A theological welcome in Tinos

In all critical and significant moments in the history of our nation, from the magnificent victory at the Battle of Salamis to the heroic deeds of 1940, salvation and glory have been intertwined with divine protection. Since the time when the Cross was marked in the sky, with the words “with this, you conquer “, seen by Constantine the Great, it has symbolized the dawn of Byzantine Hellenism. Always, an Archangel or a Holy Rider guides the fate of the Greeks. However, above all, it is Panagia (Virgin Mary), the Champion and Commander, who, with her help, defended the faithful people. In 626, she shattered the Avar siege from the walls of Constantinople, in 862 she sank the ships of the Scythians in Keratios bay, and in 673 and 718, she defeated the Arabs. She is the same Panagia (Virgin Mary) who blessed the uprising of 1821 on the Feast of the Annunciation and was wounded first by the ruthless torpedo attack on the frigate “Elli” on August 15, 1940, is she who “inspired the strength of golden-clad troops” and terrified “those who did evil”, those who doubted the presence of God and believed in the Superhuman man and led our army on the day of the Her Holy Entry, into Korytsa, the first allied victory of the War.

The discovery of the Holy Icon of the Virgin Mary in blessed Tinos in 1823, was a gift from Heaven in troubled times for the Greek nation, a sign of Divine Providence for Tinos and our people. The Greek land proclaimed great joy.

Just as in pre-Christian times, the Greeks, known as “more religious than any nation” according to the Apostle Paul, sailed the frothy waves of the Aegean, turned their gaze from Sounio to the Parthenon, this symbol of the Greek spirit. Since that blessed day of January 30, 1823, till today, as the Greeks navigate the turbulent sea of life, they turn their gaze and hearts towards this Church, which, like a “heaven-sent ship,” guides all who approach it, on their knees, if not with their entire body, all with bent knees of the soul, seeking a seaport of salvation and prosperity, comfort of hope and healing.

We congratulate the editor, Mrs. Fotini Androulaki, for enriching the bibliography of the miraculous discovery of the Holy Icon with this publication, and we wish the readers to always live under the protection and shelter of the Megalochari (Graceful Virgin Mary).