Archangel Michael of Panormitis

On the island of Symi, Greece is the famous miraculous-working icon of Archangel Michael of Panormitis (Grk: Ο Πανορμίτης) held at the Monastery, of the same name, is one of four miraculous icons of the Archangel in the Dodecannese region. Archangel Michael Panormitis is not only the island’s parton saint but also the guardian of sailors for the entire Dodecanese area.

Tamata to Archangel Michael

According to tradition, if someone asks a favour of the Archangel they must vow to give something in return. If the offering (tama) is not made the Archangel will find a way to take it.

One famous miracle that still frequently occurs today is the miracle of the Archangel preventing boats from leaving the dock. This is such a frequent occurrence that captains announce over the PA asking whoever has forgotten a promise to the Archangel to get off and leave their tama. Once this promise is fulfilled only then do the boat’s engines work.

As a result, the interior of the Monastery is covered in thousands upon thousands of tamata left by pilgrims, both local and overseas, including model ships made from gold and silver.

Messages in a bottle

Another tradition are the bottles with prayers inside. This originated from Greek sailors, who would cast these into the sea and would end up on the shoreline of the monastery.

Today, many believers around the world still practice this tradition. The Monastery has put many of these messages on display in the museum.

Broom offering

A local custom of the Dodecannese is to offer a traditional broom made of straw or reed. Church tradition has passed down that monks from the Monastery would hear the Archangel sweeping his Monastery at night with these broom offerings.

According to local tradition, many people who gave these offerings have been visited by the Archangel in their sleep.

The icon

The icon appeared miraculous and on several occasions was removed only to reappear in the same location.

The Monastery

The Monastery is a very popular place of pilgrimage. It has two museums which house a large collection of ecclesiastical art, icons, ship model offerings and important objects of the island’s folk culture. The Monastery’s dorm-house can accommodate up to 500 people and allows entire families to stay.

There is also a memorial to a former abbot, two monks and two teachers, who in 1944, were executed for running a spy radio for the British commandoes.

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St Phanourios: The Great Martyr & Newly Appeared of Rhodes

Little is known about St Phanourios, except for what is shown in his icon which was discovered on 27^th August 1500 A.D on the island of Rhodes. Hence, he is called ‘the Newly Appeared’.

The icon was initially found by a gang of Arabs, who were invading and pillaging the island at the time, amongst the ruins of an ancient church. All the icons found in the rubble were in a bad state of decay, except for St Phanourios’ which appeared as if just painted that day. The gang saw it of no value and abandon it; however, a group of monks who were hiding and watching from a distance retrieved the icon. The monks were astonished by the icon’s state of preservation. They yearned to learn more about the Saint, but the only information they could obtain from the icon was his name, that he was a solider and scenes which depicted his martyrdom.

The icon of St Phanourios has twelve distinct frames. In each the Saint is shown enduring cruel forms of torture in such a realism to suggest the artist must have been a witness.

St Phanourios is showed being: (1) stoned, (2) on a rack, (3) being slashed, (4) behind bars, (5) standing before a judge, (6) tied to a frame, (7) being burned with candles, (8) tied to a post, (9) thrown to wild animals, (10) crushed by a boulder, (11) holding hot coals, and (12) a demon hovering against a background of flames.

Throughout his tortures St Phanourios appears calm, peaceful and patient. This shows he was an indestructible instrument of God and proof of his sainthood.

He is commemorated on the day his icon was found, 27^th August (New Calendar). The icon pictured above is the actual icon that was discovered on that day.

Our need for St Phanourios

Found after being lost for centuries, St Phanourios is the patron saint for the recovery of things lost. The faithful pray to St Phanourios to assist them in revealing lost or hidden:

·        spiritual matters of the heart

·        material objects

·        directing or revealing actions that should be taken

·        restoring health

St Phanourios today

Some contemporary icons (left & middle) and the Church of St Phanourios, Rhodes (far right).

