St Georges day

Many churches in Greece celebrate St Georges day. One of these is in the small hamlet of Argyromoury near Exopoli. This used to be a busy, thriving village but is now occupied by just a handful of residents.

Early in the morning the shepherds gather their flocks and bring them to the church which overlooks the bay of Georgioupoli

The flags are flying and many people stand outside as the church is too small to accommodate them.

During the service the people walk three times around the church preceded by the Priest and icons. This church has a very old icon with several stories attached to it ( that for another time)

The priest continues the service by the sheep with holy water and a bunch of basil attached to a cross

The sheep gather

The Priest throws the basil and the sheep it hits is blessed for the year.

A bell is immediately attached to the sheep who will be special for the coming year

The sheep then pass under part of the the robe of the priest

After the service there is a meal provided which includes cooked lamb, pilaffi, cheese pies, wind and milk from the sheep that were blessed today.