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alatismeni-theitsa · 4 years

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This post is based on my knowledge of traditions of the north and center mainland of Greece. However, I am pretty sure most of those things apply to Greek Orthodox people universally. Needless to say, each village and town can has its own local traditions when it comes to religious occasions.

I am a Greek Orthodox living in Greece, raised into the religion.

I will translate some phrases directly, hoping to give a more “raw” meaning.

If you are not sure you understood about certain information in the post, feel free to ask me on Tumblr!

Google Drive Link for the post in .docx format

Table of Contents

Philosophy.

The Church as a building and as a center of faith.

Chapels and even smaller churches.

The Communion.

Livanisma / Thimiama – Incense burning.

Home Altars.

Clothing.

Komboskini - The prayer rope.

Tama - Votive

Crosses in high places.

Wedding

Baptism

Wedding & Baptism.

Burial customs and honoring the dead.

Agiasmos - Blessing.

Protomaya.

Martis - The protective bracelet of Spring.

Easter Traditions.

Vasilopita on Christmas

Kalanda

Mount Athos

Pilgrimage to Tinos

The Catching of the Cross

More customs

Random Information

1. Philosophy

Love and Forgiveness are the main pillars of the faith. Some people follow the Bible to the letter, others pick the parts that think reflect our age and most of people keep the general message of the teachings. The Holy Texts are interpreted differently by different people and there can be contradictions in lifestyles and believes. However, the notion that having love and forgiving is what makes you a Christian is widely believed.

Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. - 1 John 4:8

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.- 1 Corinthians 13:4-5

There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. - 1 John 4:18

Don’t say ‘I am hated, and that’s why I do not love‘. For this is why you out to love the most. - Ioannis Chrysostomos

“But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” Luke 6:27

“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” - Luke 6:37

"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.' " - Matthew 18:21-22

2. The Church as a building and as a center of faith

Jesus and the Apostles gave us some directions for the worship but most of practices, as well as the architecture of worship came from the Greeks themselves. I jokingly say that Greeks are low key pagans, because religion didn't change the culture. (It did, but only a bit). Christians first worshipped inside the old temples of the Hellenic gods (the Parthenon was once the temple of Virgin Mary) and they built their first churches in that style. The architecture changed with time but it still carries the mark of ancient temples.

Agios Demetrios Thessalonikis

In this link you can view the different styles of architecture for Greek Orthodox Churches. (Link)

In Orthodox churches you don't have to have a feeling of the dominance of God, like in the Catholic or protestant churches, but a feeling of warmth and belonging. In the hall you can buy a candle to light on a display of candles in the hall, to get a blessing for yourself and the soul of anyone you want. Nobody supervises you there.

You can also not pay but I haven't seen anyone not giving money, so far. After that you kiss all the icons displayed in the hall and cross yourself.

As you enter church, men on the left side, women on the right. There is also a special place for women, an interior balcony which is really cool and women go there if they want to. Nowadays man and women can go there.

3. Chapels and even smaller churches

Chapels serve the same purpose as churches but liturgies rarely happen in them. You can get married in them sometimes.

They can be carved in stone or into a cave - even in a tree or in between multiple trees.

The also exist in big hospitals to bless the patients and invite people to pray for their sick.

They can be seen in some big hotels, too!

But the churches can become even smaller!

Traveling the roads of Greece you will see dollhouse-sized roadside chapels. Some are elaborate little things made of terracotta or even marble, plonked in the middle of nowhere, high up in the mountains; no village or houses for miles, and yet impossibly, most of them are faithfully maintained with a candle always burning inside.

There’s a number of reasons for these heartfelt shrines, some as old as the roads themselves. Placed by the roadside, an initial assumption is that they’re built to remember a victim of a traffic accident victim, and sometimes this is exactly the case. But just as often, shrines will be built by survivors of accidents, thanking a saint at the location of their ordeal.

They can be found in home yards of people who want to come closer to God

4. The Communion

We all take part in Communion with the same spoon. The Communion has bread crumbs in. Even babies drink a tiny bit of the wine (blood of Christ). Traditionally you were "unpure" if you had your period - others believed the blood of Christ would come out of you as period blood if you drunk it, so generally getting the communion during your period is a no for many.

5. Livanisma / Thimiama – Incense burning

Today, Orthodox Christians use incense throughout the church services. The priest “censes” certain areas at certain parts of the liturgy. The incense is placed inside a device known as a “censor”, which is fairly ornate in appearance and has bells on it so that we not only smell the fragrance, but hear the jingling sound as the priest uses it. This action is meant to remind us that are prayers are rising to the heavens to be heard by God.

Typically in the Orthodox Church, dried incense cones are used. In order to provide the heat needed to allow the cones to burn, a special type of charcoal is used. You also may burn resin, such as Frankincense or Myrrh, directly in an incense burner using charcoal without taking the extra step of mixing it with a binding agent.

Churches often get their incense from special suppliers and maybe even monasteries where the monks or nuns make their own. Typical scents that are used include Frankincense, Myrrh, and Rose.

The believers can also burn incense in their homes and say prayers to ward of Evil.

6. Home Altars

An Orthodox Christian is expected to pray (to be connected with God) constantly. According to Bishop Kallistos Ware, "In Orthodox spirituality, [there is] no separation between liturgy and private devotion." Thus the house, just like the Temple (church building), is considered to be a consecrated place, and the center of worship in the house is the icon corner.

An icon corner is normally oriented to face east. It is often located in a corner to eliminate worldly distractions and allow prayer to be more concentrated. Here is where the icons that the family owns should be located, normally including at least icons of Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the Patron Saint(s) of the family.

An oil lamp normally hangs in front of the icons. The careful trimming of the lamp to keep it burning at all times is interpreted as symbolic of the attentive daily care faithful Christians should take over their souls. Relics of saints (if the family possesses any) and a Gospel Book and a blessing cross would be kept there, as well as incense, holy water, palms and pussywillow from Palm Sunday, candles from Pascha (Easter), and other sacred items, as well as a personal Commemoration Book (containing the names of family and loved ones, both living and departed, to be remembered in prayer).

7. Clothing

People should enter the church in modest attire. No shorts and no short skirts. Women don’t need to cover their head. In fact, almost no woman under 80 covers her head in church.

With special occasions being the exception, Greek Orthodox Priests wear a black himation because of the fall of Constantinople. They wear it all the time, even to grocery shopping. They have long hair and beard. In rare cases you will see women dressed with a long black cloth - something like a burqa but the whole face is uncovered. They are nuns or devoted to Christ.

8. Komboskini - The prayer rope

The prayer rope, known in Greek as a κομποσκίνι (komboskini), has long been a powerful weapon for the Orthodox Christian. It has a very simple design, but is filled with meaning. The rope typically comes in one of three lengths, 33 knots, 50 knots, or 100 knots, though there are some in use which are as long as 500 knots. The 33 knots of the shorter rope symbolize the 33 years Christ spent on earth.

It is used in conjunction with the Prayer of the Heart. On each knot is said, "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." This prayer is occasionally shortened to, "Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me," and other prayers are sometimes said, such as, "God be merciful to me a sinner." Prostrations can also be made with each prayer or after a certain number of prayers. By carrying a prayer rope on us discreetly, we are reminded to “pray without ceasing”.

The prayer rope is attributed to St. Pachomius (4th century). The devil would untie the simple knots he would make to count his prayers. Inspired by a vision from an angel of God, St. Pachomius was able to create a special knot composed of nine interconnected crosses (representing the nine angelic classes), that the devil was unable to untie.

9. Tama - Votive

Tama is a form of votive offering or ex-voto used in the Eastern Orthodox Churches, particularly the Greek Orthodox Church. Tamata are usually small metal plaques, which may be of base or precious metal, usually with an embossed image symbolizing the subject of prayer for which the plaque is offered.

The tradition comes from the ancient years, when Greeks offered metal or marble plaques to the gods, often for the cure of an ailment. Eyes may indicate an eye affliction, hands or legs may indicate maladies of the limbs, a pair of wedding crowns may mean a prayer for a happy marriage, etc.

