Wildfire Today A rapidly spreading wildfire triggered evacuations in central Crete Wednesday afternoon, according to the European Union’s Space Program was activated on Thursday to assist emergency management services on the fire and damage assessment will reportedly be published on Friday Police are conducting door-to-door checks in the village of Agia Paraskevi with a focus on evacuating elderly residents, according to  Copernicus’ situational report. has spread to three fronts,” the report read “The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and threatened the village of Agia Paraskevi The residents of Agia Paraskevi had to be evacuated and a 112 message was sent out and 4 airplanes were used to fight the fire supported by municipal vehicles/machinery and volunteer organizations.” Numerous other 112 evacuation alerts were sent to other communities near Agia Paraskevi Thursday morning Fire officials told the Athens daily newspaper Kathimerini that the wildfire is difficult to control after spreading into ravines and because local firefighting services are strained from battling 28 other active wildfires on the island Researchers warned Greece and other areas in Southern Europe to prepare for an intense wildfire season at the beginning of July Data from the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS) showed elevated forest fire risk across the region caused by increased drought and rising global temperatures and increased animal agriculture land usage “According to the seasonal forecast from EFFIS, the Balkans, Greece, and southern France will likely have a hot summer with relatively little precipitation,” said Dr Johannes Kaiser from the Norwegian Institute for Air Research’s Department of Atmosphere and Climate ecologic and economic costs from wildfires only can be reduced if adequate emergency prevention and recovery measures are implemented in a sustainable and regionally adapted manner.” Typos, let us know HERE, and specify which article. Please read the commenting rules before you post a comment Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email Authorities have arrested a motorcyclist involved in the fatal collision that claimed the lives of an 85-year-old pedestrian and his dog in Agia Paraskevi the 22-year-old motorcyclist was driving without a license The victim had been walking his dog and was attempting to cross the street when the motorcycle struck them The motorcyclist sustained burn injuries in the incident Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks The action you just performed triggered the security solution There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page The collaboration between the Greek Orthodox Community of St Albans ‘Agia Paraskevi’ and the ‘Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand’ The announcement was made by the Community President Areti Akamati The ‘Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand’ is not affiliated with Australia’s Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia or its archbishop President Akamati stated that “the collaboration with the Despot has stopped because we couldn’t see eye to eye.” She added that this decision was made by the Board of Directors Akamati made it clear that she does not want to speak ill of the Despot and does not want anyone else to do so either “Our collaboration has ended because we couldn’t see eye to eye It’s as simple as that,” she stated Neos Kosmos attempted to speak with Akamati without response did confirm to Neos Kosmos that “the collaboration has ended.” He did not wish to elaborate further but mentioned that last Sunday a Russian cleric officiated at Agia Paraskevi, “There will be relevant information later,” he said Neos Kosmos called his “Archdiocese” to no avail “Bishop Nektarios Nikolaos Alexandratos” mentioned: “Some sick rumours are circulating that His Eminence will not return to Agia Paraskevi His Eminence will return to Agia Paraskevi on June 8.” Elder Metropolitan Apostolos of Derkoi presided over the solemn Vespers and the five loaves (artoklasia) service in the church of Saint Paraskevi Vathyryakos Metropolitan Ioakeim of Bursa presided over the Divine Liturgy at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paraskevi in Therapia the Patriarchate of Jerusalem solemnly celebrated the Sunday of the Myrrh-Bearing Women... Archbishop Elpidophoros of America celebrated the Divine Liturgy at the Monastery of the Theotokos.. it was announced that two Roman Catholic institutions in Bavaria have decided to jointly.. A car once used by Pope Francis during his 2014 visit to Bethlehem is being transformed into a mobile.. the Monastery of Saint Vlash in Albania hosted a festal Divine Liturgy on the.. Archbishop Ieronymos of Athens and All Greece presided over the festal Great Vespers at the historic.. (function() { window.mc4wp = window.mc4wp || { listeners: [] cb) { window.mc4wp.listeners.push( { event : evt callback: cb } ); } } }})(); © 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website These cookies do not store any personal information Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website A total of 29 wildfires broke out across agroforested zones in Greece on Wednesday Twenty-four of these fires were quickly extinguished but firefighters are still battling five active blazes An emergency alert has been issued for residents in Apodoulou to remain on standby an evacuation alert was sent to the small village of Agia Paraskevi and another notice urged residents and visitors in Chordaki and Agios Ioannis to stay vigilant Police are conducting door-to-door checks in Agia Paraskevi to ensure that residents “The fire has reached some residential yards burning through fields and olive groves,” local authorities reported Current firefighting efforts include 190 firefighters the blaze is proving difficult to control as it has spread into ravines Both sides are threatening legal action and the police have also been informed by the Board of Directors about allegations in the controversial video A video posted by the so-called “Archbishop of Australia and New Zealand” in response to the termination of his cooperation with the Greek Orthodox Community of St Albans Nektarios makes sordid and incredible accusations involving members of the Community’s Board of Directors and former clergy Neos Kosmos does not intend to make public Nektarios’ allegations regarding personal matters When asked if it is appropriate to make personal matters public Nektarios told Neos Kosmos: “Since personal details