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 beyond I 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.
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photo by Konstantinos Tsakalidis/SOOC |
My love to all, and NYC here we come.
–Jeff
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That was a short trip for you. I pray that the fires all over stop, and that there will be a place for you to return to. Welcome back.
ReplyDeleteI share your prayer, Tonette!
DeleteSuch an unspeakably sad situation; so much loss. I saw that last photo, and the explanation for it, elsewhere on the 'net--it brings the tragedy of these fires into high relief. I hope you and Barbara have a safe trip back to New York, and I hope Mykonos and the rest of Greece can stay as safe as possible and get the fires under control soon.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the good wishes, Susan. It is an anxiety producing time for so very many. Understandable, but still awkward.
DeleteN.B. That was supposed to be "awful."
DeleteThank you for the personal news report, Jeff. Greece appears daily in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteThank you, my friend. It's tricky times for sure! Jeff
DeleteIt seems the world has "been on fire" (virtually and literally) all my life, but NOW (and, alas, probably the future) is the worst (both virtually and literally). Sigh.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home, SWMBO! (Oh, and you, too, Jeff...)
Thanks for the welcome back, EvKa-- reluctant as it may be for moi. As for our rapidly clarifying fate...will the next generation ever forgive us?
DeleteJeff, thank you for ringing the alarm on these fires. I'm so upset to learn about it. The Greek people have been through so much in recent years, and this is just tragic.
ReplyDeleteSujata, I remember when a couple of decades back the only time Greece seemed to make international news was when it was on literal fire. Then the financial crisis hit, followed by the flood of refugees, and against those stories the world rarely heard mention of Greece's summertime fires. This month it's all changed, because these fires eclipse any preceding them in modern memory. As those in the midst of the blazes find themselves saying, it is a tragedy of Biblical proportions.
DeleteThese fires are so tragic. Will this ever get better? I'm not optimistic.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels home, Jeff and Barb.
The fires will go out. But I share your lack of confidence, Dave, in those who can make things better ever doing so. In so many ways, with vivid examples every day, our world is a flock of sheep, easily distracted and ultimately devoured by unrelenting self-absorbed wolves. Though on reflection that analogy is no doubt unfair to the wolves
DeleteMay your prayers be heard and put to good use by those polluting the planet, and causing a global disaster.
ReplyDeleteIn addition to these fires, the People of Haiti are right now feeling the destructive impact of a hurricane worse than that in 2010.
Amen, Kathy D.
DeleteJeez. I meant earthquake, not hurricane. Too much screen time tonight.
ReplyDeleteI figured as much. :)
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