Greekshops.com January 2012 Newsletter


January 2012 Newsletter

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	The Cultivation of Mastiha	Special Feature: Regional Greek Wines - Part V - Chalkidiki: Athos Wine from Tsantalis
	What's New: 2012 Gouria, Sterling Silver & Gold Plated Jewelry, Children's Toys, DVDs & Books in Greek, Greek Music, Adult Books in Greek, Greece & Sports Team Themed Gear, Greek Orthodox Icons & Religious Supplies, Greek Food Items, London 2012 Official Olympic Game Collectible Pins	Latest Arrivals: Ancient Greek Pottery Replicas, 2012 Greek Kazamias Almanacs & Calendar Refills, Vintage Greek City Photo & Advertisement Posters
	Featured Destination: Cyclades - Ios	January's Recipe: Olives in a Glass with Yogurt, Chios Mastiha and Honey
	Saint Namedays in January	Suggestions, Comments, Subscription Info

January's Recipe:
Olives in a Glass with Yogurt, Chios Mastiha and Honey

This unusual combination of ingredients works together as both a starter and a dessert.

Ingredients:

25 gr (1 heaping tbsp) minced red onion
20 gr (1 1/3 tbsp) Greek extra-virgin olive oil
50 gr Greek olives, either small black or wrinkled black
Grated zest from half an orange
5 mint leaves, finely chopped
Freshly ground black pepper
130 gr strained Greek yogurt
70 gr sheep's milk yogurt
2 tbsp Greek honey
3-4 drops essential Chios Mastiha oil
6 mint leaves for garnish

Preparation:

In a small skillet over very low heat, sweat the onions in the olive oil for five minutes. Remove from heat and add the olives, orange zest, and chopped mint. Season lightly with a little pepper. Mix together the two yogurts, honey and Mastiha oil in a separate bowl. To serve, divide the olive-onion mixture evenly in 6 small glass serving plates or glasses and top with even amounts of the yogurt mixture. Garnish with mint and serve.

Makes 6 servings.

Excerpts and Photography from: Chios Mastiha: More than 20 Great Recipes for the World's Healthiest Spice

Mastihashop Chios Mastiha Essential Oil 50g

Thassos Throumba Olives 400g

Sithon Greek Blossom Honey, 450 grams

Mythology Extra Virgin Olive Oil from Crete 750ml

January's Article

The Cultivation of Mastiha

The Cultivation of Mastiha

The cultivation, collection and processing of mastiha occupy all four seasons of the year. Similarly to other traditional cultivations, such as the olive, mastiha is a family operation.

In January and February, the lower branches are pruned. In March and April, digging commences, and by the end of spring, all the ministrations and preparations of the plants have been completed. Summer is the season of mastiha production and collection, which starts with the preparing of the ground in June. First the ground beneath the tree is methodically cleaned. It is then spread with argil, a white chalky powdered stone known locally as asprohoma, which retains the mastiha that drips from the tree.

July marks the start of the “kentima” or incising of the trees. This is the high point in Chios-mastiha cultivation and lasts about 75 days, harden into crystalline granules and are ready for collection.

Collection is completed in September, after which starts the process of cleaning the mastiha, a procedure that takes months. At first, this procedure takes place in the producers house and following that at the facilities of the Chios Mastiha Growers Association.

It is important to note that the entire production and cleaning process of Chios Mastiha is free of all chemicals and additives and has remained unchanged throughout the centuries. The basically primitive tools and cleaning methods, the producers’ garments, and the medieval settlements in Southern Chios, combined with the virtually untouched natural environment of the region, are undeniable proof of the historical continuity of this product.

The cleaning of the mastiha is done painstakingly by hand, and includes sifting, sorting and washing in natural spring water. It is then immediately turned over to the Chios Mastiha Growers Association, * where the cleaning continues with mechanical means. Finally the mastiha is sorted, classified and graded according to the color and size of the granule. To protect the product as well as the consumer, Chios Mastiha is distributed only in packages marked PDA (protected designation of origin) accompanied by the insignia of the Chios Mastiha Growers Association.