affect me as a hierarch and as a human being I do not intend to keep anything secret.” did not want to comment to our masthead on Nektarios’ allegations saying that “we do not wish to lower the standard” Among the many allegations Nektarios makes he has accused the board of changing the locks on the house he was provided while he was abroad so that when he returned from a long trip he was unable to enter and had to seek the help of other people He also speaks of “financial irregularities” in the Community saying he “has evidence” and will seek legal action to have the current board shut down He goes so far as to accuse the board of turning Aghia Paraskevi church into a “brothel” («οίκο ανοχής») Akamatis told Neos Kosmos that Nektarios’ complaints have been given to a lawyer who will review them and advise the board accordingly She also told Neos Kosmos that the police have also been informed and are investigating the whole matter “I wish they would do all this,” was Nektarios’ response to Neos Kosmos adding: “So the truth will shine through.” According to the secretary of the community started when Nektarios (Nikolaos Alexandratos) was asked to explain himself and present evidence of who he really is Nektarios claims that those who started lying about him (that he was married and that he had another name) are mainly some clergymen who spread these allegations and have been convicted “I have posted evidence on the internet that refutes all these allegations,” he told Neos Kosmos and suggested that “the evidence will also be presented on Plato Denezakis’ show the church of Aghia Paraskevi will operate with Father Phoebus a priest who was ordained by Nektarios and who is now threatening to depose him “I shouldn’t be interested in anything but getting my pension in two years and going to my monastery in Asia,” Nektarios said while at another point saying he may join the Alexandria Patriarchate From his indictment Nektarios excluded Father (Papa) Lefteris of whom he said that “there was no special and warm cooperation” between them Father Lefteris himself told Neos Kosmos that he was not under the so-called “Archdiocese of Australia and New Zealand” of Nektarios “I have made a manoeuvre to save the St Albans Community and Aghia Paraskevi Church but also to keep our young people close to Orthodoxy,” he said He stressed that he belongs to the Greek Orthodox Brotherhood “Aghios Paisios” and only commemorates the “Great Hierarch” Nektarios claims that “Archbishop Makarios did not ask for the title of the church of Aghia Paraskevi and stressed that all the communities that joined the Archdiocese have prospered” He urged the faithful not to go to Aghia Paraskevi and go to other churches and stressed: “I will drag them to court and their tribute will be paid I will enter the community with the court paper kick them out and I will be the administrator.” And addressing the board he said (in Greek): “You will not know which way to leave” («Δεν θα ξέρετε από που θα φύγετε») A village on the Greek island of Crete has been evacuated and others prepare as hundreds of firefighters combated a large wildfire late Wednesday According to Associated Press the fire forced authorities to evacuate the village as more than 200 firefighters were battling the flames in the Rethymno district of western Crete The fire service said 222 firefighters were on task including 32 flown in from other parts of Greece There were no immediate reports of damages or injuries but the village of Agia Paraskevi was evacuated as a precaution Three neighbouring villages were also warned to be prepared to leave if needed Kathimerini reported that a total of 29 wildfires broke out Wednesday across agroforest land in Greece, and that the fire in Rethymno expanded to three fronts Authorities have said this year carries the highest fire risk in the past 20 years Most fires across Greece have been extinguished within hours with more investment and precaution this year where a wildfire was raging for a second day Greece’s minister of climate crisis and civil protection said Wednesday “The speed of response was the maximum possible but owing to the gusty winds and the terrain of the area it expanded swiftly,” Vassilis Kikilias said at a news conference He said a special fire brigade team that deals with arson crimes along with the police and the National Intelligence Service (EYP) are investigating the cause of the fire in the northeastern Evros region the Greek Supreme Court also urged regional authorities to investigate the cause The National Fire Service was called to intervene in 355 forest fires which already prompted the evacuation of several settlements including Agia Paraskevi In addition to three nursing homes and a monastery was also evacuated as a precautionary measure Authorities and firefighters told ERT that the strong winds and rugged terrain are severely hampering efforts to get the fire under control smoke from the Greek wildfires has reached Italy and Malta according to satellite images released by the country's weather agency Air quality is reportedly decreasing in the two Mediterranean countries due to the high concentration of PM10 and PM2.5 microparticles A fire that broke out Saturday in the area of Alexandroupolis is raging in the western direction and one that broke out on the island of Evia remains out of control for a second day seductive legacy of a legendary personality for Document's Spring/Summer 2017 issue Alexander Iolas lived in a very large house in the Athens suburb of Agia Paraskevi It was on a wooded plot of land— a retreat from the congestion of the city I never called it that; it was simply Iolas’s house A handsome young man was also in the bedroom On either side of the bed were bronze horses wrapped in a fabric that matched the drapes in the room Behind the bed I saw a painting by Harold Stevenson depicting a man with his legs spread wide Iolas and his friend spoke to each other in Greek he looked me up and down and said “He is tall” in French He continued to speak French; perhaps he assumed I understood Iolas was in his 70s at the time but looked younger From a distance I could tell that he had had some work done on his face and his hair was dyed a color that could not have been natural Niki (my friend’s grandmother) came into the room and translated a bit of what was said She introduced the other man as Iorgos and said he was Iolas’s chauffeur Iolas had just come back to Athens from Milan He approached and uttered the first words he ever spoke to me in English: “Do you know