Four impressive three-aisled basilicas with narthex have been erected at the archaeological site of Philippi, coming from the Early Christian Period. Basilica A On a level above the Kavala – Drama road and the marketplace of Philipi (west of the theater) has been traced the biggest early christian church of Philipi, called Basilica A. It …
The Orthodox religion takes an important role in the Greek culture and its presence on the island of Mykonos is without exception. If when the name Mykonos comes to mind, you think about endless parties, then you miss an important part of the religious tradition of the island. Spreading all over the island with the …
Panagia Paraportiani The chapel of Panagia (Virgin Mary) Paraportiani is one of the most famous churches of Mykonos, located in the town of Chora, in the neighborhood of Kastro. Its name literally means “Our Lady of the Side Gate” in Greek, as it is positioned near the main harbor entrance in the side gate of …
Greek Easter hymns are among the most beloved, spiritual and esoteric hymns of the Orthodox Church Liturgies. To the Greek Orthodox Christians the Holy Week centers on the hymns and the Church. The hymns from the Eastern Orthodox Church were most written during the height of the Byzantine Empire, originally composed in Koine Greek. About …
Each day during Holy Week has a special meaning, and understanding what each day represents can help making attending all those church services a lot more meaningful! It is really worthwhile to go to the church and watch the services being able to feel the unique spiritual atmosphere Greek Orthodox Church offers. Here is an …
The celebration of Easter in Patmos is certainly a unique life experience. Mainly because of the Holy Monastery of Saint John the theologian in Chora (a UNESCO world heritage site), which is a reference point for the whole Greece and Orthodox Christianity. The island is often called the «Jerusalem of the Mediterranean», due to the …
Easter is the most important religious holiday of the Orthodox Church marking the resurrection of Christ and the chance of rebirth for mankind. Falling always on a different date, Easter signals the end of the cold days of winter and the beginning of the sunny and warm days of summer. Easter celebrations hold also a …
The “burning of Judas” is a unique tradition which revives in areas of Greece every Easter, attracting crowds of people who want to admire the “punishment” of the avarice traitor. Nowadays, this tradition can express a strong need for shaking off any kind of betrayal. The “Judas Iscariot” who betrayed Jesus for “thirty pieces of …
The large number of historic churches and monasteries in the Municipality of Monemvasia bears witness to the region’s long religious tradition. These places of worship attract many pilgrims and other visitors every year. They are also favorite sites for marriages and baptism both among locals and others from further afield. In Monemvasia’s fortress are the …
One of the biggest celebrations of Orthodoxy is August 15, the day of the Assumption. The Virgin Mary has been given many names in Orthodoxy, depending on the way she was iconographed, the theological status, the age of the icon, the way the icon was found, and the place of origin of the icon. There …