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 June 2009 Newsletter
 This Month 
June's Article: Fathers Day Gift Guide Special Feature: Iconography in the Orthodox Church
What's New: Music, Movies, and Books Featured Destination: Crete Part 2: Herakleion 
Latest Arrivals: Jewelry! June's Recipe: Dákos (Barley biscuits, tomatoes and sheep's milk cheese)
Saint Namedays in June Suggestions, Comments, Subscription Info

June's Recipe: Dákos
(
Barley biscuits, tomatoes and
sheep's milk cheese
)


 

Ingredients:
 
  • 1 lb / 500 g tomatoes, skinned, very finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • Greek extra virgin olive oil
  • 8 paximádia biscuits
  • 1 cup / 100 g crumbled sheep's milk cheese
  • salt


Preparation:

Combine the tomatoes with the garlic, oregano and a little olive oil in a bowl, and season to taste with salt.

Spread over the biscuits, scatter with the crumbled sheep's milk cheese, and drizzle with olive oil.

Leave to stand for the flavors to permeate.

Tomato and sheep's milk cheese biscuits are also good broiled or baked until brown on top.

Culinaria Greece by Milona, MarianthiExcerpts and Photography from: Culinaria Greece
by Milona, Marianthi


 

 

Glykeria and Karafotis
A Dinner Dance in Los Angeles
on June 14th 2009
click here for more info

 

June's Article:
Fathers Day Gift Guide

Fathers Day Gift Guide


First a little history...


Sonora Dodd, of Washington, was one of the first people who had the idea of a "father's day." She thought of the idea for Father's Day while listening to a Mother's Day sermon in 1909.

Sonora wanted a special day to honor her father, William Smart. Smart, who was a Civil War veteran, was widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was left to raise the newborn and his other five children by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.

After Sonora became an adult she realized the selflessness her father had shown in raising his children as a single parent. It was her father that made all the parental sacrifices and was, in the eyes of his daughter, a courageous, selfless, and loving man. Sonora's father was born in June, so she chose to hold the first Father's Day celebration in Spokane, Washington on the 19th of June, 1910.

Even before Dodd, however, the idea of observing a day in honor of fathers was promoted. Dr. Robert Webb conducted what is believed as the first Father's Day service at the Central Church of Fairmont, West Virginia in 1908. It was Dodd's efforts, however, that eventually led to a national observance.

President Calvin Coolidge, in 1924, supported the idea of a national Father's Day. Then in 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day.


Father's Day is celebrated in Greece also on the 3rd Sunday of June, and this year it is on June 21st!

 

 Special Feature: Iconography in the Orthodox Church
Part 1 of 4

Upon entering the sacred space of an Orthodox church, one's attention is immediately drawn to the Iconostasis or icon screen with its colorful and distinctive figures or to the somewhat surrealistic images on the surrounding wails. Orthodox churches, whether vast or small, whether traditional or modern, whether richly appointed or modestly furnished, all share the rich heritage of the iconography of Orthodox Christianity. Integral to the Church since the early centuries, the icon and its role in Orthodox life is much broader than the visual portrayal of religious subjects. Icons have been described as “theology in color.” Transcending the written word, they visually transmit the teachings of the Gospels, the writings of the Church Fathers and the hymnology of the Church to theologians, laity of the Church, and visitors, regardless of language.

In the eighth century the Church Fathers of the Seventh Ecumenical Council ruled to restore the use of icons in Orthodox worship after a century of turmoil and bloodshed following their ban and destruction by the Iconoclasts (literally, “breakers of icons”). The Iconoclasts believed icons promoted idol worship. The Church Fathers differentiated between veneration (proskynesis= bowing before) and worship (latreia). Worship is reserved for God only while veneration is due the Saints. Veneration is an act of honor and not worship. When an Orthodox Christian venerates the icons by making the sign of the cross and kissing them, he or she understands that the icon is wood and paint, but the honor offered is passed through to the Saints. Described as Windows to Heaven,” icons function for Orthodox faithful as a path for dynamic interaction with the holy personages depicted by the icon. One not only learns from the icon but is surrounded by the presence of the personages portrayed. Prayers are offered and in return the spiritual blessings and help of the venerated are received. Therefore, more than sacred art, icons are a means to grow closer to God and considered holy objects. The “window'' offers a place within the secular reality of hectic, daily routines to contemplate the spiritual reality of God's word and its role in life. The role of the icon can be summarized as:

- Portraying and maintaining the truths of Orthodox Christianity;
- Teaching the precepts of the Orthodox Faith;
- Depicting the symbolism of the Liturgical Services;
- Being a guide for Christian living through the virtues of those portrayed; and
- Providing a catalyst to worship God and venerate His saints.