the poetry of Constantine Cavafy?” He looked at me intently and said “Iolas invented himself in defiance of convention He lived his life as a performance.” I found out later that when Iolas was a teenager who was then in his 60s and living above a brothel in the center of Alexandria and he had been employed as a clerk in the Third Circle of Irrigation of the Ministry of Public Works He printed his poetry in small editions circulated among friends which were in advance of anything written in Europe or America around that time where he had lived for a few years as a child some of them imbuing figures from antiquity with an eroticism that seemed contemporary His foreign readers were struck by what they took to be his fatalism without grasping that optimism and faith in human progress are the prerogatives of conquerors from which almost everything had been stolen except the looted Pyramids; he wrote poetry in Alexandria where the greatest library the world had ever known burned to the ground Iolas asked Iorgos to take us on a trip to Delphi Iorgos drove us through the wonderful Greek countryside to the site where the sibyls delivered their prophesies in ancient times Iorgos seemed to have little enthusiasm for the place I got no sense of what he was like as a person aside from the physical attractiveness in which he took obvious pride Iorgos went off to the nearby public toilets I suppose if I had followed him I would have learned a thing or two I met an older man who looked at me with distrust I never found out what question he was answering in the negative His entire function in Iolas’s household was to tell fortunes by reading coffee grounds Iolas was afraid of being alone and craved entertainment Niki perceived the men around Iolas as a bunch of parasites Iolas paid no attention; he seemed to indulge more or less anyone as long as he was interesting company I also saw someone who called himself Maria Kallas— after the Greek-American soprano Once Kallas was one of the most famous people in the world Somehow Iolas had acquired a collection of her dresses These dresses fit the man to whom I spoke—I never saw him wear them He was the one person in Iolas’s household who refused to be photographed This “Maria Kallas” was a delicate young man with curly brown hair He seemed to be constantly on the verge of fainting He didn’t so much meet people as throw himself at them I wasn’t exactly sure what game he was playing His intentions became clear a couple of years later He sold stories to a Greek tabloid about Iolas smuggling antiquities he became embroiled in a number of court cases Iolas was one of the first people in Greece to contract A.I.D.S. and he became an object of ridicule in the press The tabloid that led the attack was controlled by P.A.S.O.K. the Greek Socialist Party that had governed Greece since the military dictatorship took a position on the question of sex much more radical than the so called socialists was the proof that he had been sexually active well into his old age Iolas invented himself in defiance of convention and a combination of eccentricity and cunning saw him through many trying times He moved from North Africa to Europe during a period of economic hardship and political chaos and arrived to see right wing thugs rioting in Paris Iolas was vulnerable as a flamboyant gay man of Mediterranean descent He wasn’t the sort of person anyone would go out of his way to defend in a crisis but he didn’t have the kind of talent that made absolutely anything possible the surest way to save his skin was by emigrating to the United States he sought the help of rich and influential Americans He ingratiated himself with whomever he could “He circulated at the very top and the very bottom of society…The middle May 1982—Athens never held any interest for him.” and I saw a lot of her during my trip to Greece Niki had a habit of giving people nicknames which were easier for her to remember than their actual names I think she took an immediate liking to me; she called me Lord Byron Niki was very good at making her way in the world but there seemed to be resentments simmering between them due to things that happened long ago Iolas spent most of World War II in New York Niki and her young daughter spent the war in Alexandria which was under constant bombardment until 1942 Stifel’s money came in handy some years later when Iolas’s galleries ran into financial difficulties do you think it’s safe for me to wear my jewelry in the street?” Niki had moved around quite a bit She told a story of baking gold jewelry into kourabiedes so it would not be found by thieves or customs officials—there was little distinction in her mind between the two The latter gave Niki many more worries once she moved to Athens She visited the United States often and did not come empty handed I once saw her trying to scrape a museum number off an ancient Greek pot that she wanted to give away as a present and her odd pronouncements disarmed the people she met her tactic upon arrival was to find a black customs inspector and to announce with a flourish Niki and Iolas were both naturalized American citizens Neither of them saw Greece until they were adults and they frequently complained about how the Greeks were ruining their country The two spoke Greek as their native language but they considered themselves part of no particular community Although Niki and Iolas were at pains to cultivate their sense of uniqueness their origins could most accurately be described as bourgeois Their parents were members of a comfortable merchant class whose source of income was the cotton trade This was the case with most foreigners living in Alexandria before World War I probably because he wished to hide the less exotic aspects of his origins it was desirable to be very poor (like the beautiful men in Cavafy’s poems) or aristocratic (like Cavafy’s homely but well bred mother) Iolas spoke often about his mother Persephone a blonde whose seductiveness he sought to imitate whose job was to evaluate the quality of cotton in the fields of Upper Egypt To be the son of a businessman had no cachet Coutsoudis hoped in vain that his only son would take an interest in the family business and settle down in a sensible career; instead the boy changed his name and moved far away which were not only centers of classical music and dance but also hotbeds of underground gay culture He relied upon surreptitious handouts from his mother All of this met with disapproval from the elder Coutsoudis who could only guess how his effeminate