Tama also means Promise. Usually the believers promise something to a saint in exchange for their help on something. My aunt made a tama to the saint Anastasia Farmakolitra ("saves through medicine") to change her name day from the day of the Resurrection to the day of Anastasia Farmakolitra's day if her daughter passed to Pharmaceutical School. Many promise to light big candles (Lambathes) as an offering to the saint or make a donation to their church. Making a lambatha in your height is a standard tama.

10. Crosses in high places

The Greeks want to feel watched over by the Divine but also leave their mark in the area they live. A way to show their devotion is to place big crosses in hills and mountains which overlook their city, town or village.

In some cases you find those crosses in high, remote places.

Some crosses light up at night!

11. Wedding

When the priest says "and the woman should fear the man" in a wedding, the bride may step on the groom's foot to show dominance.

In the bride’s shoe sole her unmarried friends write their names. The woman whose name fades first will be the first to marry

The relatives also put money into the shoe of the bride “so it can fit better“ - but really it’s just a gesture to give money to the couple

The Crowning is the highlight and focal point of the Sacrament of Holy matrimony. The priest then takes two wedding crowns (stefana), and blesses the bride and groom in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and then places the crowns upon their heads. The Best Man or Best Woman then interchanges the crowns three times as a witness to the sealing of the union. People keep their stefana in their house and even frame them.

12. Baptism

Greeks take their names from their grandparents (since ancient years) and the name is kept a secret until the baptism.

It is a ceremonial moment because prior to the Christening, the individual is not yet part of the church family. In the church hall the priest asks the person to be christened to renounce Satan. If the individual is an infant, the godparent does it for the child. In the next major part of the ceremony, the person being baptized is immersed in the water three times, which is symbolic of Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. The person is oiled - so they can be blessed and slip from the hands of Satan - and a tuft from their head is cut - to symbolize new beginnings, devotion to Christ and to give Satan less hair to grab them from. If baptized as an infant, after immersion the child is placed in the arms of the godparent with a white sheet, which symbolizes purity. Then, the child receives the sacrament of Chrismation.

The godparent gifts a golden cross to the baptized and, as long as the baptized is young, they buy them shoes for Christmas and an Easter Candle for Easter.

13. Wedding & Baptism

You can do a wedding-baptism to save money. First the marriage, then the baptism. If the child is about to die before a baptism gets arranged - God forbid - they get baptized in the air (and not in water) by a priest.

Koufeta (Sugar Coated Almonds) are mainly served in weddings but also when wedding and baptism happen in the same day. They are placed in little bags in odd numbers and are served on a silver tray. Odd numbers are indivisible, symbolizing how the newlyweds will share everything and remain undivided. Tradition holds that if an unmarried woman puts the almonds under her pillow, she'll dream of her future husband.

After wedding and/or baptism there is - of course - a feast with hundreds of guests.

14. Burial customs and honoring the dead

Pouring wine on the graves during the burial, as an offering or to prevent the dead from coming to life. (I am not sure but that is probably wine blessed in the church).

There is a feast after every mystery. Even funerals.There are more feasts for the dead as time passes. You have to do them in 3 days, 9 days and 40 days. You don't have to do all of them but it's showing respect to the dead and most people do them. 3 and 40 days feast are very important. For the 40 days feast - as for the funeral - there are flyers on the area, which invite people. When 1 year and 3 years pass you go to Church and the priest mentions the name of the dead in the blessings and later comes from the grave to chant.

During the Sabbath of Souls you have to bring koliva (wheat) to offer to the dead in the family. Supposedly the dead "feed" from them. So it has to be boiled!

Charon is the one who takes souls in our recent tradition.

Graves stones often have sketched pictures or photos of the deceased on them.

15. Agiasmos - Blessing

The start of the New Year in the tradition of the Orthodox Church is marked with the blessing of homes and businesses with Holy Water, or an Agiasmos (literally, to make blessed). This practice commences immediately following the Feast of the Theophany (the annual celebration and remembrance of the Baptism of Jesus Christ – January 6). This blessing is not something done for good luck or to prevent bad luck, but rather a blessing to help strengthen and protect.

The following items are needed for the ceremony:

Small or medium size bowl, filled halfway with cold tap water

Small twig of fresh basil (floral kind)

Icon displayed behind the bowl

Hand censer, lit and burning incense during the service

The service is also provided in schools when the new school year starts. This is a particular occasion which can be annoying but also fun for the students because... water shower! Please watch this video (Link). I love it because the priest comes too close to the children - sometimes they want to bless too much - and the kids try to avoid getting wet from head to toe!

16. Protomaya

May, according to Greek folklore, has two meanings: The good and the bad, rebirth and death. The custom celebrates the final victory of the summer against winter as the victory of the life against death go back at the ancient years and accumulated at the first day of May. This day was also dedicated to the goddess of agriculture Dimitra and her daughter Persephone, who this day emerges from the under world and comes to earth. Her coming to earth from Hades marks the blooming of nature and the birth of summer.

Another ancient celebration that Protomagia has its roots is Anthestiria, a celebration in honor of Dionysos (the Greek God of theater and parties) a festival of souls, plants and flowers, celebrating the rebirth of man and nature.

The custom of May 1st is to decorate the doors of houses with flower wreaths in a way to welcome the power of nature into our home. The wreath is made from various flowers, handpicked and knitted together. In some parts of Asia Minor, people put on each wreath, except flowers, a garlic for the evil eye, a thorn to protect the house from enemies and an ear for good harvest. The wreaths adorn the doors of the houses until the day of St. John the Harvester (June 24) when all the wreaths of the neighborhood are gathered and burnt in a big fire, the fire of the saint.

See my hashtag #protomaya for more

17. Martis - The protective bracelet of Spring

It’s said it’s an ancient tradition dating back to the cults of Demeter and Persephone. Eleusis was the ancient city where the ancients performed secret rites for the cult. As a form of initiation into the cult, which was one of the Eleusinian Mysteries, the faithful wore a bracelet called a “kroki” around both their right hand and left ankle. Amazingly, the ancient tradition still lives on today in modern Greece. However, there are certain rules that one must abide by when creating and wearing the symbolic bracelet which celebrates the arrival of Spring.

Most importantly, the bracelet must be woven on the last day of February and it must be made of white and red thread. The white thread of the bracelet symbolizes purity while the red represents life and passion.

In ancient times, people believed that the bracelet helped protect the person who was wearing it from diseases, as well as the strong rays of the spring sun during the month of March. Today they say it protects from the strong rays but also the cold of March. Since it’s a transitional month you can burn from the sunrays but you also need wood for your fireplace!

Part of the ancient tradition in Greece calls for the person wearing their red and white “Martis” bracelet to take it off and tie it to the first flowering tree they see in March, in order to yield a healthy harvest and to keep the tree healthy.

Another practice with Martis bracelets occurs when the first swallow of the Spring is sighted. The first person who sees a swallow upon the bird’s return from its winter migration, ties their bracelet around the nearest rose bush to encourage the bird to make its nest there.

18. Easter Traditions

Easter is the biggest celebration of the Greek Orthodox tradition. The Holy Week, preceding Easter Sunday, is a time to ponder on Jesus’ Passion and Crucifixion. It is often regarded as an opportunity for body cleansing through fasting, visiting their town of origin and embracing local traditions.

We fast for 40 days (cutting more and more foods every week). Before the fasting we have Tsiknopempti when we eat as much meat as we want, to give our body what it needs before cutting it for 40 days. (It's sort of a celebration and people go out). University restaurants and private restaurants always have fasting options this period. The first day of the fasting is called Clean Monday and it's also like a celebration. It’s the first day we start eating “fasting” food and we also fly kites!

Kyra Sarakosti - Lady Lent

She can be made out of paper or dough. Lady Lent has seven feet. They represent the seven weeks of Lent. Each passing week, on each Saturday, children get to break off one foot. This is a great visual way to countdown the weeks until Easter.

Lady Lent has no mouth. The missing mouth symbolizes fasting. No consumption of meat, dairy products or eggs. She has no ears, this means that she refuses to listen to gossip. Her cross represents the easter religious services in the church, her hands are folded for prayer.