The sacred art of the early church was symbolic and allegorical, i.e. Jesus was shown as a shepherd or a lamb following the Judaic tradition banning images of God. Reflecting the theological truth of the Incarnation, that Christ became man and could thus be seen and portrayed, images began to be used.

Tradition states that the first image of Christ was the Mandylion of Edessa and became the prototype (archetypos = canonically correct example) for future depictions of Jesus. Tradition tells of the King of Edessa, suffering from leprosy, being healed when his emissaries returned with a cloth imprinted with Jesus' image after He had wiped His face on it. Because of this, it is also known as the “icon not made by human hands.” The Mandylion was hung on the gate to the city and was the site of many miracles.

The prototype for the icon of the Virgin and Child, according to tradition, was painted by St. Luke the Apostle who was an artist. The pose ascribed to St. Luke is still seen in truth Eastern and Western sacred art.

By the fourth century, prototypes of each icon were developed, recorded and passed down from master to pupil, both always acutely aware that the accuracy of the theological truths portrayed must be maintained. The prototypes guard against inadvertent inclusion of theologically incorrect material and continue to be used by contemporary iconographers.

(Written by Faye Peponis, who has served the Greek Orthodox Church for over 35 years in various administrative and teaching capacities. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from DePaul University and a Master's in Education from Purdue University.)

Click here to continue reading page 2Ecclesia: Greek Orthodox Churches of the Chicago Metropolis

Excerpts and Photography from
Ecclesia: Greek Orthodox Churches
of the Chicago Metropolis

by Panos Fiorentinos


 What's New!
 CDs
Anthologio, Arleta

Anthologio, Arleta
Hrises Epitihies, Lisa Giagousi

Hrises Epitihies, Lisa Giagousi


The Rose Tattoo, Andriana Babalis

The Rose Tattoo, Andriana Babalis
Chilin in Mykonos 3, Various Artists

Chilin in Mykonos 3,
Various Artists
Mario and Friends 2, Mario Frangoulis

Mario and Friends 2,
Mario Frangoulis

 
Stin Iera Odo (Live), George Dalaras and Marios Frangoulis

Stin Iera Odo (Live),
George Dalaras and
Marios Frangoulis
To Pathos Ine Aformi, Peggy Zina

To Pathos Ine Aformi, Peggy Zina
San Tragoudi Magemeno (2 CDs), George Dalaras

San Tragoudi Magemeno (2 CDs), George Dalaras
Mble Best Of 1996-2009

Mble Best Of 1996-2009
Ximerose Ke Pali Sto Karavani, Giannis Lebesis

Ximerose Ke Pali Sto Karavani, Giannis Lebesis
Ourania Toxa Kinigo, Vasilis Papakonstandinou

Ourania Toxa Kinigo, Vasilis Papakonstandinou (2CD) + Bonus DVD + Booklet
Mono Kokkino, Melina Kana

Mono Kokkino, Melina Kana
This is Our Night, Sakis Rouvas

This is Our Night, Sakis Rouvas
Strofi, Nikos Portokaloglou

Strofi, Nikos Portokaloglou
Palia Athina Anthology (4 CD Set)

Palia Athina Anthology
(4 CD Set)
Rythmos 94.9, In The Mix - 33 Non-Stop Hits

Rythmos 94.9, In The Mix - 33 Non-Stop Hits
Giorgos Mitsakis Anthologia (4 CDs), Giorgos Mitsakis

