www.byzcath.org Forums Faith & Christian Life The Christian East & West A couple of questions about Santorini

The island of Santorini was once controlled by the Venetians, but now by the Greeks. There are both Orthodox and Catholic clergy and communicants on the the island; the population is entirely Greek. Are the Catholics in the eastern or western rite or a mixture of both? There are 256 churches on the island and most of them seem to be family owned and opened only on name days. These family churches have their roots in the idea that evil such as disease can be held off can be kept away from a family member by building a church. I meet a Greek(in nationality) Catholic whose grandfather built one so both sides do this. The idea seems rather medieval to me. Is the concept of a family church just limited to this island or is it common elsewhere in Greece or Europe? if so, is it practiced both both the eastern and western churches?

John Zonaras

John:

Nothing unique about Santorini regarding "family" churches. Throughout the Balkans, such churches can be found. In the older sections of Berat, Albania, there are numerous family churches. It should be understood that when these churches are opened, they are open to all. Occasionally, they might be located inside of a family compound and so a tourist might not know that there is a service there, but locals would know.

Name days have traditionally been far more important to Orthodox Christians than birthdays. Birthdays were generally not recorded. Baptism & Chrismation were recorded in the church register. So a perfect name day starts with preparation for the Eucharist, receiving the Eucharist at the church of your patron saint, and gathering for a meal with family and friends.

And what is wrong with medieval, the most glorious period for the Eastern Churches? While building a small Church in honor your patron saint to worship God is no guarantee of health, happiness, and long life, it certainly isn't going to hurt. Our God is a jealous God.