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After a beautiful night of strolling down the starlit beach in Kala Nera and enjoying each other's parea at the local waterfront cafe we were ready for the adventure of a new day. This morning, we were off to the beautiful area near Volos, known as the Pilio. The drive up Mt. Pelion was breathtaking. We were able to see the entire city and bay of Volos. Fr. Alexios was an excellent tour guide offering interesting details about the Pilio region. He mentioned that the houses were architecturally unique to the area because they have the style of homes in the Epiros region of Greece because people of that region originally constructed them. The roofs had stone roofs versus tile windows were made of dark wood and the walls above the windows were ornately decorated. I truly felt I was in a whole new Greece. Everywhere I go in Greece there is always something uniquely different about each place
Fr. Alexios also mentioned how blessed the Pilio was with the beauty of nature. The mountain was very green, filled with natural springs, walking trails, and truly amazing views of the bay and land below! It is no wonder that the Olympus God’s chose Pilio for their summer holidays, as mythology states!
Once we reached the village of Makrinitsas, we found a storybook setting of cobblestone streets, lush greenery, unique homes and friendly villagers. I felt like I was in a dream! This place was just too perfect to be true!!!!
We walked to the square where we had the chance to step inside a platano tree! The trunk is open and gigantic enough to fit several people! Amazing!
Next we were invited for a tour of the Kentro Parivalontkis Ekpethevis, a school of Ecology under the Greek Ministry of Education. These "nature centers" throughout Greece offer workshops for school children that teach preserving our environment. This also includes the preservation of man-made structures, such as old homes.
Personally I think the Greeks are “greener” than Americans. They already drive more fuel-efficient cars, use less toilet water, and hardly ever use air conditioning! When we returned from the mountains, the group had one of the best “Greek Tarvena Lunches” ever. I truly felt that we experienced the real Greece…..slowly savoring a great meal with the best parea (company)! Then some of the kids made time for the beach!
Next, we took a trip to the Monastery of the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. As we ascended the mountain I felt as if I was on my way to heaven. We saw the Church up in the distance on the very top of the mountain. Once we arrived it was a very uplifting experience. The view was spectacular, but that was not the best part. It was being in the presence of such humble nuns in their little piece of paradise. Such a holy feeling surrounded all of us.
The highlight was a grand dinner that ended with the nuns chanting. During the chanting one of the nuns smiled and handed me the words to the song below. It was in Greek, which I hardly can read. Somehow I was able to read it at their pace and sing along. I was quite emotional because I truly felt I was singing with my mother who just passed away last year. I felt her presence and by listening to the chanting I knew somehow what she must be hearing every day. This is the refrain of one of the songs they sang.
A Dove
“May you have peace within you and give peace to others.
Anger and hatred in your soul may you never accept.
The words of our Christ may you have as protection.
Peace I give you in this world of ours. “
As I looked up, everyone seemed to have his or her own special experience. Gerry shared his with us about his love for the Church and his love of working for the Church. He feels deeply about his efforts and I know I speak for all when I say that we love Gerry and the work that he does. He truly has a special effect on us all!
When we returned home we congratulated Zaharoula on her new career at the monastery. Won’t she make a great nun!!!
Finlakia,
Peggy Dunkerly
The Abbess of the Monastary speaks with Father Chris Metropulos and describes the Monastary and its location.
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