Every October 1, Orthodox Christians commemorate the Holy Protection of the Virgin Mary, a feast centered on one of the most familiar images of Mary: her veil spread over the faithful.
The Greek word Skepi means protection, shelter, or covering....
The striking transition from worship of the ancient Greek goddess Athena to devotion to the Virgin Mary among Greeks is a fascinating chapter in the history of religion.
At first glance, the ancient patron of Athens and Mary, the Mother...
A discovery in Aigai, Greece sparked intrigue among art historians and theologians alike. It was a 4th-century BC fresco known as the "Madonna of Aigai." This ancient Greek depiction bears striking similarities to the traditional portrayals of Virgin Mary...
The people of Greece observe the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, or Panagia—meaning "All-Holy" or "Full of Grace"—with numerous customs and festivals starting on the eve of August 15.
Deeply revered as the mother of Jesus and considered a spiritual...
As Orthodox Christians prepare to celebrate the Dormition of the Theotokos on August 15, the question of what happened to Mary, the mother of Jesus, at the end of her life remains surprisingly difficult to answer based on the...
In Orthodox tradition, August 12 is linked to the final days of the Virgin Mary before her Dormition, celebrated a few days later on August 15. Three days prior to her death, the Archangel Gabriel appeared to Mary and...
As August begins, the bells of village churches ring for the first Paraklesis services, pilgrims begin making their way to shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary, and Orthodox Christians embark on a two-week period of prayer and fasting, known...
