December 2008 Newsletter
 This Month 
December's Article: Greek Christmas Traditions Seasonal Items: Greek Christmas Decorations!
Latest Arrivals: Games, Olympic Collectables and More! Featured Destination: Kos
What's New: Music, Movies and Books December's Recipe: Youvétsi Me Lakhaniká  
Saint Namedays in December Suggestions, Comments, Subscription Info
32

 Ordering for the Holidays

Thank you for choosing GreekShops.com for your Holiday shopping!
Our staff will ensure that your order is packed and shipped promptly to arrive on time for Christmas. All US orders for in stock items received by Thursday, December 18, 2008 will not require any special shipping consideration. All orders placed on or after December 19th may require special mailing services such 3-day Select, 2nd-day, USPS Express Mail, and Next Day Delivery to ensure delivery before Christmas. The last day to place an order for an "in-stock" item (please email/call for availability) to be delivered before the Christmas Holiday is Tuesday, December 23, 2008 and will require Express Service. Please call us for any purchases made past this date requiring pre-Christmas delivery.
For International orders
please allow one extra week based on the above schedule.
Happy Holidays!!

Still haven't found the perfect Christmas gift?
Visit our
Christmas Gift Guide!

December's Recipe:
Youvétsi Me Lakhaniká
(Baked orzo with vegetables)
  

 

Ingredients:
1 generous cup extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion , finely chopped
3 tomatoes, skinned, finely diced
1 stick celery, finely sliced
1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
4 c. kritharaki (orzo pasta)
opt: 8-12 keftedakia (small meatballs) - see Culinaria Greece link
1 3/4 c. crumbled sheep's milk cheese
freshly ground black pepper
salt
 
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Heat the olive oil in a pan and fry the onions and garlic until softened.

2. Add the tomatoes, celery, and bell pepper, then season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the orzo.

3. Half fill a high-sided flameproof dish with the vegetable and noodle mixture, top up with hot water, and stir. Bake in preheated oven for about 1 hour.

4. Shortly before the end of the cooking time, top with the keftedes and crumbled sheep's milk cheese and leave in the oven for a few minutes to brown.

5. Serve straight from the dish while still hot.
 
Excerpts from: Culinaria Greece by Milona, Marianthi

 
Greek Green Olive Paste

Greek Green
Olive Paste
 
Feature Article
Greek Christmas and New Year Traditions


Everything you've ever wanted to know about Greek Christmas Traditions!

 

 

 

 







It's all here...

Christmas Tree

Holiday Customs, Saint Vasilis, Carols, "Santa Claus",
The Christmas Tree, Christmas Bread, Vasilópita New Year's Cake, The Wise Men, New Year's Superstitions, and more!


Kritharaki - Orzo Pasta

Your first taste of the Greek pasta called kritharaki or orzo can be somewhat disconcerting: are you eating what you're seeing or what it tastes like? Do you have rice or pasta on your plate? As far as their ingredients are concerned, kritharaki are definitely pasta, because they are made of fine durum wheat and water, kneaded to form soft dough. To make the pasta into its typical rice grain shape, the dough is pressed into specially made molds and dried for between eight and ten hours. They are carefully checked to make sure they are properly dry before being turned out, because is it vitally important that the pasta has lost every trace of moisture if they are to store well.

When it comes to cooking orzo, however, the method bears a much closer resemblance to that used for rice, because the pasta is boiled in exactly the amount of water that they are able to absorb. As a rule of thumb, put three parts water in a pan, salt it lightly, and add the noodles as soon as it boils. Then simmer gently over a low heat until all the water has been absorbed. To make sure that they are correctly cooked, it it not so much the timing that is crucial, but rather the quantity of water and the cooking temperature.

Greek New Year's Gouria (Good Luck Charms)
Although the word "gouri" is associated with anything that brings good luck.
The Gouri is a traditionally Greek New Year's gift. According to Greek superstitions,
a good luck charm cannot be bought but rather given as a gift from someone. This is
why the gouri is a symbolic gift exchanged between family members, friends, or
business associates, wishing the recipient good luck in the New Year.
Four-leaf Clover Gouri New Year

Four-leaf Clover Gouri
New Year's Goodluck Charm
Sail Boat Gouri New Year

Sail Boat Gouri
New Year's Goodluck Charm
 
Horse-shoe Gouri New Year

Horse-shoe Gouri
New Year's Goodluck Charm
Key Gouri New Year

Key Gouri
New Year's Goodluck Charm
Coin Gouri New Year

Coin Gouri
New Year's Goodluck Charm
 
Trireme (Ship) Gouri New Year

Trireme (Ship) Gouri
New Year's Goodluck Charm
 Greek Christmas Decorations - Rare Items!!!