Orthodox Custom

As St Phanourios has answered the prayers of many over the years, a custom has developed of baking a Phanouropita ("Phanourios-Cake/Bread") as a thanks-offering on the eve of the Saint’s name day. It is a Greek and Cypriot tradition and still practiced today.

The cake is offered at Verpers services and/or just before the Liturgy finishes on the feast day of St Phanourios to be blessed by the priest with a special prayer. Afterwards, the cake is cut up and shared with parishioners or the poor. However, a Phanouropita can be made whenever someone needs St Phanourios’ help then taken to church to be blessed and shared.

According to custom, the number of ingredients should be either 7 or 9. Also, it is customary that it be shared with at least 7 people.

Phanouropita Recipe – 9 ingredients:

3 cups plain flour

1 cup sugar

¾ cup olive oil

¾ cup orange juice

½ cup brandy

½ cup raisins (or crushed walnuts)

1 tsp. cinnamon

¼ tsp. clove powder

1 ½ tsp. baking powder

1)     Beat oil and sugar with electric beaters until dissolved and creamy yellow.

2)     Put the baking powder into the orange juice and stir making sure there are no clumps. Add it to the sugar and oil mix. Beat until combined.

3)     Then add brandy, cinnamon and clove powder.

4)     Put the beaters on low speed and gradually add the flour. Then fold in fruit or walnuts.

5)     Grease a pan with oil and dust with sugar and flour. Then pour in batter.

6)     Bake in medium oven (fan-force 180⁰C) for about an hour or until inserting a toothpick into the cake comes out clean. Leave to cool on a rack.

Sources

http://www.goarch.org/chapel/saints_view?contentid=584

http://orthodoxwiki.org/Phanourios

http://www.saintfanourios.org/Bios.htm

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Candles

Upon entering a church one lights a candle. Although it seems simple it is actually a very deep and meaningful act.

By lighting a candle it is not only for oneself, but for family members and anyone else for God to watch over.

Different meanings

Lighting a candle is making an offering to God. It is offering our prayers and thanks to Him for His blessings.

Lighting a candle is a symbol of prayer. The act of lighting a candle is a prayer without words, although still say a prayer as one lights a candle.

The light represents the people and the Faith. When standing in church one is like the flame, alive and attentive to the Word of God. Therefore, it represents one’s presence in the church. It is also a reminder that Christ is the LIGHT of the world and the FLAME is the Holy Spirit.

Furthermore, the candle is like a person – coming into the church from the world with a harden heart. Just as the heat of the flame melts the wax making it soft, hopefully the same will happen for the individual and their heart will soften and accept God.

At most candle stands there will be one main candle in the middle. Light your candle from this one – it is symbolic as this main candle (representing Christ) offers light to all the small ones (the people).

How to light your candle

After making a donation:

• light the candle(s);
• quietly say a prayer whilst lighting it;
• make the sign of Cross; then
• go venerate the icons.

If you have more than one candle, repeat each stage for each candle before going to venerate the icons.

One custom, if the candle stand contains sand, is to draw a small sign of the Cross in the sand with the candle then place it in the middle.

Buying a candle

Before lighting a candle a donation is made to help cover the church’s expenses.

Although the thicker candles have a set price, the thinner ones do not as the church wants to make them affordable for everyone. Therefore, it is up to the person’s discretion how much to give.

The donation should be based upon one’s circumstances and what they are able to give. Someone who lives a very comfortable life is better able to give more than a person who is impoverished. A person who falls into the latter category is actually allowed to take the candle for free, but only if they are truly struggling to survive.

In short, give to the church according to one’s means.

Lighting tall candles

There is the custom of lighting very tall, thick candles.

As lighting a candle is an offering to God, these larger candles are for people who are praying for a miracle.

The tallness symbolises the person’s prayer being closer to Heaven so God can hear it. These candles range from 1m to 3m. They are then placed in a specially designed candle box to hold them.

