One sweet September day I was basking in the early morning sun, when Theo Manolis decided to treat me to a drive up the highest mountain on the island, Lastos. “One of the most breathtaking sights on the island!” he proclaimed. We took our jeep and slowly headed up the winding mountain road. About 1/2 hour into the journey, Theo realized he must have taken a wrong turn, since the road seemed to change, becoming narrower, rockier and the cliffs steeper. Out of necessity, I jumped out of the jeep, walking in front of it while clearing the road, so we could continue to find a place wide enough to turn around. Theo was beginning to panic, when I miraculously spotted a small fork in the road. We couldn’t believe our eyes or teehee, as hidden, deep within the woods, was a small exsoekklesee. As we approached this ancient church, I could smell the most mystical scent coming from within it; a combination of beeswax, incense, old wood and rose.Truly moshomeereezymeno ! I crossed myself 3 times and slowly opened the squeaky old door. Mesmerized, I was gifted with the most beautiful sight I have ever seen or smelled .The inside was meticulously maintained, with a beautiful hand painted iconostasio. There were candles and incense lit, along with flowers in makeshift rusted-can vases. Theo Manolis proclaimed "God helped us, my prayers have been answered!”. Exausted, we took a short respite, saying our prosefhees of thanks and lit a few candles.We were able to turn around and slowly,and thankfully,returned home via the same road.
We did not get to see the top of Lastos that day, yet I had no feelings of regret or disappointment, because I truly believed Theo had taken me to see the most breathtaking sight on the island!
NOTE: I tried many times over the years to relocate that church, but no one in the village seemed to know who it belonged to or where it was located.
And yes, I finally did get to the top of Lastos, years later after Theo Manolis passed away. And yes, he was so right, the top of Lastos was breathtaking!
Heaven Sent
