1. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Visiting Churches in Greece

    A dress or a skirt would be more preferable. Also avoid sleeveless shirts.
  2. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    A newly inaugurated museum in Thessaloniki (and free guided tours offered there)!

    In 1922 the Greek population of Asia Minor (or Anatolya, i.e. the asian part of modern Turkey) was expelled from their homeland. Arriving at Greece, they brought together their culture, and, above all, their faith and sacred artefacts. They built new churches, strongholds of their very identity...
  3. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    What other places are near Delphi?

    I urge you to visit the Hosios Loukas Monastery at Steiri! There are fantastic 11th-c. mosaics! Check out google maps.
  4. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Learning about Greek Orthodoxy - resources?

    You can also read the catechism of St. Philaret Metropolitan of Moscow (remember that the term "Greek Orthodoxy" has to do with a cultural and administrative separation from other Eastern Orthodox Churches, not a dogmatic one) and the book "What is Orthodoxy?" by Petros Botsis.
  5. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Do you have any favorite Greek traditions for Christmas?

    Not exactly a local tradition, but in the past children in Greece used to sing carols, while holding a ship model. To be honest, I am not aware of the symbolism behind that...
  6. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    How do you choose a name day?

    Well... it depends on the devotion that some people express to some Saints. Maybe some parents experience difficulties with having children, so they pray to a specific Saint and when a child is finally born, they give him his name.
  7. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Where should I visit in Corfu?

    These are the must-see landmarks: 1. Church of St. Spyridon, Patron of the island with his incorruptible body 2. Museum of Asian Art (unique!) 3. Museum of Antivouniotissa (excellent post-Byzantine artworks!) https://www.antivouniotissamuseum.gr/en 4. The Old Fortress 5. The Orthodox...
  8. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Do Greeks Celebrate Halloween?

    Halloween is connected with the Roman Catholic commemorative day of the souls (November 2, if I am not wrong). The Orthodox Church has established many such commemorative days throughout the year (the "Psychosavvata"=Saturdays of the souls). For example, in October, on Saturday before the feast...
  9. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Visiting Churches in Greece?

    Make sure that you will visit also the following churches in Thessaloniki: Church of Agios Nikolaos Orphanos Church of St. Athanasios Church of Hosios David Church of the Holy Apostles Church of Hagia Sophia Rotonda
  10. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    First Time in Thessaloniki - What to Do?

    Check out also these landmarks/museums: Museum of Byzantine Culture Basilica of St. Demetrius Church of Agios Nikolaos Orphanos (you will love the frescoes!) Church of St. Athanasius (87 Egnatias str.) Rotonda Church of Hosios David Church of the Holy Apostles Vlatadon Monastery Roman...
  11. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Guided tour in an historic church of Thessaloniki for free!

    Yes, unless there aren't any announcements outside the church!
  12. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    What is the difference between the Roman and Byzantine empire?

    The Byzantine Empire was a continuance of the Roman Empire. Saint Constantine the Great, the first Christian emperor, transferred the capital city from Rome to Constantinople in 330 AD. Soon the emperors realised that it would be better to establish two poles of power (one in Italy and one that...
  13. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Learning About Greek Orthodox Religion

    A good introductory book on Orthodoxy has been written by Petros Botsis. The title is "What is Orthodoxy?". Check out also the Catechism of St Philaret Metropolitan of Moscow.
  14. Athanasios Koukopoulos

    Guided tour in an historic church of Thessaloniki for free!

    A few (even Thessalonians...) are familiar with one of the most historic parishes of the city, the church of St Athanasius the Great (87 Egnatias str.). Guided tours are offered every Wednesday at 10:30 and 11:00 am (FOR FREE)! You can see details in the announcements hung outside the church...
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