Apokries

In Greece the carnival possibly started to worship Dionysos, God of Wine and Feasting. Apokries (sometime spelt Apokreas) means goodbye to meat Apo = from, Kries/kreas = meat. The latin Carnival means the same Carne = meat, valle = leave
Today is the start of Apokries which is the three week period leading up to Lent and this year runs from 26th January to 18th February. This week starts with the opening of the "Triodion" or three Holy sacraments.
The next few weeks are very important in Greek tradition and are followed very actively in the village. Keep watching for further posts!

Oops.....

I just realised how big the photos go when you click on them, will have to try to work out how to do them properly.

At least you won't need a magnifying glass! :-))))

They finally got the new Doctors surgery

After much hard work and pushing by Doctor Michalis we finally got a new surgery in the village. It is just round the corner from the post office in the newly renovated old village square. The two priests to the left of the first picture are Papa Nektarios (wearing all the gear), the main priest in the area, and a colleague from Heraklion. On the right wearing the red shawl is Papa Vangellis from Stalis and wearing the Gold shawl is Papa Emmanouil (Manolis) from Mochos. After prayers were said, Holy water was sprinkled on the cross using Rosemary branches. Everyone then kissed the cross and were sprinkled on the head with Holy water too. After that it was the speech from the local mayor and then a party with lots to eat and drink.

First Timer !

Hi everyone,
This is my first time at this so please be patient and feel free to get in touch and comment on anything here. I am looking forward to keeping everyone in touch with village life.

Peace, Love and Light

Epiphany

Today was Epiphany and being a total heathen, I have no idea what it is about. I am sure some of you God fearing folk will enlighten me though!

Anyway, the Priest (Papa Manolis) and all the villagers go to church and then go down to Mochos lake. Then Papa Manolis throws the cross into the lake three times and usually the young men of the village jump in and race to be the first to retrieve it. Of course this year it was cold, so nobody jumped in. Sorry girls, but no exciting pictures of young men in swimming trunks. They all went to swim in the sea in Stalis and Malia apparently!