Happy Thursday!
July is almost out, and the long weekend is ahead of us!
Being social, physically active, and working is a simple recipe for a balanced healthy life and healthy community.
While you don’t need a psychology degree to understand the critical role human connection and social interactions have on your mental and physical health, the duration of the pandemic may have caused you to ignore making that effort to stay connected.
Now that most patios are open, August may be an excellent time to make that connection and catch up with a friend or relative for a coffee or drink.
August 1 – 14
This upcoming period in the Orthodox church calendar is called the Dormition Fast. The Dormition Fast is dedicated to the Panagia, which her falling asleep is commemorated on August 15th.
During this fast, the church prays the Small and Great Paraklesis services, alternating each evening. The Small Paraklesis can be used as a personal prayer when experiencing difficult times or as a thanksgiving. The word “paraklesis” actually means to “call near”. Here is a copy of the prayer.
Words of Wisdom
“Fasting is wonderful, because it tramples our sins like a dirty weed, while it cultivates and raises truth like a flower.” Saint John Chrysostom
“To fast is to banquet with Angels.” Saint Athanasios the Great
In The Community
- GIFFT-Toronto will be hosting its first-ever Greek International Film Festival from Oct. 1 – 3, 2021 (tentative). Film submissions and volunteers are still needed. For updated info and links, check out their page on Facebook.
- Flowers for Hope-The Hellenic Initiative Canada (a charity focused on helping vulnerable groups in Greece) has partnered with HOPEgenesis to raise funds for pregnant women on remote islands in Greece. By ordering a bouquet of flowers for a loved one, you can help raise funds to aid in the purchase of 15 much-needed medical device packages (glucose, blood pressure & cardiograph monitoring devices). For more details on how to participate in the program, visit their website, ca.thehellenicinitiative.org.
Greek News
- Going Green -Approval has been granted to build Greece’s first “green” luxury condo tower at the location of the old Athens airport. With 45 floors, once completed, Marina Tower will be considered the tallest building in all of Greece. Completion is expected in 2026, and each of the 200 units will have unobstructed views of the marina and picturesque mountains. In addition to the skyscraper building, the entire area will undergo a redevelopment (new shopping mall, casino, hotels etc.). For more details, you can check out the promotional video by Lamda Development.
Greek Music
Josephine – Παλιόπαιδο (Paliopaido)
Released earlier in 2021, this upbeat and catchy song (although the title suggests otherwise) is actually a love song. Pay close attention to the location. I bet you will notice the old Athens airport in the background (site where Marina Tower will be built). Click here to watch it!
Your Sharing
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Have a great long weekend, see you next week!
Γεια σας.