young son was making ends meet Iolas founded his own business in New York Less than 30 years after his departure from Alexandria the rest of his family was compelled to leave Egypt and never return Iolas might have been the one who made the most sensible decisions As an art dealer Iolas sought to attract aristocratic clients He was notorious for snubbing collectors who had a lot of money but vulgar taste He circulated at the very top and the very bottom of society; the former for business The middle never held any interest for him I asked Iolas if I could photograph his house while he was away More like a showroom than a private residence the house was ideal for throwing parties and showing off a splendid combination of classical antiquities Iolas always saved the finest pieces for his clients the aristocratic patrons to whom he sold many artworks which are now on view in the museum that bears their name Iolas had offered to give his great-niece one piece of art from his collection She didn’t know which one to choose and wanted my advice After looking at the collection carefully and photographing it I suggested that she ask for a painting by Giorgio de Chirico from 1916 before he repudiated the metaphysical style that made him famous Walking through Iolas’s deserted house while I took pictures I thought of a fragment of prose by de Chirico: “There is a room whose shutters are always closed In one corner there is a book no one has ever read And there on the wall is a picture one cannot see without weeping.” Jones’s script for “Fall into Ruin.” The photographs that appear beside it will be on view in exhibition alongside the film at The Modern Institute in March 2017 and at David Kordansky Gallery Greek seismologists warned that a 4.9-magnitude earthquake that shook the island of Lesvos causing rockfalls and minor damages to old houses “We need to be a little bit careful because the fault that caused today’s earthquakes is close to the larger fault of Agia Paraskevi that runs through the island from one end to the other,” seismology professor and Director of the Athens Geodynamic Institute “We are not 100% sure that this is the main earthquake and for the moment it is difficult to claim such a thing.” The view was shared by seismologist Gerasimos Papadopoulos who told ANT1 channel “it is too early to assess whether this 4.9-Richter earthquake was the main one.”  every smaller vibration that is added helps us assess the situation,” he added The tremor was followed by a series of aftershocks according to the Athens Geodynamic Institute In addition to rock slides from the slopes of the surrounding mountains minor damage were reported in houses in the villages of Pelopi and Molyvos as well as at the road network of the area The church of Agia Triada in the village of Stypsi has also sustained minor damage said Greece’s Seismic Risk Assessment Committee will meet in the next few hours to discuss the tremor and issue further information Seismologist Gerasimos Chouliaras said in a comment on social media that the epicenter of the tremor and the smaller ones that have followed are not related to the 6.1 magnitude undersea quake recorded on June 12, 2017 south of Lesvos and strong seismic sequence that killed one woman and left more than 800 people displaced caused extensive damage mainly on southern parts of the island Orthodox Christians are ready to celebrate Easter finding deep reasons for joy even amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic As people gather in-person or online to worship together different nations and diverse communities are coping with vastly different circumstances and challenges Orthodox communities are drawing together to celebrate the risen Christ and the value of the human person Orthodox communities are moving through Holy Week preparing for their traditional Easter celebrations serving the Church of Saint Theodores in Orestiada (Greece) and Abbot of the Monastery of Agia Paraskevi (Nea Vyssa) said that Orthodox communities will not deviate from their holy days and traditions “The services of the Orthodox Easter are performed normally throughout the Holy Week,” he said we follow the measures proposed from the authorities out of respect and love for the faithful and our communities.” Asteriadis said that the scientific community healthcare workers and governments across the globe have gone through an unprecedented struggle for humankind “We can support them by showing our solidarity sacrificial love and spiritual strength,” he said “The Orthodox Church can always find the way to resolve practical difficulties having at the core of its teachings the cross.” He added: “The love of Christ and the value of the human person are the measures that guide us through these challenging times.” It has been difficult this year to visit beautiful places of worship such as the Church of Saints Theodores the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi and Holy Protection.  finding comfort in each other’s presence in whatever way they can at the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi and Holy Protection the world’s 300 million Orthodox Christians are celebrating Easter carrying forth time-honored traditions even in difficult times Orthodox churches are respecting their traditions while equally respecting government rules put into place to stop the spread of COVID-19 some restrictions have eased as infections drop in some nations while others are suffering under new waves of COVID-19 A woman prays by an icon inside the Church of Saints Theodores wearing a mask in view of the restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic Professing their common faith in the crucified and risen Christ at the Church of Saints Theodores Transmitting the light of hope and fearlessness that Christ gives us from one heart to another Still connected by tradition at the Church of Saints Theodores Many families still missed traditional travels out to ancestral villages but many are celebrating Easter surrounded by immediate family or small groups WCC message: As we confront uncertainty, may Easter infuse us with power and courage Please fill in this form if you would like to receive news and updates from the WCC by email Ecumenical CentreKyoto BuildingChemin du Pommier 42CH-1218 Le Grand-Saconnex Greek firefighters have been struggling for five days to contain deadly wildfires throughout the country Photograph: Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP/Getty Images A group of people belonging to the Greek Orthodox community of