March 2008 Newsletter
 This Month 
Greek Culture Article: Greek Independence Day Special Feature: Athens Walk #1 - The Acropolis
What's New: CDs, Movies, Books, and More! Featured Destination: Ikaria
Saint Namedays in March March's Recipe: Loukoumádes (honey doughnuts)
Suggestions & Comments / Subscription Info New Handmade Greek Jewelry!
March's Recipe:
Loukoumádes

(honey doughnuts)
 

 

Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cakes (30 g.) fresh yeast
- 9 cups flour
- 1 tsp. sugar
- Oil for frying
- Honey
- Cinnamon 
 
Preparation:
In a large bowl, knead together 2 generous cups flour with the yeast, sugar and a little. Form a smooth dough. (If using active dry yeast, follow instructions.) Cover bowl with cloth and allow to rest in a warm place until the dough has doubled in volume. Work in the remaining flour, adding water as needed to form a workable dough. Cover bowl and allow dough to rise again, this time for about 1 1/2 hours, until no bubbles form on the surface. Heat plenty of oil in a deep frying pan. Using a spoon, scoop out little balls of dough and drop gently into the boiling oil. Fry the dough balls until they are crisp and golden brown, then remove from oil with a ladle and drain on towels. Arrange on a serving dish, top with plenty of honey, and sprinkle with cinnamon.

Excerpt from: "Culinaria Greece" by Marianthi Milona

Or... try a
simpler method:

Loukoumades Mix
Loukoumades Mix

(makes 50-60 dumplings)
 

 
Greek Culture Article
Greek Independence Day






March 25th
Greek Independence Day


Traveling in Greece this March? If you're there on the 25th, you will see the streets filled with parades and celebrations or all kinds. Churches celebrate the Feast of the Annunciation, and in Athens there are military parades, as well as anti-war demonstrations which keep the streets blocked for hours.

History of Greek Independence Day
In 1821, Greeks vigorously rose up against the oppressive Ottoman Empire which had occupied Greece for nearly four hundred years, and embarked on the ultimately successful war of independence. Bishop Germanos of Patras boldly raised the Greek flag at the monastery of Agia Lavras, inciting the Peloponnese to rise against the oppressors.

The Feast of the Annunciation
On this day in the Orthodox calendar, the archangel Gabriel appeared to the maiden Mary and announced the news: she was pregnant with the divine child. Bishop Germanos chose this day to deliver a different but not unrelated message: a new spirit was about to be born in Greece. The churches celebrate the Festival of the Annunciation with pomp, ceremony, and joy.

Greek Independence Day is also celebrated by many of the Greeks of the diaspora, and large parades are becoming more common in United States cities where Greeks have made their homes, including Boston and New York City. Each year, the U.S. President marks Greek Independence Day with a proclamation reminding citizens of the contributions of Greece to democracy, and of the ongoing contributions of expatriate Greeks in their new communities throughout the world.

Planning a Celebration?
- Traditional Costumes
- Decorative Table Linens
- Patriotic Gift Items

Greek Easter April 27th
- Decorations
- Edible Treats
- Gift Cards

 

Order your traditional Greek costumes now
to insure timely delivery by the
National Greek Holiday of March 25th!

 

 

We have a variety of styles
available for boys and girls
ages 1 to 14.

Call us today for
costume availability.

To view all additional
Greek costumes:

[click here]

 

Getting a Head-Start on Easter?
Here are some nice gift ideas for that
special person on your list:

 
 Special Feature: Heritage Walks in Athens
 HERITAGE WALK #1 - THE ACROPOLIS

This 1st walk takes the longest time and is the most important in terms of ancient history and art. The visitor should start early in the morning, especially during the summer. Another option, somewhat more costly, is to complete this walk in two installments on separate days.

(Click here to read full article on additional page)

 

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

 

(1) THE ACROPOLIS' SOUTHERN SLOPE

This was the cultural center of ancient Athens, and the first example, whether in Greece or the world, of a complex of buildings dedicated to performances of the arts.

