August's Recipe: Agrími Me Stifádo (Braised wild goat)

• 3 1/2 lbs or 1 1/2 kg wild goat's meat
• 1 generous cup or 250ml Greek extra virgin olive oil
• 1 generous cup or 250ml white wine
• 1 lb or 500g small onions, peeled
• 2-3 bay leaves
• 2-3 cloves
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Preparation:

Bone the meat and cut it into small pieces. Heat the olive oil in a pan and brown the meat all over. Lower the heat, add enough water to cover the meat, cover the pan, and simmer for about 45 minutes. Add the white wine and bring to a boil, removing any scum that is produced. Add the bay leaves and cloves, and season with salt and pepper. Put the whole peeled onions in the pan, cover, and cook for a further 30 minutes, adding hot water if necessary. Finally stir in the tomato paste, and continue to braise until the meat is tender. This dish is best served with freshly baked white bread to dip in the sauce.

Excerpts and Photography from: Culinaria Greece
by Milona, Marianthi

In the Icon of the Nativity the Theotokos reclines serenely beside the cave directing our eyes with her right hand to the Christ Child lying in a manger. The animals indicate fulfillment of the prophesy of Isaiah l:3, “The ox knows his owner and the donkey its master's crib; but Israel does not know, my people do not consider.” The face of the Jesus is not that of an infant but more mature. This mature countenance, used in all icons of the Christ Child, indicates that He is always God, even as an infant. His swaddling clothes contrast birth and death. Linen shrouds will be seen in icons of the Raising of Lazarus and the Dormition of the Theotokos. The dark cave contrasts with the brilliance surrounding it. The Star of Bethlehem radiates from the semicircle at the top of the icon. In all icons this semicircle represents Heaven opening up to an event on earth.

In iconography events of the Gospels that occur at various times and locations may be depicted on the same icon. Thus, scenes from the Gospel of St. Luke surround Mother and Child: the angels singing and glorifying God; the angel bringing the news of Christ's birth to the shepherds; the Wise Men traveling to bring their gifts to the newborn king.

In the lower left the Evil One, shown as an old man, attempts to destroy Joseph’s belief in the miracle of the Nativity. On the right the Christ Child is bathed by the women, affirming His humanity.

The linear and unrealistic background is designed to focus attention on the Virgin and Child in the center of the icon. The unearthly appearance of the setting strengthens the perception that an extraordinary and divine event is being depicted.

The Mandylion Icon is a copy of “the icon not by human hands.” Sacred Tradition tells us that King Abgar of Edessa was ill and had heard of the healing miracles of Christ. With great faith he sent emissaries to seek Christ's help. When approached by the emissaries, Christ wiped His face on a cloth which became imprinted with His image. The emissaries returned to Edessa with the cloth. The King was cured and the cloth was hung upon the gates of the city. The image became the archetype of the face of Christ for all iconographers.

In the Annunciation Icon the Theotokos, seated and sometimes shown spinning wool, is listening to Archangel Gabriel. Gabriel comes to her with great speed and purpose to ask her to accept God's call to bear His Son. She may face him or be turning shyly away but looking back to listen. She is pensive. As on all images of the Theotokos, the stars at her forehead and shoulders indicate her virginity before, during and after birth. Archangel Gabriel, animated by powerful wings and billowing clothing, has his hand outstretched in greeting. He often carries a staff as a sign of his role as messenger.  

The Holy Spirit emanates from the semicircle representing Heaven seen at the top of the icon. The background includes a drape of fabric which tells the faithful that the event occurred indoors. Images of buildings are shown with inverse perspective and stylized design to symbolize a transfigured or spiritually significant space.

Click here to continue reading page 2
 

(Written by Faye Peponis, who has served the Greek Orthodox Church for over 35 years in various administrative and teaching capacities. She holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education from DePaul University and a Master's in Education from Purdue University.)
 

Excerpts and Photography from
Ecclesia: Greek Orthodox Churches
of the Chicago Metropolis
by Panos Fiorentinos

  Featured Destination: Crete (part 4 of 5)

GEOGRAPHY: The prefecture of Chania with its historic capital, sights of interest, rich vegetation and uniquely beautiful gorge of Samaria has an especial charm. Chania can be reached by aeroplane from Athens or ferryboat from Piraeus. Once a week there is a boat from the Peloponnese, Kythera and Antikythera. There is a local craft sailing out of Palaiochora for the small island of Gavdos and from Chora Sfakion to Gavdos. Caiques makes excursions along the south coast and to Gavdos during the summer months. 

HISTORY-SIGHTS-MONUMENTS: The capital of the Prefecture, Chania, like Rethymnon has a distinctly Venetian atmosphere. It stands on the site of ancient Kydonia and its history and fate differs little from that of the rest of Crete. Chania has been its capital since 1850. In 1941 the famous Battle of Crete began at Maleme. Nowadays Chania consists of both the old town and the new, the latter built around the Venetian' harbour. Sections of the Venetian ramparts are preserved in Chania and at Kastelli where there is the Venetian palace of the governor and the fortress of Firka. Other places of interest include the Municipal market, the house in which Eleftherios Venizelos lived, a few Turkish mosques and the Churches of St. Nicholas, St. Francis, the Russian church of St. Magdalene at Chalepa, and the monastery of the Virgin Chrysopigi and the Catholic monastery of Capuchin monks. The Archaeological Museum in the Byzantine church of St. Francis houses important finds from sites in western Crete. The Historical Museum, Municipal Art Gallery and Maritime Museum are also worth a visit.

