Renewal of Vows

Volume 2, Issue 1

March 2009

and a companion to St Nikolaos, with whom he built the ‘Monastery ton Iareon’ now under the dependency of the Monastery of Kykkos in Crete. The Modern Greek word ‘Eutichismenos’ comes from the name Eftichios, which means ‘happiness’.
Giorgos is a common name in Greece, and Roda’s own church is dedicated to the saint. Ayios

As many know, Greek names have particular meanings and names, particularly of the first-born in each family, are taken from the paternal grandparents.
In this edition of Roda Reports, two names, whose Saint’s Days are celebrated in April, are explained.
Eftichios in the masculine form and Eftichia in the feminine are celebrated on 6th April. The name comes from Ayios Eftichios from Constantinople. He was a hermit,

Giorgos (meaning “earth-mover” or farmer) or Saint George is recognised throughout many religions and histories. Even in the Orthodox Church, he his most often depicted in icons mounted on a horse, thrusting his spear towards a dangerous looking

winged-creature.
In truth, he could have held a high ranking post in the Roman army, so the image of being a soldier saint holds true. Greek sources tell us that he was martyred in Palestine, when he laid aside his office and protested at the way in which the Romans were persecuting the early Christians.
The official date for celebrating Ayios Giorgos is 23rd April (just as St George’s day is celebrated in England) but if this dates falls in Holy week (week before Orthodox Easter) then it is moved to the second day after Easter.

Think of a Name....

Standing on the balcony of our apartment at ‘Makis’ in Roda Village, as the warm morning sun stroked my face, I shaded my eyes and

Jackie. I walked the short distance along the beach with my sister, and the early evening sun was still embracing us with it’s warmth as I joined my husband. We had created some interest from people who were still enjoying the evening sun.
Our service started with a traditional hymn and a few words from Clifford. During the ceremony we had arranged for a track by ‘Journey South’ to be played. In

to use their pagoda and for the champagne, Rev Clifford Owen for leading the service, ‘La Rose’ for the flowers, Eleni at ‘Opa’ for her hospitality and for a wonderful

A Very Special Day in Roda by Linda Foreman

searched for the wooden pagoda that would welcome us later that evening as my husband and I renewed our wedding vows.
Our day was relaxed, but filled with anticipation as we were putting the finishing touches to our special day with our two teenage children Chris and Melissa and my sister and brother–in–law.
Before our holiday, we had already arranged for Rev. Clifford

Owen to lead the service and were able to tailor our ceremony to fit in with the recognised Church of England ‘renewal of vows’ service.

At last, our special moment had arrived. I left the apartment holding a beautiful posie of yellow & white roses and carnations kindly made by ‘La Rose’ in Acharavi and hair styled by

service we sipped the champagne that was so kindly provided by Pirate’s Bar and we ended the day with a beautiful meal at the ‘Opa Taverna’ where Eleni had made a

Baklava for us, (Greek newlyweds eat this as it is believed to bring happiness and love to the relationship).
Our day was perfect and I must thank Pirates’ for kindly allowing us

addition to the trad-itional exchange of vows, we had also written a personal message for each

other to be expressed alongside at the time.
It was lovely to be enjoying our special day with our children and Julie & Steve. At the end of the

meal. To Chris and Melissa for helping us to get ready. But especially to my wonderful husband for

actually wanting to marry me all over again!

Thank you Roda for our
very special day.

To find out about the services offered by the Anglican Church in Corfu, visit Holy Trinity.

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