Today, mastiha is produced in 24 villages that are listed as traditional or landmarked settlements by the Hellenic Ministry of Culture. These villages are: Agios Georgios, Armolia, Vavyloi, Vessa, Vouno, Elata, Exo Didyma, Tholopotami, Thymiana, Kalamoti, Kallimasia, Katarraktis, Lithi, Mesa Didyma, Mesta, Myrmingi, Nenita, Nehori, Olympoi, Pagida, Patrikia, Pyrgi, and Flagsia.

* The Chios Mastiha Growers Association is a compulsory collective of all the mastiha producers on the island, and according to the Law 1390/1938, is the sole managing agent for Chios Mastiha.

Read the facts and science here.
Get beauty advice including how to make your own home beauty products.
Cook and be healthier with these recipes... and a bit of history.

Shop for Mastic Products >>>>>>

MASTIHA BEAUTY CARE RECIPE:
Chios Mastiha Body Scrub

2 tbsp sweet almond oil, 1 tbsp sea salt,
1 tbsp Chios Mastiha

Thoroughly grind the Chios Mastiha into a fine powder using a pestle and mortar and mix with the rest of the ingredients. Take a shower and rub the scrub on your wet skin with gentle circular movements. Rinse well with warm water, finish off with a dry-towel rub. Use once a week.

Special Feature: Regional Greek Wines

Part V - Chalkidiki: Athos Wine from Tsantalis


	The Athos region is used for wine cultivation not just by the monks, but also by an independent winegrower. In Agios Pavlos, on Chalkidiki's western coast, are the headquarters of the Tsantalis winery and distillery. The firm has now been in the family for three generations and is currently owned by Evangelos Tsantalis, who also owns wineries in Naoussa and Rapsani. The vineyards belonging to this firm now extend beyond the Athos region and are scattered all over Greece. Meanwhile, the local ones are relatively small. The family vineyards cover an area of over 540 acres (220 hectares) and include Athos, Agios Pavlos (Chalkidiki), Maronia (Thrace), and Naoussa (Macedonia). They are further supplied by grape growers in Rapsani, Thessaloniki, Samos, Limnos, Crete, and the Peloponnese. In this way, Tsantalis manages to produce 4,752,000 U.S. gallons (18,000,000 liters) of wine each year. In order to cope with such a huge quantity, the Tsantalis cellars have a storage capacity of 5,280,000 U.S. gallons (20 million liters) of controlled tank space as well as 2000 wooden casks with a capacity of 74 U.S. gallons (300 liters) each. Tsantalis is Greece's biggest exporter with over 3,170,000 gallons (12,000,000 liters) - in other words, two-thirds of his overall production - going for export. One of his main clients is Germany: Tsantalis provides 40 percent of the Greek wine there, dominating the market. German gastronomy benefits from the fact that Tsantalis offers a broad cross-section of Greek wines from every level of quality and price. He has upheld tradition and respected the family philosophy of concentrating on Greek grape varieties. For the red wines, he uses the classic Agiorgitiko grape, characteristic of the Nemea region, and the Xinomavro variety from Naoussa, processing them by fermentation in revolving steel tanks. They are acknowledged as red wines of international class. Stavroto and Krassato are also used, as well as are produced by the cold process from Rhoditis, Assyrtiko, Athiri and Vilana, while retsina is made from the smooth Savatiano, and Moscato is used for liqueur wine. Grapes are still picked by hand at the Tsantalis vineyard! The head of the establishment makes it his business to check his wines very carefully before they are bottled.
	Greek Wine Categories
	Epitrapezios oinos: Table wine Cava: Table wine that must be stored in wooden barrels and bottles for two years in the case of white wine, three for red. Topikos: Country wine. O.P.A.P. (Onomasia Proelefsis Anoteris Piotitas): Equivalent to the V.Q.P.R.E. (Vin de Qualite Produit dans une Region Determinee) EU quality mark. To date 22 appellations of this quality have been defined. Wines matured in wooden barrels can also use the following descriptions -- Epilegmenos (Reserve): White wine for two, red wine for three years, each with one year in the bottle. Idika Epilegmenos (Grande Reserve): One year more. O.P.E. (Onomasia Proelefsis Elenkhomenis): Denotes relevant quality, liquer, or dessert wines; 13 appellations have been defined. Retsina: A "traditional appellation" awarded to Greece by the EU.