To the west of Chania is Aghia Marina (10 km. from Chania) with its ruined Venetian and Turkish buildings, as well as a cult cave, Gerontospilios. The lovely seaside village of Platanias is 11 km. west of Chania and just beyond is Maleme (17 km. from Chania), renowned centre of the Battle of Crete in 1941. At Kolymbari (23 km. west of Chania) is the Gonia monastery (17th century), one of the major monuments of Crete. About 1 km. from the village the Orthodox Academy of Crete stands beside a beautiful bay. Kastelli kissamou, at the far end of the homonymous bay, is a quite thriving small town. There are remains of the ancient city and acropolis at Selli and at Krya Vrysi a Roman aqueduct. There are Venetian fortifications around the old harbour. In one of the rooms of the Town Hall there is an archaeological collection. The ancient city of Phalasarna stood close to the village of Platanos (53 km. west of Chania). A short distance to the north is the Gramvousa peninsula with its offshore islet of that name on which there are ruins of yet another ancient city, Polyrrhenia.

At Akrotiri (8 km. northeast of Chania) are the tombs of Eleftherios and Sophocles Venizelos and on the headland are two important monasteries: the Zangaroloi monastery (17th century) and that of Our Lady of the angels: (Gouverneto) of 16th century date. Close to the monastery is the Gouverneto cave with its wonderful stalagmite and stalactite formations. 6 km. east of Chania is Souda, the harbour of Chania which has developed rapidly in recent years. Mournies, 3.5 km. south of Chania, is the home village of Venizelos and not far to the south (16 km. from Chania) is the historic village of Theriso where the Cretan Revolution was declared. One of the loveliest regions in Crete, and indeed in Greece as a whole, is the Samaria Gorge, 18 km. long and 3.5 km. wide, at the westernmost edge of the plateau of Omalos. The gorge is a national nature reserve and it takes about seven hours to walk down to the village of Aghia Roumeli at its exit. About half way along its course is the tiny village of Samaria with the church of Hosia Maria.

Beside a beautiful beach on the Libyan coast, 74 km. south of Chania, is the picturesque village of Palaiochora. There are many delightful beaches on the south coast of the Prefecture, linked by caique services from Palaiochora of Chora Sfakion. Souya (67 km. southwest of Chania) is a quaint fishing village popular with tourists. At the exit to the Samaria Gorge is Aghia Roumeli which is linked by boat only with the other villages on the south coast. 73 km. southeast of Chania is Chora Sfakion with its traditional architecture, always a centre of resistance to the diverse occupiers. To the east is Frangokastello, one of the loveliest 14th century Venetian fortresses with which many local traditions are associated (Drosoulites). The little island of Gavdos, 27 nautical miles from Chora Sfakion, is the southernmost inhabited point in Europe with a history lost in the mists of time, for according to mythology this was the isle of Calypso. Between Gavdos and Aghia Roumeli lies the islet of Gavdopoula. South of the Monastery of the Virgin Chrysoskaliotissa (85 km. south of Chania) is Elafonisos, easily reached from dry land since the channel is exceptionally shallow.  

The shores of western Crete have wonderful sand and crystal clear seas. The beaches of north, west and east Chania can be easily reached by bus -Kolymbari, Kalamaki, Akrotiri, Kissamos. The beaches on the south coast are wonderfully secluded and can be reached in summer by daily caique trips, -Palaiochora, Souya, Aghia Roumeli, Loutro, Chora Sfakion, Frangokastello. AIl the villages, except Loutro and Aghia Roumeli, are accessible by bus or car. The shores are fine for swimming, fishing and sea sports. The sandy beach at Chrysoskaliotissa is particularly beautiful. The Chania Yacht Club offers instruction in water skiing, sailing and swimming and there are tennis courts at Chania also. One can hunt small game in the hinterland of the Prefecture. The road from Omalos (not very good condition) leads to the White Mountains (Lefka Oroi) where there are small ski slopes. Accommodation is available in hotels, pensions, rooms and flats. The harbours have good moorings for yachts and there are refelling facilities at Souda, Chania, Kastelli and Palaiochora.

Next month: Crete, Part Five (Final) - East Crete (Chania)

Some products to help prepare you for your trip to Crete...
Map of Kriti (Crete) Chania Rethimno Iraklio Lassithi	Crete - Chania - Travel Guide	Sterling Silver Greek Island Pendant - Crete (4cm)	Greek Island Creta (Crete) Sweatshirt	Crete Boy Costume for ages 6-14 Style 227402	Crete Girl Costume for ages 6-14 Style 227401

 August 2009 Greek Orthodox Calendar

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 Iconsons	Greek Name Mug Cups	Greeting Cards
Want to know more about Orthodox Saints? Complete biographies of Orthodox Saints are now available.

 Share With Others!

 Suggestions & Comments

 Subscription Information

Missed an issue of our
newsletter? Now you can access past newsletters by visiting
http://www.greekshops.com/newsletters_archive

To unsubscribe from our mailing list, click here