Giorgos Mitsakis Anthologia (4 CDs), Giorgos Mitsakis

 
Glykeria 4CD Collection

Glykeria 4CD Collection

 
George Dalaras, Ta Hromata Tou Hronou

George Dalaras, Ta Hromata Tou Hronou
 
Eva Milli, Anexigito

Eva Milli, Anexigito
 
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
Fresca 3 : The Chart Hits of 2008-09 (2CD + Bonus PAL DVD)

Fresca 3 : The Chart Hits of 2008-09 (2CD + Bonus PAL DVD)
Nikos Ikonomopoulos, Akousa

Nikos Ikonomopoulos, Akousa
Vasilis Karras, Opos Palia

Vasilis Karras, Opos Palia
 DVDs
EFAPAX (2001)

EFAPAX (2001)

 
I HORODIA TOU HARITONA (2005)

I HORODIA TOU HARITONA (2005)
O Periergos Yiorgakis - Curious George - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

O Periergos Yiorgakis - Curious George - DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
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)
  Books - Cookbooks, Literature & Fiction in Greek
The Ottoman Kitchen, Modern Recipes from Turkey, Greece, 
						the Balkans, Lebanon, Syria and beyond

The Ottoman Kitchen, Modern Recipes from Turkey, Greece, the
Balkans, Lebanon, Syria and beyond
Mezze Modern:Over 90 Delicious Appetizers from Greece, Lebanon and Turkey,  Maria Khalifé

Mezze Modern:Over 90 Delicious Appetizers from Greece, Lebanon and Turkey, Maria Khalifé
 
Flavors of Greece, Rosemary Barron

Flavors of Greece, Rosemary Barron
Embroidery of the Greek Islands (Hardback), Roderick Taylor

Embroidery of the Greek Islands (Hardback),
Roderick Taylor

by Kali Karatza

 
Art for Travellers Greece: The Essential Guide to Viewing Art in Greece, Bill and Lorna Hannan

Art for Travellers Greece: The Essential Guide to Viewing Art in Greece, Bill and Lorna Hannan
 
Ola Hathikan Sti Vrohi, by Kali Karatza, In Greek

A Traveller's History of Greece (5th edition), T. Boatswain & C. Nicolson

 
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
 Latest Arrivals: Jewlery!
 Sterling Silver & Gold Overlay Jewelry
Sterling Silver Necklace - Swirl Link Circle (.5cm)

Sterling Silver Necklace - Swirl Link Circle (.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Necklace - Greek Key Link (.3cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Square Greek Key Link (.3cm)
 
Sterling Silver Necklace - Greek Key Link (.5cm)

Sterling Silver Necklace - Greek Key Link (.5cm)
Sterling Silver Necklace - Greek Key Link (.3cm)

Sterling Silver Necklace - Greek Key Link (.3cm)
Sterling Silver Necklace - Swirl Links (.7cm)

Sterling Silver Necklace - Swirl Links (.7cm)
Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 3 Small Greek Key (1cm)

Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 3 Small Greek Key (1cm)
 
Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 3 Large Greek Key (.9cm)

Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 3 Large Greek Key (.9cm)
 
Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 4 Large Greek Key (.8cm)

Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 4 Large Greek Key (.8cm)
 
Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 3 Large Greek Key (.6cm)

Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 3 Large Greek Key (.6cm)
Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 4 Greek Key Wave(.7cm)

Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 4 Greek Key Wave(.7cm)
Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 5 Small Greek Key(.5cm)

Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 5 Small Greek Key(.5cm)
 
Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 2 Greek Key (1cm)

Rubber Bracelet - Sterling Silver 2 Greek Key (1cm)
 
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Swirl Link (.8cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Swirl Link (.8cm)
 
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Small Swirl Link (.5cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Small Swirl Link (.5cm)
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Square Greek Key Link (.3cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Square Greek Key Link (.3cm)
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Large Square Greek Key Link (.8cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Large Square Greek Key Link (.8cm)
 
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Square Greek Key Link (.5cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Square Greek Key Link (.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Greek Key Square (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Greek Key Square (6.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - 3 Greek Key (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - 3 Greek Key (6.5cm)
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Dolphin (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Dolphin (6.5cm)
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - 2 Dolphin (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - 2 Dolphin (6.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Phaistos Disk (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Phaistos Disk (6.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - 2 Greek Key (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - 2 Greek Key (6.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Minoan Double Axe (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Minoan Double Axe (6.5cm)
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Spiral Circle (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Spiral Circle (6.5cm)
Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Small Greek Key (6.5cm)

