Επίκαιρα

Hundreds of people, as every year, came this year, too, in Theologos Thassos, to honor with their presence, Archangel Michael.

This is a very old custom, which has its roots in the mid-16th century, where on the second day of that Easter, in a miracle way, under a wild-olive tree of the monastery, was found the Holly Ylos (spikes that used to crossify Christ). From then and on, during the second day of Easter, people surround the flag of Archangell Michael or just "Saint", as the locals call him, accompanying him safely, to the monastery. On the third day of Easter, the companions of the Saint, after participating in the church's call and after relaxing for the night there, start their way back to Theologos, where they will restore the flag of Saint in the monastery's little church in the village.

Previously, during the past decades, people that where accompanying the Saint on his journey, had a more familiar relationship with him. The entire journey was full of joy and at one point, about halfway, in an area named "The Dancer", they where having a great dance. It was a very good opportunity for young people of the region to get to know better each other. The dance was done under a large pine-tree, which was burned in the great fire of 1985. Four men needed to embrace it. Unfortunately, after the fire destroyed everything, and all the beauty of the journey gone, people lost their appetite for dances and songs. Few young people where accompanying Saint on his journey for years.

During the last decade, the love of the people again revived this wonderful custom.

The route starts from the stream of St. Vasiliki, southwest of the village, passing beneath the sources "Alevrochia", climbs to "Papa's vineyard", through "Polites", then directing "Pouri". After passing through the "Dancer", continues to Stavri - Popainas Lakkos - Stavros - Xevni - Trapezia and leads to the monastery of the Archangel, just before Livadi. Beautiful scenery, mostly panoramic. Although now most part of the route passes through compatible dirt road, the rebirth of nature -flora and fauna- add in the spirituality of this journey, a sense of nature, something missing from the modern man.

NGO "Theologos", in the context of its social action, with the help of God, offered to all those pilgrims-hikers, a bridge, to cross the stream of St. Vasiliki safely. This passage was not very easy for all ages of people.

Read the relative press release.

Horses, mules and donkeys, always accompanying Saint, in his journey. Today, few devotee keep the tradition.

The tradition also requires the greeting of Saint by shootings.

The bridge provided by AN.A.E.TH.

People kisses Saint's flag, showing devotion and respect.

Dimitris Sarimpalas (on the left), who provided knowledge and crew for the construction of the bridge.

Arrive in Monday afternoon, at the monastery.

Back in Theologos, on Tuesday afternoon.

Hope to see you next year, on this day!