the island of Tenedos celebrated the Orthodox feast day of Agia (Saint) Paraskevi on Thursday, according to greekreporter.com after the island was placed under Turkish administration in 1923 French and Turkish worshipers were among those who took part in the service conducted at Ayazma Monastery on the south of the island organized on the feast day of Agia Paraskevi and people of Tenedos celebrate her memory because the martyred saint once lived on the island Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: M.Minderhoud Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram 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What do professionals see for 2025 and 2026 This is Athens & Partners | The 7 partners renew their collaboration - the joint actions FedHATTA: Dynamic presence of Greek travel agencies at the international Dubai exhibition ATM 2025 Ryanair announces new offer for Prime members on June flights Thomas Ellerbeck | “Rhodes can become a model of sustainable tourism internationally” The Times | The perfect time to experience the authentic side of Santorini Chania: The Alternative Tourism Festival returns to the Venetian Port Angela Gerekou: "Tourism is a force for good and Greece can play a leading role" New flights to Greece in 2025 from 4 airlines Crete welcomes Reveil 12 – Festival of Sounds and Ecology Greek tourism - 3rd quarter | 97% of arrivals in Athens and Thessaloniki Modernization aid for the marinas of Symi and Messolonghi HOTREC Assembly: Focus on challenges and reforms in European tourism AEGEAN 2025: Passenger growth and fleet expansion with an eye on the international market FedHATTA Cooperation with Shaanxi Province, China Greek academic in finalists of European Sustainable Energy Awards 2025 Thessaloniki museums join forces to promote the city GNTO introduces “Sustainable Greece” to British Agents Strategic meeting for cruises in Santorini A message of friendship and cooperation at the friendly Greek-Turkish football match in Chios Municipality of Xiromero | Diving tourism: Request for sinking of a decommissioned warship The first La Quinta by Wyndham in Batumi, Georgia Double racing event in Megalopolis on May 11: Festival Enduro and Theater Run 2025 Explora Journeys: Start of the summer season with the luxurious EXPLORA I from Piraeus Strong start in 2025 for Aegean and SKY Express Xanthi Tastes: A Gastronomy Festival with a Cultural Flavor Rhodes: These are the five-star hotels with the highest revenue – Which ones “fill up” first Greek Tourism/Webhotelier: The Winners and Losers in Online Bookings for 2025 GNTO | Promotion of Santorini in target markets Unprecedented blackout in Spain, Portugal, France Greece can play a leading role in the global sports tourism scene Rhodes | Event for the protection of biodiversity Attica, the …Caribbean of the Germans Agios Nikolaos | Cruise season kicks off with arrival of luxury Silver Spirit Operational Plan: “Cretan Food Culture 2026-2030” Destination Management and Promotion Organization in Thessaloniki Kefalonia: The authentic character of the island through the “Travel Reimagined” project Hoteliers vs. Booking.com: The European uprising has begun Tourism | Greece 4th choice for Europeans' holidays in 2025 - what the ETC survey shows New high-standard heated swimming pool in Chania, aimed at sports tourism Greeks Traveled (A Lot!) in 2024 – Where They Went, How Much They Spent Greek-American Dean Spanos brings the NFL to Greece – Opportunities for promotion in the USA Lesvos: The season begins with birdwatching tourists MSC Cruises: Strengthens its presence in Greece with 6 cruise ships New Luxury Arrival in Crete | JW Marriott Crete Resort & Spa Opens on June 2 "Peloponnese Trails" inaugurated today: New network of trails for sustainable tourism Knossos: 125 years since the excavations of Arthur Evans The Spanish TV show “Viajeros Cuatro” in Corfu Wyndham - Soliteight | 40 Super 8 hotels in Spain and Portugal Airbnb: Final price now displayed in accommodation searches Investments in the beaches of the Attica Riviera The Municipality of Chania at the “From Crete to Side” Festival in Turkey Region of Central Macedonia: Tourism Promotion Activities in Poland and the Middle East Region of Crete | Connecting Minoan Palatial Centers with Archaeological Sites Biodiversity protection plan is in full swing in Elafonisi Record participation in the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition | Chania 8 - 10 May Communities at the heart of tourism development Booking.com | No to limiting tourists, yes to infrastructure investments Thessaloniki’s dynamic presence at the World Tourism Summit in Hong Kong easyJet | Summer 2026 sales open Cruise | Turkey doubles its share, new opportunities for Greek ports Aid for the upgrade of the tourist shelter of Astakos and the Marina of Alimos Preparing the settlement of Kionia for the tourist season: An example to follow The action of the region of Crete "Let's go for... Greens" concludes this weekend “Art is our Language”: Campaign for the 70th Anniversary of the Athens Epidaurus Festival Tourism | Nostalgia drives Brits’ travel choices ΕΟΤ China | B2B meetings with Chengdu's t.os - Flights to Athens in June State-of-the-art conference center at Theartemis Palace Hotel in Rethymno Zagori: Collaboration with Impact Hub Athens for sustainable tourism and innovation Cooperation Memorandum between Development Athens and Piraeus University on Tourism Kos: New advertising campaigns with Jet2 and National Geographic Traveller UK Five cruise ships in Souda by Saturday Imbros Trail Run & Hike 2025: A sporting tribute to the History of Sfakia Cultural Days and Sea Routes in Piraeus Religious Tourism | The University of Palermo comes to Panagia Nafpaktiotissa Audio Walk in the Sitia Geopark: A Different Exploration Experience in Crete AEGEAN “takes off” Larnaca with a new direct flight to Rome Nafplio at the epicenter of world yachting with the 10th Mediterranean Yacht Show FedHATTA | Tourism Bridges between Greece and the Chinese province of Guizhou Top distinctions for Greece and Santorini at the American Leisure Lifestyle Awards 2025 Samaria Gorge “War Zone” – “Others Decide, We Pay the Price” TripAdvisor Awards 2025 | Elafonisi Beach World's Best Beach - 9th in Crete, Sani Beach Award HOTREC | Supporting SMEs in European Hospitality Argosaronic Islands: Need for a long-term strategy and modern infrastructure Tourism | Promoting Crete in the Arabian Gulf Competitions with a summer and autumn backdrop: Attica runs at the pace of sports What the