Apokoronas Our Home

Every year the village of Selia in Apokoronas holds a village celebration. This year they particularly wanted to embrace and honour the non Greek families who have moved to the villages of Selia, Likotinera and Souri. They did this with a certificate.  There was a Greek band and traditional music. The Bishop of Hania, Damaskinos, opened the proceedings Mr Giannis Stavianoudakis Had written a very moving address to the company All the village was there! I was asked to read out Giannis' speech in English. The mayor Mr Markakis says a few words He gave an honor to a villager for his work over the years The mayor elect, Mr. Koukianakis says a few words The children came to dance in traditional costume. The Archbishop of Crete Eirinaos visited as he does every year and spoke. We were invited to dance with the Syllogos  The moon was full and it was cool under the trees. A lovely...

Yesterday was the annual ceremony of cutting the Vassilopita in the village of Fres arranged by the syllogos "The Virgin of the two rocks" "Η Παναγία των δύο βράχων". ( We apologize for the darkness of some of the photo's but we did not want to use flash during the ceremony) On the way to the church we passed the building  where the women's syllogos meets. The Ceremony was held in the church  The priests greet Bishop Damaskinios of Kydonia and Apokoronas and the service begi ns.   A priest takes a sneaky picture on his iPhone! After the service there were speeches from members of the community and acknowledgments of those who together with the syllogos,  had helped socially and culturally.  Certificates and plaques were awarded to Αγια Σοφια ( Agia Sofia ) Χ ειρα   βοηθειας ( Ηelping Hands ) and Kirsten Mus. Cretificate were also handed to students of the village. On behalf of the s...