After the last foot is cut off, it is tradition to place this foot in a bowl with fruits and nuts and whoever finds it receives a special blessing.

You don't have to fast if you don't want to. Fasting from bad thoughts and words is equally - if not more important - than food fasting.

Epitaphios threnos (funerary lamentation) is the name of the matins of Holy Saturday, served in Good Friday evening. Within a liturgical context, this is also the name of an icon, usually made of cloth and richly embroidered, depicting the body of Christ being laid in the grave, often by the Virgin Mary and some disciples.

On Good Friday morning, the icon is placed on a platform, resembling a bier, typically topped with an elaborately carved wood canopy. In most cases, the canopy is heavily decorated with ornate flower arrangements, ribbons and sometimes candles. Young girls (the "virgins") have to adorn it with flowers.

Throughout the day, people can come into the church and venerate it. Kids have to pass under the platform in order to take a blessing.

In the evening the service begins; near the end of the ceremony, the canopied platform bearing the icon is lifted on the shoulders of priests or churchgoers (usually four to six people) and carried through the streets followed by the believers.

In towns with more than one parish, the processions starting from different churches may converge to a single spot (usually the town square), where they temporarily stop and a common hymn is sung before they resume their routes. In large towns, the chants are often performed by a marching band.

The epitaphs in the Central Square of Larissa (Short Video)

These practices have numerous variations according to regional traditions. On the island of Zakynthos in the Ionian, instead of an embroidered cloth, a lamb is used: this is a figure of the dead body of Christ, cut out from board and painted from both sides, placed vertically so that it can be seen from either side of the bier. Another famous custom, the “burning of Judas”, where an effigy of Judas is set aflame on a bonfire, is usually regarded as an Easter Sunday ritual; in some parts of Thrace and Macedonia, however, it takes place on Good Friday, after the procession. In some coastal towns, most notably on the islands of Hydra and Tinos, the men carrying the Epitaphios march right into the sea, until they are at least waist-deep in water, where they may remain for several minutes, often holding the platform high to protect it. During this time, prayers are said for the welfare and safe return of the many seafarers coming from those communities.

Watch footage from the Epitaphios procession in Kaminia, Hydra (Short Video Link)

Τhe flowers used for the adorning of the Epitaphios are considered blessed and women used to put them under their pillow for protection or to dream their future husband, or to put them in talismen for their beloved or use them as medicine, or they put them in the home altar.

On 00:01 on Easter Sunday the priests happily chant "Christ has risen from the dead!" in one of the most known and iconic chants in Greek Orthodoxy. There are fireworks and we kiss each other on the cheek having this exchange: - Christ has risen! - True! This exchange is used by many as a greeting for 40 days after the resurrection. In the Resurrection the priest offers the Holy Light and people go to get it and pass it to their own company or anyone else who asks for it. The candle is held in candles you buy yourself but for children their god parents buy them. With the smoke of this fire you make a cross above your door and you don't clean it up - never. A door can have multiple black crosses above it. With the Holy Light you light up the lamps of your home altar. Some people have breaking eggs contests right after the announcement of the Resurrection, others do them when they come home. We also eat a special soup that night called Magiritsa. It has meat so with this we cut our feast. When the morning comes we host family gatherings and eat as much meat as we want.

19. Vasilopita on Christmas

The Greek word Vasilopita is directly translated as “Sweet Bread of Basil”. When the Vasilopita is prepared, a coin is baked into the ingredients. When the observance begins, usually on New Years Day, the bread is traditionally cut by the senior member of the family, and the individual who receives the portion of the Pita which contains the coin is considered Blessed for the New Year.

Vasilopita is also cut in educational institues and the workplace. Whoever finds the coin usually receives a gift.

This age old tradition commenced in the fourth century, when Saint Basil the Great, who was a bishop, wanted to distribute money to the poor in his Diocese. He wanted to preserve their dignity, so as not to look like charity, he commissioned some women to bake sweetened bread, in which he arranged to place gold coins. Thus the families in cutting the bread to nourish themselves, were pleasantly surprised to find the coins.

20. Kalanda

Caroling (kalanda) has roots in ancient Greece. Children would carry small boats and sing songs honoring Dionysius. In Ancient Greece the children would praise the head of the household. At this time in history they would also gift the head of the household with an olive branch, which signified prosperity. Greek Christmas carols date back to the Byzantine times.

After singing for the household, the children receive money (and sometimes sweets). Before the financial crisis one could gather hundreds of euros from Kalanda.

Children say Kalanda on Christmas Eve, on New Years Eve, on Epiphany Even and Lazaros Sabbath. The songs are different for those four occasions.

21. Mount Athos

Mount Athos is a mountain and peninsula in northeastern Greece and an important centre of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. It is governed as an autonomous polity within the Hellenic Republic. Mount Athos is home to 20 monasteries. It’s commonly referred to as Agion Oros (Άγιον Όρος, 'Holy Mountain').

According to the Athonite tradition, the Virgin Mary was sailing accompanied by St John the Evangelist from Joppa to Cyprus to visit Lazarus. When the ship was blown off course to then-pagan Athos, it was forced to anchor near the port of Klement, close to the present monastery of Iviron. The Virgin walked ashore and, overwhelmed by the wonderful and wild natural beauty of the mountain, she blessed it and asked her Son for it to be her garden. From that moment the mountain was consecrated as the garden of the Mother of God and was out of bounds to all other women.

22. Pilgrimage to Tinos

15 August is a national holiday in Greece and sees a mass departure from the cities to the islands and holiday homes in the mainland. However one island in particular witnesses more activity than most; the island of Tinos. Across Tinos are churches and shrines, the most famous of which is Panagia Evangelistria, the most holy church in Greece which houses the ‘Miraculous Icon of Virgin Mary’. In the Greek Orthodox religion, the Icon is considered to be the protector of all of Greece.

In the Orthodox Church the 15th is ‘Virgin Mary Assumption Day’ where the Virgin is believed to have ascended to heaven. The ritual of travelling to pay homage to such a sacred Icon at this time is highly emotional for Pilgrims, with the Holy Icon in Tinos serving as a main passage between the Virgin and the believers who seek comfort and miracles on their trip.

Often pilgrims crawl to the church from the boats that they arrive on on their hands and knees to show their devotion and pray for compassion, good health and healing. The final part of the pilgrimage often happens in the blazing heat which makes the effort even more momentous.

The atmosphere at and around the Church in the days proceeding the event is sincere and intense. Other pilgrims will arrive at Tinos the night before and sleep in front of the Church to ensure they have the opportunity to see and pray to the Holy Icon.

On the day itself the Holy Icon is carried through the streets of Tinos by members of the Greek army and navy, followed by the Greek Orthodox priests, political figures and the public. The procession leads down to the port when the Icon is stationed on a marble podium and speeches are made. The desire of members of the public to touch the icon often leads to a frenetic atmosphere as pilgrims try to touch the Icon itself. After the procession and speeches the Holy Icon is returned to the Church.

__________________________________________

In the same day Epitaphs of the Virgin Mary are honored and are taken to the streets so everyone can pay their respects.

23. The Catching of the Cross

On the sixth of January, the Christmas holidays in Greece officially come to an end with the ‘festival of light’ (‘ton foton’ in Greek), also known as Epiphany.

In the Greek Orthodox Church, Epiphany is celebrated as the revelation of Christ as the messiah and second person of the trinity, at his baptism, by John the Baptist, in the River Jordan.   Another cause for celebration in the Greek Orthodox Church on this day is that Christ’s baptism was only one of two occasions when all three persons of the trinity revealed themselves, at the same time, to humanity:   God the Father, speaking from the clouds, God the Son, being baptized in the River Jordan, and God the Holy Spirit, revealed as a dove, descending from heaven.

On Epiphany, the Greek Orthodox Church performs   the ‘Great Blessing of the Waters’.  This ceremony is usually performed twice, once on the eve of Epiphany which is performed in the church, and then again on the actual day outdoors with priests blessing large bodies of water, sea, rivers, lakes etc.

