May 2008 Newsletter
 This Month 
May's Feature: Mother's Day Gift Ideas Special Feature: Heritage Walks in Athens #3
What's NEW: Music, Movies, Books, Clothing and More! Featured Destination: Carpathos 
Latest Arrivals: Ancient Greek Pottery May's Recipe: Bougátsa
Saint Namedays in May Suggestions, Comments, Subscription Info
May's Recipe:
BOUGÁTSA

(Fíllo pastry with cream filling)



 
The cream filling makes this pastry rich, and so it is served mainly as a snack rather than a dessert. Once baked, the addition of cinnamon and sugar makes it a very tasty treat!
 
Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 c. fine semolina
  • 1 1/2 generous c. sugar
  • 3 eggs
  • 6 c. milk
  • Grated zest of 1 unwaxed or well-scrubbed lemon
  • 1/2 c. + 2 Tbs. butter
  • 1 lb. phyllo pastry
  • Confectioner's sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
Preparation:
Beat semolina, sugar and eggs until frothy. Transfer mixture to a pan and add milk, stirring constantly. Bring to boil several times, then add lemon zest. Leave to cool.

Preheat oven to 350°. Melt butter and brush over the individual sheets of pastry. Place half the pastry on a greased baking sheet, spread creamy mixture out evenly on top, and cover with the remaining pastry. Bake in preheated oven for about 20 minutes, until the pastry is golden brown and crispy on top and the filling has set.

Leave to cool slightly, then sprinkle with confectioner's sugar and cinnamon and cut into slices. Bougátsa is best eaten while still warm.

The next day, all you need is another sprinkling of confectioner's sugar to make it taste almost oven-fresh. In Ioannina, each slice is served with a sweet roll and a glass of water.


 

Culinaria Greece by Milona, Marianthi

Excerpts and Photography from:
Culinaria Greece
by Milona, Marianthi
May's Feature:
Mother's Day Gift Ideas!

Greek Mother's Day Gifts

Mom's Favorite Things
Coffee Mug for Mom / Mother in Greek

Coffee Mug for Mom/Mother in Greek
14K Gold Evil Eye Pendant Style 361

14K Gold Evil Eye Pendant Style 361

Have you called
Mom lately?



Go Greece Prepaid
Calling Card 4.5 cents/min

Over 400 min. to Greece
No pin required
No maintenance fees/taxes
(read product description for details)

Crystal Heart-Shaped Charm Necklace ST1030 Pink

Crystal Heart-Shaped Charm Necklace Pink
The Summer of My Greek Taverna (by Tom Stone) in English

The Summer of My Greek Taverna (Tom Stone)

Kumquat Greek Preserves

Kumquat Greek Preserves

 

Yiayia Apron for Grandmother

Yiayia Apron for Grandmother

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

Glass Pomegranate Good Luck Ornament (Gouri)

Papoutsanis Luxury Soap Magnolia

Papoutsanis Luxury Soap Magnolia
3 Pieces Santorini

3 Piece Santorini Kitchen Towel, Oven Mit, Pot Holder
Greece Mediterranean Cuisine Hardcover

Greece Mediterranean Cuisine Hardcover
 
Worrybeads KN125R Ruby

Worrybeads Ruby
 
Yiayia Coffee Mug for Grandmother in Greek

Yiayia Coffee Mug for Grandmother in Greek
Greek Name Mug Cups Classic Design

Greek Name Mug Cups Classic Design
 
Evil Eye Goodluck Keychain - Yiayia for Grandmother in Greek

Evil Eye Keychain - Yiayia - Grandmother
 
Taste of Greece Gift Basket

Taste of Greece
Gift Basket
 
Blue Glass Cross

Blue Glass Cross
 
A. Vefa Sunny Mediterranean Cuisine - Seafood and Vegetarian Dishes

A. Vefa Sunny Mediterranean Cuisine - Seafood and Vegetarian Dishes
Greek Goddess Mug Gift with Chocolate

Greek Goddess Mug Gift with Chocolate
 
Mother

Mother's Day Greeting Card - in Greek B119
 
Greekshops.com $100 Gift Certificate

Greekshops.com $100 Gift Certificate
 
 
 Special Feature: Heritage Walks in Athens
 3rd HERITAGE WALK: AGORA & AREOPAGOS (THE HEART OF ANCIENT ATHENS)

(Continued from April's Issue)

STARTING POINT: Thisio Station
TERMINUS:
Acropolis Station

Click here to read full article on additional page

The 3rd heritage walk begins at the administrative and economic center of ancient Athens, ascends towards the hill of the Areopagus, and ends with a visit to the medieval and neoclassical monuments just under the Acropolis.

ARTICLE HIGHLIGHTS:

ARCHAELOGICAL AREA OF THE AGORA: Temple of Hephaistos (1) (in the past known as the Thiseio): The highest point close to the Agora, on the site known in antiquity as Agoraios Kolonos, is dominated by the best preserved temple of classical antiquity, the temple of Hephaestus. Here the god of fire and iron was worshipped together with the city's patron goddess, Athena, as the divine guardians of the arts and crafts, more particularly however of metalworkers and potters...

(2) ANCIENT AGORA: The center of the public life of the ancient Athenians. The word "Agora" derives from the verb "ageiro" meaning "bring together" that is to gather around: and by extension "agorevo", that is to speak publicly. The word's etymology is relevant to the multifaceted role of the ancient Agora, where the daily life of the ancient Athenians was played out...

THE ADMINISTRATIVE CENTER OF ANCIENT ATHENS Tholos: A circular building which was the social centre of administration under the democratic constitution. Fifty of the councilors, called "Prytaneis" were in charge of the administration, each for 1/10" of the year, or 36 days...

"Prison of Socrates": About 100 meters from the southeast corner of the agora...
Bouleuterion or Council House: In the archaic period the councilors met here in the open...
Metroon: A building of the Hellenistic age. It was in the Metroon that the originals of all...
Temple of Apollo Patrons: A small temple of the Ionic order and of the 4" century BC...
Temple of Zeus Phratrios and Athena Phratria: These adjectives derive from the root "phrates"...
Stoa of Zeus Eleftherios: Built in the 5'h century BC as a place for Athenians to relax...
Royal Stoa: Built in the 5`h century BC but today buried under the rail track. It was the seat...

On the north side of the Agora, beyond today's railtracks, were the Poikile Stoa and the Stoa of the Herms. The Poikile Stoa contained superb paintings by Polygnotos, including...

Altar of the twelve gods: Built in the 6" century BC, it was used as the starting point for the calculation of distances.

AGORA - CENTRAL AREA:

Temple of Ares: Probably a work of the architect whose name is unknown but who built the...
Monument of the Eponymous Heroes: A long podium of the 5'h century BC with railings on...
Altar of Zeus Agoraios: On the South side of the Agora and dated to the 5'h century BC...
Stoas (Southern Stoa I - Southern Stoa II - Middle Stoa): These were built from the 5th to...
Odeion of Agrippa: This was built by Augustus' general, Agrippa, in 15 BC. It had a seating...

• AGORA - EAST SIDE

Stoa of Attalos: A two-storied stoa, with shops, of the first half of the 2"' century BC. It was built by Attalus II, King of Pergamon, in honor of his teacher, the Stoic philosopher Carneades, and of the Athenians. The stoa is 116 meters long...

Among other objects exhibited one should note:
• A resolution in support of democracy of 337/336 BC at a time when Macedonian victory was putting it in question. On the relief the figure of Democracy crowns Athens.
• A marble lot - holder to distribute official positions of the 3' century AD.
• A water clock (clepsydra) to measure a speaker's time at the law courts.
• Pottery sherds of the 5" century BC with names of prominent politicians whom their opponents wished to see ostracized. Examples are Aristidis and Themistocles, against whom there was clearly an organized "sherd - writing" campaign with insufficient takers among the people, as the unused sherds were thrown to the bottom of a well!
• A bronze head of Nike (Victory), of 425 BC.
• A chair and night - potty for an infant of the end of the 6`h century BC.
• A pottery jar used as a thermos of the 7'h century BC.

The Panethenaic Way: It began inside the entrance gate to the city at the Kerameikos...
The Church of the Holy Apostoles of Solakis: One of the most beautiful and earliest of Athens'...
Library of Pantainos - Late Roman Wall - Eleusinion: On the Panethenaic Way towards the...

(3) BASILICA OF ST. DIONYSIOS: An early Christian basilica at the northeastern side of the Areopagus that was totally destroyed in 1751 by an earthquake. It was at various times Athens' Cathedral, especially during the period of Ottoman rule until its destruction by earthquake...

(4) AREOPAGUS: The hill is 115 meters high and was dedicated either to Ares, the god of war, or alternatively to the Ares, that is the Erinyes or Furies, apotropaic goddesses of revenge, of whom one can read in Aeschylus' "Eumenides". This was the seat of the law court of the same name...

We descend from the top of the Areopagus and walk east keeping the Acropolis on our right.