Israeli Ambassador discussed at the Chania Chamber Aegean and Emirates expand their partnership North Macedonia: Increase in foreign tourists in 2024 Crete also invests in cycling tourism - 13th Pediadas Tour ATM'25 - Tourism | The fight against food waste at the forefront of sustainable development PM at 1st Greece-Saudi Arabia High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council on Monday What to expect at this year’s ITB Berlin Exhibition from March 4-6 12th BAJAGREECE: Motorsports Competition in Western Macedonia Greece's Permanent Delegation to UNESCO organizing concert on January 16 Athens to host the European Film Awards in 2027 Alonissos tops the list of Greek destinations without mass tourism Delta | Athens is in 5th place in American searches for 2025 German tourism: Advance bookings are the new "last-minute" Athens Municipality Festival 2025 | The city's biggest celebration, with more than 200 events ELSTAT: Hospitality enterprises' turnover grows 28.6% in Greece during Q1 Promotion of Preveza on the metro and tram in Athens the final decision will be taken by the members of the Community at an extraordinary general meeting soon to be held The General Assembly of the community of Agia Paraskevi will take place on Sunday and the ecclesiastical issue of the community and the Holy Archdiocese will be raised for the first time and if necessary an extraordinary general meeting will be held on the subject met on Wednesday with representatives of St Albans Community of Aghia Paraskevi to discuss the ecclesiastical issue that has been of concern to the community for 30 years According to Community circles a meeting was held in a particularly good climate and the Archbishop wished to go and perform a Divine Liturgy in St The conditions for St Albans Community to join the Archdiocese are the same as those for the Clayton Community the title of the church of Agia Paraskevi should be written in the trust of the Archdiocese but the community will retain its autonomy and all its other assets something that the Archbishop allegedly accepted The Community also asked the recognition of the three community clergymen “even if two of them still need to be ordained” St Albans Community has stated that it has ceased any ecclesiastical contact with the Adelaide Community and is not subject to any other ecclesiastical authority St Albans Community President Elias Dimitrakopoulos thanked the Archbishop for meeting him and his associates and for his good intentions in order to have a good end and to start a good cooperation of his organization with the Archdiocese © 2023 OrthodoxTimes.com - All rights reserved. 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The island swells with tourists during the summer months – but or quiet coves hidden away at the end of hillside hiking paths © Oscarhill / iStock / Getty Images Elia Beach is a secluded stretch of sand Those who love hiking can take the hour-long walk through a pine forest from Koukounaries but you can also access the beach by car or motorcycle and wash down some sizzling calamari with a beer at the small beach taverna © Constantinos Iliopoulos / Alamy Stock Photo Koukounaries Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Greece It boasts a 1,200m-long (3,937ft) sweep of bleach-blonde sand unspoiled crystal-clear waters and is surrounded by a protected nature reserve Chill under a line of umbrellas on one of the organised sunbeds before eating at one of many beachside restaurants and trying your hand at a number of water sports © Jonathan Slatter / Alamy Stock Photo In the south of Skiathos This stretch of golden sand is teeming with water sports facilities: water skiing jet skiing and boat trips from the shore are just a number of the activities on offer swimming in pristine waters and taking refuge from the sun in one of the local tavernas that line the sea located about 12km (7.5mi) from Skiathos Town and accessible by public bus is peppered with luscious greenery and pine trees that provide natural shade in the scorching heat The beach is near Koukounaries but far less crowded spending hours napping under big umbrellas on organised sunbeds swimming in the shallow clear waters and strolling along the silky sands © John Hill / Alamy Stock Photo One end of Agia Eleni Beach is lined with straw umbrellas and a tropical suave beach bar where you can grab a cocktail and watch the day sink into dusk The other end is scattered with rocks and clear aquamarine shallow water where you can pick up your snorkel and marvel at colourful sea life the beach is also near Koukounaries in the west of the island surrounded by leafy trees and natural beauty Sign up to our newsletter to save up to $800 on our unique trips See privacy policy © Grasstrax / Alamy Stock Photo On the southern coast Frequent public buses ferry visitors from the town to the organised but quiet beach you can spend all day swimming in the crystalline waters chilling on a sundeck or tucking into some tzatziki at one of the small tavernas there’s a water sports centre that offers a variety of different activities © Hercules Milas / Alamy Stock Photo Kastro Beach sits on the island’s northernmost headland tropical restaurant lead down onto the secluded pebbly beach warming under the sun that glitters across the serene waves © Terry Harris / Alamy Stock Photo Paralia Lalaria is thought to be one of the most exquisite beaches in Greece Its white cliffs and striking natural rock arch – that plunges into the transparent sea – sets it apart from the other wild beaches on Skiathos’ isolated northern coast This pebbly strand of beach can only be reached by boat from Skiathos Town so it’s ideal for those looking for a truly tranquil spot to explore Top tip: bring a snorkel set to explore the assortment of caves and rocks for hours © Terry Harris / Alamy Stock Photo Kanapitsa Beach is an uncrowded spot surrounded by walking trails that cross the wonderful peninsula area of Kalamaki The beach boasts a charming laid-back ambience where the north-easterly breeze brings cool comfort to bathers under the burning hot sun You also can take part in thrilling water sports activities like scuba diving or jet skiing sip on a cocktail from one of the beachside bars as the sunset casts a glowing pink light over the golden sand © Penny Atkinson / Alamy Stock Photo Maratha Beach which sits roughly 0.5km (0.3mi) from Koukounaries Beach on the southwest coast is a slim stretch of honey-coloured sand surrounded by fragrant pine trees that provide deep shade in the sizzling heat