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.