Sterling Silver Cuff Bracelet - Small Greek Key (6.5cm)
 
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Evil Eye Chain (.8cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Evil Eye Chain (.8cm)
 
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Evil Eye Chain (1cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Evil Eye Chain (1cm)
 
Sterling Silver Bracelet - Evil Eye Chain (.9cm)

Sterling Silver Bracelet - Evil Eye Chain (.9cm)
Sterling Silver - Evil Eye 2 Sided Pendant (14mm)

Sterling Silver - Evil Eye 2 Sided Pendant (14mm)
Sterling Silver - Evil Eye 2 Sided Pendant (10mm)

Sterling Silver - Evil Eye 2 Sided Pendant (10mm)
 
Sterling Silver - Evil Eye 2 Sided Pendant (25mm)

Sterling Silver - Evil Eye 2 Sided Pendant (25mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Spiral (26mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Spiral (26mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Spiral (23mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Spiral (23mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Spiral (33mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Spiral (33mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (33mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (33mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star Greek Key (25mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star Greek Key (25mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Small Spiral (22mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Small Spiral (22mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Tetradrahm Silver Coin Replica (27mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Tetradrahm Silver Coin Replica (27mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Owl Greek Coin Replica (27mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Owl Greek Coin Replica (27mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Tetradrahm Silver Coin  (19mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Tetradrahm Silver Coin (19mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Minoan Snake Goddess (43mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Minoan Snake Goddess (43mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (17mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (17mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star - One Sided (23mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star - One Sided (23mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Square (18mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Square (18mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Oval (30mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Oval (30mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Spiral (20mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Spiral (20mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Trapezoid (29mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Trapezoid
(29mm)

 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (24mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (24mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Spiral With Greek Key (17mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Spiral With Greek Key (17mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Square (12mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Greek Key Square (12mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star (13mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star (13mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star (17mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star (17mm)
 
Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Tetradrahm Silver Coin Replica (33mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Ancient Tetradrahm Silver Coin Replica (33mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (25mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Phaistos Disk With Greek Key (25mm)
Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star - Two Sided (23mm)

Sterling Silver Pendant - Vergina Star - Two Sided (23mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Circle (17mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Circle (17mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Triangular Greek Key (45mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Triangular Greek Key (45mm)
 
Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Wavy Greek Key (30mm)

Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Wavy Greek Key (30mm)
Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Greek Key (20mm)

Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Greek Key (20mm)
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Triangular Greek Key (50mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Triangular Greek Key (50mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Spiral (26mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Spiral (26mm)
 
Sterling Silver Earrings - Spiral Post (15mm)

Sterling Silver Earrings - Spiral Post (15mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Spiral (22mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Spiral (22mm)
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Circle (17mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Circle (17mm)
Sterling Silver Earrings - Spiral Post (14mm)

Sterling Silver Earrings - Spiral Post (14mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Diamond (17mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Diamond (17mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Phaistos Disk (17mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Phaistos Disk (17mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Circle (17mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Greek Key Circle (17mm)
Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Greek Key (20mm)

Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Greek Key (20mm)
Sterling Silver Earrings - Greek Key Post (13mm)

Sterling Silver Earrings - Greek Key Post (13mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Double Spiral (32mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Double Spiral (32mm)
 
Sterling Silver Earrings - Spiral Post (12mm)

Sterling Silver Earrings - Spiral Post (12mm)
 
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Spiral (23mm)

Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings - Spiral (23mm)
Sterling Silver Ring - Greek Key V

Sterling Silver Ring - Greek Key V
Sterling Silver Ring - Greek Key Triple Stone

Sterling Silver Ring - Greek Key Triple Stone
 
Greek Key Gold Overlay - Adjustable Bracelet

Greek Key Gold Overlay - Adjustable Bracelet
 
Greek Key Gold Overlay - Earrings (clip-on OR post)

Greek Key Gold Overlay - Earrings (clip-on OR post)
 
Greek Key Gold Overlay - Single Necklace

Greek Key Gold Overlay - Single Necklace
Greek Key Gold Overlay - Double Necklace