(5) MUSEUM OF PAUL AND ALEXANDRA KANELLOPOULOS: A private collection which was donated to the Greek state and includes antiquities and works of art from prehistoric times until recent years. The exhibits are mainly of pottery, of sculptures and of icons. In particular mention should be made of the icon "The Falling Asleep of the Mother of God", an excellent...

(6) CHURCH OF THE TRANSFIGURATION OF THE SAVIOUR: A small church of the usual four columned cross - in - square type, datable to the second half of the 11 " century AD...

(7) OLD UNIVERSITY - MUSEUM OF THE HISTORY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ATHENS: It was built in its original form before 1674 and in 1831 was bought by the two architects Stamatis Kleanthes and Edward Schaubert. In 1835-36 it operated as the First Gymnasion (Secondary School) of...

(8) METOHI PANAGIOU TAFOU (METOHI OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE): A church dedicated to the Unmercenary Saints, doctors who healed without receiving a fee. It was built at the beginning of the 17" century by the Athenian priest, Demetrios Kolokinthis. In 1760 it became the Metohi...

(9) CHURCH OF ST JOHN THE THEOLOGIAN: Medieval church of the four - columned cross - in - square type of the end of the 11" or beginning of the 12" century. It is the only medieval church...

(10) CHURCH OF ST NICHOLAS RANGAVA: Originally a four-columned cross - in - square church with an elegant dome in the Athenian style and beautiful decoration, that was built at the beginning of the 11 " century by its founder Loukas Rangava, perhaps over an earlier place of workshop...

*TRIPODON STREET

*ELLINIKI ETAIRIA

*LYSICRATES' MONUMENT

*See Heritage Walk #1 – February Newsletter)

Excerpt from: "Heritage Walks in Athens" by the Municipality of Athens Cultural Organization,
and by the Elliniki Etairia Hellenic Society for the Protection of the Environment and the Cultural Heritage

Click here to read full article on additional page

Next Month's Article:
Heritage Walk #4 - THE CITY CENTER
FROM ANTIQUITY TO THE OTTOMAN PERIOD

 What's New!
 Books, CDs, and DVDs
Regional Greek Cooking, by Dean & Catherine Karayanis

Regional Greek Cooking, by Dean & Catherine Karayanis
 
Greek Vases - The Athenians and Their Images (In English)

Greek Vases - The Athenians and Their
Images (In English)
 
Aesop

Aesop's Fables - Oi Mithoi Tou Aisopou - Children's Stories
Nanourismata Children

Nanourismata Children's Bedtime Music
Souxe Winter Mix 2008 by DJ Valentino 2-CD set

Souxe Winter Mix 2008 by DJ Valentino 2-CD set
Tragoudia Me Ousies Live (2CD) + Bonus DVD + Booklet

Tragoudia Me Ousies Live (2CD) + Bonus DVD + Booklet
Yiannis Parios, Pou Pame Meta (CD)

Yiannis Parios, Pou Pame Meta (CD)
 
C:Real, Invain

C:Real, Invain
Kalomira, Secret Combination CD Single

Kalomira, Secret Combination CD Single
 

Haris Alexiou, Odeio Irodou Attikou 2007 LIVE 2CD + DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

Haris Alexiou, Odeio Irodou Attikou 2007 LIVE 2CD + DVD (PAL/Zone 2)
 
Hro, Allazo

Hro, Allazo
Petros Gaitanos, Odes Arhaggelon 2CD + Bonus DVD

Petros Gaitanos, Odes Arhaggelon 2CD + Bonus DVD
 
Themis Adamantidis, Dodeka Feggaria CD Single

Themis Adamantidis, Dodeka Feggaria CD Single
Nikos Karvelas, Trakter

Nikos Karvelas, Trakter
Dinata, Best Of 1986-2007 2CD + DVD & New Track

Dinata, Best Of 1986-2007 2CD + DVD & New Track
Maria Farandouri, Way Home

Maria Farandouri, Way Home
Fresca 2008 2CD + DVD

Fresca 2008 2CD + DVD
Proti Fora Nonos DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

Proti Fora Nonos DVD (PAL/Zone 2)
El Greco DVD (PAL/Zone 2)

El Greco DVD (PAL/Zone 2)
 
 Latest Arrivals- NEW Ancient Greek Pottery Replicas!
 New T-Shirts and Sweatshirts
Greek Islands T-Shirts and Sweatshirts
Greek Island Kythira Tshirt D335A