What's New!

2012 Gouria, Sterling Silver & Gold Plated Jewelry

	Coin Gouri Goodluck Charm	Horse-shoe Gouri Goodluck Charm	Sailboat Gouri Goodluck Charm	Pomegranate Gouri Goodluck Charm
	24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Hoop Earrings - Greek Key Motif with Post (22mm)	24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Pendant - Comedy Mask (12mm)	24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Pendant - Minoan Snake Goddess (26mm)	24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Pendant - Minoan Dolphin (22mm)
18K Gold Plated Sterling Silver 1mm Popcorn Chain Necklace 14" 16" 18"	18K Gold Plated Sterling Silver 1mm Popcorn Chain Necklace 20" 24" 30"	24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring - Double Minoan Dolphin	24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring - Minoan Dolphin	24k Gold Plated Sterling Silver Bracelet - Minoan Dolphin Charm Links (7mm)

Children's Toys, DVDs & Books in Greek

Play & Learn - Sofie Helona the Greek Alphabet Turtle Ages 1+	Play & Learn - Smart Talking Ladybug Eksipni Pashalitsa Ages 1+	Play & Learn - Smart Talking Bear Eksipno Arkoudaki Ages 6+ Months	Ta Zouzounia / Hristougenna Ston Kosmo - Katerina Giannikou	Ta Zouzounia / Ta Kavourakia Rembetika for Children - Katerina Giannikou
Dreamworks :: Kung Fu Panda 2 DVD (PAL), in Greek	Disney Pixar :: Cars 2 DVD (PAL), in Greek	Universal :: Hop DVD (PAL), in Greek	Disney :: Lion King 2 : Simba's Pride DVD (PAL), in Greek	Disney :: Lion King 3 : Hakuna Matata DVD (PAL), in Greek
Barney vol 13: Atelioto Paihnidi (Endless Play), In Greek (PAL)	Barney vol 19: Baby Bop goes to School, In Greek (PAL)	Dora Goes to School - Dora proti mera sto sholeio, In Greek Ages 3+	Dora, The book of good manners - Vivlio ton kalon Tropon, In Greek Ages 3+	Dora, I am learning to write the Greek Alphabet, In Greek
I proti mou Grammatiki / Nouns, Verbs & Adjectives, Workbook in Greek Ages 4+	Anikse kai Anakalypse Lekseis / Slide & Find Words, Boardbook In Greek Ages 3+	Discovery Kids : Protes Lekseis - Psanho Vrisko, In Greek	Despina and the Dove by Eugene Trivizas, in English, Limited Edition	My First Greek Mythology Book: Oi 12 Theoi tou Olympou (In Greek) Ages 4+
My First Greek Mythology Book: To taksidi tou Odyssea (In Greek) Ages 4+	My First Greek Mythology Book: O Achilleas kai o Ektoras (In Greek) Ages 4+	My First Greek Mythology Book: O Vasilias Midas (In Greek) Ages 4+	My First Greek Mythology Book: Athina, I poli tis Athinas (In Greek) Ages 4+	My First Greek Mythology Book: O promitheas kai I Fotia (In Greek) Ages 4+
Protes mou lekseis - First Words ages 3-5 (In Greek)	Gav to Skylaki by Kelly Dimopoulos (In Greek)	Niaou I Gatoula by Kelly Dimopoulos (In Greek)	O fantasmenos Louis / Louis the Proud Hare, In Greek Ages 5+	O kimonas se apostoli diasosis / Kimon on a Rescue Mission, In Greek Ages 5+
Den thelo na vgo apo to avgo by Yolanda Tsoroni - Georgiadis, In Greek Ages 5+	Fora to Hamogelo Sou / Wearing Your Smile by Yolanda Tsoroni - Georgiadis, In Greek Ages 5+	To megalo kolpo tou Freddy / Freddy's Big Trick, In Greek Ages 5+	O Megalos Nikitis / The Big Winner by Yolanda Tsoroni - Georgiadis, In Greek Ages 5+	Oi protes mou lekseis, In Greek
Ta pio omorfa paramithia, In Greek	Five Musketeers Inside the Fridge / Pente Somatofilakes klismeni sto psigio, In Greek	To alphavitari tis Agias Sofias by Evi Tsitiridou-Christoforidou, In Greek Ages 10+	First Bible with Illustrations for kids, In Greek Ages 3+	Let's Go to School! / Pame sto sholio Boardbook In Greek Ages 3+
Trucks, Tractorsm and Cars - Fortiga, Trakter, Aftokinita, In Greek, Ages 36mo+	My First Little Greek Book Library: Classic Fairy Tales (12 Mini Board Books) Ages 2+	My First Little Greek Book Library: More Classic Fairy Tales (12 Mini Board Books) Ages 2+	My First Little Greek Book Library: Christmas Stories (12 Mini Board Books) Ages 2+	Board Game - Magnetic Travel Orizontia and Katheta Scrabble Board Game 7+

