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Κάλυμνος. Το Ιερό Βήμα της παλαιοχριστανικής βασιλικής του Χριστού της Ιερουσαλήμ (5ος μ.Χ. αιών)

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Christianity is a monotheistic religion that traces its roots to Judaism and is based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. It is the largest religion in the world, with more than 2.6 billion followers, representing about one-third of humanity.

The Christian faith has spread to every corner of the Earth, from Guatemala to the Solomon Islands, from South Africa and Madagascar to Russia. It is the dominant religion in many regions, including Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, North America, the Caucasus, and a significant part of Europe.

At the heart of Christianity lies the belief that Jesus is the Son of God and the savior of humanity. According to the prophecies of the Old Testament, He came to Earth as the Messiah (Christ), preached the word of God, endured a martyr’s death, and was resurrected, affirming the hope of salvation for believers.

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Christian theology, which forms the fundamental principle of Christianity, is expressed through the Nicene Creed. However, some radical Protestant churches do not accept it. The Creed affirms faith in the Triune God: the Father, the Son (Jesus Christ), and the Holy Spirit. Depending on the doctrine and historical period, there are variations in its interpretation.

As a monotheistic religion, Christianity teaches that there is only one God, who created the world out of nothing. At the same time, as a revealed religion, it asserts that God gradually reveals the mystery of His Trinity throughout history. The existence of the one yet triune God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) is evident in various passages of the Holy Scriptures, such as:

"And God said, 'Let us make man [...]'" (Genesis 1:26)

"And God said, 'Behold, Adam has become like one of us [...]'" (Genesis 3:22)

"Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit." (Matthew 28:19)

The concept of the unity of the divine nature in three Divine Persons, as well as Christological doctrine (which concerns the relationship between the divine and human nature of Jesus Christ and His connection to God the Father), became central points of theological disputes. These disagreements led to the emergence of various doctrines, such as Arianism, Docetism, and Monophysitism, which shaped the history of the early Church.

Finally, in 451 AD, during the Fourth Ecumenical Council, the eternal relationship of the three Persons of the Holy Trinity was clarified:

The Triune God is one in essence, as there is one cause and one divine nature, yet He is Triune in personhood, due to the distinction of the three Persons. The Father is unbegotten, the Son is begotten yet uncreated, and the Holy Spirit proceeds. These attributes are incommunicable and unique to each Person of the Trinity.

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The sacred texts of Christianity are called the "Holy Bible." It consists of two parts: the Old Testament and the New Testament.

The Old Testament comprises 49 books written by various authors from approximately the 15th century BCE to the 1st century BCE. The New Testament consists of 27 books, four of which are called "Gospels" (from the Greek word "evangelos," meaning "bearer of good news") because they focus on the joyful message, according to Christians, of God's incarnation. The four Gospels are not biographies of Jesus but contain only those aspects of His life and teachings that are significant for spreading the message of His incarnation. This is affirmed by the Evangelist John, who states that "there were also many other things that Jesus did, which, if they were written in detail, the world itself could not contain the books that would be written."

With slight variations, the majority of scholars believe that the entire New Testament was written within a span of 50 years, approximately from 50 CE to the end of the 1st century CE. The writing of the Gospels is believed to have begun around 65 CE. According to experts who analyze the structure, similarities, phrasing, and various other elements of the Gospels, it appears that before they were written, smaller written collections of Jesus' teachings were already circulating within the Church for educational and catechetical purposes. In theological terminology, these pre-Gospel written sources are referred to as "Q" (from the German word Quelle, meaning "source"). Scholars identify three distinct stages in the transmission of the oral tradition before the final composition of the Gospels:

a) The historical Jesus
b) The collector (the Church in general)
c) The Evangelist

The four Gospel authors are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Matthew and John claim to be direct witnesses of the events they describe, as they were disciples of Jesus. The Evangelist Mark was a companion of the disciple and apostle Peter, while the Evangelist Luke accompanied the Apostle Paul. Since the Christian faith also accepts the Old Testament as the foundation of Christianity, there have occasionally been objections to this inclusion. However, the Christian Church maintains that there is unity between the two Testaments. Unlike their role in the Jewish Synagogue, the Old Testament books are viewed by the Christian Church as an introduction to the New Testament. The Old Testament is not considered an independent collection of books; rather, Jesus' teachings unite the Old and New Testaments, forming a narrative of preparation for the coming of the Messiah. This is the perspective under which the Christian Church incorporates the Old Testament into its Holy Bible, differing from the Jewish interpretation.