Don't Forget to Pick Up Your Greek Christmas Ornaments!!
Order your Greek Christmas ornaments in advance to ensure product availability.
 
Ancient Greek Parthenon Christmas Ornament 105_38gold

Gold Ancient Greek Parthenon 
Ancient Greek Parthenon Christmas Ornament 105_38white

White Ancient Greek Parthenon
 Ancient Greek Comedy and Tragedy Masks Ornament 105_44gold

Gold Ancient Greek Comedy and Tragedy Masks
 
 Ancient Greek Comedy and Tragedy Masks Ornament 105_44white

White Ancient Greek Comedy and Tragedy Masks
Ancient Greek Ionic Column Christmas Ornament 105_46gold

Gold Ancient Greek Ionic Column
Ancient Greek Ionic Column Christmas Ornament 105_46white

White Ancient Greek Ionic Column
Decorative Wall Ornament of Virgin Mary 121313

Decorative Wall Ornament of Virgin Mary 121313
 
Decorative Wall Ornament with Greek Flag 121314

Decorative Wall Ornament with Greek Flag 121314
 
Evil Eye Glass Ornament G90

Evil Eye Glass Ornament G90
 
Evil Eye Glass Ornament G120

Evil Eye Glass Ornament G120
Evil Eye Glass Ornament G150

Evil Eye Glass Ornament G150
 
Evil Eye Glass Ornament G195

Evil Eye Glass Ornament G195
 
Greek / American Flag Photo Domed Christmas Ornament

Greek / American Flag Photo Domed Christmas Ornament
Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" red flat back

Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" red flat back
Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" blue round

Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" blue round
 
Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 4" red flat back

Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 4" red flat back
 
Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" brown round

Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" brown round
Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" red round

Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri) - 3.5" red round
 

 What's New!
 CDs
Trio Bel Canto, Ta Tragoudia Tou Topou Mas (Songs of Our Land) 2CD

Trio Bel Canto, Ta Tragoudia Tou Topou Mas (Songs of Our Land) 2CD
 
Antonis Remos, Alithies Ke Psemata

Antonis Remos, Alithies Ke Psemata
Mihalis Hatziyiannis, 7 (Seven) Special Edition w/ Magazine

Mihalis Hatziyiannis, 7 (Seven) Special Edition w/ Magazine
Mihalis Hatziyiannis, 7 (Seven)

Mihalis Hatziyiannis, 7 (Seven)
 
 
Sakis Rouvas, Irthes

Sakis Rouvas, Irthes

Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Ke Ta Matia Ki I Kardia

Eleftheria Arvanitaki, Ke Ta Matia Ki I Kardia

Glykeria, Mikis Theodorakis : Ta Thamelia Mou Sta Vouna (2CD)

Glykeria, Mikis Theodorakis : Ta Thamelia Mou Sta Vouna (2CD)

Pashalis Terzis, Mia Nihta Zoriki

Pashalis Terzis, Mia Nihta Zoriki
 

Minos 2009

Minos 2009

 

Kolasi 2009 - 24 Non-stop Hits

Kolasi 2009 - 24 Non-stop Hits

Onirama, Klepsidra

Onirama, Klepsidra

Anna Vissi, Apagorevmeno (Forbidden)

Anna Vissi, Apagorevmeno (Forbidden)
 

Thanos Petrelis, To Pehnidi Ine Pleon Diko Mou (CD Single)

Thanos Petrelis, To Pehnidi Ine Pleon Diko Mou (CD Single)
 

Alkistis Protopsalti, Ki Imaste Akoma 3CD - Best Of

Alkistis Protopsalti, Ki Imaste Akoma 3CD - Best Of
 

Antzi Samiou, Aspirini

Antzi Samiou, Aspirini

Panos Kiamos, Gi Agapi Etimasou

Panos Kiamos, Gi Agapi Etimasou
 

Hrises Epitihies 2009

Hrises Epitihies 2009
 
Legend 2009 (2CD+DVD) 42 Super Hits

Legend 2009 (2CD+DVD) 42 Super Hits
Fresca 2009 (3CD) 54 Super Hits

Fresca 2009 (3CD) 54 Super Hits
 
Dimitris Basis, Apo To Vizantio Sto Simera LIVE (2CD)