They are more expensive but it expresses the person’s faith because it shows how much they want their prayers answered.

Use of candles at home

Church candles can be used at home, such as for house blessings or burning the Holy Light on Pascha.

There are several types, including:

†       Paschal lambathes (candles)

†       white, 40-day pre-Ascension candles

†       plain yellow candles

†       natural beewax

By keeping them in the icon corner they are held on reserve. It also helps when transferring the Holy Light on Pascha to the kantilia.

It is a good way of supporting the church and maintaining a very close connection. As the icon corner is the “home church” it should be treated the same as an actual church.

Flowers at Church

Placing flowers or basil at the foot of an icon or around an icon at church is an expression of a person’s faith.

It can be as an offering for when someone is in need, but it can simply be out of love and gratitude. It can also be a sign of thankfulness for something that has happened or is yet to happen.

If intending to place flowers at the foot of an icon, place them in a small vase of water so they will keep for a little while. If only wishing to leave one or two flowers place them either on the ledge of an icon stand so others can venerate the icon.

The flowers can be of any kind, depending on seasonal availability. Some suggestions include St Demetrius, carnations and roses.

Gifts to church or monastery

It is always good to give gifts/offerings to the church or monastery. It is an act of almsgiving (charity) which is not only beneficial for the Church but as an act of devotion and love towards God.

We should still give such gifts freely even when things in life are going well. It is a blessing upon that person and their family.

Types of gifts to give include:

·        Olive oil – to be burnt in the church’s kantilia

·        Sweet wine – used for Holy Communion to become the Blood of Christ

·        Prosphoron – used for Holy Communion to become the Body of Christ

·        Flowers & basil – for various feastdays and the Epitaphios on Holy Friday

·        Labour & time – to do physical work or assist in the administration of the church

·        Donations – not only at the Divine Liturgy but when the church is in need

How do I give to the church?

When giving such gifts it should be done discretely and avoid attracting attention. If done for attention then one becomes like the Pharisees who gloated over their “good works” and the blessing becomes void.

A lovely custom is to leave the gifts (i.e oil and wine) at the foot of Panagia’s, Christ’s or the saint’s icon. Another place is to leave it in the Narthex of the church with the candles.

So in short, light a candle, say a prayer and leave.

If it is about giving time and labour to work at the church or monastery either ask the priest or the person in charge of chores. Do the work with obedience, humility and love – it will be a great blessing.

Tamata

A tama (plu. tamata) is a votive offering or promise for something to happen when someone requires help or a miracle. They are rectangular pieces of metal (tin, silver or gold) with miniature body parts or other objects shaped on them. The embossed image on the plaque symbolises the subject of prayer (the miracle) for which the tama is offered.

Tamata may be offered at the icon of a saint as a reminder of a faithful person’s particular need or in gratitude for a prayer answered.

They are the vehicle through which someone invests their faith. They are a link between the faithful and the Holy Spirit.

Other offerings include: candles, prosphora, wine, oil, or incense. In addition, many will leave something of personal value, such as jewellery or military decoration as a sign of devotion. Some people leave crutches or walking frames as thanks of being healed.

Saint John of Damascus

One of the most famous tama offerings is that by St John of Damascus.

While he was serving as Vizier to the Caliph, he was falsely accused of treachery and his hand was cut off. Upon praying in front of an icon of the Theotokos his hand was miraculously restore. In thanksgiving, he had a silver replica of his hand fashioned and attached it to the icon.

This wonderworking icon of the Theotokos, now called “The Three-handed” (pictured), is preserved today at Hilander Monastery on Mount Athos.

When does the need arise?

A tama is purchased when the individual or a loved one is ill, lonely, unable to conceive, looking for work etc. In other words, there is no situation which does not require a tama.

Which one to buy?

There is a wide range that can be purchased from a church or monastery. Some of the more common ones are ears, ankles, fingers and houses.