Greek Music

Minos 2012, Various Artists (2CD)	Exo Dertia 20 Non-Stop Laika Hits, Various Artists	Heaven 2012, Various Artists	Rithmos In the Mix Vol. 4, Various Artists	Kolasi 2012, Various Artists
Hriso Paketo 2012, Various Artists	A Non Stop Party Vol 1-5 Megamix by Nikos Halkousis - 172 hits on 5 CDs REDUCED	Hit Collection, Various Artists	Entasi, Kostas Martakis	Beautiful Things, Mario Frangoulis
Dinami tou Erota by Yiannis Ploutarhos	Tha Eimai Edo, Nikos Ikonomopoulos	Courage and Truth, Mihalis Hatziyiannis	Psyhraima, Iro	Zontani Ihografisi, Alkinoos Ioannidis / Gyalinos Kosmos (2CD)
Ta Genethlia mou, Elli Kokkinou	Ihografisi Apo To Gazarte, Dimitra Galani & Vassilikos, Live CD	Xtes, Simera, avrio..., Megaliteres Epitihies by Pashalis Terzis (2 CD)	Minos Matsas / 1903 - 1970 - I Epohi Ta Tragoudia Kai O Rolos Tou Stin Elliniki Diskografia (3CD)	I kiria giota lidia, Lidia Giota (5CD)
LYRA4732 The New Wave (Neo Kima) of Greek Music Vol 4	LYRA4732 The New Wave (Neo Kima) of Greek Music Vol 2	Sarakatsanika No. 2 CD	Sarakatsanika No. 3 CD	Ta sirta ton Sarakatsanika No. 4 CD
Sarakatsanika - Andreas Peteinos CD	Sarakatsanika CD			Iview 4000KR Multi Region HD DVD Player + Karaoke Player

Adult Books in Greek

Mastiha Cuisine by Diane Kochilas, in Greek & English	Dream Book : Interpretative Dream Approach (In Greek)	O Violonistas, by Kostas Karakasis, In Greek	To Nima by Victoria Hislop, In Greek	Gia tin Agapi ton Allon, By Ioustini Frangouli-Argyri, In Greek
Erotas stin Omihli by Ioustini Frangouli-Argyri, In Greek	An den ipirhe avrio, by Maria Tzirita, In Greek	Tis Zois kai tis Agapis, by Eleni Tsamadou, In Greek	As apofasisi o hronos, by Elsi Tsoukaraki, In Greek	To paidi tis agapis by Maria Tzirita, In Greek

Greece & Sports Team Themed Gear

Large Pocketed Apron - Greek Flag	Large Pocketed Apron - Greek Island Style 135	Large Pocketed Apron - Greek Island Style D311	Large Pocketed Apron - Olympiakos Greek Sports Team	Large Pocketed Apron - AEK Greek Sports Team
Large Pocketed Apron - Panathinaikos PAO Greek Sports Team	Large Pocketed Apron - PAOK Greek Sports Team	Greek Time - Greek Flag Wall Clock	Greek Time - Greek Island Wall Clock - Chania Harbor View	Greek Time - Greek Island Wall Clock - Mykonos
Greek Time - Parthenon West View Wall Clock	Greek Time - Parthenon South View Wall Clock	Greek Time - Greek Island Wall Clock - Santorini Sunset	Greek Time - Greek Island Wall Clock - Santorini	Greek Time - Greek Island Wall Clock - Santorini
Greek Flag Wristband	A.E.K. Greek Sports Team Wristband	Olympiakos Greek Sports Team Wristband	P.A.O. ( Panathinaikos ) Greek Sports Team Wristband	A.E.K. Greek Sports Team Worrybeads on Metal Chain
Olympiakos Greek Sports Team Worrybeads on Metal Chain	P.A.O. ( Panathinaikos ) Greek Sports Team Worrybeads on Metal Chain