The tradition is that   a priest, surrounded by brave young men and boys, throws a cross into the sea, either from the harbour or from a boat at sea; the minute the cross leaves the priest’s hand, the divers jump into the freezing water to catch the cross. The lucky one who finds and returns the cross is blessed by the priest. As the cross is victoriously brought back, the priest releases a white dove, as a symbol of the holy spirit.  This tradition is carried out to commemorate the baptism of Christ and to bless the waters.

24. More customs

Each city, town and village is protected by a different saint. When the saint of the area celebrates a fair is organized. There is music, dance and stalls where the peddlers sell their merchandise.

But Greeks know that some of their customs are not approved by the church. We do it anyways and sometimes the priests join, too!

Το celebrate the Epiphany and chase away the evil spirits some residents dress up in scary attire and make a lot of noise with their voice and bells. They drink excessively, they dance and even fight with each other “to the death“ (it’s fake, don’t worry!). This custom exists in many areas of Greece, from Thrace to Cyprus. Even though the people who dress up have many names - momogeroi, babougera, ragoutsia etc - they all symbolize the carefree spirit, childish fun and trickery. Don’t get in their way because they will chase you though the village!

In these festivals there are different characters like the bride, the devil, the cop etc, who can symbolize fertility, the New Year, the Old Year and other concepts.

Sometimes the bride (usually played by a man) is abducted and it’s said to be a remnant of a re-enactment of the abduction of the goddess Persephone by Hades.

In other areas the Dionysiac character of the festival is eccentuated by the presence of a man who pretends ot be the god of wine, vegetation, happiness, Dionysos.

In some areas there is also dancing around a gaitanaki!

In some areas a fake camel (three people under a cloth) is presented on the streets. It probably started as a spectacle for kids but in some cases today it’s a symbol of resilience and patience. It can also remind us of the magi who rode camels to visit baby Jesus.

There is also the story where a Greek woman is abducted by a Turk and three young men pretend to be a camel to enter the Turk’s wedding with her and steal her back! (Something like the Trojan Horse!)

25. Random Information

Namedays are the days when the saint who has your name died. It's said that you actually take your name from them - even if it comes from your grandparents the saint is the reason you have it. In that day you bring treats to your school or work, or you treat your friends to drinks or coffee. People give you wishes ("enjoy your name" is the most common) and they call you on the phone to wish if they are away. The most common name in Greece is Maria and in Maria’s nameday everybody has to call half of their relatives and friends to wish. It’s a bit offensive if someone doesn’t remember your nameday or if they don’t call.

We bring food to the workplace in happy events - like when your child was accepted into a university.

Lots of people cross themselves when they pass outside a church. They could be passing on foot, on the bus, or even when they drive a motorcycle.

You also cross yourself when you call god for protection or when you hear something strange (accompanied with "come Christ and Virgin Mary!")

Making embroidery with the face of Jesus and/or Virgin Mary is a thing.

40 days after the pregnancy women and their newborns can woman can go out of the house but they have to go to Church to be blessed by a priest first.

We say "Christ!" when a person is chocked and "Small healths!" when someone is sneezing. When a baby is yawning bad spirits could come in so we cross their mouth. We also give them eye bendants so the Evil Eye won't get to them. People spit (just saying "ftou ftou ftou") the child after saying good words for them so they can protect them from others who will flatter them with malice. The Evil Eye is recognised by the Church. See more in my #mati tag.

Bell ringing every day before the morning and evening liturgy. It also chimes every hour. On Good Friday it rings solemnly all day.

Priests are considered spiritual leaders by many in the sense they can listen to you and guide you like a psychologist. "My spiritual" people call them.

You don't have to have your mind unguarded, that's why Greek orthodoxy is against yoga which teaches the emptying of mind

Mondays and Wednesdays of all year are for fasting - just meaning you don't eat meat. Some people also fast sexually on those days.

Hatzis- (from middle eastern "hajj") is for people visiting the holy land (Israel) on pilgrimage.

The icons of saints you buy have to be blessed by the Church before you hang them, so they can offer you a connection to the divine.

Every day at school children gather in the yard and one child says the Lord’s Prayer

We don't know the hymns by heart. They are too many and long. But there are books you can read and older people (usually women) usually study them.

All the saints in hagiographies look kinda malnourished because they are supposed to avoid the earthly pleasures.

We give epithets to the saints according to their characteristics - like we did with our ancient gods.

Lots of saints probably “covered” the dominions of older deities because Greeks were used to having smaller powerful entities for different stuff (there is even a saint who helps you find stuff if you dedicate a pie to the church)

We have a set of explanations for dreams (Ονειροκρίτης). For example, if you see something very good in your sleep about a person, misfortune will find them. If you see them dying, they will live for many years.

We read the future in the bottom of the cup of Greek coffee.

From the Byzantine era and today people buy holy wood - from the cross of Christ they say - and bones of saints. In the old time those were also used for witchcraft.If you are born on a Saturday you don't see creatures or ghosts. Also people born on Saturday are lucky and whatever they wish comes true.

Dick festivals are a thing in some areas and they mostly happen on Greek Carnival. Traditional sex songs with dances are also a thing.

Virgin Mary is the mother of Greece, and you see her as a mermaid even. We are pretty chill with our divine figures - we use them in swearing a lot, too.

Many people cross themselves before and after eating.

We take oil blessed from the Church and we put it in the lamps of our home altars. We also anoint people who want to keep safe with it. (My grandma made a cross in my forehead, for example). Many take it home the myrrh produced by the bodies of saints.

We place a bone of a saint on the ground where a church is going to be built.

Sometimes we call a priest to bless our new vehicle!

Also, it’s not a very safe practice but a lot of people hand crosses and icons from their front mirror.

Notice that the #mati is also there!

#greek orthodox #greek orthodox masterpost #greek culture #greek mythology

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suhyla · 4 years

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Sorry it mustn’t have sent I was asking if being a feminist is allowed in Islam. Because when I tell my family members that I’m pro women’s rights they become really rude. In fact, most Muslim men dismiss feminism and tend to call them “sluts”. 1. Not all women endorse showing off ones body 2. Feminism is not a desperate cry to allow a woman to reveal herself or anything like that. It’s a cry to shed light that abuse happens everywhere. Even in Muslim households in Muslim countries....

Islam 100% supports women's rights and protections. Muslim men (or any Muslim) shouldn't completely dismiss what's being fought for, because a lot of what it is has to do with protecting vulnerable women (and women in general). Especially when it comes to abuse, no Muslim should stay silent on the issue, and I'm sorry that your family doesn't see it that way. May Allah guide them and anyone else who thinks the same. It's a long fight, but hopefully with time - we can bring awareness to all the abuse that goes on silently and is treated as taboo within many Muslim households. Islam is against any such behavior.

However, I watched an eye opening video on the topic recently, and learned to refrain from using the word feminist to describe Islam or the Prophet. Again, many of the calls of feminism are supported by the Prophet and Islam - yes. However, if you look up feminism in a dictionary, it'll say "advocacy for women's rights" and while Islam is definitely an advocate for women's rights, it's important that we ask which rights exactly?

Right to work and get an education? Of course - this is supported by the fact that Khadijah was a businesswoman and Aisha was a student of the Prophet's, who went on to become one of the greatest Islamic scholars. Right to own property and earn the same wages as a man? Of course. Right to be protected by society and treated with respect, as you've mentioned? 100%, and any man who does otherwise will be punished by Allah.

However, some other calls, such as saying "my body, my choice" are not necessarily Islamic in all contexts. Some contexts, such as abortions before a specific period, are of course valid.

As humans, Allah gave us free choice - so yes, we are free to choose to do what we want with our bodies. However, these are not our bodies, so we cannot say "if I choose to do whatever, it's my body". These bodies are gifts from Allah and we have a responsibility to do with them only that which pleases Allah. Whether you're a Muslim man or woman, to be able to dress down as much as non-Muslims do, to freely mix with non-mahrams, get tattoos, etc. - that is not allowed islamically but they fall under some of the calls of feminism. I noticed you mentioned not all women endorse showing off one's body, however, feminism does endorse the right to do so if you choose - so would they truly be feminists?