Maratha has all the amenities to sustain a whole day of sunbathing straw umbrellas and a local taverna with tasty Greek dishes The beach is easy to get to using public buses Guides & Tips The Best Places to Travel in August See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in September See & Do Lesser-Known Summer Destinations to Visit in Europe Guides & Tips This Is Europe's Ultimate Road Trip Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in December See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Summer See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in October Guides & Tips Beat the Crowds with these Alternative Summer Destinations See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Spring See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in Autumn Guides & Tips The Best European Cities to Visit in November See & Do The Best European Cities to Visit in July US: +1 (678) 967 4965 | UK: +44 (0)1630 35000 tripssupport@theculturetrip.com © Copyright 2025 The Culture Trip Ltd was set to turn a new leaf in February with the appointment of Georgina Papafotiou The new scheme was set to lead the procedure for the community to come under the aegis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia however the plans have gone awry following Ms Papafotiou’s resignation who had been serving as vice president on the board has taken Ms Papafotiou’s place until elections are called to vote for a new board READ MORE: Former mayor Georgina Papafotiou at the helm of the Greek Community of Agia Paraskevi, St Albans When Ms Papafotiou had taken the helm she had stated her interest in normalising relations with the Archdiocese and she had already held discussions with Archbishop Makarios would also like to see a union with the Archdiocese Sources of Neos Kosmos state that the situation in the parish has been “toxic” in recent days and much has been said about the goings-on No official announcements have been made as yet READ MORE: Mayor Papafotiou calls for task force to respond to new lockdown measures former politician Peter Sleeper attended midnight mass at the church Mr Slipper had been speaker of the house during the government of Julia Gillard Mr Slipper had not been officially invited to the mass however happened to be in Melbourne and knew about the mass as he is Fr Irinaios’ lawyer is turning a new leaf following the election of a new board of directors at its recent annual general meeting The new scheme will lead the procedure for the community to come under the aegis of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople and the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia takes the helm as the new president of the Community Ms Papafiotiou is interested in normalising relations with the Archdiocese and has already held discussions with Archbishop Makarios General Secretary is Vasiliki Gavas aided by Hariklia Markou READ MORE: St Albans’ entry to the fold of the Archdiocese of Australia is a ‘one-way street’, says Fr Irinaios Greece is grappling with an ongoing state of fire as blazes continue to ravage several regions A determined struggle to contain the fire that ignited at the base of Mount Parnitha yesterday morning remains ongoing marked by intermittent flare-ups and a flurry of messages to emergency number 112 Vigorous attempts are being made to prevent the fire from spreading into the National Forest atop the mountain the Fire Department remains engaged in operations in Evros confronting two fronts—Alexandroupoli and the Dadia forest—where 18 fatalities were tragically recorded yesterday fires persist in various parts of the country Here are the minute-by-minute developments 12:30 - Parnitha: The battle with the flames through the lens of the Associated Press The settlements of Agia Paraskevi Menidi and Kapota are being evacuated due to the ongoing forest fire The residents of the above areas were notified by message via 112 in order to move towards the center of Menidi the message states: "Forest fire in the area If you are in the area of ​​Agia Paraskevi Menidi and Kapotas The fire brigades are concentrating their efforts on two intense fronts These are the same fronts where firefighting teams have been tirelessly battling the fire that ignited in the Chrysoupoli Kavala region on Monday As per the latest update from the fire service the overall fire situation in the area seems to have improved A total of 44 firefighters are engaged at the forefront of the fire combat aided by 15 water-carrying vehicles and two teams on foot two aircraft are lending support from the skies The fire's origin was within a forested zone near the village of Dialektos the blaze quickly spawned multiple fronts that threatened inhabited sections of the Nestos municipality Preliminary accounts indicate extensive damage including the destruction of numerous houses in the local communities of Avramylia and Gerontas the flames have ravaged livestock shelters and vast expanses of grassland across the affected area 10:54 - Supreme Court intervention in Evros: Organized arson and immigrant violence probe Prosecutor Georgia Adeilini of the Supreme Court is urging an inquiry to uncover signs of a coordinated arson scheme in Evros This request has been forwarded to the prosecutorial office in Alexandroupoli she is also calling for an examination into instances of violence against immigrants 10:47 - Rodopi: The fire brigades are on alert in Mischos and Ano Drosini Fire brigades are currently on high alert in the regions of Mischo and Ano Drosini in Rodopi poised to swiftly address any rekindling of the flames due to prevailing winds but this doesn't imply that the threat has subsided," noted Nikos Tsalikidis These areas experienced fires on August 21st at noon with reports indicating that over 10 houses were consumed by the flames in Sosti active fires are actively being managed in Ano Drosini and Mischos Rodopis a team of 12 firefighters equipped with five water-carrying vehicles and a pedestrian unit is diligently working The efforts are bolstered by the participation of volunteers and individuals from the primary sector who continue to provide their assistance It's important to note that an alert message was dispatched via 112 in the early morning hours to residents in the Corfoudi area the extinguishing operation has been successfully concluded 09:24 - Aspropyrgos update: Improved situation amidst ongoing challenges 09:10 - The fire in Kryoneri Nafpaktia was contained which broke out in an agroforestry area yesterday the fire was burning in