The funniest thing happened to us tonight and I really need to tell you now, while it’s fresh in my mind.
It’s Epiphany today, also known as ‘Ta Fota’ in Greek, or 12th night in the West, the day the tree and all the decorations need to come down by, otherwise bad luck will befall the household….at least, that’s what they say.
Western Christians commemorate the visit of the Magi to Baby Jesus, while Eastern Christians commemorate the Baptism of Jesus Christ.
Anyways, it also happens to be the day that the Greek Orthodox priests make their annual visits to the houses of their congregation to bless them.
What can I say? It’s a Greek thing.
I was working tonight, when my husband rushed in to tell me that the Priest had arrived, bear in mind we have no prior appointment, in fact we don’t even know the day or time he’ll arrive, just that he will! I rush upstairs to find my daughters sat on the sofa, chilling, watching TV in their pyjamas and dressing gowns…’Quick!’ I say ‘The Priest is here!’
Well, you’ve never seen two girls shoot off the sofa so fast in their lives!! Rushing off to their bedrooms to tidy up. I swear you could see Road Runner type screech marks in their wake 🙂 That’ll teach them…so the Priest blesses the house, has a quick chat and leaves and we’re left telling the tales with our staff in the shop, having a right old giggle…
We thought that was the end of it.
How wrong I was! This time it was me, wrapped up in my dressing gown, when my husband rushes upstairs telling me that the Priest from the Other Greek Orthodox Church is here. I kid you not! This time it was me rushing round like a headless chicken!
We’ve laughed so much tonight and a big bonus – We’ve been doubly blessed. It’s going to be a good year.
As it’s the last day of the Festive season, I leave you with some of my favourite festive photographs of the season.
At Anna’s Kitchen Table 
Hi Anna ,
Happy New Year. Happy to find your new site.
This post had me laughing because I’ve been telling Master 13 and Miss 9 ” Keep your rooms clean! The priest is coming on Thursday. “Doesn’t help we are on school holidays in Australia!! I think all greek homes are doing the something this time of year. Ourania xx
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I’m glad you found me, it’s lovely to hear from you!
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This is funny! I can just imagine the panic lol 😀 Your Christmas pictures are beautiful x Happy New Year Anna xx
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It really was a funny night Nic! Hilarious. xx
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This place is so untidy I’m adopting the ‘pretending to be out’ strategy if anyone calls. I’ll never be blessed that way, I suppose. Happy new year.
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Oh, I’m sure that’s not true! I’d have tried it too, but there was no hiding as the priests caught us at work! (We live above)
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Hehe what a funny story! That’s brilliant and it sounds like the scene of a movie rushing around for not just one but two priests! 😛
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It’s like a scene from ‘my Big Fat Greek wedding’ ha ha
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Happy New Year. Congratulations for the move to WordPress. You will love it. Your new blog looks beautiful and your pictures are stunning. Sorry we lost touch but during the time I was writing my new cookbook I lost touch with most of my friends due to lack of time. I am leaving tomorrow to Cyprus (Limassol) and I might disappear again for a while from the blogging world although we shall stay connected on Facebook.
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All the best Ivy, I hope everything goes well for you!
xxx
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Happy New Year and congratulations on your new home! Your Christmas decorations look lovely and it’s a sad thing when they all have to come down… Christmas is definitely my favourite time of year and I look forward to it every year… and the food spread look gorgeous too!
What a funny story about the priest 🙂 Best wishes! x
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Best wishes to you too! Hope I continue seeing you round all through 2014! 🙂
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