July 4th --- A day of freedom.... Fr. Lou

After picking Gus, Nichole, and the boys up in Kalamata on the 28th, we have had days at the beach; playing ball outside, and sometimes inside; following grandsons -- especially Elias and Alexander -- around beaches, restaurants, platias, and various other places; a bus ride to Methoni and Pelos; and then last night, a very nice meal Yonnie and Nikki's Angelopoulos' village house. There, we met their daughter Katerina, and her children and also there were Panayiota and George Markopoulos. Panayiota and Nikki are both cousins of mine, originally from Kokkino.

Today, as we celebrate America's freedom, I had the chance to go to Ayios Andreas for Divine Liturgy at the village's 11th century church of the same name. I was received graciously by Fr. Demetrios, the parish priest who is in his 70's, receiving holy communion at the altar of the church that my Papou George Dracos (Dracopoulos) and my Uncle Pete were most assuredly baptized. My Papou (mother's dad) emmigrated to America around 1910 -- returning to fight, I believe, in the Balkan wars. He then returned to America. I said a memorial prayer at the end of liturgy for my Papou George, Yia Yia Genevieve, and Uncle Pete and mom and dad, considering the sacrifices they made for us so that we might have the lives that we have -- able to enjoy our children, grandchildren, and life with all of her blessings.

A funny note: During liturgy, at one point there was a major commotion, with women and children screaming and running outside of the church. As we looked out from the altar, it became apparent that something unwanted had entered through one of the many open windows or doors to the church, that are needed to give freshness to the musty walls of the middle-ages. If I'm not mistaken, it was a rat or a mouse. Although not verified. In any case "it" was chased out and then ever slow slowly, the church began to refill.

When I received holy communion, I had a special feeling of thanksgiving and love, as I considered my ancestors -- those of my mother, Aunt Maria, and my Dracopoulos and Pilafis cousins worshipping at Ayios Andreas for generation upon generation. May their memories be eternal.

Here's wishing all a happy 4th of July (Independence Day) -- True freedom is becoming willing servants of our Lord.
God Bless,
Fr. Lou