- Theater of Dionysus: The cradle of tragedy and comedy, this first theater of the Western world was built on the grounds of the sanctuary of Dionysus.
- Odeion of Perikles: Built in the 5th century BC with the masts of the Persian ships (booty from the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC), and used by the Athenians for performances of music.
-
Asclepion Ruins: Temple built in 420 BC, dedicated to Asclepios, the god of medicine, and was used as a sanctuary, a clinic, and a Medical School.
- Hippolytus' tomb
- Archaic fountain
- Sanctuaries to Earth Kourotrofos, Demetra-Chloe, Aphrodite Pandemos, and Eumenes' Stoa.
- Odeion of Herodes Atticus: Building adjacent to Eumenes' Stoa; built in 160-1 AD by Herodes, son of Atticus, in memory of his wife Regilla. Seats 5,000 and still hosts musical and theatrical performances...

(2) THE ACROPOLIS: The Sacred Rock of the Atheniansns
- Propylaea: One of the masterpieces of classical architecture, built in 437-432 BC by the architect Mnesicles, who designed an entrance of no less magnificence than that of temples and other monuments on the Sacred Rock...
- Temple of Athena Nike: A small, elegant, Ionian, amphiprostyle temple, built by the architect Callicrates in 426-421, on an earlier tower of the Mycenaean walls...
- Temple of Brauronian Artemis: Situated to the southeast of the Propylaea, and used for the cult of goddess Artemis, a cult that originated from Brauron, homeland of Peisistratus, in the mid 6th century BC. Today only traces of its foundations remain.
- Chalkotheke: East of the Temple of Brauronian Artemis lies just the base of a lengthy structure that dates from the 5 " century BC, which is believed to have been the Chalkotheke, used for storing precious votive gifts, mostly made of metal.
- Erechtheion: This temple, begun in Ionian style in 421 BC, dominates the north side of the Sacred Rock. It is complex and elaborate in its structure, and equally complex in its symbolism...
- Archaic temple: Between the Erechtheion and the Parthenon, you can see the ruins of this archaic temple, built in the 6th century BC and dedicated to Athena Polias (Athena guardian of the City)...
- Arrheforio: The altar of Athena, and the inscription of the earth, followed by the sanctuary to Zeus Polieus and the temple of Rome and Augustus (27 BC).
-
Parthenon: A "Public Dedication", offered by the Athenians to their patron goddess Athena Parthenos (Athena the Virgin), for the city's salvation and Athenian victories in the Persian Wars as part of Pericles great construction program. Built between 447 and 438 BC...
- Acropolis Museum: Situated where the Sanctuary of Pandion once stood. Many of the objects on display had been buried in the earth after the Persians captured the Acropolis in 480 BC, hence traces of the original colors remain. (A listing of many brilliant works of art located there are listed in the full page of text - click here to read.)

(3) PERIPATOS: The Northern Slope of the Acropolis
- Clepsydra: On the west side of the Acropolis, and inside a cave, lies the spring Clepsydra. Its earlier name was Empedho, but it was changed to Clepsydra, (which means "water clock")...
- Cave shine of Apollo: Near the Clepsydra, we find a cave that once housed the Shrine of Apollo. After their appointment, the nine archons (senior officials) of Athens, took a first oath...
- Cave of Zeus Astrapeos (Zeus, bearer of lightning): Next to the cave of Apollo, opens a second equally imposing cave dedicated to Zeus. The father of gods and humans was worshipped as "Olympios" (of Olympus), "Astrapeos", or "Keravnios" (bearer of thunder)...
- Cave of Pan: Nearby and a little to the east, there is another small cave dedicated to Pan, god of forests and shepherds. The cult of Pan came late to Athens, that is after the victory at...
- Mycenaean Fountain (Cave of Ersi): Further to the east there is an impressive cave, until recently believed to have been dedicated to Aglauros, daughter of Cecrops...

(4) THE ACROPOLIS' EASTERN SLOPE
- Cave of Agraulos: By pure chance, an inscription was found in front of the cave on the east slope, a resolution of the Athenian popular assembly that dates from 247 BC, when Polyeuctus' was...
- Agraulos, daughter of Cecrops (statue): A beloved Athenian princess who later became an important deity. 18-year-old Athenians stood in front of her imposing sanctuary...
- Two routes for the visitor who wishes to follow the Peripatos route down to the city...

(5) LYSICRATES' MONUMENT:
The only choregic monument that remains intact today, and acts as an emblem for the whole Plaka district. It was built by the choregos (sponsor) Lysicrates (334 BC) in a style resembling the Corinthian order...

(6) ELLINIKI ETAIRIA
On 28 Tripodon St lies the neoclassical building that houses Elliniki Etairia - the Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage. It was built during King Otho's reign (1833-1862) and some decorative ceiling paintings survive...