That does not mean that feminism is only a fight to allow every woman to dress a certain way or to get a tattoo, of course. It is much bigger than that. However, that is also a part of it, if you choose to do any of the above, under feminism, that is your right. While in Islam, that would not be our right, and in fact, we would be disobeying Allah and get punished for it. Muslim men and women acknowledge that we are responsible for what we choose to do with our bodies, and it is haram for women and men to go around with really tight clothing. it is haram for women to act like men, just like it is haram for men to act like women. if a Muslim man chose to wear silk or gold, get earrings, or paint his nails- that would be haram.

Furthermore, feminism is often described as equality between men and women, and that sounds great but again, that is a big umbrella term and we know that men and women are not entirely equal. Allah says in the Quran that He favored us both differently.

That means we as women, were blessed with things that men were not blessed with (such as the ability to have kids, more beautiful physical forms, a whole surah dedicated to us, the fact that the majority of Prophets fathered daughters more than sons, the right to always have a guardian, we are entitled to our husbands' wealth, but they cannot touch ours). There is also a decree in the Quran in surah Nur on the topic of adultery, where a man accused of adultery can deny the accusation and avoid the punishment by swearing 4x that he did not commit adultery, and then a 5th time that if he is lying - he would go straight to hell. Eternal damnation. However, for a woman accused, she can deny the accusation by swearing 4x that she didn't, and the 5th time that she will earn the anger of Allah if she is lying. Now the anger of Allah is a great thing, but through a great deal repentance, you can bounce back from that. Allah did this as a mercy to women, and He favored us over men in this regard. He is more lenient because He knows how society punishes women more for the same mistakes, and that such an accusation would be more damaging for the woman. If we were considered truly equal, then a woman would get the same punishment in the akhirah.

There are also things men can do that we cannot (men lead the salah, recite Quran beautifully in public, wear cologne outside, all Prophets were men, etc.). And Allah has a wisdom in all that He does.

However, in deeds, men and women are equal. Meaning same hasanat for the same good deeds, same sins for the same bad deeds. A woman with more good deeds is better than a man with less good deeds, and a man with more good deeds, is better than a woman with less good deeds.

So there would be a conflict if you say Islam is feminist, because Islam is not feminist in every commonly understood sense of the word. If there was a venn diagram of Islam and feminism, there would be definitely lot in the center of it, such as protecting women, fighting against abusive men and partners, etc., however, as long as they don't completely overlap, we can't exactly say Islam is feminist.

I hope that answers your question, forgive me if I misunderstood anything or said anything that is not true, and as always, if anyone spots any mistakes - please feel free to correct me.

#asks #feminism #islam

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dfroza · 3 years

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The Royal Rule of Love

Today’s reading of the Scriptures is chapter #2 from the Letter of James:

My dear friends, don’t let public opinion influence how you live out our glorious, Christ-originated faith. If a man enters your church wearing an expensive suit, and a street person wearing rags comes in right after him, and you say to the man in the suit, “Sit here, sir; this is the best seat in the house!” and either ignore the street person or say, “Better sit here in the back row,” haven’t you segregated God’s children and proved that you are judges who can’t be trusted?

Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens! Isn’t it the high and mighty who exploit you, who use the courts to rob you blind? Aren’t they the ones who scorn the new name—“Christian”—used in your baptisms?

You do well when you complete the Royal Rule of the Scriptures: “Love others as you love yourself.” But if you play up to these so-called important people, you go against the Rule and stand convicted by it. You can’t pick and choose in these things, specializing in keeping one or two things in God’s law and ignoring others. The same God who said, “Don’t commit adultery,” also said, “Don’t murder.” If you don’t commit adultery but go ahead and murder, do you think your non-adultery will cancel out your murder? No, you’re a murderer, period.

Talk and act like a person expecting to be judged by the Rule that sets us free. For if you refuse to act kindly, you can hardly expect to be treated kindly. Kind mercy wins over harsh judgment every time.

Dear friends, do you think you’ll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, “Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!” and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn’t it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, “Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I’ll handle the works department.”

Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove.

Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That’s just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands?

Wasn’t our ancestor Abraham “made right with God by works” when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar? Isn’t it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are “works of faith”? The full meaning of “believe” in the Scripture sentence, “Abraham believed God and was set right with God,” includes his action. It’s that weave of believing and acting that got Abraham named “God’s friend.” Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works?

The same with Rahab, the Jericho harlot. Wasn’t her action in hiding God’s spies and helping them escape—that seamless unity of believing and doing—what counted with God? The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.

The Letter of James, Chapter 2 (The Message)

people are meant to depart from evil because of the reverential fear of our Creator, to be inspired by Light instead. because we’ll all be Judged at some point for what we’ve done, and only grace truly saves us. it takes humility of heart to see this.

Today’s paired chapter of the Testaments is the 21st chapter of First Chronicles that describes a census ordered by David and the resulting Judgment:

[David, Satan, and Araunah]

Now Satan entered the scene and seduced David into taking a census of Israel. David gave orders to Joab and the army officers under him, “Canvass all the tribes of Israel, from Dan to Beersheba, and get a count of the population. I want to know the number.”

Joab resisted: “May God multiply his people by hundreds! Don’t they all belong to my master the king? But why on earth would you do a thing like this—why risk getting Israel into trouble with God?”

But David wouldn’t take no for an answer, so Joab went off and did it—canvassed the country and then came back to Jerusalem and reported the results of the census: There were 1,100,000 fighting men; of that total, Judah accounted for 470,000. Joab, disgusted by the command—it, in fact, turned his stomach!—protested by leaving Levi and Benjamin out of the census-taking. And God, offended by the whole thing, punished Israel.

Then David prayed, “I have sinned badly in what I have just done, substituting statistics for trust; forgive my sin—I’ve been really stupid.”

God answered by speaking to Gad, David’s pastor: “Go and give David this message: ‘God’s word: You have your choice of three punishments; choose one and I’ll do the rest.’”

Gad delivered the message to David: “Do you want three years of famine, three months of running from your enemies while they chase you down, or three days of the sword of God—an epidemic unleashed on the country by an angel of God? Think it over and make up your mind. What shall I tell the One who sent me?”

David told Gad, “They’re all terrible! But I’d rather be punished by God whose mercy is great, than fall into human hands.”

So God unleashed an epidemic in Israel—seventy thousand Israelites died. God then sent the angel to Jerusalem but when he saw the destruction about to begin, he compassionately changed his mind and ordered the death angel, “Enough’s enough! Pull back!”

The angel of God had just reached the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David looked up and saw the angel hovering between earth and sky, sword drawn and about to strike Jerusalem. David and the elders bowed in prayer and covered themselves with rough burlap.

David prayed, “Please! I’m the one who sinned; I’m the one at fault. But these sheep, what did they do wrong? Punish me, not them, me and my family; don’t take it out on them.”

The angel of God ordered Gad to tell David to go and build an altar to God on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. David did what Gad told him in obedience to God’s command.

Meanwhile Araunah had quit threshing the wheat and was watching the angel; his four sons took cover and hid. David came up to Araunah. When Araunah saw David, he left the threshing floor and bowed deeply before David, honoring the king.

David said to Araunah, “Give me the site of the threshing floor so I can build an altar to God. Charge me the market price; we’re going to put an end to this disaster.”

“O Master, my king,” said Araunah, “just take it; do whatever you want with it! Look, here’s an ox for the burnt offering and threshing paddles for the fuel and wheat for the meal offering—it’s all yours!”

David replied to Araunah, “No. I’m buying it from you, and at the full market price. I’m not going to offer God sacrifices that are no sacrifice.” So David bought the place from Araunah for six hundred shekels of gold. He built an altar to God there and sacrificed Whole-Burnt-Offerings and Peace-Offerings. He called out to God and God answered by striking the altar of Whole-Burnt-Offering with lightning. Then God told the angel to put his sword back into its scabbard.

And that’s the story of what happened when David saw that God answered him on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite at the time he offered the sacrifice.

* * *

At this time the Tabernacle that Moses had constructed in the desert, and with it the Altar of Burnt Offering, were set up at the worship center at Gibeon. But David, terrified by the angel’s sword, wouldn’t go there to pray to God anymore. So David declared, “From now on, this is the site for the worship of God; this is the place for Israel’s Altar of Burnt Offering.”

