Monday, February 2, 2015

A Few Greek Gems

this very cool messenger bag fits the interesting paper and binder size here in Greece;
found at a used leather bags dealer for a paltry 25 euro!

now, this is way more awesome in person - our icon of the Archangel Michael
as painted and hand-gilded by our artist here in Pangrati;
a true treasure, indeed (it measures about 5"x7")

Michael ("who is like God?", Hebrew: מִיכָאֵל‎ (pronounced [mixåˈʔel]), Micha'el or Mîkhā'ēl; Greek: Μιχαήλ, Mikhaḗl; Latin: Michael (in the Vulgate Michahel); Arabic: ميخائيل‎, Mīkhā'īl) is an archangel in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic teachings. Roman Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox, Anglicans, and Lutherans refer to him as "Saint Michael the Archangel" and also as "Saint Michael". Orthodox Christians refer to him as the "Taxiarch Archangel Michael" or simply "Archangel Michael". Michael is mentioned three times in the Book of Daniel, once as a "great prince who stands up for the children of your people". The idea that Michael was the advocate of the Jews became so prevalent that in spite of the rabbinical prohibition against appealing to angels as intermediaries between God and his people, Michael came to occupy a certain place in the Jewish liturgy.

In the New Testament Michael leads God's armies against Satan's forces in the Book of Revelation, where during the war in heaven he defeats Satan. In the Epistle of Jude Michael is specifically referred to as "the archangel Michael". Christian sanctuaries to Michael appeared in the 4th century, when he was first seen as a healing angel, and then over time as a protector and the leader of the army of God against the forces of evil. By the 6th century, devotions to Archangel Michael were widespread both in the Eastern and Western Churches. Over time, teachings on Michael began to vary among Christian denominations. ~wiki

Couldn't leave Greece without this!
However, we don't get coffee at Starbucks because the drinks cost the same as in the US,
A better bet: walk to the nearest cafe (they are everywhere) and order your
excellent Cappuccino for under 2 euros (and yes, that's a double)
I also splurged on a European coat/cloak that is warm and practical. Now, if I just wear black leggings, knee high boots, and a dark or neutral tunic-style sweater, I will look like every other woman on the street. Well, kinda...my hair is not nearly thick or curly enough, although I wish it were!

1 comment:

Ari C'rona said...

Absolutely cool acquisitions! Love the messenger bag - very Jedi! And, can't believe they had an Athens Starbucks mug! The icon is amazing! Can't wait to see it for real!