(Click here to read full article on additional page)
 

Excerpt from: "Heritage Walks in Athens" by the Municipality of Athens Cultural Organization,
and by the Elliniki Etairia Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage

 

Next Month's Article:
Heritage Walk #2 - Hills and Demes (Municipalities) of Ancient Athens

 What's New This Month!
 Music, DVDs, and Books
Best of Yiannis Ploutarhos, Stigmes - Collector

Best of Yiannis Ploutarhos, Stigmes - Collector's Box Set (2CD + PAL DVD)
Na Meinoun Ta Zeibekika - 20 Zeibekika Hits

Na Meinoun Ta Zeibekika - 20 Zeibekika Hits
Keti Garbi, To Kati (2CD album including 8 new songs)

Keti Garbi, To Kati (2CD album including 8 new songs)
Constantinos Christoforou, Best of 2003 - 2007

Constantinos Christoforou, Best of 2003 - 2007
Hristos Pazis, Hrises Epitihies 12 Best of Hristos Pazis

Hristos Pazis, Hrises Epitihies 12 Best of Hristos Pazis
Antzela Dimitriou, Ta Da Ola

Antzela Dimitriou,
Ta Da Ola
Despina Vandi, Deka Hronia Mazi (3CD)

Despina Vandi,
Deka Hronia Mazi (3CD)
Grigoris Bithikotsis and Mikis Theodorakis, Romiosyni - digitally remastered

Grigoris Bithikotsis and Mikis Theodorakis, Romiosyni - digitally remastered

 
Giorgos Giannias, Ena Taxidi Akoma

Giorgos Giannias, Ena Taxidi Akoma
 
Love Radio 97.5 - Pes Tis H Agapi Sou Paei ( 17 Love Songs )

Love Radio 97.5 -
Pes Tis H Agapi Sou Paei
(17 Love Songs)
Radio 102.2 FM - S

Radio 102.2 FM
- S'agapo II (2CD)
Elli Kokkinou, Sto Kokkino - Karaoke DVD

Elli Kokkinou, Sto Kokkino - Karaoke DVD
 
Shrek - DVD PAL zone 2

Shrek - DVD
PAL Zone 2
Shrek 2 - DVD PAL zone 2

Shrek 2 - DVD
PAL zone 2
 
Bilingual Baby - DVD - Introduce Your Baby to Greek

Bilingual Baby - DVD - Introduce Your
Baby to Greek


Kathe Embodio Gia Kalo (DVD) PAL/Zone 2

Kathe Embodio Gia Kalo

Agapisa enan Aliti DVD - (PAL/Zone 2)

Agapisa enan Aliti

Erotika Pehnidia (DVD) PAL/Zone 2

Erotika Pehnidia

Sholi Gia Soferines (DVD) PAL/Zone 2

Sholi Gia
Soferines

Enas Vlakas Ke Misos (DVD) - PAL/Zone 2

Enas Vlakas
Ke Misos
 

Barba Yiannis O Kanatas (DVD) PAL/Zone 2

Barba Yiannis
O Kanatas

Enas Bouzouki Alliotiko Apo T

Enas Bouzouki Alliotiko
Apo T'alla
 
Anthropos Gia Oles Tis Doulies (DVD) PAL/Zone 2

Anthropos Gia Oles
Tis Doulies
O Tavromahos Prohori (DVD) - PAL/Zone 2

O Tavromahos Prohori
Fos Nero Tilefono Ikopeda Me Dosis (DVD) PAL/Zone 2

Fos Nero Tilefono
Ikopeda Me Dosis
 
O Ouranokatevatos (DVD) Pal/Zone 2

O Ouranokatevatos
 
Pios Thanasis (DVD) PAL/Zone 2

Pios Thanasis

*All Greek Classics are in PAL / Zone 2 format (Europe). To view them in the US or Canada you will need a multi-region DVD player or a computer with DVD player. Greekshops.com is currently offering a multi-region DVD player at the amazing price of 69.95! [click here for details]

 [ Click here to view our complete collection of Greek Movie Classics ]
 

CHILDREN'S FAIRY TALE BOOKS WITH CD (IN GREEK)

To Koritsaki Me Ta Spirta ( The Little Matchgirl ) - Fairy Tale Book in Greek w/ CD

To Koritsaki Me Ta Spirta
( The Little Matchgirl )