The Canon

The Christian faith system defines as Canonical Books or Canon the collection of sacred texts that contain the authentic apostolic tradition and faith, as experienced throughout the Church's history. To verify the authenticity of the faith, the Church used the Holy Bible and Sacred Tradition. Books that were excluded from the Canon were called Apocrypha. This term originally had a positive connotation in some circles, referring to books kept from common use due to their profound meanings, which were considered difficult for the average reader to understand. However, ecclesiastical writers used the same term negatively, referring to texts excluded from Church use, particularly those from the 2nd century and beyond, which were deemed theologically shallow, of dubious origin (spurious or pseudepigraphal), or associated with authors whom the Church considered heretical, such as the Gnostics. The influence of Gnostic thought is evident in many of these texts.

For example, passages from the apocryphal Gospel of Thomas, which contains 114 "Sayings of Jesus," already exhibit a different style from the canonical Gospels and an emphasis on hidden knowledge:
*"These are the secret words that the living Jesus spoke and Didymus Judas Thomas recorded.

1. And He said, 'Whoever finds the interpretation of these words will not taste death.'

2. Jesus said, 'Let the one who seeks not cease seeking until he finds, and when he finds, he will be astonished; and when astonished, he will marvel and reign over all things.'"*

Given the definition of Gnosticism as a religious and spiritual movement in the Roman era that sought salvation through knowledge, the Gnostic nature of the sayings in the Gospel of Thomas is apparent. The earliest reference to a "Canon" appears in 140 CE, attributed to the heretic Marcion in Rome. However, indirect references to the concept of a canon exist earlier, such as in the Second Epistle of Peter (3:15-16), which mentions the letters of the Apostle Paul:
"…our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, wrote to you, as also in all his letters speaking in them..."

The finalization of the Canon is considered to have occurred with the 39th Festal Letter of Saint Athanasius in 367 CE, which officially lists the 27 books of the New Testament. The non-canonical or apocryphal books are categorized into Apocrypha of the Old Testament and Apocrypha of the New Testament.

Modern scholars, such as those from the Association pour l'Étude de la Littérature Apocryphe Chrétienne (AELAC), based in Lausanne and consisting of members from universities across Europe and America, prefer the term "Apocryphal Christian Texts" rather than "Apocrypha of the New Testament." This is because, although these texts often imitate the literary forms of the New Testament and extend its themes, they were written later and span the entire first Christian millennium. Scholars consider these books valuable for studying the historical and theological currents of their time, even if some view them as lacking in literary style or reliability.

It is also important to clarify that the Christian Church did not label all apocryphal texts as heretical. Some texts, while not possessing the theological depth of the canonical scriptures, were still beloved by the Christian community. They were never central to the Church’s doctrinal life, but some apocryphal traditions influenced Christian worship and art. For example, certain Church feasts, such as the Nativity and the Presentation of the Virgin Mary, are based on apocryphal sources.

Today, apocryphal texts are easily accessible through the internet, libraries, or bookstores. Many of them have inspired renowned authors, resulting in best-selling historical novels, such as The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown.

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According to the classification of religions based on their perception of the concept of time, we distinguish:

1. Religions of the Eternal Law of the Cosmos or Eastern Religions

2. Religions of the Historical Revelation of God or Abrahamic Religions

For the Religions of the Eternal Law of the Cosmos, the world is eternal, without beginning or end, and is constantly renewed, following a successive alternation of appearances and disappearances. These include the religions of Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.

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Christmas is one of the most important and beloved holidays in the Christian world. It is celebrated on December 25th and commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior for Christians. This holiday holds both religious and cultural significance and is associated with traditions, customs, and joy for both young and old.

The Christian symbolism of Christmas refers to the birth of Jesus in the town of Bethlehem, in a stable, and the divine visit of the angels who announce the celebration. The celebration of Christ's birth is also connected with the anticipation of the Messiah, as prophesied in the Old Testament.

The festive traditions vary from country to country, but typically include family gatherings, gift exchanges, decorating the Christmas tree, lights, festive treats, and Christmas carols. Especially in Christian societies, churches are filled with worshippers who participate in the Divine Liturgy of the day.

The Christmas season begins with Advent (Waiting) and ends with the celebration of Epiphany on January 6th, when Christians commemorate the Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan River.

Thus, Christmas represents a period of joy, love, and unity, strengthening relationships and solidarity among people.

