25th of February is the nameday of
Agios Riginos,
and a holiday only on
Skopelos!
The patron saint of the island has his church
on the "new" road to Panormos, just outside of town, just
after the gas-station and before the very sharp turn where the roads
starts climbing.
Note the almond trees that "lights" up! His memory place at the T-junction by Nastas
Taverna, just at the outskirts of town.
Riginos was the islands first
bishop and died as a martyr on February the 25th in 362, beheaded by the Turks because he did not want to give up his faith
in God!
Baptism in the church on the 25th
of May 2005. Small Nikos on jaja - grandmother - Maxis lap while big
brother Panajotis next to them.
Many churches has a gallery and I
have found out it is so much more to see if you sit up there.
In the old days that was for the women.
Next photo on the left hand side
is what we were served afterwards.
The church we see today is from
1728,
and is built on ruins from a 5th - 6th century temple. In a small
room is the sarcophagus of Riginos.
As fare as I know the church is owned by Skopelos.
The days before the celebration
many are helping to clean and decorate the church.
The night before there is a mass and many of the citizens are
present.
Many has the name of Riginos or some in the family has the name.
On this day all the islanders goes
to this church, or one of the many who has his name, for the memory of Agios Riginos.
His relics will be blessed.
From the monastery they will go in a parade to town via the memory
site with his relics. Often an orchestra is rented from Skiathos -
it is not holiday there!
PS - When I worked in Cyprus,
I
was told that there is a part of the relics of Agios Riginos there
as well.
I did not find out more!
I searched on the net now in 2009,
Agios Riginos and Cyprus, and found a church in Apliki dedicated to
to him and his friend Orestis, - both was Christians and both were
beheaded because of their believe. They are celebrated on the 20th
of August. www.apliki.org
But this can not be our Riginos,
- he was beheaded here!