To Aidoni Tou Aftokratora ( The Emperor

To Aidoni Tou Aftokratora
( The Emperor's Nightingale )

Ta 11 Vasilopoula Pou Eginan Kiknoi ( The Swan Princess ) Fairy Tale Book in Greek w/ CD

Ta 11 Vasilopoula Pou Eginan Kiknoi
( The Swan Princess )
 

To Molivenio Stratiotaki ( The Toy Soldier ) - Fairy Tale Book in Greek w/ CD

To Molivenio Stratiotaki
( The Toy Soldier )
 

O Pontikos Tis Exohis Ke O Pontikos Tis Polis ( City Mouse & Country Mouse ) Fairy Tale Book in Gree

O Pontikos Tis Exohis Ke O Pontikos Tis Polis ( City Mouse & Country Mouse )
 
To Ashimopapo ( The Ugly Duckling ) Fairy Tale Book in Greek w/ CD

To Ashimopapo
( The Ugly Duckling )
 
To Lixnari Tou Alantin ( Aladin

To Lixnari Tou Alantin
( Aladin's Oil Lamp )
 
O Ntik Ke H Gata Tou ( Dick Whittington & His Cat ) Fairy Tale Book in Greek w/ CD

O Ntik Ke H Gata Tou ( Dick Whittington & His Cat )
H Pringkipissa Kai To Revuthi ( The Princess and the Pea ) Fairy Tale Book in Greek w/ CD

H Pringkipissa Kai To Revuthi ( The Princess and the Pea )
O Pinokio ( Pinnochio ) Fairy Tale Book in Greek w/ CD

O Pinokio
( Pinnochio )


 
[ Click here to view all of our children's books ]
 

 Also NEW This Month - Handmade Greek Jewelry and Keychains!
Stonewashed Bead Bracelet with Greek Key

Stonewashed Bead Bracelet with Greek Key
Leather Evil Eye Bracelet Style PU349

Leather Evil Eye Bracelet Style PU349
 
Blue Glass Cross

Blue Glass Cross
 
Indian Rubber Bracelet with Greek Key

Indian Rubber Bracelet with Greek Key
Decorative Glass Evil Eye - Gold - Style 3.GO

Decorative Glass Evil Eye - Gold

*Available in 3 sizes
Decorative Glass Evil Eye - Platinum - Style 3.PL

Decorative Glass Evil Eye - Platinum

*Available in 3 sizes
 More Additions - Greek Soccer Team Keychains!
Greek Soccer Team Keychain - AEK

AEK
Greek Soccer Team Keychain - Iraklis

Iraklis
 
Greek Soccer Team Keychain - Olympiakos

Olympiakos
Greek Soccer Team Keychain - Panathinaikos

Panathinaikos
Greek Soccer Team Keychain - Aris

Aris
 
Greek Soccer Team Keychain - PAOK

PAOK

  Featured Destination: Ikaria


Photo: Aghios KirykosGEOGRAPHY:
10 nautical miles southwest of Samos is Ikaria, another of the large islands of the eastern Aegean. It covers an area of 255 sq. km., has 102 km. of coastline and 7,559 inhabitants. lkaria and Phournoi belong administratively to the Prefecture of Samos. There are car and passenger ferries from Piraeus, 114 nautical miles away (daily in the summer), and connections with Samos, Paros and (again in the summer) Syros and Phournoi The boat to the far-flung islands on the Kavala - Piraeus route (once a week) links Ikaria with Kavala, the Dodecanese, Crete and the Cyclades. There is also a local service to Phournoi. The island's main town and chief harbor is Aghios Kirykos. Essentially a mountainous island (highest peak Aitheras, 1040 m. a.s.l.) with rocky coastline, Ikaria is famous for its numerous radioactive therapeutic springs. Apart from a few outcrops of marble, the island is mainly of schistose formations. In recent years its popularity with visitors has grown and it is an excellent spot for quiet, family holidays, even though tourist facilities are still under-developed. The climate is mild but blustery, since strong southeast winds blow in the winter and northerlies in the summer. The island's villages ca island's towns and villages are located on tracts of flat land along the coast, with a few settlements in the mountains.

