According to the Greek Orthodox calendar, today, 13 December, we honour the following names and Saints.
Tag: Faith
On November 21, 1973, a miraculous event in Karditsa captured the hearts of Orthodox Christians when witnesses reported seeing an icon of the Virgin Mary weeping during the Feast of the Entrance. This phenomenon served as a beacon of hope and comfort, highlighting the enduring presence and intercession of the Theotokos in the lives of the faithful
In an atmosphere of deep reverence and spiritual joy, the icon of Panagia Faneromeni “Vathyrriakos”…
In a heartfelt interview on The 2Night Show, NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the “Greek Freak,” opened up about his deep ties to Greece, his love for his wife Mariah, and his dream of ending his basketball career in his homeland. “Family comes first,” he said, crediting his faith and wife for grounding him amidst fame. The 30-year-old Milwaukee Bucks star shared nostalgic memories of his Athens childhood and expressed his desire to return to Greece, possibly joining a team like Filathlitikos or Olympiacos. His words resonated with Greeks worldwide, blending humility with an inspiring vision for the future.
On 17 September, Greece honours Saint Sophia and her daughters — Faith, Hope and Love — at Thessaloniki’s historic Church of Saint Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Byzantine mosaics and centuries of cultural and religious history.
On the Greek island of Tinos, more than a thousand private chapels are lovingly maintained by families across generations. These small, whitewashed stone churches serve as sites of faith, community, and tradition, hosting annual festivals that honor saints and the Virgin Mary. For locals, the chapels are not just places of worship—they are treasured heirlooms that connect past and present, family and community.
Celebrating 36 years of ministry, the Greek Orthodox Metropolis of Boston Camp (MBC) welcomed more than 600 campers and 100 volunteer staff members to its summer program in Contoocook, New Hampshire— the camp’s most attended season in over a decade.
Serbian tennis star Novak Djokovic and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Panagia Evangelistria Church in Tinos to venerate the Megalochari icon during Djokovic’s summer vacation. The visit underscores Djokovic’s spiritual ties to Greece and his potential plans to relocate to the country.
Pope Leo XIV has expressed solidarity with Ukrainian Greek Catholics amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, assuring them that “life will triumph over death”.
Mel Gibson is reportedly staying at the Holy Monastery of Hilandar on Mount Athos for a spiritual retreat. The actor and director, known for The Passion of the Christ, has openly discussed his Christian faith and the challenges it faces in Hollywood, as highlighted in a recent interview on The Joe Rogan Experience. His visit underscores his dedication to his faith and its influence on his life and work.
Hollywood star Mel Gibson visits Hilandar Monastery in Greece, reflecting on Christianity’s challenges in the film industry.
On May 4, 2025, the Hellenic Presidential Guard, the Evzones, brought a profound sense of pride and unity to Sydney’s Greek Orthodox communities in Kogarah and Belmore. Their historic visit, marked by solemn ceremonies and vibrant cultural celebrations, honored shared Greek-Australian heritage during ANZAC commemorations.
On the fourth anniversary of her mother Stavroula “Litsa” Menounos’ passing, Maria Menounos shared a heartfelt Instagram post, reflecting on her grief and commitment to spreading joy. “Every time Athena says something or does something new I feel a tug in my heart,” she wrote, noting Father Georgios’ advice to find happiness and bring “light and joy” through her work. To honor her mother, Menounos planned to dance, sing, and enjoy strawberries and cheese, celebrating her daughter Athena as a gift from her mother.
Excavations beneath the Basilica of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, ongoing since 2022, uncovered evidence of an ancient quarry later used as a cemetery and agricultural site. Led by Professor Francesca Romana Stasolla, the findings trace the site’s history to the Iron Age, offering clues about its transformation from a quarry to a sacred Christian site.
On Good Friday, April 18, 2025, Greek Orthodox Christians in Damascus held an Epitaphios procession, proudly raising the Byzantine double-headed eagle flag
Dyeing Easter eggs red is a cherished Greek tradition steeped in centuries of symbolism. Known as kokkina avga, these eggs represent life, death, and resurrection, with their crimson hue symbolizing Christ’s blood. From the protective rituals of Holy Thursday to the playful tsougrisma game, this custom blends faith, legend, and cultural memory.
