Monday, July 20, 2009

Celebrating the Prophet Elias with Fr. Peter

On Sunday evening, I went with my mother-in-law and my friend Michael Tishel, another American studying theology here in Thessaloniki, to visit Fr. Peter Heers, another American who studied theology here in Thessaloniki and ended up staying. He lives out in the little village of Petrokerasa (population 100), which is about 1 hour outside Thessaloniki, in the mountains. He's also the founder of Uncut Mountain Press, which translates Orthodox works from Greek into English.

We went to celebrate Festal Vespers with him, because his parish celebrates the Prophet Elias (or Elijah).

We had a lovely Vespers with Artoklasia. It ran from 7 until about 9, and then we walked over to the center of the village, where everyone had gathered to celebrate the Feast. A live band was playing traditional Greek music, vendors were selling special foods, the kids were playing in the little park area. It had also cooled down and the temperature was perfect. All in all, it was a lovely day.

Above, Fr. Peter, me, and Michael.

Above, Fr. Peter, his presvytera, and two of his children.

For a few more photos, see here.

No comments: