The End is Near

Jeff–Saturday

 

It’s the day before we leave Greece for the US.  We can’t believe how quickly the months have raced by. We fly on the day that Greeks (and others) celebrate Dekapentavgoustos (August 15)–the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos (Assumption of Mary). It is a national and religious holiday, and a major occasion in Greek life.

 

Central to the celebration for many is a pilgrimage to the island of Tinos, close by Mykonos, where it is believed the Panagia (Mother of Jesus) appeared and revealed where to discover a long missing icon possessing healing powers that have drawn millions seeking its intervention and blessing.

 

This year I have no doubt there will one prayer above all others offered up wherever Greeks gather.

 

“Dear Lord in Heaven, spare us from the fires.”

 

I’ve been in Greece during other summer fire seasons, but never one like this.  And yes, much of the rest of the world—notably the US west coast—is battling blazes, but Greece is where I am at the moment, and where it’s wall-to-wall media coverage portraying ongoing destruction of biblical proportions. It’s also where the anxiety is palpable among islanders who stare at their parched dry land and wonder will they be next.

 

It is a national tragedy, but in keeping with the nature of our times, is being politicized. I have nothing to say on that situation beyondI have a lot to say…but not now.

 

Rather, I offer up my prayers that situations such as this will end, and that the world comes to its senses before we all end.

 

photo by Konstantinos Tsakalidis/SOOC

My love to all, and NYC here we come.

 

–Jeff