Dimitris Basis, Apo To Vizantio Sto Simera LIVE (2CD)
 
Hristos Antoniadis, Dorean

Hristos Antoniadis, Dorean
Maria Iakovou, Mavra Mesanihta

Maria Iakovou, Mavra Mesanihta
 
Hainides, H Kathodos Ton Saltimbagon LIVE (2CD)

Hainides, H Kathodos Ton Saltimbagon LIVE (2CD)
Manolis Mitsias, Ena Tsigaro Ki Enas Pseftis

Manolis Mitsias, Ena Tsigaro Ki Enas Pseftis
 
George Dalaras, To Filtro - CD+DVD (PAL)

George Dalaras, To Filtro - CD+DVD (PAL)
Antonis Vardis, Ta Oneira Mas

Antonis Vardis, Ta Oneira Mas
Petros Gaitanos, Fos Ek Fotos Christmas - New Year

Petros Gaitanos, Fos Ek Fotos Christmas - New Year's Byzantine Hymns
 
Ta Laika Tis Panivar (3CD) 54 Super Laika

Ta Laika Tis Panivar (3CD) 54 Super Laika
 
Stratos Dionisiou, Ego o Kserios (2 albums on 1 CD) Ego o Xenos, Pios Allos

Stratos Dionisiou, Ego o Kserios (2 albums on 1 CD) Ego o Xenos, Pios Allos
 
Thanos Mikroutsikos, Avta Pou Tragoudisame - 4 CD

Thanos Mikroutsikos, Avta Pou Tragoudisame - 4 CD
 
Ta Laika Tou Taki Mousafiri - 20 Years Hits (4CD Anthology)

Ta Laika Tou Taki Mousafiri - 20 Years Hits (4CD Anthology)
Hristos Nikolopoulos, Stou Paradisou Ta Orea (4CD) 80 Classic Laika

Hristos Nikolopoulos, Stou Paradisou Ta Orea (4CD) 80 Classic Laika
14 Megala Tragoudia - Pop / Rock (various artists)

14 Megala Tragoudia - Pop / Rock (various artists)
 
14 Megala Tragoudia - Ta LaΪka (various artists)

14 Megala Tragoudia - Ta LaΪka (various artists)
Prodromos Tsaousakis, Apo Tis 78 Strofes (2CD)

Prodromos Tsaousakis, Apo Tis 78 Strofes (2CD)
Sotiria Bellou, Apo Tis 78 Strofes (2CD)

Sotiria Bellou, Apo Tis 78 Strofes (2CD)
Apostolos Hadjihristos, Apo Tis 78 Strofes (2CD)

Apostolos Hadjihristos, Apo Tis 78 Strofes (2CD)

 

New Arrivals in Our Traditional Music Categories

Nikisiani, Diavenontas to Vathos tou Chronou, 2CD album feat. Glykeria

Nikisiani, Diavenontas to Vathos tou Chronou, 2CD album feat. Glykeria

Songs & Dances Of Rhodes Island, by The Hellenic Music Archives

Songs & Dances Of Rhodes Island, by The Hellenic Music Archives
 

Traditional Music of Mykonos with Sambounes and Toubes

Traditional Music of Mykonos with Sambounes and Toubes
 

Tragoudia Kai Skopoi Apo Ta Dodecanisa (Songs & Melodies of the Dodecanese)

Tragoudia Kai Skopoi Apo Ta Dodecanisa (Songs & Melodies of the Dodecanese)

Traditional Dances of Central Macedonia, by The Hellenic Music Archives

Traditional Dances of Central Macedonia, by The Hellenic Music Archives
 

Traditional Dances of Crete, by The Hellenic Music Archives

Traditional Dances of Crete, by The Hellenic Music Archives

Songs & Dances Of Rhodes Island, by The Hellenic Music Archives

Songs & Dances Of Rhodes Island, by The Hellenic Music Archives
 

Aegeopelagitika - Songs Of The Aegean Isles - Archipelago

Aegeopelagitika - Songs Of The Aegean Isles - Archipelago

Maniatika - Traditional Folk Songs

Maniatika - Traditional Folk Songs

Ta Tragoudia Tou Gamou (2CD) 29 Traditional Wedding Songs

Ta Tragoudia Tou Gamou (2CD) 29 Traditional Wedding Songs
 DVDs
Antonis Remos, The Video Collection (PAL/Zone 2)