It should be noted one may not find a tama specifically for what they need, however, it is the intention and prayer that defines what is being asked for. The images are capable of multiple interpretations:

Heart – a prayer for love or a heart problem

Eyes – an eye affliction

Hands or legs – maladies of the limbs

Pair of wedding crowns – a prayer for a happy marriage

Torso – afflictions of the body

A good example is that of a young comedian in Greece. The man required a tama for the loss of his sense of humour. The vendor questioned him whether he thought it involved the mind or the heart. The young man was not sure so the vendor gave him a tama of the whole body.

Tin, silver or gold?

The choice of material depends on the person’s faith and how much they can afford. There is no evidence that a more costly tama is more effective.

Which saint?

Deciding which saint is entirely up to the individual. It can be a patron saint, the saint the person derived their name from or a saint the person greatly admires. You can also choose Panagia or Christ – ask a spiritual father for help.

For example, for a miracle involving the eyes/sight leave a tama at a church dedicated or with the icon of St Paraskeva – she is considered to be a healer of the blind.

What to I do with my tama? 

Once a tama has been purchased:

†       take it to the church

†       light a candle

†       tie it with a ribbon to the horizontal pole under the icon, relics or shrine of your choice

†       say a prayer asking God or the saint for help

†       leave a gift/offering to the church (i.e wine, biscuits, flowers, prosphora etc)

What to do when the miracle occurs

It is also important to thank God and the saint for making the miracle happen.

In Greece, a person hung a tama, offered some koulourakia (round coffee biscuits) and lit a candle at the Panagia church on the island of Andros. When the miracle happened she would send biscuits and money to this church once a year.

This is a wonderful act of thanksgiving, dedication and love to God as it is only He who allows our prayers to come true. By giving gifts to the Church annually it expresses the person’s gratitude to God.

Source: stories from Adrian Vrettos

Basil

Basil is the official flower of the Orthodox Church. A rare and beautiful plant it was found by St Helen growing above where the Cross of Christ was hidden in 325 AD. The name ‘Basil’ was named in honour her – Vasiliko ‘flower of royalty’.

Uses of basil

It is used extensively in Church services for blessings and purification. Its main purpose is for sprinkling Holy Water and to bless the faithful. When a blessing of water is done the faithful come up to the priest kiss the Cross he holds, his right hand and are then lightly tapped on the head with basil soaked in Holy Water.

Faithful people can offer basil to the church when it is needed for a service. It can also be left as an offering beneath icons or relics.

If growing basil in pots keep a pot at the front and back doors of the house. As a flower of the Church and its association with the finding of the Cross it will help keep evil from entering the home.

Basil can also be used to decorate the Church, Theophany (6^th Jan), during Holy Week or even placed in a glass of water and placed at the icon corner.

It is a good idea to grow basil as it is used many times either at Church or for home use.

Important!!

Once basil has been dipped in Holy Water it cannot be thrown away in the rubbish. It should be buried in a corner of the garden when no person or animal walks, or burnt.

How to look after basil

Basil grows relatively easy, especially once established. Some helpful tips:

·        get a variety with white flowers (same type St Helen found)

·        grows well in pots – leave in the garden or balcony

·        keep in a sunny spot

·        give it a light trim from time-to-time to encourage extra growth

Incense

Incense is an aromatic fragrance which is burnt on charcoals in a decorated burner/censer. It is an offering made to God giving the adoration and worship due only to God.

Made up of fragrant gums and spices it is an offering of earth’s treasures to our Creator, symbolizing prayer. It is also to bless.

The burning of incense also represents zeal towards providing service to God.

Why is it used?

The burning of incense is traced back to worship in the Old Testament.

Today, when the priest swings the censer to and fro it causes clouds of smoke which travel upwards to Heaven – just like our prayers, ‘let my prayer come before you as incense, the lifting up our my hands as an evening sacrifice’ (Psalm 141: 2)

The sweet smelling fragrance represents the Holy Spirit and virtue.

