiction Anthology Volume C, in Greek

Greek Fiction Anthology Volume C, in Greek
Greek Fiction Anthology Volume D, in Greek

Greek Fiction Anthology Volume D, in Greek
Greek Fiction Anthology Volume E, in Greek

Greek Fiction Anthology Volume E, in Greek
 
The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama (in Greek)

The Audacity of Hope, by Barack Obama (in Greek)
Elpides Kai Oneira (The Story of Barak Obama), by Steve Doherty (in Greek)

Elpides Kai Oneira (The Story of Barak Obama), by Steve Doherty (in Greek)
Invitation to a Childrens Party, by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek
Invitation to a Childrens Party, by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek
 
Greek Pastries and Desserts, by Vefa Alexiadou (in Greek)
Greek Pastries and Desserts, by Vefa Alexiadou (in Greek)
 
Vefa Alexiadou Cookbooks

Invitation For Tea, by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek
Invitation For Tea,
by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek
Greek Cuisine, by Vefa Alexiadou (in Greek)
Greek Cuisine,
by Vefa Alexiadou (in Greek)
Invitation for Cocktails, by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek
Invitation for Cocktails,
by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek
Invitation to Dinner, by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek
Invitation to Dinner,
by Vefa Alexiadou, In Greek

 

A prolific author, scholar, and television personality, Vefa Alexiadou has set the standard for books on Greek cuisine, including recipes from all areas populated by Greeks, including Smyrna in Asia Minor. Her love of cooking, combined with her artistic talent and scientific training, make her a well-respected authority on Greek cuisine, as well as a regular on Greece's most popular morning TV show and a leading authority on today's culinary Greek arts. Combining a heritage of traditional Greek cookery with her knowledge of chemistry, nutrition, and food styling, she established her own publishing house in 1980, Vefa Alexiadou Editions, which has steadily evolved into the best selling publisher of cookbooks in Greece today.

 Toys
 Ancient Replicas
 T-Shirts

  Featured Destination: Kastellorizo


KastellorizoGEOGRAPHY.
Kastellorizo, guardian of Greece's easternmost borders, lies 72 nautical miles southeast of Rhodes, only 1.5 miles from the Turkish coast. It is barely 9 sq. km. in area, has 19 km. of coastline, a population of 222 and is 328 nautical miles from Piraeus. Boats from Piraeus are infrequent, once a week all year round. The island is linked once a week with Amorgos, Astypalaia, Nisyros, Telos, Symi and Rhodes. There is a local, twice weekly, connection with Rhodes. The island has a wonderful warm climate, the sea is delightful, life is quiet, just the place for a relaxing holiday.

HISTORY. In antiquity the island was known as Megiste and was first inhabited in prehistoric times. There are marked traces of the Mycenaean presence and it is to this era that the gold wreath of vine leaves in the National Archaeological Museum, Athens dates. Also of prehistoric date are the remnants of Cyclopean walls, tombs and stone axes. The Dorian settlers built fortified acropolis on the site of the present capital and at Palaikastro. Apart from a brief period of independence, its fortunes were tied to those of Rhodes, from the 4th century BC until Roman times. Its geographical position has played a decisive role in its history. Kastellorizo Island MapIt was the target of piratical raids in the Byzantine era and was taken by the Knights of the Order of St. John in 1306. It was subsequently captured by the Sultan of Egypt, the king of Naples and, in 1512, by the Turks. The succession of pillaging and disasters suffered by the island forced its inhabitants to seek their fortunes at sea and, indeed, by the time of the 1821 Struggle for Independence its merchant fleet played an important role. From 1830 onwards the island secured special privileges and until 1910 enjoyed particular prosperity. In 1920 it came under Italian rule and was only incorporated in the Greek state in 1948. During the Second World War it was more or less razed to the ground by bombs, to which the many destroyed houses bear witness.

KastellorizoSIGHTS-MONUMENTS. The main harbor and village is Kastellorizo where all its inhabitants live. Nothing now remains of its glorious past except a few remnants; the outer bailey of its castle with a few towers, built in the 14th century by the Knights of St. John, ruined mansions of the ship owners and captains, and a few churches: St. Constantine (The Metropolis), built in 1833, St. Nicholas (11th century), the Virgin of the Fields (17th century) and St. George with its catacombs. In the small Archaeological Museum both ancient artifacts and items of folk art are exhibited. At Palaiokastro tombs, tools and ruins of the ancient acropolis are preserved. There are also the monasteries of Prophet Elijah and the Holy Trinity. Another of the island's sights is the Blue Grotto, (Parastas' cave), the largest and loveliest sea cave in Greece, renowned internationally for its stunning stalactitic formations, lit by the sun's reflected rays, a unique and unforgettable spectacle. In days of old it was a haven for pirates and nowadays seals bask within it. The grotto can be visited by boat, as also the nearby islets of Ro (6 nautical miles west) and Strongyli (5 nautical miles southeast). Accommodation is available in the municipal hostel and some rented rooms. The shores in the vicinity of the harbor are ideal for swimming and so is the beach at Mandraki. There is a refueling station for yachts in the harbor.