Greek Key Gold Overlay - Double Necklace

  Featured Destination: Crete (part 2 of 5)

   
  Crete: Part Two of Five

Karpathos Island MapGEOGRAPHY: The capital of Crete, Herakleion, is a modern town with places of interest both in its centre and surrounding area. It can be reached by aeroplane from Athens or car and passenger ferry from Piraeus, 174 nautical miles away. There are also connections with the Dodecanese, the Cyclades and every ten days there is a liner to Limmasol in Cyprus and Haifa in Israel. The good tourist facilities and the highly developed transport and road system make Herakleion one of the most densely populated places of Crete.

HISTORY: Built by the Arabs in 824, on the site of the ancient city, it was formerly known as Candia (Chandax) after the protective moat surrounding it. Until its liberation in 961 AD by Nicephorus Phocas the Saracen pirates set sail from here. Herakleion experienced its greatest acme during the period of the Venetian occupation when its fortress was the most important on the island. It was besieged by the Turks in 1648 but did not capitulate until 1669. Its fortunes declined under the Turks and its population was massacred in 1828 and 1898. During World War II it suffered much damage.

Carpathos Ocean BeachSIGHTS and MONUMENTS: Places of interest in the city: - The cathedral of St. Minas (19th century), one of the largest churches not only of Crete but in the whole of Greece, with important icons. The palace occupied a vast area and is nowadays partially restored so that the visitor gains a picture of the wealth and might of Knossos and may conjure up visions of Theseus Ariadne and the mythical Minotaur.

Finds from here are on display in the Herakleion Museum, including some of the magnificent wall-paintings which adorned its halls. The first palace was built in 2000 BC and destroyed in 1750 BC. The new palace was rebuilt on the same site and destroyed in 1400 BC along with the other major Minoan centres. There is another interesting site to the south of Herakleion, Archanes, where another large Minoan palace has been excavated. On the summit of Mt.Yuktas (7 km. northeast) an equally significant Minoan shrine has been discovered.

At Vathypetro, 5 km. from Archanes, one of the largest Minoan villas has been revealed from which excellent examples of Minoan pottery nowadays kept in the Herakleion Museum, were recovered. There are 14th century wall-paintings in the nearby churches of the Taxiarch Michael, the Holy
Trinity and the Virgin. 19 km. southeast of Herakleion, at Myrtia, is the Kazantzakis Museum. There are other important ancient sites at Arkalochori (32 km. southeast of Herakleion) where a Minoan cult cave has been discovered with rich finds, Vi-annos with its churches of the Archangel Michael and St. Pelagia, both with notable wall- paintings, and ancient Lyttos near the village of Xidas (50 km. southeast). To the east of Herakleion (8 km.) lies Amnissos with its cult cave of Eilithyia, while at Nirou Chani are the ruins of a Minoan villa. At Gournes (18 km. from Herakleion) Minoan buildings and rock-cut tombs have been uncovered. The port of ancient Lyttos was Chersonisos (26 km. from Herakleion) with ruins of Greek and Roman times at Kastri, as well as the ruins of two Early Christian basilicae. 34 km. east of Herakleion is Mallia, a lovely seaside village right next to the area of the ancient palace, one of the largest in Minoan Crete and contemporary with those of Knossos and Phaistos. A Minoan town has been excavated all around and to the north the cemetery of Chrysolakkos. One of the most important monasteries, not only of the Herakleion region but of Crete, is that of the Virgin Kera at Pediada (12th century) in which there are valuable Byzantine icons.

