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dubai_suzie

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Anyone have insight on this?
 
Anyone have insight on this?
It's called "chrismation" relatively to the Orthodox Church, a ritual adopted by the Catholic Church and is called "cresima" in Italian. In both cases, the key concept is Chrisma or Anointing with blessed oil whereby the anointed person receives the Holy Ghost and his gifts (wisdom etc.) An online article says that in the early Church, there was an immediate succession of baptism, chismation, and eucharistic partaking. However, I have not found any cogent explanation why there should be a chrismation at all after baptism which supposedly restores a person to the original state of grace. //Originally it was adults that were baptised, etc. When they started baptising babies and fathers were not present, some person was chosen to take the place of a father (called "compare" in Italian). The baby is asked various questions and either the father or the compare answers for him: he acts by proxy. Quod quaeris? (What are you seeking? -- Salutem aeternam (eternal salvation). What do you believe? -- I believe in God almighty... //Then the baptism (either by immersion or by pouring water) is performed.// When a youngster comes of age, around puberty, he is asked to personally confirm his faith, wherefore, in English, chrismation is called Confirmation; he becomes a Christian by his own choice rather than by proxy. This is my opinion. Once I heard or read a stupid alternative: The anointing makes one a soldier of Christ... hence, in medieval history, a Templar (technically called Miles Christi -- a soldier of Christ, instituted by Bernard of Clairveaux, who sent a small troup to the conquered Jerusalem in order to find the lost Ark of the Covenant, but this is a different story).
 
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It's called "chrismation" relatively to the Orthodox Church, a ritual adopted by the Catholic Church and is called "cresima" in Italian. In both cases, the key concept is Chrisma or Anointing with blessed oil whereby the anointed person receives the Holy Ghost and his gifts (wisdom etc.) An online article says that in the early Church, there was an immediate succession of baptism, chismation, and eucharistic partaking. However, I have not found any cogent explanation why there should be a chrismation at all after baptism which supposedly restores a person to the original state of grace. //Originally it was adults that were baptised, etc. When they started baptising babies and fathers were not present, some person was chosen to take the place of a father (called "compare" in Italian). The baby is asked various questions and either the father or the compare answers for him: he acts by proxy. Quod quaeris? (What are you seeking? -- Salutem aeternam (eternal salvation). What do you believe? -- I believe in God almighty... //Then the baptism (either by immersion or by pouring water) is performed.// When a youngster comes of age, around puberty, he is asked to personally confirm his faith, wherefore, in English, chrismation is called Confirmation; he becomes a Christian by his own choice rather than by proxy. This is my opinion. Once I heard or read a stupid alternative: The anointing makes one a soldier of Christ... hence, in medieval history, a Templar (technically called Miles Christi -- a soldier of Christ, instituted by Bernard of Clairveaux, who sent a small troup to the conquered Jerusalem in order to find the lost Ark of the Covenant, but this is a different story).
Where did you get this from? I would love to read more :)
 
I am sorry I am unable to cite written sources. My mention of Italian words and matters are due to the fact that I was born and raised in Italy. (In my high school in Rome, we studied Latin, classical Greek, Greek literature in translation, a modern foreign language, in my case French and then English.) Especially later, I made researches into many fields of occasional interest and, for instance, I read the words that are used during baptism in the Latin rite. I learned about ancient Roman customs and practices, such as a father's proxy [on behalf] function: if a child destroys somebody's property, his father has to pay for the damages, etc. Especially for "chrismation" as one of the received sacraments, I learned from the just consulted Wikipedia. I mentioned the Templars incidentally but unnecessarily. Many years ago, I researched extensively the Templars and, to begin with, tried of find the real causes of the Crusades and the occupation of Jerusalem in 1099; I used 4 videotapes by British researchers (Hamilton; Lincoln) about the Ark, Rennes-le-chateau, the Sauniere priest, etc. [I prepared an article -- a sort of linguistic detective story -- and posted it in a now defunct Yahoo Community.] / One thing I had thought of adding above: The English equivalent of It. "compare" [or "cumpa`" in some dialects] is "godfather" but, through some movies, this word now means "leader/chief of a mafia family". The name "mafia or maffia" was derived in Sicily from "mapsios" (insensitive), which became corrupted into "maffios[o]" -- to designate a certain blackmailing or criminal person. (That's my own etymology.)
 