Greek Orthodox Icons & Religious Supplies

Metal Crucifix with Blue Velvet Cross - Medium	Metal Crucifix with Red Velvet Cross - Medium	Metal Crucifix with Blue Velvet Cross - Small	Metal Crucifix with Red Velvet Cross - Small	Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 17x24cm
Silver Icon on Red Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 17x24cm	Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 19x14cm	Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 14x10cm	Silver Icon on Red Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 14x10cm	Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 11.5x8.5cm
Silver Icon on Red Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 11.5x8.5cm	Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 7.5x5.5cm	Silver Icon on Red Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 7.5x5.5cm	Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 15x12cm	Silver Icon on Red Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 15x12cm
Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 10.5x9cm	Silver Icon on Red Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 10.5x9cm	Silver Icon on Blue Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 8x7.5cm	Silver Icon on Red Velvet Frame - Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) 8x7.5cm	Panayia Theotokos (Virgin Mary Mother of God ) Paper Weight
Virgin Mary / Panayia Metal Icon on Blue Glass - Size XL	Virgin Mary / Panayia Metal Icon on Blue Glass - Size L	Virgin Mary / Panayia Metal Icon on Blue Glass - Size M	Virgin Mary / Panayia Metal Icon on Blue Glass - Size S	Virgin Mary / Panayia Metal Icon on Blue Glass - Size XS
Large Glass Bottle with Metal Baptismal Icon	Large Glass Bottle with Metal Panayia ( Virgin Mary ) Icon	Small Decorative Wooden Crucifix	Religious Fabric Amulet / Pendant from the Holy Island Tinos	12 Saints Bracelet with Metal Beads
Holy Book Mirror Charm w/ Prayer Inside - Gold	Holy Book Mirror Charm w/ Prayer Inside - Silver	Holy Book Charm for Cellphone - Silver	Holy Book Charm for Cellphone - Gold	Gianniotiko Religious Vigil Incense Burner - Gold
Standing Electric Religious Vigil Candili / Lamp	Hanging Electric Religious Vigil Candili / Lamp	Orthodox Saint - Saint Loukas - 19x25cm	Orthodox Saint Paper Reproduction Icon - Agios Antonios ( Saint Anthony the Great ) 3x4.5in

Greek Food Items

Greek Mastic / Mastiha Sweets Gift Basket

Greek Feta Cheese Spread & Crackers Gift Basket

Mastihashop Mastic Loukoumia Covered with Dark Chocolate in Gift Tin

Mastihashop Mastic flavored Pirouette Cookies ( Rolled wafers ) Net Wt. 400g

Stainless Steel Cooking Pans - Set of 4 Rectangular Tapsia Pans - 18CR-430 Steel

London 2012 Official Olympic Game Collectible Pins


London 2012 Badminton Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Boxing Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Canoe Slalom Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Mountain Bike Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Eventing Pictogram Pin
London 2012 Trampoline Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Handball Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Modern Pentathlon Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Shooting Pictogram Pin	London 2012 Volleyball Pictogram Pin

Latest Arrivals

Ancient Greek Pottery Replicas

Athena Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Athena Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Dionysus Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Hector Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Menelaus Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm
Odysseus Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Poseidon Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Poseidon Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Achilles Geometric Wine Cup 9.5cm	Geometric Wine Cup with Greek Trireme 9.5cm

2012 Greek Kazamias Almanacs & Calendar Refills

Kazamias 2012 - Greek Almanac - Encyclopedic Edition	Kazamias 2012 - Greek Almanac	Jesus Wall Calendar Holder with 2012 Refill	Virgin Mary Wall Calendar Holder with 2012 Refill
Small Greek 2012 Calendar Refill with Saints and Religious Holidays (in Greek)	Small Greek 2012 Calendar Refill with Poems (in Greek)	Greek 2012 Calendar Refill with Saints and Religious Holidays (in Greek)	Greek 2012 Calendar Refill with Cooking Anecdotes (in Greek)