The burning coal represents the burning ember, Jesus Christ, who takes away the sins of the world.

Where it is used

At church, the priest blesses the Sanctuary, icons and relics. The icons & relics are censed to honour God who crowned the saints and to show respect.

When being blessed with the fragrance of incense a person simply bows their head – the fragrance represents God’s Grace poured out upon the people.

When visiting the cemetery – after cleaning the grave, lighting the kantilia and placing flowers – burn some incense over the grave and say the Prayer for the Departed.

At home, it is encouraged to regularly burn incense to bless the house. First, bless the icon corner, each family member and then each room and make the sign of the Cross with the censer in the direction of each of the four walls and any other icons. Also burn some of the flowers that were used to decorate the Epitaphion (Christ’s tomb) on Great & Holy Friday and from the Dormition of Panagia.

A summary of things to bless:

†       icons – the images of holy people

†       family & friends – they are the living icons of God

†       each room of the house – areas of living

†       garden – the plants and creatures are God’s Creation

How to burn incense

Firstly, go outside and light a piece of charcoal (the initial smoke is no good to breath)

Secondly, once it catches on put it in the censer and place a few pieces of incense on top of the burning charcoal.

Finally, in order to bless the house/things make the sign of the Cross. However, when doing steps (3) and (4), reverse the direction. Therefore, instead of right-to-left it becomes left-to-right.

Once the blessings are done leave the censer, with the incense still burning, at the icon corner until it burns out. However, if the fragrance is too strong leave it outside for a little while until it dies down. By leaving it outside the incense is also blessing Creation.

When suitable, leave the censer in the icon corner and say a prayer as it will be carried up to God.

Kantilia (vigil lamp)

Lighting a kantilia is an offering/sacrifice to God. The flame represents Christ as He is the Light of the world (John 8:12) who illuminates our souls. As part of an icon corner one prays to God and His saints before a kantilia.

The kantilia is a heat-tolerate glass usually coloured red and with a pattern or Cross. It must always contain water, olive oil and a waxed wick which is threaded through a cork-floater.

The kantilia is a very meaningful part of the Faith – Christ is the source of Light in this darkened world. Olive oil has been used since the times of the Old Testament – no other oil should be used.

Another meaning that can be used is if in desperate need to quench a thirst one can drink the water as oil cannot mix with water. However, the need of adding water is more of a safety mechanism in order to put out the flame when the oil burns outs.

Lighting a kantilia

†       clear the mind of all thoughts – recite the Jesus Prayer or another prayer

†       fill one part of the glass with water (1/3) and the rest with olive oil

†       allow a small, steady flame which does not flicker

Do not throw the oil and water down the drain. As prayers are said before the kantilia the oil becomes blessed and one can anoint themselves and others with the oil when in need. When the oil and water needs to be changed (once every couple of months) pour it down a hole dug in a corner of the garden where no person or animal walks.

When changing or cleaning the kantilia, clean fingers with a tissue. Although it is not a sin if the wick or any of the oil is thrown into the bin, but by taking care to clean one’s fingers (and burn the tissues) shows sensitivity to the things dedicated to God.

When to light a kantilia

Keep it burning all day and all week, if possible.

If not, at least from Friday to Sunday, feastdays & when in need of God’s help (i.e poor health, exams etc).

Upon bringing the Light home from Ἀνάστασις on Pascha morning keep it burning in the kantilia for the next 40 days until Christ’s Ascension.

Note:

Never use an electric light kantilia. An electric globe is lifeless and not a proper offering to God. A real flame burns, moves and radiates light – think of it as being alive.

By taking the time to light the kantilia, and tending to it, shows love and faith to God. By getting oil on one’s fingers it is a sign of doing work, an offering which is only for God. While flicking a switch involves no effort and is meaningless.