Kythira
T-Shirt  or Sweatshirt

Greek Island Naxos Tshirt D335A

Naxos
T-Shirt  or Sweatshirt

Greek Island Skiathos Tshirt D335A

Skiathos
T-Shirt  or Sweatshirt

Greek Island Zakynthos Tshirt D335A

Zakynthos
T-Shirt  or Sweatshirt

Greek Island Chalkidiki Tshirt D335A

Chalkidiki
T-Shirt or Sweatshirt 

Greek Island Karpathos Tshirt D335A

Karpathos
  T-Shirt or Sweatshirt 

Greek Island Ithaki Tshirt D335A

Ithaki
  T-Shirt or Sweatshirt  

Greek Island Kefalonia Tshirt D335A

Kefalonia
  T-Shirt or Sweatshirt 
 

Greek Island Samos Tshirt D335A

Samos
  T-Shirt or Sweatshirt 

Greek Island Ios Tshirt D335A

Ios
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Greek Island Syros Tshirt D335A

Syros
  T-Shirt or Sweatshirt  

Greek Island Kalymnos Tshirt D335A

Kalymnos
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Greek Island Simi Tshirt D335A

Simi
T-Shirt or Sweatshirt
 
  Official Beijing 2008 Olympic Collectors' Itemsemstems
Now's the Time to Start Your Beijing 2008 Collection!
Beijing 2008 Olympic Apparel and Collectors Pins

  Featured Destination: Carpathos

Carpathos City PhotoGEOGRAPHY: Carpathos, the second largest of the Dodecanese, lies between Rhodes an Crete. It is 301 sq. km. in area, has 160 km. coastline, a population of 4,645 and is 2 nautical miles from Piraeus. There is a caran passenger ferry from Piraeus throughout the year, linking it also with other islands of the Dodecanese and Crete. The boat on the Piraeus - Kavala route links Carpathos with Melos, Pholegandros, Santorini, Anaphi, Crete, the rest of the Dodecanese, the northeast Aegean islands and Kavala. A local boat service operates between Kasos, Chalki and Rhodes. There is an air service, via Rhodes, to Athens and flights to Kasos and Crete. Carpathos is a mountainous island (highest peak Kalolimni, 1,215 m. a.s.l.) with only a few plains in the south. Karpathos Woman Selling BreadAt its northernmost tip a narrow channel separates it from the islet of Saria. The island's main town and port is Carpathos (Pigadia) and there is a second harbor at Diaphani on its northeast side. The island is distinguished by its picturesque serenity. Beautiful bays, the traditional rhythm of life and architecture, hospitable people compose the picture of Carpathos today and one is assured of pleasant, peaceful holidays there.

HISTORY: Information on the island's history is somewhat scant but there were four important cities in ancient times, as evident from their participation in the Athenian League. From the 5th century onwards it was included within the sphere of influence of Rhodes until, like the other islands, it was captured by the Romans. During the Byzantine period it was destroyed several times. After the Fall of Constantinople to the Franks the island was governed by Leon Gavalas until the mid-16th century (1538) when it was captured by the Turks. Carpathos took part in the 1821 War of Independence and even experienced a brief phase of autonomy until 1832 when it was retaken by the Turks. From 1912 onwards it, like the rest of the Dodecanese was administered by the Italians and was not incorporated in the Greek state until 1948.Carpathos Windmill - Woman with Donkey