Antonis Remos, The Video Collection (PAL/Zone 2)
 
Yiannis Kotsiras, Ti Tragoudi Na Sou Po Live DVD (PAL) +CD

Yiannis Kotsiras, Ti Tragoudi Na Sou Po Live DVD (PAL) +CD

 
Dimitris Mitropanos, Hits on DVD 1991-2008 (PAL/Zone 2)

Dimitris Mitropanos, Hits on DVD 1991-2008 (PAL/Zone 2)
 
Stelios Kazandzidis, Mia Zoi... DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

Stelios Kazandzidis, Mia Zoi... DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
 
Minos 2009 CD+DVD (PAL / Zone 2)

Minos 2009 CD+DVD (PAL / Zone 2)
 
Basile - The Greek Gods of Comedy - DVD (NTSC)

Basile - The Greek Gods of Comedy - DVD (NTSC)
Basile - A Pinch of Basile (Live in Concert)

Basile - A Pinch of Basile (Live in Concert) NTSC
Angelo Tsarouchas 2 DVD Set (NTSC) - SAVE 15%

Angelo Tsarouchas 2 DVD Set (NTSC) - SAVE 15%
Stakaman (NTSC) DVD in Greek

Stakaman (NTSC) DVD in Greek

 
The Chronicles of Narnia (To Hroniko tis Narnia) DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

The Chronicles of Narnia (To Hroniko tis Narnia) DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

 
Ta Zouzounia, The Collection - 9 Children

Ta Zouzounia, The Collection - 9 Children's DVDs - Special Price (NTSC)
Hristougenna Me Ta Zouzounia (Christmas with the Zouzounia) DVD-PAL

Hristougenna Me Ta Zouzounia (Christmas with the Zouzounia) DVD-PAL
Hristougenna Irthan Pali (Childrens Christmas Carols) by Ta Zouzounia (DVD-PAL)

Hristougenna Irthan Pali (Childrens Christmas Carols) by Ta Zouzounia (DVD-PAL)

 
Agia Nihta (Holy Night) by Ta Zouzounia - DVD-PAL

Agia Nihta (Holy Night) by Ta Zouzounia - DVD-PAL
Hristougenna Stin Pehnidoupoli (A Nonty Christmas) DVD-PAL

Hristougenna Stin Pehnidoupoli (A Nonty Christmas) DVD-PAL
Mulan Special 2-Disc Edition DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

Mulan Special 2-Disc Edition DVD (PAL/Zone 2)
 
Tarzan II: The Legend Begins DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

Tarzan II: The Legend Begins DVD (PAL/Zone 2)
Aliki Vougiouklaki 5-DVD Set (NTSC)

Aliki Vougiouklaki 5-DVD Set (NTSC)
Tzeni Karezi 4-DVD Set (NTSC)

Tzeni Karezi 4-DVD Set (NTSC)
 
 

Unique, quality products from Greece....
Get some gift ideas from our  Christmas Gift Guide!

Need stocking stuffers? How about...
keychains, music, candles, jewelry, books,
magnets, soap, movies, snack food...
Or... maybe a gift certificate!

 

 Books & Calendars

  Calendars

Kazamias 2009 - Greek Almanac

Kazamias 2009 - Greek Almanac
 
Kazamias 2009 - Greek Almanac (Ksematiasmata Edition)

Kazamias 2009 - Greek Almanac (Ksematiasmata Edition)
Small Greek 2009 Calendar Refill with Poems (in Greek)

Small Greek 2009 Calendar Refill with Poems (in Greek)
Greece - An Odyssey to the Land of Light 2009 Wall Calendar (16-mo)

Greece - An Odyssey to the Land of Light 2009 Wall Calendar (16-mo)
 