On Good Friday, the coastal villages of Greece’s Peloponnese transform into scenes of profound faith as the Epitaphios, a symbolic bier of Christ, is carried into the sea. In Loutraki, Tolo, Kitries, Agios Andreas, and Tyros, fishermen guide the sacred procession through the waves under flickering candlelight and bursts of fireworks. From Tolo’s Cretan-inspired rites to Tyros’ sea of lanterns honoring lost sailors, these unique traditions weave spirituality with the region’s deep maritime heritage, captivating locals and visitors alike.
On Holy Thursday, Greek singer Nikos Oikonomopoulos shared a moving message on Instagram, accompanied by an image of Jesus Christ on the Cross. “His love does not speak—it is crucified,” he wrote. “Christ bows, serves, and walks to the Cross. Not out of weakness, but out of love
In a dramatic clash in Lamia, Greece, on March 27, 2025, Archimandrite Ignatios Sapios, a controversial cleric, erupted in fury after traffic police removed the license plates from his illegally parked car. Waving a chalice and claiming he had just administered Holy Communion to a dying woman, Sapios hurled insults and curses at the officers, calling them “Kasselakis’ kids,” before attempting to physically resist. The chaotic scene, captured on video, ended with his arrest and transfer to a psychiatric clinic in Larissa, reigniting debates about faith, authority, and the law in modern Greece.
Archbishop Elpidophoros compared Trump to Constantine the Great at a White House Greek Independence Day event, gifting him a cross. Representing 3 million Greek Americans, he praised Trump’s leadership, bridging faith and heritage.
President Konstantinos Tasoulas hailed the Greek diaspora in a March 21 message, marking the 204th anniversary of the 1821 Revolution. ‘With emotion, we celebrate our National Regeneration—a beacon of freedom and democracy,’ he said, praising their role from Vienna to Odessa and urging unity for a strong Greece and a free Cyprus.
Archbishop Elpidophoros of America has called the election of Archbishop Ioannis of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania a “historical moment” for the Church of Albania. Noting Ioannis’ studies at Hellenic College Holy Cross in Boston, he praised the late Archbishop Anastasios for reviving the Greek Orthodox community into a beacon of faith. Elpidophoros offered prayers for Ioannis’ strength and wisdom in leading the church forward.
Dr. Deanna Shrodes claims a divine miracle led her to her long-lost father and inspired her to document other extraordinary stories of faith and prayer in her book Uncommon Answers. From a teen’s cancer recovery to a woman overcoming infertility, she argues miracles are more common than we think—and all it takes is listening to God.
In a recent social media post, singer Nikos Oikonomopoulos addressed the violent incident that occurred at the National Gallery, instigated by Nikos Papadopoulos, an MP from the “Victory” party. Oikonomopoulos called for remembering faith with kindness and humility.
The funeral of Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania was held in Tirana, with Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew presiding over the ceremony. Dignitaries from Greece and Albania, including Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, attended to pay their respects. Anastasios was hailed as a visionary leader who revitalized the Orthodox Church in Albania, fostering interfaith dialogue and strengthening ties between Greece and Albania.
Amidst a starkly non-festive backdrop in the Middle East, Oleksandr Usyk prepares for his rematch with Tyson Fury, drawing strength from his unwavering Orthodox Christian faith.
In a revealing interview, iconic singer Anna Vissi discusses her departure from traditional religious teachings, critiques controversial clerical remarks, and shares her perspective on addiction, sparking widespread interest and debate.
According to the Greek Orthodox calendar, today, 13 December, we honour the following names and Saints.
In an insightful interview, singer Josephine shared her journey of faith and music. She discussed her baptism five years ago, a pivotal moment she chose with the support of her parents, which she feels positively impacted her career. Josephine also opened up about her relationship with her mother, who is also a singer, and her partnership with Nino, highlighting the importance of honesty and independence in her life.
Saint James of Persia, initially swayed by the Persian emperor to renounce his Christian faith, found redemption through the prayers of his family. His renewed conviction led to his martyrdom, exemplifying the power of repentance and the path to holiness.