HISTORY:
Ikaria assumed several names in antiquity: Makris, Doliche, Ichthyoessa, Ikaros, Ikaria. It was here, so myth relates, that Ikaros fell to his death, which is why the surrounding sea is called the Ikarian. It is also claimed as the birthplace of Dionysos. In the middle of the 8th century BC, or thereabouts, Ionian colonizers from the Asia Minor littoral settled here. It was captured by the Medes during the Persian Wars and afterwards became a member of the Athenian League. Ikaria took part in the Peloponnesian War as an ally of Athens. We have little information on the island's fate from the 4th century BC onwards. In Byzantine times it belonged to the Thema of the Aegean and those who provoked the emperor's displeasure were banished there. In 1191 it was ceded to the Venetians and ruled by a succession of noble families (Maonesi, Giustiniani) until it was taken by the Turks in 1567. Ikaria was finally liberated and incorporated in the Greek state in 1912.

Ikaria Island MapSIGHTS-MONUMENTS: Aghios Kirykos, the island's capital, is built on its southeast side, facing Patmos. Churches include the (metropolis) and that dedicated to St. Nicolas. A small archaeological collection is housed in the Secondary school, as well as a folklore collection of exhibits associated with the island's historic past. About 1 km. to the east of the capital is the spa Therma with its radioactive springs. Remains of ancient baths have been found here and, according to inscriptions, the region was known as Asklepeion. A short distance to the north of the town are the ruins of the ancient city of Drakano (nowadays Fanari); a Hellenistic tower (3rd century BC) and section of the fortification wall are preserved. 38 km. northwest of Aghios Kirykos, is the second port of Ikaria, Evdilos, near the village of Kampos (40 km.) are remains of the other important ancient city, Oinoe. Finds from here are exhibited in a small archaeological collection at Kampos. Some 2.5 km. west of here the Byzantines built a new city, called Doliche, a name which, like Palatia, held sway on account of the impressive Byzantine edifices in which the exiled lived. Other interesting monuments here-about include the Byzantine church of St. Irene, while 3 km. further south stands the 10th century Byzantine castle of Nikaria.

At Armenistis, 51 km. northwest of Aghios Kirkos, graves of the 5th century BC have been unearthed, 4th century BC funerary stelae and , northwest of the church of St. Charalambos, the foundation courses of the defensive wall. Near the sea at Na, west of Armenistis, the remnants of the temple of Tauropolos Artemis are visible, from which significant finds dating from the 7th-5th century BC have been recovered. The villages of the Mesaria region Akamantra, Dafni, Kosoikia, Petroupoli look out to sea. The southwest side of the island, particularly the villages of Raches, Langada and Karkinagri, has its own charm. All the island's villages can be reached by bus and there is also a local caique service from Aghios Kirykos to the south coast. Beaches for swimming are those around Aghios, Kirykos, Evdilos, Yaliskari, and Armenistis. (Here the sea deepens suddenly). The best beaches are at Mesakte and Livadi. One can go by caique to Therma, Fanari and Karkinagri and even to the neighbouring islands of Phournoi and Thymaina where there are other delightful beaches and secluded coves.

PHOURNOI: Between Ikaria, Samos and Patmos is a cluster of tiny islands: Phournoi (or Korsoi), Aghios Minas and Thymaina, all of which belong to the Prefecture of Samos. Phournoi, the largest of these, is 30 sq. km. in area, has 126 km. of coastline and 1,203 inhabitants. It is 9 nautical miles from Samos with which there is a local caique service. Phournoi has been inhabited since antiquity and in the Byzantine era was a haven for pirates. Its population is mainly involved in fishing. Though there is no road network, the lovely beaches and picturesque bays make it a pleasant place for those seeking holidays "away from it all".

Road Map of Ikaria
Road Map
of Ikaria

 
Greek Island Ikaria Tshirt 220
Greek Island
Ikaria T-Shirt

Saints' Name Days in March

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday
   
 
      1
Eudokias / Tis Tyrofagou/ Marias Aigyptias
2
Euthalias
 
3
Kleonikou
4 5
Kononos
 
6
 
7
Laurentiou
 

8
Theofulaktouu

9
 
10
 
11
 
12 13
 
14 15
16
Xristodoulou
17
Alexiou
18
Kurillou
19
Xrysanthou
 
20
 
 
21
Iakovou
22
23 24


 

25
Euagelismos tis Theotokou
26 27
Ilarionos
28


 
29
30 31
Ypatiou
         


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 Icons
 
Greek Name Mug Cups Greeting Cards
 
Want to know more about Orthodox Saints?
Complete biographies of Orthodox Saints are now available.
 

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