Greek Isles 2009 12-mo Wall Calendar

Greek Isles 2009 12-mo Wall Calendar

  Biographies History Photography Food Culture

Greek Proverbs for Children Illustrated by Theophilos, by Vassiliki Stathi (Greek/English)

Greek Proverbs Illustrated by Theophilos, by Vassiliki Stathi (Greek/English)
Playing with Words - Greek Idioms, by Vasiliki Stathes

Playing with Words - Greek Idioms, by Vasiliki Stathes
 
Written in Stone - Ancient Greek Wisdom, by Vasiliki Stathes

Written in Stone - Ancient Greek Wisdom, by Vasiliki Stathes
 
Cats in the Sun, by Hans Silvester (Photography Book)

Cats in the Sun, by Hans Silvester (Photography Book)
 
Cats of the Greek Islands, by Hans Silvester (in English)

Cats of the Greek Islands, by Hans Silvester (in English)
 
Engineering & Technology in Ancient Greece, by Christos Lazos

Engineering & Technology in Ancient Greece, by Christos s Lazos (English)
 
Ancient Greek Standards, by George Varoufakis (English)

Ancient Greek Standards, by George Varoufakis (English)
Ancient Greek Technology, by Ailos Publications (in English and Greek)

Ancient Greek Technology, by Ailos Publications (in English and Greek)
 
The Foods of Chicago - A Delicious History, by G. Bradley Publishing (in English)

The Foods of Chicago - A Delicious History, by G. Bradley Publishing (in English)
 
The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien (in Greek)

The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien (in Greek)
 
George Stoukas, Ancient Greek Wisdom (in English)

George Stoukas, Ancient Greek Wisdom (in English)
Biography of Yannis Parios, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)

Biography of Yannis Parios, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)
Biography of Vasilis Papakonstantinou, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)

Biography of Vasilis Papakonstantinou, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)
 
Biography of Keti Grey, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)

Biography of Keti Grey, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)
 
Biography of Mikis Theodorakis, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)

Biography of Mikis Theodorakis, by Yannis Flessas (in Greek)
 
  Latest Arrivals
 Games and Toys!
Alphabet ABC Wooden Blocks in Greek

Alphabet ABC Wooden Blocks in Greek
 
Fisher-Price Speak & Teach Phone - Greek Edition

Fisher-Price Speak & Teach Phone - Greek Edition

 
Wooden Table Top Parthenon Blocks

Wooden Table Top Parthenon Blocks
Fisher-Price Dora We Did It! Dancing Dora (Speaks Greek)

Fisher-Price Dora We Did It! Dancing Dora (Speaks Greek)
Fisher-Price Talking Dora Surprise (Speaks Greek)

Fisher-Price Talking Dora Surprise (Speaks Greek)
 
Junior Scrabble - Word-Building Game (in Greek) Ages 5+

Junior Scrabble - Word-Building Game (in Greek) Ages 5+
 
Learning The Farm Animals - Wooden Peg Puzzle (in Greek) Age 3+

Learning The Farm Animals - Wooden Peg Puzzle (in Greek) Age 3+
 
Learning The Sea Animals - Wooden Peg Puzzle (in Greek) Age 3+

Learning The Sea Animals - Wooden Peg Puzzle (in Greek) Age 3+
Laugh-n-Learn Roll-Along Snail (in Greek)

Laugh-n-Learn Roll-Along Snail (in Greek)
 
Laugh-n-Learn Roll-Along Turtle (in Greek)

Laugh-n-Learn Roll-Along Turtle (in Greek)
 
  Vancouver 2010 Olympic Collectors' Pins
Vancouver 2010 One Year To Go Countdown Cut-out Pin

LIMITED EDITION

Vancouver 2010 One Year To Go Countdown Cut-out Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 One Year To Go Countdown Quatchi Pin

LIMITED EDITION

Vancouver 2010 One Year To Go Countdown Quatchi Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 Mascots on Sled Pin

LIMITED EDITION

Vancouver 2010 Mascots on Sled Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 Happy New Year Mascot Sumi Pin

LIMITED EDITION

Vancouver 2010 Happy New Year Mascot Sumi Pin
Vancouver 2010 Chinese New Year Dragon Pin

LIMITED EDITION

Vancouver 2010 Chinese New Year Dragon Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 Quatchi and Miga Luge Pin
Vancouver 2010 Quatchi and Miga Luge Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 Miga Skeleton Pin
Vancouver 2010 Miga Skeleton Pin
Vancouver 2010 Mascots Whistler Bus Pin
Vancouver 2010 Mascots Whistler Bus Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 Official Sidekick Mukmuk Pin
Vancouver 2010 Official Sidekick Mukmuk Pin
Vancouver 2010 Quatchi Alpine Skiing Pin
Vancouver 2010 Quatchi Alpine Skiing Pin
Vancouver 2010 Miga and Quatchi at Chinese Gate Pin
Vancouver 2010 Miga and Quatchi at Chinese Gate Pin
Vancouver 2010 Quatchi Carrying Olympic Flag Pin
Vancouver 2010 Quatchi Carrying Olympic Flag Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 Cut-Out Logo Pin
Vancouver 2010 Cut-Out Logo Pin
Vancouver 2010 Silver Man & Eagle Stone Pin
Vancouver 2010 Silver Man & Eagle Stone Pin
 
Vancouver 2010 Snowflake Logo Pin
Vancouver 2010 Snowflake Logo Pin
 

  Featured Destination: Kos

Kos HarborGEOGRAPHY: Kos, between Kalymnos and Nisyros, is the third largest of the Dodecanese. It is 290 sq. km. in area, has 112 km. of coastline and 20,350 inhabitants. All year round there are daily car and passenger ferries from Piraeus, 201 nautical miles away, as well as regular connections with the rest of the Dodecanese and Crete. The boat to the outlying islands on the Piraeus - Kavala route links Kos with Melos, Pholegandros, Santorini, Anaphi, the Dodecanese, islands of the north and east Aegean and Crete once a week. There is also a ship to Limmasol in Cyprus every week. Local services operate to other islands of the Dodecanese and during the summer months there are hydrofoils to Rhodes, Symi, Patmos, Nisyros and Samos. Small boats also ply the route from Kos to Kalymnos, Nisyros and Pserimos. In the summer excursion craft sail to Kalymnos, Pserimos and Nisyros and many cruise liners also drop anchor here. There are flights to Athens, Rhodes, Leros and Mykonos via Rhodes. The island's capital and main port is Kos and its second harbor is at Mastichari. With its rich natural vegetation, woodland and running water Kos is quite unlike the other islands of the Aegean. There is an abundance of antiquities and monuments of all eras, there are excellent tourist facilities, highly developed transport and road system and one is guaranteed a delightful vacation.

Kos - Roman Ruins, Bath, Roman baths, Hellenistic Gymnasium, Odeum, Roman VillaHISTORY: The island was first inhabited in Neolithic times, as indicated by traces p served in many places, especially at Kefal In Mycenaean times (15th- 12th century B the island was evidently densely populated and took part in the Trojan War. In around 7 BC it joined the Dorian hexapolis, along w Halicarnassus, Cnidus, Lindos, Ialysos, Kameiros, the religious centre of which was t sanctuary of Apollo at Cnidus. At the beginning of the 5th century BC Kos was conquer by the Persians. It joined the Athenian League as soon as these hostilities ceased. Around the middle of the 4th century BC (366 BC) the city of Kos was built and this remained the island's center until the 6th century AD when was destroyed by a terrible earthquake. K was the birthplace of Hippocrates (46 BC) the Father of Medicine and was renown for its Asklepieion. In Roman times it fad into oblivion though it enjoyed something floruit in the Early Christian and Byzantine era. Towards the end of the 14th century passed into the hands of the Knights of John who built their own city on the very of the ancient agora. During the 15th and 1 century the Knights erected the castle which still stands today, sentinel of the harbor trance. The Ottomans captured Kos in 1 and it remained under Turkish occupation until 1912 when it was taken over by the Italians. In 1933 Kos was smitten by yet another catastrophic earthquake and between then 1943 the Italians carried out extensive excavations on the island and the modern town developed. Only in 1948 was Kos incorporated in the Greek state.