The Book of 1st Chronicles, Chapter 21 (The Message)

my personal reading of the Scriptures for Wednesday, january 20 of 2021 with a paired chapter from each Testament of the Bible, along with Today’s Psalms and Proverbs

A post by John Parsons about holiness:

In our Torah portion for this week (i.e., Bo) we revisit the institution of the Passover sacrifice and the deliverance of the Israelites from their bondage in Egypt. Later in the Torah we read God's reason for the redemption: “For I am the LORD who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. You shall be holy, for I am holy" (Lev. 11:45). Because we are God’s people, his redeemed children, we are made holy, just as God is holy (1 Pet. 1:15-16). Holiness, however, is not a matter of what you do (such as wrapping yourself in religious rituals) but instead is a matter of what you “allow” to happen: You let go and allow yourself to be rescued and taken up from the “depths of Egypt” to be with God. Holiness is something you receive by faith; it is a gift of being “set apart” to be sacred and beloved by God. Genuine holiness (i.e., kedushah) is connected with love and grace.

In Hebrew, the word kedushah (קְדוּשָׁה) means sanctity or “set-apartness” (other Hebrew words that use this root include kadosh (holy), Kiddush (sanctifying the wine), Kaddish (sanctifying the Name), kiddushin (the ring ceremony at a marriage), and so on). Kadosh connotes the sphere of the sacred that is radically separate from all that is sinful and profane. As such, it is lofty and elevated (Isa. 57:15), beyond all comparison and utterly unique (Isa. 40:25), entirely righteous (Isa. 5:16), glorious and awesome (Psalm 99:3), full of light and power (Isa. 10:7), and is chosen and favored as God’s own (Ezek. 22:26). [Hebrew for Christians]

1.19.21 • Facebook

and another that points to our redemption:

The very first occurrence of the word "Torah" (תּוֹרָה) in the Scriptures refers to the faith of Abraham (Gen. 26:5), and the second occurrence occurs in our Torah portion for this week (i.e., parashat Bo), regarding the ordinance of the Passover: "There shall be one law (תּוֹרָה) for the native and for the stranger who sojourns among you" (Exod. 12:49). There is a link here. Abraham lived before the time of the Exodus, of course, and therefore he obeyed the Torah of Passover by means of the Akedah (the sacrifice of his beloved son Isaac and the substitution of the lamb of God upon the altar). Abraham's faith revealed that the inner meaning of Torah is that the "righteous shall live by faith" (Hab. 2:4, Rom. 1:17), that is, by trusting God’s justification of the sinner (Heb. 11:17-19). The Torah of Passover likewise teaches that redemption from death is possible through the exchange of an innocent sacrificial victim. The blood of the lamb was "a sign" of imputed righteousness obtained entirely by faith - with no “leaven,” or human works, added. This is the "korban" principle of "life-for-life" that underlies the sacrificial system of the Tabernacle as well. Ultimately all true Torah points to Yeshua, the Lamb of God, who is the divinely appointed Redeemer and promised Slayer of the Serpent...

"When the fullness of time (τὸ πλήρωμα τοῦ χρόνου) had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the Torah, to redeem those who were under the Torah, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Gal. 4:4-5). [Hebrew for Christians]

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Today’s message from the Institute for Creation Research

January 20, 2021

Prayer for the Word

“I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies.” (Psalm 119:145-146)

One of the great privileges we have is the ability to speak directly to our heavenly Father, the Creator of the universe! However, our prayers are often “amiss” (James 4:3) and lack faith (James 1:6).

Not so with this psalmist! He prayed with his whole heart, begging that he “might be filled with the knowledge of [God’s] will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding” (Colossians 1:9). His petition shows a deep spiritual connection to God “with a true heart in full assurance of faith” (Hebrews 10:22).

Note that although the prayer of need recorded in this stanza (Psalm 119:145-152) mentions those who “follow after mischief” (v. 150), most of his conversation with the Father verifies his love for and his hope in God’s Word (v. 147).

This prayer was not routine. “I prevented the dawning of the morning,” the psalmist wrote, and his “eyes prevent the night watches” (vv. 147-148). The matters that drove him to his knees to seek God’s face had kept him awake all night!

Songwriter Mosie Lister wrote “How Long Has It Been?” based on this stanza of Psalm 119:

How long has it been since you talked with the Lord

And told him your heart’s hidden secrets?

How long since you prayed, how long since you stayed

On your knees till the light shone through?

Fortunately, Jeremiah recorded this promise from our Lord: “Ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). HMM III

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moonnightdancer · 7 years

Text

Making Bonds ft.Akechi and the PT

Akira : Akira is the only bond Akechi had before the aftermath. Akira is the one one who has a romance route with him. His confidant rank starts at max level, but their bond still grows each time Akechi opened up his past to Akira. He found Akira the easiest person to talk about his worries. Akechi’s bond with Akira leveled up even more in a way that is similar to Futaba’s confidant link. Akechi told Akira his hopes in getting along with everyone, told him his little wishes, like going to the beach with everyone, trying the arcade, have study session together, camping out, go to movies, go to festivals, or generally be a normal teenager for once. Akechi’s last little wish is ‘to make Akira happy’. And told him that he couldn’t forgive himself on his attempt to kill Akira not even once but twice. And that while he trusted Akira, he had not been able to move on from his guilt. Therefore he wanted to make Akira happy, repay him and the PT for everything they’ve done for him. For accepting, and Akira told him that those are not necessary because for Akira, his greatest ‘present’ is having Akechi around to complement his life.

Morgana : Under Akira's request, Morgana followed Akechi around in a similar way he followed Akira. Akira asked him because he couldn't follow Akechi during the day (since he'll be at school) while Akechi goes to work. Surprisingly, they get along well. Despite Morgana being wary at first, he grew to genuinely care for the pancake boy as much as he cares for Akira and the rest of the PT. Morgana gave him a lot of life advices, and encourages him to make amends and not to run away from his fear. Akechi thanked him a lot for that. Akechi eventually grew fond of Morgana and learned the best way to take care of a cat. He groomed him every night. Learned ways to massage a cat, cat’s diet, and bought him cat toys. Which Morgana yelled at, since he’s not a cat! Though, when Akechi waved the toy at him, Morgana instinctively chase after it. He even used the scratch post Akechi bought him. Eventually, Akechi even learned how to cook for a cat, and it became Morgana’s favorite food aside from Sushi.

Ann : Ann is the first friend after Akira and Morgana. She's the one who took the initiative to take Akechi out on a walk. Akechi had to put on hoods and covers while he walks beside her since they're both well known people. She took him to eat desserts (especially pancake), shop for clothes (she commented on akechi's lack of clothes and especially that grandpa sweater and thus picked up a lot of stuff for him and his empty wardrobe). She's the first person who could sympathize with him because she had been in a similar condition against kamoshida. They told each other's stories, and bonded through that. Afterwards, he helped her in her modeling work to the point she asked whether he wanted to co-star with her. But he refused, had enough of idol life and pretending to be who he isn't. Ann didn't understand since she had always been herself though. They became bff real fast, and often went to eat desserts and pastries that rumors started appearing that says they were dating.

Ryuji: Ryuji came to hang out at Leblanc, but Akira was apparently out doing his stuff with his confidants. Only Akechi was there. There was a long awkward moment when Sojiro went out to smoke. Eventually, Ryuji gave up on the awkwardness and started a conversation. They traded really awkward conversations. "The weather's nice today." "Yeah" "How's things?" "I've been well, thank you for the concern" "So you started working at Leblanc, too?" "Yeah, the master was kind enough to let me stay." and stuff. Then Ryuji made a really long sigh. "Look, man, i still don't trust you.." He grumbled, made Morgana sneer at him, then continued. "But what Shido did to you is totally uncool man, so I... I get you, in a way. It's wrong, but, i dunno. If i were in your shoes, I might have done that too if not for Akira and the others." Ryuji told him about his father, about how he snapped at Kamoshida, the track team. Akechi listened. After hearing Ann's story and now Ryuji's. He started to understand how the PT come together. They were a bunch of folks in similar situation. Then he commented how he could probably be a better person if they had met sooner. Ryuji then yelled at him. "Then let's start now. You're just a year above us, yeah? You still got long years to go. We can start now, you know. Like, we can start being friends..." Ryuji looked away in embarrassment. It made Akechi smile. It wad the first genuine smile Ryuji ever saw from him. "Holy shit, a real smile!" He commented. Ryuji then noticed how thin Akechi had become since the last time he saw him. And offered to train together to build some muscles. Akechi revealed how he used to keep his appearance up, and how he used to do mountain climbing. Ryuji was interested, and the next day he know, he was out with Akechi to the gym periodically.