  April 2009 Greek Orthodox Calendar Name Days in March ~ Greek Orthodox Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1
5th Wednesday of Lent

Mary of Egypt

Gerontios & Vasilides the Martyrs
 
2
5th Thursday of Lent

Titus the Wonderworker

Theodora the Virgin-martyr of Palestine
3
5th Friday of Lent

Nikitas the Confesor

Joseph the Hymnographer
4
5th Saturday of Lent: The Akathist Hymn

George the Righteous of Maleon

Righteous Plato the Studite
 
5
Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt

Monk-Martyrs Claudius, Diodore, Victor, Victorin, and those with them

Theodora the Righteous of Thessaloniki
6
6th Monday of Lent

Eutychios, Patriarch of Constantinople

Methodius, Equal-to-the-Apostles & Enlightener of the Slavs
7
6th Tuesday of Lent

Kalliopios the Martyr, Roufinos the Deacon & Akylina the Martyr in Sinope

Righteous Father Savvas the New in Calymna
8
6th Wednesday of Lent

Agavos, Rouphos, Asynkritos, Phlegon, Herodion, & Hermes of the 70 Apostles

Rufus the Obedient of the Kiev Caves
 
9
6th Thursday of Lent

Eupsychios the Martyr

Vadim the Righteous of Persia
10
6th Friday of Lent

Terence & his Companions beheaded at Carthage

Gregory V, the Holy Martyr & Patriarch of Constantinople
11
Lazarus Saturday

Antipas, Bishop of Pergamon

Pharmuthios the Anchorite
12
Palm Sunday

Basil the Confessor, Bishop of Parios

Anthoussa the Righteous of Constantinople
13
Holy Monday

Martin the Confessor, Pope of Rome
14
Holy Tuesday

Aristarchos, Pudens, Trophimos the Apostles of the 70

Thomais the Martyr of Alexandria
15
Holy Wednesday

Crescens the Martyr

Leonidas, Bishop of Athens
16
Holy Thursday

Agape, Chionia, & Irene, the Holy Martyr
17
Holy Friday

Symeon the Holy Martyr & Bishop of Persia

Makarios, Bishop of Corinth
18
Holy Saturday

Holy Father John the Righteous, disciple of St. Gregory of Decapolis

Euthemios the Enlightener of Karelia
 
19
Great and Holy Pascha


Paphnoutios the Holy Martyr

George the Confessor
20
Renewal Monday

Theodore the Trichinas

Zacchaeus the Apostle of Caesaria
21
Renewal Tuesday

Ianouarios the Holy Martyr his Companions

Our Holy Father Maximian, Patriarch of Constantinople
22
Renewal Wednesday

Theodore the Sykeote

Nathaniel, Luke, & Clemente the Apostles
23
George the Great Martyr & Triumphant
24
Renewal Friday: Theotokos of the Lifegiving Font

Elizabeth the Wonderworker

Savvas the General of Rome
25
Renewal Saturday

Mark the Apostle & Evangelist

New Martyrs Emmanuel, Theodore, Gregory, Michael and the other Gregory at Macre of Alexandropoulos
 
26
Thomas Sunday

Basil the Holy Martyr Bishop of Amasea

Glaphyra the Righteous
27
2nd Monday after Pascha

Symeon the Holy Martyr

Eulogios the Innkeeper of Constantinople
28
2nd Tuesday after Pascha

The 9 Monk-martyrs of Cyzikos

Theocharus and Apostolus
29
2nd Wednesday after Pascha

Jason & Sosipater the Apostles of the 70 & their Companions

Holy Martyr Cercyra
30
James the Apostle & brother of St. John the Theologian

Argyra the New Martyr

Clement the Hymnographer
 
The Lenten Collection A Cookbook

The Lenten Collection A Cookbook


Icons depicting the celebrated Saint, make great gifts for namedays, as do our custom-made Greek name mugs. Shop among our great collection of gift ideas at our store. We also have a great selection of greeting cards for birthdays, holidays, namedays and special occasions.

Hand Painted Icons Greek Name Mug Cups Classic Design Birthday / Humorous Message Greeting Cards in Greek Box of 12 B112
Gold and Silver Icons, and Hand-painted Iconssconss
 
Greek Name Mug Cups Greeting Cards
 
Want to know more about Orthodox Saints?
Complete biographies of Orthodox Saints are now available.
 

 Share With Others!


Let your family and friends share the savings by forwarding them this email.
 

 Suggestions & Comments


Dear Greekshops.com customer,

Thank you for contributing to our effort to bring unique and hard to find Greek products to your home.
We value your opinion, so please let us know if you have any concerns, suggestions, comments that will
improve and help us grow. Send us your feedback at: [email protected]

 

 Subscription Information


Missed an issue of our newsletter? Now you can access past newsletters by visiting
http://www.greekshops.com/newsletters_archive

To unsubscribe from our mailing list, click here
 

Copyright © 2009 GreekShops.com All rights reserved...