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The Theophany, or the Feast of Lights, is one of the major Christian holidays, celebrated on January 6th. This feast honors the Baptism of Jesus Christ in the River Jordan by John the Baptist, as well as the revelation of the Holy Trinity. The name "Theophany" comes from the words "God" and "appear," referring to the "appearance" of God in the world through Jesus Christ.

The Theophany is significant for Christians as it marks the beginning of Jesus' public ministry and the recognition of His divinity by God the Father and the Holy Spirit, as seen in the Father's declaration, "This is My beloved Son," and the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.

On the day of the Theophany, there are special religious services, such as the Great Blessing of Water, during which the priest blesses the waters of the Church, as well as the traditional blessings of water in rivers, seas, or other water bodies, depending on the local tradition. Often, believers participate in a ceremony where a Cross is thrown into the water, with athletes attempting to retrieve it.

The Theophany is also associated with the acceptance of Christianity by the people and symbolizes the revelation of Christ's divinity to the world.

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Lent is a period of fasting and prayer observed in the Orthodox Church, lasting 40 days before Easter. This period is dedicated to preparing the faithful for the Resurrection of Christ through repentance, fasting, prayer, and almsgiving.

Lent begins on "Clean Monday" and ends on "Holy Saturday." During this time, the faithful are called to limit their diet, avoiding meat, dairy products, eggs, and oil (in many cases, while oil and wine are permitted on certain days) in order to live simply and dedicate themselves to God.

Lent is not only a time of fasting from food, but also a spiritual exercise. The faithful are encouraged to strengthen their faith, pray more frequently, participate in the Divine Liturgy, and engage in acts of charity and compassion toward others.

This period includes significant days and feasts, such as the "Salutations" to the Virgin Mary, "Resurrection" week, and "Holy Week," culminating in Easter, the greatest feast of Christianity, celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Lazarus Saturday is an important feast in the Orthodox Church, celebrated the day before Palm Sunday, which marks the beginning of Holy Week. This feast commemorates the resurrection of Lazarus by Jesus Christ, as described in the Gospel of John (John 11:1-44). Lazarus, the brother of Martha and Mary, had died and had been in the tomb for four days when Jesus came and raised him from the dead, thus demonstrating His power as the Lord of life and death.

The resurrection of Lazarus holds special significance in the Orthodox Church, as it prefigures the Resurrection of Christ and His victory over death. Lazarus Saturday is considered a day of joy and celebration, with the faithful gathering in the church for the Divine Liturgy. It is customary to chant the "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord" during the procession of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday.

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Palm Sunday is the last Sunday before Easter and marks the entry of Jesus Christ into Jerusalem, where the people of the city greeted Him with palm branches and the hymn "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." This feast marks the beginning of Holy Week and is associated with the victory of Christ over death and sin. On Palm Sunday, the faithful chant this phrase and often hold palm branches, which are blessed by the priest during the Divine Liturgy.

This feast is significant as it prefigures the coming of Easter and the Resurrection of Christ, even though it is followed by the difficult moments of Holy Week, with His Crucifixion and Burial.

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The Week of Passion is the week leading up to Easter and includes the events that led to the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. This week begins with Palm Sunday and continues with significant days such as Great Monday, Great Tuesday, Great Wednesday, Great Thursday, Great Friday, and Great Saturday.

Great Monday: We remember the parable of the two sons and Christ’s encounter with the barren fig tree.

Great Tuesday: The parable of the ten virgins and the talents is read.

Great Wednesday: The woman who anointed Jesus' feet with perfume, and Judas' agreement to betray Him.

Great Thursday: The day of the Last Supper, the Eucharist, and Jesus' prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Great Friday: The day of the Crucifixion and the mourning for the death of Christ.

Great Saturday: The day of silence and mourning for the burial of Christ, and the preparation for His Resurrection.

The Week of Passion is the most sacred period in Christianity, filled with liturgies, ceremonies, and prayers that commemorate the passion, death, and the preparation for the Resurrection of Jesus Christ.

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Great Saturday, also known as Holy Saturday, is the final day of Holy Week in the Christian liturgical calendar, observed by Orthodox Christians. It is the day between the Crucifixion (Good Friday) and the Resurrection of Christ (Easter Sunday). This day marks the period of waiting, reflection, and mourning for Christ’s death.

On this day, Christians commemorate the burial of Jesus Christ and His descent into Hades to redeem the souls of the righteous. The church remains in a somber, reflective state, and there are no Divine Liturgies held during the day. However, in the evening, the faithful gather for the Paschal Vigil, known as the "Holy Saturday Night," where the Easter celebration begins with the reading of the Paschal message, the lighting of the Paschal candle, and the joyful singing of "Christ is Risen!"