Vintage Greek City Photo & Advertisement Posters


This month we are adding posters from your favorite regions. To pre-order any posters from these particular regions please contact us.
Aegean Islands Region - Lemnos Crete Region - Chania Crete Region - Herakleion Cyclades Island Region - Amorgos Cyclades Island Region - Andros Cyclades Island Region - Ios Cyclades Island Region - Keaa Cyclades Island Region - Kimolos Cyclades Island Region - Kithnos Cyclades Island Region - Meloss Cyclades Island Region - Mykonos Cyclades Island Region - Naxos Cyclades Island Region - Paros Cyclades Island Region - Santorini Cyclades Island Region - Siphnos Cyclades Island Region - Siross	NEW! Cyclades Island Region - Tinos Dodecanese Region - Kalimnos Dodecanese Region - Kos Dodecanese Region - Patmos Dodecanese Region - Rhodes Dodecanese Region - Symi NEW! Greece Mainland - Aitoloakarnania NEW! Greece Mainland - Aitoloakarnania Mesologgi NEW! Greece Mainland - Evritania Karpenisi NEW! Greece Mainland - Fthiotida NEW! Greece Mainland - Fthiotida Lamia Greece Mainland - Karditsa Greece Mainland - Magnesia, Volos, Pelion Greece Mainland - Voiotia Ionian Islands Region - Kefalonia - Argostoli Ionian Islands Region - Kefalonia

Featured Destination

Cyclades - Ios (part 15 of 22)

GEOGRAPHY To the south of Naxos, between Sikinos and Thera, los (Nios) is 108 sq. km. in area, has 81 km. of coast and is 107 nautical miles from Piraeus. Its capital is los (Chora) with a population of 1,451. There are car and passenger ferry links with Piraeus and the islands of Paros, Naxos, Santorini, Sikinos and Pholegandros, Siphnos, Syros, Anaphi, Herakleion in Crete. During the summer there are regular connections by local craft with Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Mykonos and Teng and daily trips to Sikinos and Pholegandros. A mountainous island (highest peak Pyrgos. 713 m. a.s.l.) it has no cultivable tracts of land and its coast consists of dozens of tiny bays and three larger ones: Aghia Theodoti in the east, Kalamos in the southwest and Mylopotamos in the west. Its wonderful sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and serene landscape with olive groves and vineyards attract hordes of tourists in quest of tranquility and communion with nature.

HISTORY Mythology relates that the island was first settled by Phoenicians. It is also claimed to be the last resting place of Homer. In historical times it was colonized by Ionians, became a member of the Athenian League and later passed into the hands of the Egyptian Ptolemies. During the Roman period it was a place of exile and in Byzantine times faded into oblivion. From 1207 onwards it belonged to the Duchy of Naxos, was a perpetual victim of piratical attacks and in 1537 was captured by the Turks. It continued to be a refuge for, corsairs. los participated in the 1821 Struggle for Independence.

SIGHTS-MONUMENTS los, the island's capital is located in the centre of the west side, overlooking the harbour. It is built on the site of the ancient city and is dominated by the mass of its medieval castle, built in the 14th' century on the same spot as the ancient acropolis. Remnants from ancient structures have been located also in Psathi.

Chora is a typical Cycladic town with dazzling white houses, narrow streets and many, churches, outstanding among which are those' of St. Catherine, erected on the site of the ancient temple of Apollo, the Forerunner, and Sts. Anargyroi. The northern outskirts of Chora are delimited by a series of windmills and from this ridge one has an unimpeded view in all directions: the gulf of Kalamos to the east, the gulf of Aghia Theodoti to the south and the ruins of a medieval castle at Palaiokastro. At Plakoto, on the north coast of the island, is "Homer's Tomb" and the ruins of a Hellenistic tower known as Psaropyrgos. Special attention should be paid to the numerous chapels on the island which, according to local tradition, exceed 300.