SIGHTS-MONUMENTS: The island's capital, Carpathos (Pigadia), is located on the south-east side of the island, probably on the site of ancient Poseidio, ruins of the acropolis of which have been recognized on the hill Kavos. The houses in Carpathos are mainly modern, built by emigrants to the United States, and do not conform to the traditional style of architecture. The village of Menetes (8 km. southwest of Carpathos) has been inhabited since the Middle Ages and has interesting churches (St. Mamas, the Dormition), as well as several houses with Neoclassical elements. 16 km. southwest of Carpathos is the village of Arkasa, identified with the ancient city of Arkesia. Remnants of the city wall are preserved near the top of the hill. Karpathos Map>From the ruined Byzantine church of Holy Wisdom (5th 
						century) exceptional mosaic floors have been removed (now¬adays 
						in the Rhodes Museum). The villages to the north of 
						Pigadia are of especial interest since many of the 
						houses are authentic examples of vernacular 
						architecture. Those below Volada are known as the Kato 
						Choria (lower villages), while those north of Mesochori 
						are called Pano Choria (upper villages). The most 
						notable of the Kato Choria is Aperi, the island's 
						administrative centre from the early 18th century until 
						1892. The castle built here was to protect the populace 
						from piratical raids. Volada (10 km. northwest of 
						Carpathos) has many old Carpathian houses with their 
						original interior decoration, Othos (13 km.) has a local 
						museum of folk art and domestic utensils in one of its 
						old houses and Pyles (13 km.) is worth a visit. At Mesochori (31 km. northwest of Carpathos) one can visit 
						a genuine Carpathian house with its characteristic 
						wood-carved decoration and pebble mosaic floor. At both 
						Mesochori and Spoa (northeast) there are ruins of 
						medieval towers. Without doubt the most fascinating 
						village on Carpathos is Olymbos (Elymbos). It was 
						founded some time between the 10th and 15th century by 
						shepherds and inhabitants from Vrykounta at the 
						northernmost tip of the island which had been destroyed 
						by earthquakes. Olymbos is situated in a rather 
						inaccessible region and was originally girt by a 
						defensive wall of which some remnants survive. Nothing 
						remains of the tower (Pyrgos) which once stood at the 
						very top of the village. The villagers lived both inside 
						and outside the castle. In the center of the village is 
						the large church of the Virgin, while other notable 
						churches are that of St. Onouphrios and of the Holy 
						Trinity. With its old houses, typical vernacular 
						architecture and richly adorned house interiors, Olymbos 
						is a living museum. 
						<img border=The villagers speak their own local dialect in which there are many vestiges of Doric Greek, and proudly maintain their heritage and customs, the women still wear traditional costume all the time. There are several ruined windmills in prominent positions and the entire area commands a spectacular view of the Aegean. Olymbos is best reached from the sea, from the harbor of Diaphani, which can be reached by local boat from the town of Carpathos or the regular ship from Piraeus calls there. One can take a caique from Diaphani to the islet of Saria just off the north tip of the island.
There are plenty of lovely beaches on Carpathos, in the vicinity of the harbor (Pigadia) and on its north coast Phoiniki, Afiarti, Platyyalos, which can be easily reached by bus. Diaphani, Mesochori, Tristomo and Saria can easily reached by caique. Apart from swimming the sea is also fine for fishing. Visitors may stay in hotels, pensions, rent rooms and flats both in Pigadia and Diaphani. There are also rooms to let at Mesochori, Olymbo Othos and Arkasa. Refuelling stations for yachts at Carpathos (Pigadia).

  May 2008

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
   
 

 
1
Prophet Jeremiah

New Martyr Maria of Mirabella
2
Renewal Friday


Relics of Athanasios

Hesperos & Zoe the Righteous
3
Martyrs Timothy & Mavra

Peter the Wonderworker
4
Thomas Sunday

Martyr Pelagia

Hilarion the Wonderworker
5
Great Martyr Irene

Martyrs Neophytus, Gaius and Gianus
6
Prophet Job

Seraphim the Struggler
7
Appearance of the Sign of the Cross

Cyril, Abp. Of Jerusalem

Akakios the Centurion of Byzantium
 
8
John the Theologian

Arsenios the Great

9
Prophet Isaiah

Martyr Christopher

10
Apostle Simon
11
Holy Myrrhbearers Sunday


Renewal of Constantinople

Hieromartyr Mokios
 
12
Epiphanios, Bp. Of Cyprus

Germanos, Abp. Of Constantinople
13
Martyr Glykeria

Sergios the Confessor
14
Martyr Isidore

Hieromartyr Therapontus
15
Pachomios the Great

Achilles, Abp. Of Larissa
16
Theodoros the Sanctified

Martyr Peter of Blachernae
17
Andronikos of the 70 & Junia

Nectarius of Meteora
18
Sunday of the Paralytic


Martyrs Peter, Dionysius & Paul

Julian the Martyr
 
19
Hieromartyr Patrick of Proussa

Memnonus the Wonderworker
20
Martyr Thalalaios

Mark the Hermit
21
Constantine & Helen


Pachomios the Righteous New Martyr
22
Hieromartyr Vasilikos

New Martyrs Demetrius and Paul
23
Michael, Bp. Of Synnada

Mary the Myrrhbearer & wife of Cleopas
24
Symeon the Stylite

Saint Vincent of Lerins
25
Sunday of the Samaritan Woman


3rd Discovery of the Head of the Forerunner

Therapon the Hieromartyr, Bishop of Cyprus
26
Carpos and Alphaeus of the 70

Martyr Alexander of Thessolonica

 

27
Hieromartyr Alladius

John the Russian Confessor
28
Martyr Eutyches

Nikitas, Bishop of Chalcedon
29
Martyr Theodosia

Virgin Martyr Theodosia of Constantinople
30
Isaakios of Dalmatian

Macrina, grandmother of St. Basil the Great
31
Martyr Hermias

Eusebius and Haralambos the Monk-martyrs
 


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
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