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I am sorry I am unable to cite written sources. My mention of Italian words and matters are due to the fact that I was born and raised in Italy. (In my high school in Rome, we studied Latin, classical Greek, Greek literature in translation, a modern foreign language, in my case French and then English.) Especially later, I made researches into many fields of occasional interest and, for instance, I read the words that are used during baptism in the Latin rite. I learned about ancient Roman customs and practices, such as a father's proxy [on behalf] function: if a child destroys somebody's property, his father has to pay for the damages, etc. Especially for "chrismation" as one of the received sacraments, I learned from the just consulted Wikipedia. I mentioned the Templars incidentally but unnecessarily. Many years ago, I researched extensively the Templars and, to begin with, tried of find the real causes of the Crusades and the occupation of Jerusalem in 1099; I used 4 videotapes by British researchers (Hamilton; Lincoln) about the Ark, Rennes-le-chateau, the Sauniere priest, etc. [I prepared an article -- a sort of linguistic detective story -- and posted it in a now defunct Yahoo Community.] / One thing I had thought of adding above: The English equivalent of It. "compare" [or "cumpa`" in some dialects] is "godfather" but, through some movies, this word now means "leader/chief of a mafia family". The name "mafia or maffia" was derived in Sicily from "mapsios" (insensitive), which became corrupted into "maffios[o]" -- to designate a certain blackmailing or criminal person. (That's my own etymology.)
This is so interesting thank you, I think I may take your information and do a bit more research on Wikipedia. I wish I had learned so much in school just like you, the European education system is far superior, especially in terms of language and culture.
 

Netflix Show about Alexander the Great

I just noticed there was a show about Alexander the Great on Netflix. How is it?

I have been noticing some buzz that it's fairly controversial, but those who are unhappy about it ... I can't tell if they actually know about him, or if they are just upset about how he was depicted.

I am trying to figure out if I want to watch it so your honest reviews are welcome.

I have studied Alexander the Great a little bit and no a bit about his life, so I am sincerely hoping it's worth my time. I am between shows at the moment.

Greek family customs - Personal related

Hi there. Not sure if this is the right forum, but I've got some personal issues with my family. My brother in law (73) is Greek. His wife (my sister) is not. They have a daughter (34) (my niece) that "sides" more with the Greek culture.

My niece has never left home, and has never paid rent or paid for food. She's been mostly jobless although she has worked a few jobs here and there. My sister is fed up with it, but when she confronts my BIL, he says "Greeks don't do that". And what he is implying (I guess) is that Greeks take care of their family in this way.

My BIL had a stroke many years ago and his health is declining rapidly. I am advocating for an attendant to come into the house every day and get him dressed, showered, make him meals, etc. My sister is 73 and she can't physically handle this. She also doesn't want to devote every waking moment to keeping an eye on him. When she suggests an attendant, again, "Greeks don't do that".

Now I'm pretty sure this is all BS, but would love to get some input from any Greek people in this forum.

Greek Easter Family Traditions

I am curious what your family traditions are for Greek Easter. I know lent hasn't even started yet, but I've started doing some planning to make sure my family has all of its traditions all set. Sometimes it takes me a while to find ingredients for some of the foods I serve, etc.

Of course we spend Holy Week in church. We do our best to fast during Lent, and once Easter comes, it's all about serving our traditional dishes. This year I might spend part of lent in Greece to visit some religious sites.

What do you guys all do?

Where did plate smashing come from?

When Greeks feel happy and are dancing and have a good time, they've been known to smash plates. I've seen it! It's not just a tourist thing - but they don't do it much because I am sure they won't want to smash their expensive dish wear.

I was just at a wedding and they had purchased plates to smash - so basically they were cheap throwaway plates that actually smashed really well. I almost wonder if they were made for the purpose...

It got me thinking - where did this tradition come from? Does anyone know?

Tips for Learning and Teaching Greek

I know how to speak Greek okay, but I am not great at it. I want to brush up on my skills, and I also want to teach some of my family members. I am good enough at it to the learn the basics. I am looking for advice, but I've also compiled some ideas:

1. Spend an extended period of time in Greece

There’s no better way to learn Greek than to immerse yourself in the language and culture of Greece. If you have the opportunity, consider spending an extended time in Greece, studying or working, taking a sabbatical, or just exploring the country. Living in Greece can help you understand the nuances of the language, such as the different accents, dialects, and slang that are used. You’ll also have the chance to practice your Greek with locals, watch Greek TV or films, and read Greek books or newspapers. I would imagine this is the best way to learn fast!

2. Use a language program

If you can’t travel to Greece or you prefer a more structured approach to learning Greek, consider using a language program. There are many language programs available online or in your local area, ranging from self-paced courses to interactive classes. Some popular language programs for Greek include Rosetta Stone, Duolingo, and Pimsleur. From what I understand these are all great options and I can learn at my own pace.

3. Take classes

Taking classes is another excellent way to learn Greek, especially if you prefer face-to-face interaction and feedback. You can find Greek language classes in community colleges, universities, language schools, or private tutors. Taking classes can help you improve your Greek skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing. You’ll have a teacher who can guide you through the learning process, answer your questions, and give you homework or assignments that challenge you. You’ll also have classmates who share your passion for Greek and can practice with you.

4. Find ways to immerse yourself outside of Greece

Even if you can’t go to Greece or attend classes, you can still immerse yourself in Greek in your daily life. One way is to find Greek-speaking communities or events in your area, such as cultural centers, festivals, or meetups. You can also use online resources to connect with Greek speakers, such as language exchange websites, social media groups, or chat apps. Listening to Greek music, watching Greek videos or podcasts, or reading Greek literature can also help you familiarize yourself with the sounds and patterns of the language.

Honestly, I plan to try all 4 - whatever I can do. I think it will all help.
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