Futaba : Futaba bonded with him after Ann. One day, Sojiro hurt his back and had to be sent to hospital. Akira accompanied him to the hospital. Futaba wants to go too, but she's scared of going to hospital. Akira told her everything will be alright and she had school tomorrow so she told her to stay. She stayed at Leblanc until night, with Akechi (and Morgana) who's watching the store since both Sojiro and Akira went to the hospital. Morgana pushed Akechi to start a conversation since Futaba looks lonely and sad. He hesitated, but then starts to assure her that everything will be alright. That it's just a back pain and that Akira is with him too. She grumbled and doesn't speak anything in return at first. But then he made her curry, and she's surprised that it tasted just like Akira's curry. He told her that he had been learning from Akira. And that he knows how much the curry meant to her. And apologized once again. She grows angrier, saying that it's already fine and he already apologized about that. Awkward conversation falls again, until Akechi switched the tv channel and played featherman episode, a special episode played in the unusual hour. Futaba is surprised because she didn't know that it aired. But she's even more surprised because Akechi knows, and better, he likes it. They talked about Featherman until late (until Morgana told them to go to bed, actually). He walked her home, and she thanked him, though very shyly. Before he went back, she suddenly yelled "I've got it!". Akechi was surprised. But apparently Futaba decided to add one more "to do list" that involves Akechi. They started doing her to do list every weekend. First is to go to Akihabara together to watch a live show of Featherman together, next is for another Featherman fans gathering event and stuff like that. One day, they were walking around Akihabara together since Futaba needed to upgrade her PC. And there was apparently a maid cross dressing event which gives an expensive PC gear as winning prize. Futaba looked excited, but sulked that it's boys only event. Akechi then offered to enter in her stead. Both Morgana and Futaba were baffled in how he looked, and especially in how he charmed the audience with sexy gaze. He obtained the most votes, obviously, and won the gear for her. He asked her to keep it a secret from Akira and everyone else. But too bad, she took video of everything.

Makoto : Akechi saw Makoto again when he helped Sae with her work. Sae is now a defense attorney, and she opened an agency with Makoto, who followes her footstep as lawyer. Akechi sometimes helped Sae with investigation. Most of the time, having him give her new insights, or work as assistant on site. Sometimes he'd even do the spying job for her, along with Makoto, as normal teenagers. Makoto refused to trust him at first. And she even protested to Sae. But Sae returned with "his ability is not a lie.". One day, they were caught spying and got in trouble with the Yakuza. With his wit, Akechi managed to get them away from the chase. However, it involved them doing a crazy stunt with a bike (Makoto riding it). They managed to pull it out. Makoto got angry with him, of course. Not only he endangered her life, he endangered his own life too. Had Makoto not able to maneuver the bike with correct timing, they wouldn't be able to escape. And the bike was not ever hers to begin with. She never ride such a big bike before. Akechi stole the key from one of the yakuza. Along with a gun which he used to shoot down their chaser's car and bike. Then she noticed that he actually got shot too. She asked if he picked the back seat so he could cover for her. Akechi gave a pause, but then shook his head. "No, it's because i believe you're more suited to drive the bike, Niijima-san. And look, you pull it out brilliantly." with his detective smile. Then Makoto started to notice how Akechi won't hesitate to throw himself onto danger. And that he's doing whatever he can do to make up for his sins. She got angrier, and lectured him about it. It took a while, but eventually Akechi realized that he has become important to their teammates too. He realized it after Makoto told him how Akira would suffer if he's gone. She told him how depressed Akira is after his "death" in Shido's palace. And that got him thinking. Eventually they were able to be partners at work. Sae is proud on both of them.

Yusuke : Akechi never thought he'd bond with Yusuke.(though, he never thought he'd befriend any of the PT aside from Akira, actually) Yusuke was in an art slump again, and he had been visiting everyone in search of inspiration, apparently. So he said not to mind him and just think of him as a statue as Akechi continued his daily life. It was hard for Akechi not to ignore Yusuke, but he couldn't leave his job (this time, part-timing as a florist). Many kinds of customer comes. From an innocent little girl who wanted to buy flowers for her mother, couples in love, to a kind grandfather who wanted to buy flowers for his wife. Akechi listened to each of their request. Even to the couple’s capricious request. Yusuke saw the honest kindness in Akechi’s action, and was content in drawing it. Until someone came asking for bouquet for funeral. Akechi’s expression changed. Guilt was written all over his face. Thank goodness the store manager helped. Akechi laughed at how pathetic it was for him. He didn’t even knew who died, but he had become afraid somehow. Feared that he might have caused psychotic breakdowns unconsciously despite it being impossible now that the metaverse is gone. Yusuke asked that if he’s going to be overwhelmed by that guilt forever and whether he still can’t trust the phantom thieves as his friends. Akechi shook his head. No, he wants to break free. He’s not a doll anymore and he wants to find his own path to freedom. Akechi’s determination sparked inspiration in Yusuke’s mind. A few weeks later and after another few sessions of getting Akechi as his model (he had him stripped naked), and in one of the session, he got Akira and Akechi modeling together for a reason only Yusuke knows. Akechi was upset that the finished work doesn’t even include their faces or their naked body. It was a painting of a crow breaking free of its cage. The background was red, and the crow flew to towards a lump of light. Yusuke titled it “True Freedom”. It won first prize, and he gave the painting to Akechi as thanks for helping him. It was now hanged on Leblanc.

Haru : Haru is the hardest one to befriend. Not because Haru avoided him, rather, it was him who avoided Haru. Unlike the case with Futaba, where they managed to pass through the hurdle by sharing a similar interest in Featherman, he couldn’t bringhimself to get close to Haru. Their conversation always ended up short. Haru couldn’t bring herself to talk normally with Akechi either. She couldn’t forgive him for murdering her father, no matter what. She sympathized with him, but she couldn’t forgive him, yet, at least. It was Haru who took the initiative to Akechi, whom at the time was working with Makoto and Sae. Haru said she came expecting Makoto, but that was a lie that only Makoto knows. Haru secretly told Makoto that she wanted to get closer to Akechi, so that she can find a way to forgive him and finally accept him as a friend. Makoto helped, asking Akechi to help her work and told Haru that Akechi will be around for the day. Haru brought them coffee. Her own blend. And asked Akechi for his opinion. Akechi was surprised, of course. Why him out of all people, since Sojiro would be a better candidate. Haru said it’s because he’s been to many restaurants (and mentioned his food blog that he almost choke on her coffee). Akechi then confessed that it was just his method in gathering information so he could use them as conversation ideas with older people. And that he didn’t have that much of an interest in how the food tastes. But Haru still insisted. To their surprise, Akechi was able to give a good feedback. Though, it was mostly compared to Leblanc’s coffee. He figured that it must have be because he had started learning how to blend it himself. Thus, it continued, Haru kept bringing him her experiments, and Akechi keeps giving her feedback. Thinking that it would help pay her back. At one point, they found the perfect blend together. And with that settled, Haru decided to start up her cafe. Everyone came to help. When Akechi stepped into the cafe for the first time after it has been furnished, he just stood still, stare for a while, then smiled. “It gives off a familiar vibe, just like Leblanc.” He said. Haru’s cafe became his second sanctuary. One day when the thieves were partying at Haru’s cafe and she went to clean the dishes, Akechi offered to help. They worked in silence for a while. When they both attempt to break the silence, they spoke at the same time and it became more awkward, until Akechi braced himself to start the conversation. He apologized once again, for everything he had done to her and the others. And then thanked her. He noticed that she wanted to mend their relationship, and apologized once again that he was a coward for not being able to be the one to start the action. He commented how she’s strong and capable. That despite her family situation, she still pushed through. Haru commented that it was thanks to everyone who supported her. And then she added, she wanted to be everyone’s strength too. That includes Akechi. “I can’t forgive you for killing my father, but I believe you could change. You’re one of us now, and I trust you, as much as how everyone else trust you.” Haru said with kind eyes. Akechi thanked her with tears. Because he finally felt like he truly belong with everyone.