SIGHTS-MONUMENTS: Kos, the capital the island, is located on its northeast side. oldest quarter is that around the harbor where the Knights of St. John built their c on the site of the ancient one. Excavations have brought to light foundations of dive ancient buildings of both Hellenistic and man times. Sections of the Classical defensive wall and foundations of a stoa and small temple, possibly of Herakles, have also been revealed. A monumental basilica was erected adjacent to this temple in Early Chris times. Kos Island MapAlmost in the centre of the city stoa magnificent sanctuary of Aphrodite, w parts of the ancient agora and the great stoa, of which two columns have been restored, have been uncovered to the west of it. Also at the western edge of town, buildings dating from Hellenistic and Roman times have been uncovered; Roman baths, the portico of the Hellenistic gymnasium, the odeum and a Roman villa which has been largely restored. Other features of interest in the town include the enormous plane tree which, according to tradition was planted by Hippocrates who used to teach in its shade. There are numerous notable churches both in town and on the outskirts, some with valuable wall-paintings and iconostases, and some dating to Early Christian times. Finds from excavations all over Kos are exhibited in the Archaeological Museum although many items (mosaic floors and statues) have been transferred to Rhodes. In antiquity Kos was famous as the island of the god Asklepios and the physician Hippocrates, founder of modern medical science. 15 km. southwest of Kos is the Asklepieion, situated in a particularly beautiful area with cypress trees in abundance and a spectacular view of the Asia Minor coast opposite. Kos Harbor and ShipyarA little further south (16 km. from Kos) is Pyli, 
						consisting of three villages in a 

lush, verdant setting. A sanctuary of Classical times has been
discovered here, finds from which are exhibited in the Kos Museum. Above the village are the remains of a 

Byzantine castle, within which the church of the Presentation of Christ is preserved and from where there is a 

superb view towards Kalymnos and Pserimos. 9 km. further south (25 km. from Kos) is Antimaeia, a cluster of 

four settlements built on a plateau. The airport is nearby and its port is Mastichari, the second largest of the 

island's harbors. Southeast of Antimacheia (29 km. from Kos) is Kardamaina which has developed to an attractive, 

well-planned holiday resort. Between here and Antimacheia are the ruins of a large Venetian castle with well-

preserved ails, a few houses, two churches and a cistern for water. The castle was probably built in 494 on the 

site of the preceding Byzantine fortress. At Kefalos (43 km. southwest of Kos) ere are ruins of ancient temples 

and a small theater. There is an Early Christian basilica at Aghios Stefanos and at Mastichari. Among the 
						lovely 

coastal villages are Tingaki (14 km. west Kos) and Aghios Fokas (8 km. east of Kos). Amenities and facilities 

on Kos are of a high standard, guaranteeing a pleasant vacation for II visitors. The beaches are excellent for 

						swimming, fishing and sea sports and those n the east coast, in close proximity to the 
						main town are particularly 

beautiful. On many others the trees grow down to the water's edge. Apart from the beach at Marmari, all the 
						others 

can be reached by bus. There is an organized spa at Thermes (11 km. southwest of 
						Kos) and other therapeutic 

springs near Karmaina. In the harbors of Kos, Mastichari, Kefalos and Kardamaina there are yacht marinas but 

there are refueling facilities only at Kos. Accommodation is available in hotels, 
						pensions, furnished flats and 

rooms.</font><div align=A temple of Apollo originally stood on this site and the sanctuary of Asklepios was founded in the 14th century BC. During the 3rd century BC a large altar was built, embellished with sculptures reputedly fashioned by the son of Praxiteles. The sanctuary is built on four terraces and the various edifices were constructed at different times. The most important of these was the actual temple of Asklepios, a Doric peripteral building which stood a smaller temple in the Ionic order, close to the altar. Parts of the Roman temple still survive, as well as traces of the Roman baths. The Asklepieion was an important healing institution in ancient times, rivaling our modern hospitals. It was excavated by the Italian School of Archaeology, which was also responsible for its restoration, giving us some idea of its appearance .n Hellenistic and Roman times. 14 km. south of the harbor is the region of Afendio, comprising five settlements built on the hillside, overlooking the open sea. 
 

