Paphos Life

The upper reaches of the Universal Area of Paphos are steadily being developed. New estates seem are being constructed all the time. Yesterday, while driving through, we stopped by a church that had sprung up before any surrounding houses had been built. I went for a wander and this is what I found...

Read the article and chat about it below...
 

Thanks for sharing. Its on my list for April 2022 as I am staying on Universal and can walk up.

There were big celebrations a couple of years ago, mentioned in the Greek Press, to remember the Pontian Genocide.

"From an earlier transfer of the image (photo: agiosgeorgioshalinaras.blogspot.gr)


The faithful of Paphos will have the opportunity to receive and worship the holy icon of Agios Georgios Halinaras on the two days of May 5 and 6. The image has great historical significance, especially for the Pontians, since it was transferred in 1923 from Argyroupoli of Pontus to Greece.

During the two days, the established commemorative events for the Pontian Genocide will take place.
The icon will be transferred to the island on the initiative of the Diocese of Paphos, the Pontian associations of Paphos, the Union of Pontians of Argyroupoli Attica and the Secretariat of Ecumenical Hellenism.

According to the program of events, on Saturday, May 5 (17:00) the official inauguration of the Pontian Association "Agios Georgios" will take place by the Metropolitan of Paphos, while the dance group of the Union of Pontians Argyroupolis will present Pontian dances. On the same day (at 18:30) in the Church of Agios Georgios of Agridia, the icon of Agios Georgios of Halinaras will be placed in a popular pilgrimage and will be followed by Vespers. The teacher Vassilis Konstantinidis will speak to the faithful about the history of the image. The first day of the events will end with Pontian dances by the band "Romiosini" of Agis Toursidis and a reception in the courtyard of the church.

On Sunday, May 6, a memorial service will be held for the victims of the Pontian Genocide at the Church of Agios Anargyros in Kato Paphos, with the icon of Agios Georgios Halinaras in the church for worship. Speeches by Takis Skandalakis (EKPA professor, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Greece) and Ilias Iordanidis (president of the Pontian Association of Argyroupoli, Attica) will follow. The ceremony will end with the laying of wreaths at the monument of the Greeks of Pontus outside the church."



This would explain various photos on your nice blog, Dominic.

Max