The bays and beaches of los -Aghia Theodoti, Psathi, Kalamos, Manganari, Mylopotas, Ormos - are ideal for swimming and fishing and are easily reached by caique. For those with a private boat there are numerous secluded bays but there is no refueling station on the island. There are plenty of hotels and furnished rooms to cater for the needs of the many visitors.

Next month: The Islands of the Cyclades - Pholegandros, Part 16 of 22

Vintage Greek City Photos from the Cyclades Island Region - Ios
Road Map of Ios - Sikinos Folegandros Special 50% off	Road Map of Kyklades (Cyclades) Special 50% off	Discover Greece: Cyclades Islands - DVD (NTSC/PAL)	Traditional Greek Dances of Ionian Island, Cyclades, East Aegean, Dodecanese and Cyprus DVD (NTSC)	Greek Island Ios Sweatshirt D335A

January 2012 Greek Orthodox Calendar

Sunday	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday
1 Fast Free Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia Gregory, Bishop of Nanzianzos, Father of Gregory the Theologian	2 Fast Free Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Sylvester, Pope of Rome Cosmas, Archbishop of Constantinople	3 Fast Free Malachi the Prophet Gordios the Martyr of Caesarea Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ	4 Fast Free Synaxis of the 70 Holy Apostles Theoctistos the Righteous of Sicily Forefeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ	5 Eve of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Martyrs Theopemptos and Theonas Righteous Syncletiki of Alexandria	6 Fast Free The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Theophan the Recluse	7 Synaxis of John the Holy Glorious Prophet, Baptist, & Forerunner Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ
8 Sunday after Epiphany George the Chozebite Domnica the Righteous of Constantinople	9 Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Polyeuctos the Martyr of Meletine in Armenia Eustratios the Wonderworker	10 Gregory of Nyssa Dometian, Bishop of Melitene Theosebia the Deaconess, sister of Basil the Great & Gregory of Nyssa	11 Righteous Theodosios the Cenobiarch Vitalis of Gaza Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ	12 Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Tatiana the Martyr of Rome Martyr Mertios	13 Afterfeast of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Hermylos & Stratonikos the Martyrs at Belgrade Maximos the Righteous of Kapsokalyvia, Mount Athos	14 Leavetaking of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ The Holy Fathers slain at Sinai and Raitho Agnes the Virgin-martyr
15 12th Sunday of Luke Paul of Thebes John the Cave Dweller	16 Veneration of Apostle Peter's Precious Chains Righteous Hierodeacon Makarios of Kalogeras	17 Anthony the Great Anthony the New of the Berropas Skete George the New Martyr of Ioannina	18 Athanasios & Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria Zenia the Martyr	19 Makarios the Great of Egypt Mark, Bishop of Ephesus Arsenios, Metropolitan of Kerkyra	20 Righteous Euthymios the Great Zacharias the New Martyr of Patra	21 Maximos the Confessor Neophytos the Martyr of Nicaea
22 15th Sunday of Luke Timothy the Apostle of the 70 Anastasios, the Persian Righteous Monk-martyr	23 Clement the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Ancyra Agathangelos the Martyr Righteous Father Dionysius of Olympus	24 17th Tuesday after Pentecost Xenia, Deaconess of Rome Vavylas the Holy Martyr	25 Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople	26 17th Thursday after Pentecost Xenophon & his Companions Symeon the Elder of Mount Sinai	27 Removal of the Relics of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople Peter the Righteous of Egypt Demetrios the New Martyr of Constantinople	28 Ephraim the Syrian Isaac the Syrian, Bishop of Ninevah James the Righteous
29 Sunday of the Canaanite Removal of the Relics of Ignatius the God-bearer Laurence the Recluse of the Kiev Caves	30 Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom Hippolytos, Pope of Rome Athanasia the Martyr & her 3 daughters	31 Cyrus & John the Unmercenaries Holy Women Martyrs Theodote, Theoktiste and Eudoxia Our Righteous Father Arsenius of Parus

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.

Gold and Silver Icons, and Hand-painted Icons	Greek Name Mug Cups	Greeting Cards	Signature Greek Name Necklaces
Want to know more about Orthodox Saints? Complete biographies of Orthodox Saints are now available.

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