25 km. west of Herakleion is Fodele with its 11th and 12th century Byzantine churches ant the family house of the painter Dominicus Theotokopoulos (El Greco) was born. At TyIissos (14 km. southeast of Herakleion) there are remnants of a Minoan villa (1800 - 1450 BC). From here one may visit Anogeia a.s.l.) built on the slopes of Psiloreitis (Mt. Ida), a village in which traditional Cretan mores are kept very much alive. A pathway leads from Anogeia to the cult cave known as the Idaion Anuran. At Asites (24 km. southwest of Herakleion) stands one of the oldest monasteries in Crete, that of St. George Gorgolainis. Another important monastery is that of the Virgin Paliani at Venerato (20 km. south of Herakleion)and close to Zaros (14 km. southwest of Herakleion are the monasteries of Vrontisi, with its 14th century wall-paintings and a Venetian fountain, and of St. Phanourios Varsamonerou (14th century), also with out- standing wall-paintings. 4 km. from this monastery is the Kamares cave in which the distinctive polychrome Minoan pottery was first found. In the plain of the Mesara, one of the largest on Crete, is Aghioi Deka (45 km. southwest of Herakleion) with its Byzantine church and the graves of ten Christians martyred in the persecution of Decius and after whom the village is named. A short distance away are the ruins of the ancient city of Gortyn from which one has an idea of this city's importance in Hellenistic and Roman times. Incorporated in the wall of the Roman odium is the renowned inscription of the Laws of Gortyn (500 BC). The archaeological collection on site comprises finds from excavations there. Close at hand is the Basilica of St. Titus (6th century AD) of which only the apse now remains. Northeast of the city is Lavyrinthos, a labyrinthine quarry of pores stone which has been traditionally associated with the Minotaur. At Moires (53 km. southwest of Herakleion) is the monastery of the Virgin Hodegetria and 10 km. west of here is the archaeological site of Phaistos. The important Minoan palace revealed here was contemporary with those of Knossos and Mallia. West of Phaistos was a smaller yet significant palace or villa, Aghia Triada (61 km. southwest of Herakleion), set on the brow of a hill. 4 km. from Aghia Triada the road continues on to Tympaki, a large town in southern Crete, to the south of which is Matala with its world- famous and truly enchanting beach.

Next month: Crete, Part Three - Central Crete (Rethymnon)


 June 2009 Greek Orthodox Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
  1
7th Monday after Pascha

Martyr Justin the Philosopher

Righteous Pyrrus
2
Nikephoros,
Abp. of Constantinople

Erasmos of Ochrid & his Companion Martyrs
3
Martyrs Lucillian and Paul

Athanasios the Wonderworker
4
Metrophanes, Abp. of Constantinople

Martha and Mary, Sisters of Lazarus
5
Hieromartyr Dorotheos

10 Martyrs of Egypt
6
Hilarion the New

Bessarion the Wonderworker of Egypt
 
7
Hieromartyr Theodotos

Righteous Panagis
8
Relics of Theodore Stratelates

Martyr Kalliope
9
Cyril, Abp. Of Alexandria

3 Virgin-martyrs of Chios
10
Martyrs Alexander & Antonina

Hieromartyr Timothy
11
Apostles Bartholomew & Barnabas

Revelation of Axion Estin

12
Righteous Onouphrios

Peter of Athos

13
Martyr Akylina

Triphyllos the Bishop of Nicosia
14
All Saints

Prophet Elisha

Methodios the Confessor
15
Apostles Fast Begins Today


Prophet Amos

Father Hieronymus
16
Tychon the Wonderworker

40 Martyrs of Rome
17
Martyr Isaurus & Companions

Martyrs Manuel, Sabel & Ismael
 
18
Martyrs Leontios, Hypatios, & Theodoulos
19
Thaddeus (Jude) Apostle & Brother of Our Lord


Martyr Zosima
20
Hieromartyr Methodios

Father Kallistos I
21
2nd Sunday of Matthew

Martyr Julian

Hieromartyr Terence
22
Hieromartyr Eusebius

Martyrs Zenon and Zena
23
Martyr Agrippina

Martyr Aristocleus
24
Nativity of the Forerunner John the Baptist

Elizabeth, Mother of the Forerunner
25
Apodosis of the Forerunner

Martyr Fevronia

Prokopios the New Martyr
26
New Martyr David

Appearance of the Icon of Our Most Holy Lady the Theotokos of Tikhvin
27
Sampson the Innkeeper

Joanna the Myrrhbearer
28
Relics of Unmercenaries Cyril & John

Pappias the Martyr
29
Peter and Paul, the Holy Apostles


Apostles Peter and Paul
 
30
Synaxis of the 12 Apostles

Michael the New Martyr of Athens
       


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 Iconsons
 
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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