In essence, Great Saturday is the day of anticipation, preparing the faithful for the joyous celebration of the Resurrection, which takes place at midnight. It is a time of transition, as the sorrow of Christ’s death is followed by the triumphant joy of His Resurrection.

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Great Friday, also known as Holy Friday or Good Friday, is one of the most solemn and significant days in the Christian liturgical calendar. It commemorates the crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. This day is marked by deep mourning, reflection, and reverence for the immense sacrifice Christ made for humanity.

The day begins with the Royal Hours service, which includes readings from the Psalms and Gospels that narrate the events leading up to Christ’s Passion, His trial, and ultimately His crucifixion. This service highlights the suffering and sacrifice that Jesus endured for the salvation of mankind.

The most central event of the day is the Veneration of the Cross, where the faithful come forward to kiss or bow to the cross in a solemn expression of reverence and love for Christ's sacrifice. The church is often decorated with flowers, and a representation of the body of Christ is placed on the altar, symbolizing His death and burial.

In the evening, the Great Vespers of the Passion is celebrated, during which the faithful recall the suffering, death, and burial of Christ. The Epitaphios (a cloth bearing the image of the dead Christ) is carried in a solemn procession around the church, symbolizing the mourning and burial of Jesus.

Great Friday is a day of mourning and sadness, as the faithful remember Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. Yet, it is also a day of anticipation, as His death on the cross is seen as a necessary step toward His glorious Resurrection, which will be celebrated on Great Saturday night and Easter Sunday.

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is one of the most significant religious holidays in Greece and other Orthodox countries. It is dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, marking her transition from earthly life to heaven.

Beyond its religious significance, the 15th of August is also considered the peak of the summer holidays, as many people take time off and travel to the islands or their hometowns. It is often referred to as the "Easter of Summer" due to its importance in Greek tradition.

In many regions, festivals (panigyria) take place, featuring music, dancing, and local delicacies, while many people visit monasteries and churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

🔹 Famous Pilgrimages and Festivals for August 15th:

Panagia of Tinos

Panagia Soumela (Veria)

Panagia Ekatontapyliani (Paros)

Panagia Hozoviotissa (Amorgos)

It is an official public holiday in Greece and several other Christian countries.

4o

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The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (February 2nd)

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The Presentation of Jesus at the Temple (February 2nd)

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known in Greek as "Hypapante", is an important feast in both the Orthodox and Catholic Churches. It commemorates the day when the Virgin Mary and Joseph presented Jesus at the Temple, forty days after His birth.

📜 Religious Significance
According to Jewish tradition, every firstborn male was to be dedicated to God and offered in the Temple. There, the righteous Simeon received Jesus and recognized Him as the Messiah, proclaiming the famous words:
"Lord, now let Your servant depart in peace…" (Luke 2:29-32).

🏛 Celebration

In the Orthodox Church, the Presentation is one of the major feasts of Christ.

In the Catholic Church, it is known as the "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple" or "Feast of the Purification of the Virgin Mary."

In Greece, the city of Kalamata honors this feast especially, as the icon of Panagia Hypapante (Virgin Mary of the Presentation) is housed in its metropolitan cathedral.

🌿 The feast is also associated with blessings for family protection and motherhood.

4o

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In the Orthodox Church, the celebration of Saints holds great significance, as the Church honors their memory and presents them as examples of faith, virtue, and holiness.

📜 Why and How Are Saints Honored?

Saints are individuals who lived according to God's will and demonstrated exceptional faith, love, and sacrifice. They are venerated for their lives, miracles, and contributions to spreading Christianity.

🔹 Feast Days of Saints:

Commemoration Day → Usually the date of the Saint’s passing (considered their "heavenly birthday").

Synodal Feasts → Celebrations honoring groups of Saints, such as the Three Hierarchs (January 30th) and the Holy Unmercenaries (July 1st & November 1st).

Sunday of All Saints → The feast of all Saints, observed on the first Sunday after Pentecost.

🕊 How Are Saints Celebrated?

✔ Divine Liturgy and special services (Vespers, Supplicatory Canon).
✔ Processions with the icons and relics of the Saints.
✔ Festivals at churches and monasteries dedicated to the Saint.
✔ Fasting & prayer, especially for Saints associated with asceticism.

Saints are considered intercessors before God, and many believers pray to them for help and protection.

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