#;x. I'm a shapeshifter | headcanon #persona 5 #goro akechi #akechi goro #spoilers #persona 5 spoiler #just akechi bonding with everyone because i need it #so much #Akechi deserves to be happy

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kadobeclothing · 4 years

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7 Days of Easter fun: Explaining the crucifixion to toddlers

Jesus died on the cross, for our sins. He gave His life for ours and now we all have the gift of eternal life with God. The Easter story is the fulfillment of God’s promise to man, a selfless and unimaginable sacrifice of love and core to our Christian beliefs. That’s why we celebrate Easter, but explaining the crucifixion to toddlers isn’t easy… Where do we start when a large part of the story is so cruel? And how do we compete with the Easter bunny?

A few tips to keep in mind…

Keep things age-appropriate.

Younger kids won’t understand every detail and could rightfully become upset. For now, rather focus on the outcome of Jesus’s crucifixion (the forgiveness of our sins and eternal life through Him). There will be plenty of time to give more attention to the rest of the story as your children mature. Using language that your kids understand. Highlight moment they can easily relate to and remember. Stay true to the heart of the crucifixion; Jesus’s act of love and sacrifice. If we don’t understand sin, we are not able to fully appreciate what Jesus did for us. Explain to your kids that although Jesus was perfect and without any sin, He still loved us so much that He was willing to take upon the punishment for our wrong doings. The big and small things we do wrong… He has taken our place by washing away our sin. If your little one is particularly interested in only one part of the crucifixion – explore it with them. Answers all their questions and look for answers together when you’re unable to. We tend to make Christmas memorable with special traditions and decor yet Easter can be left bare. Plan and prepare activities or a specific family Bible study for Holy Week. When children experience Easter, they will start remembering the importance of the crucifixion while growing closer to God and loving Him more. Now it’s time to put these words into practice! Explaining the crucifixion to toddlers using the life cycle of a butterfly Yes, you read that correctly… We use the life cycle of a butterfly as our first point of reference for the crucifixion of Jesus.

Click HERE to download the life cycle of a butterfly Much like the butterfly, Jesus was born from humble beginnings, bringing the promise of new life for all. (The egg stage) As Jesus grew older, He grew “bigger” becoming a teacher to many as He fed them the will of God. (The caterpillar stage) Then came the fulfillment of His purpose; to die on the cross. Washing away our sins, overcoming death and bringing new life. (The pupa stage – researchers have found the pupa stage to be excruciating painful as the caterpillar’s body hardens forming a chrysalis. The old body is broken down into imaginal cells which grow and form a new body.) For a period of time, the disciples were alone, scared, waiting. (Just like we wait for the caterpillar to become a butterfly.) On the 3rd day, Jesus rose triumphant over death and sin. (The metamorphosis is complete, the chrysalis is empty. The caterpillar has become a butterfly. A new life has been granted and the butterfly can fly freely spreading sweet nectar – the gospel of Jesus.) Now for some Easter fun! We can’t hide our girls from the world, so instead of banning anything we rather embrace all of Easter, trying to find God in every detail. This year we have a week’s worth of crafts, baking, scripture reading and other activities planned around the butterfly’s life cycle, also including the Easter Bunny. Download our Holy Week 7 Easter Activities t do with the kids HERE Celebrating Palm Sunday by decorating our home Palm leaves straight out of our garden always excite the girls but you can also make a pretty paper palm leave garland using this template I found on the DLTK Growing Together website.

Download this DIY paper palm leaf template HERE

Using Monday to make a “Tree of life” a.k.a an Easter tree (The egg stage of our butterfly’s life) A tree of life symbolises of a fresh start, new beginnings, good health and a bright future. The branch represents the immortality, growth and strength of trees and the eggs, new life. Isn’t that exactly what Jesus gives us all? What a beautiful reminder to look upon daily. I have included 3 ways to colour hard-boiled or blown-out eggs using natural homemade dyes, food colouring and also a cool Volcano Egg experiment the kids are sure to enjoy.

Click HERE to download the DIY Colouring and dyeing Easter Eggs recipes Use a glue gun and twine to make your coloured eggs into an ornament and hang from a branch found in the garden or leave them as is in a pretty basket or bowl.

Tuesday and Wednesday – Feeding our souls and our tummies (The caterpillar stage of our butterfly’s life) Much like a hungry caterpillar, we want our girls to thirst for God’s word. We will be making a simple paper chain caterpillar, “feeding” our caterpillars with Jesus’s teaching. Adding pieces of scripture as we link each chain of its body.

I’ve also included a blank page for more scripture you love. Remember to as the kids which story of Jesus (or throughout the Bible) they enjoy the most. Have fun seeing you can make the longest caterpillar. Click HERE to download and make your own scripture caterpillar

And for our tummies… We can’t forget about the Easter bunny!

Download The real Easter bunny HERE So, how about some delicious Easter Bunny Meringues? These are so cute, I just know the girls are going to go wild for them.

HOP ON OVER TO Miss Lucky Pony’s blog for the recipe.

Maundy Thursday -Illustrating Jesus’s teachings and presence in a tangible way Maundy Thursday is the Thursday before Easter. It is a day set aside to commemorate The Last Supper. The word “maundy” comes from the Latin word “command,” and refers to Jesus’s teaching to the disciples – “To love one another as I have loved you.” Use John 13:1-17 as reference. Jesus was celebrating Passover with his disciples. They were getting ready to share a Seder meal as a reminder of what God had done for his people when he rescued them from slavery in Egypt. But before the meal began, Jesus took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist. He poured water into a basin and began to wash the feet of his disciples. This was a dirty job… degrading even. Only servants ever washed feet. But when Jesus said: “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them. “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. John 13:12-17, NIV Jesus gave His last teaching, setting the example of how his people were to treat others. He stripped away all hierarchy showing us how to humbly serve and love each other. Bringing trust and healing in relationships. Take turns washing each other’s feet. You can make it as “fancy” or as simple as you prefer. Good Friday (The pupa stage of our butterfly’s life) For now, we simply tell our girls Jesus died on a cross. We leave out all graphic details answering only what they ask. As they start longing for more specific, we will share. For now, we focus on the brief sorrow the disciples felt but how Jesus wasn’t gone forever, he was simply “inside a chrysalis” – just like our caterpillar. Dying to become alive again. There are so many ways to make a cross and you can really use whatever is available. This year we are weaving paper plates.

Use a utility knife to cut out a cross in the middle of your paper plate. Take a large knitting needle and punch holes around the edge of your cross. Use any twine or thin rope to thread your cross following the holes punched. Saturday – Learning to be silent We may have never seen Jesus in the flesh but He is never far. We can speak to Him at any given moment and should do so regularly through prayer. Knowing how to pray (even though there isn’t a wrong way), figuring out what to pray for and feeling comfortable to pray isn’t always easy for little ones. That’s why we can teach our children to pray. Making it fun, using what they know and can see. It’s fun talking to God so, this year we are teaching our girl’s the “Jelly Bean prayer”.

Download and print The Jelly bean Prayer HERE Finally Easter SUNDAY (The chrysalis is empty, our butterfly has “risen”) Time to celebrate! Dress up in your Sunday bests, put on those bunny ears or superman suits… Jesus has risen. Our sins are forgiven. We all have the promise of new life through Christ. WE SHOULD CELEBRATE! Prepare a beautiful Easter egg hunt using LOVILEE BLOG’s pretty FREE printables!

Let the kids look for eggs, jelly beans. pieces of scripture. Rejoice and be thankful together! May you feel the presence of God more than ever during this time and remember His immeasurable love for you!

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