 December 2008 Greek Orthodox Calendar

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
  1
Monday of the 11th Week

Nahum the Prophet

Philaret the Merciful of Amnia
 
22
Tuesday of the 11th Week

Habakkuk the Prophet

Our Righteous Father Cyril of Phileu
3
Wednesday of the 11th Week

Zephaniah the Prophet

Our Righteous Father John, Bishop and Hesychast
44
Barbara the Great Martyr

John the Righteous of Damascus

New Hieromartyr Seraphim, bishop of the Phanar in Greece
 
5
Savas the Sanctified

Holy Martyr Diogenes

Philotheos the Righteous of Mount Athos
66
Nicholas the Wonderworker, Archbishop of Myra

Nicholas the New Martyr of Asia Minor
7
10th Sunday of Luke

Ambrose, Bishop of Milan

Athenodoros the Martyr of Mesopotamia
8
Monday of the 12th Week

Forefeast of the Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

Patapios the Righteous of Thebes
 
9
The Conception by St. Anna of the Most Holy Theotokos

Hanna the Prophetess

Narses the Martyr of Persia
10
Wednesday of the 12th Week

Menas, Hermogenes, & Eugraphos, Martyrs of Alexandria

Thomas the Righteous of Bithynia
11
Thursday of the 12th Week

Daniel the Stylite of Constantinople

Luke the New Stylite of Chalcedon
12
Spyridon the Wonderworker of Trymithous

Holy New Martyr Peter the Aleut
13
Saturday of the 12th Week

Herman the Wonderworker of Alaska & First Saint of America

Auxentios, Eugene, Mardarios, Orestes, & Eustratios, Martyrs of Sebaste
 
14
11th Sunday of Luke


Thyrsos, Leucius, & Callinicos, Martyrs of Apollonia
15
Eleutherios the Holy Martyr, Bishop Illyria and his mother Anthia

The Martyr Susannah the Deaconess
16
Tuesday of the 13th Week

Haggai the Prophet

Modestos, Archbishop of Jerusalem
17
Wednesday of the 13th Week

Daniel the Prophet & Ananias, Azarias, & Misail, the Three Holy Youths

Dionysios of Zakynthos
18
Thursday of the 13th Week

Sebastian the Martyr & his Companions

Our Righteous Father Michael Syngellon the Confessor
19
Friday of the 13th Week

Boniface the Merciful of Tarsus, Eutychios the Martyr of Thessaloniki

Our Righteous Father Gregentius, Bishop of Ethiopia
 
20
Ignatius the God-Bearer, Bishop of Antioch

Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Our Righteous Father Philogonius, Bishop of Antioch
 
21
Sunday before Nativity

Forefeast of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Juliana of Nicomedia & her 630 Companion Martyrs
22
Monday of the 14th Week

Anastasia the Great Martyr

Chrysogonos, Theodota, Evodias, & Eutychianus, the Martyrs
23
Tuesday of the 14th Week

Ten Martyrs of Crete

Rememberance of the Founding of the Holy and Great Church of Christ, Hagia Sophia in Constantinople
24
Eve of the Nativity of Christ

Eugenia the Righteous Nun-martyr of Rome
25
The Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

The Adoration of the Magi: Melchior, Gaspar, & Balthasar

The Commemoration of the Shepherds in Bethlehem who were watching their flocks and came to see the Lord
 
26
Synaxis of the Holy Theotokos

Euthemios the Confessor, Bishop of Sardis
27
Saturday after Nativity

Stephen, Archdeacon & First Martyr

Theodore the Confessor
28
Sunday after Nativity


20,000 Martyrs burned in Nicomedia

Holy Martyr Glycerus
29
14,000 infants (Holy Innocents) slain by Herod in Bethlehem

Our Righteous Father Marcellus, Abbot of the Monastery of the Unsleeping Ones

Our Righteous Father Thaddeus the Confessor
 
30
Tuesday of the 15th Week

Anysia the Virgin-martyr of Thessaloniki

Gideon the New Martyr of Mount Athos
31
Wednesday of the 15th Week

Apodosis of the Nativity of Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ

Melania the Younger, Nun of Rome
 
Red Ceramic Pomegranate Oil Lamp

Red Ceramic
Pomegranate Oil Lamp

A Perfect New Year's Gift!


Icons depicting the celebrated Saint, make great gifts for namedays, as do our custom-made Greek name mugs.
Shop among our great collection of gift ideas at our store. We also have a great selection of greeting cards
for birthdays, holidays, namedays and special occasions.

Hand Painted Icons Greek Name Mug Cups Classic Design Birthday / Humorous Message Greeting Cards in Greek Box of 12 B112
Gold and Silver Icons, and Hand-painted Icons
 
Greek Name Mug Cups Greeting Cards
 
Want to know more about Orthodox Saints?
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