low vegetation and no settlements were threatened Strong firefighting forces remain on site and are working to extinguish it completely 09:03- Shocking video: Bus with firefighters passes through flames 08:55 - The huge cloud of smoke over Evros - Satellite images The huge cloud of smoke that has covered the area of ​​Alexandroupolis and Evros is revealed by American satellite images The images were broadcast by the Reuters agency from the satellite of the Maxar Institute of the USA: 08:42 - Alexandroupolis: Details of the active fronts of the Evros fire While the prevailing winds in Evros are relatively subdued they remain key factors in regulating the fire's intensity to exert a determining influence over the challenges and effectiveness of the firefighting endeavors across the four remaining fronts in the Prefecture a complement of seven aerial vehicles is actively engaged in the operational plan which prioritizes the preservation of human life concentrated efforts have been underway to subdue and extinguish the fire fronts in Dadia The progression of the fire front in Dadia is being closely monitored by the prefecture's forest services the fire's movement is directed toward the southwest this results in the formation of new fire fronts exhibiting geometric progression Forecasts indicate that unless the Dadia fire the situation in southern Evros will not abate which had previously experienced a fire outbreak on the preceding Saturday only to now find itself threatened by the descending flames from the Dadia front that has approached its vicinity and Dorikos were at risk due to the simultaneous threats posed by both the Melia and Dadia fires Should the Dadia fire shift southwestward due to northeast winds The collective ground forces on duty comprise 220 firefighters The St Charalambos Greek Orthodox Church will be holding a Parish Feast and festival this weekend the program officiated by Bishop Kyriakos of Sozopolis includes: Saint Charalambos was a Hieromartyr of Christianity His memory is celebrated on February 10 by those who bear the names Charalambis the Cultural Association of Agia Paraskevi Lesvos “Taxiarchis” will hold the Taurus Festival at the estate of the Palesviaki Enosis on Waldheim Road which is also dedicated to the memory of Saint Charalambos revives a folk tradition that began in Greece in the mid-18th century during the Turkish occupation The festivities begin on Sunday with the Divine Liturgy which will be celebrated by Father Antonios from Dandenong in the church located on the estate led by Father Antonios and the icon of Saint Charalambos which will then be transferred to the church where the faithful will be able to light a candle The end of the festival will be marked by ‘Charlamelia’ where the same orchestra will perform live at Oakleigh The municipality is taking the initiative to support children from Santorini who left the island due to intense seismic activity and are temporarily staying in Agia Paraskevi in cooperation with the school principals of the city children from families who have temporarily moved to the area will have the opportunity to attend their classes at schools in the city for as long as necessary Parents who are interested in enrolling their children in this initiative can contact the principals of the following schools which are participating in this specific effort: many of our fellow citizens from this beautiful island have lived and been active here in Agia Paraskevi and now they are facing this challenge,” said the Mayor of Agia Paraskevi we want to support our fellow Santorini citizens left their homes and are temporarily staying in our city In cooperation with the principals of the city’s schools whom I thank sincerely for their cooperation we offer the children of these families the opportunity to continue their education without obstacles and to stay connected to the school environment Follow en.protothema.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news See all the latest News from Greece and the World, the moment they happen, at en.protothema.gr In two houses in Athens and Agia Paraskevi Narcotics Division officers have found about 1 kilogram of pink cocaine In addition to the 30-year-old man who was arrested police have identified a 33-year-old Greek and a 23-year-old foreigner for involvement in the drug trafficking police officers also found cannabis and cocaine in the possession of the arrested cannabis 12 airtight plastic packages containing hydroponic cannabis of a total gross weight of 12.930 grams three improvised foil packages containing cocaine total gross weight of 2.8 grams two nylon packages containing cocaine total gross weight of 240 grams a nylon package containing pink cocaine “TUSI” total gross weight of 875 grams two nylon packages containing ketamine white color gross weight of 875 grams a package containing methamphetamine brown color gross weight of 545 grams and others Characteristic of the criminal activity of the three members of the gang is the “range” of drugs that they made available in the market in order to meet the range of demand of their customers Pink cocaine is a rare drug which the only thing it has in common with cocaine is the name It is essentially a mixture of ketamine with stimulants such as ecstasy or speed According to a report from the Spanish newspaper El Pais “pink cocaine” is considered a luxury drug and is mostly consumed in electronic music venues It sometimes smells like a strawberry and has various names such as “tushi” and “tusibi” $100 or $120 and according to the Spanish medium the reason for its high price is due to its misleading name as “many dealers take advantage of the fact that customers confuse one substance with another and sell everything at a high cost Two shallow-focus seismic tremors were recorded within approximately 1.5 hours at a relatively close distance in the northern suburbs of Attica with a magnitude of 2.6 on the Richter scale occurred in the area of Chalandri shortly before 3:30 AM and was felt in several parts of Attica (reports from Agia Paraskevi According to the revised solution from the Geodynamic Institute the epicenter was two kilometers southwest of Chalandri an area known for frequent tremors in recent times another much weaker tremor of magnitude 0.8 on the Richter scale was recorded near the same location The Euro-Mediterranean Institute reported the tremor at a magnitude of 3 and a focal depth of 6 kilometers with a magnitude of 1.9 on the Richter scale had its epicenter three kilometers south-southwest of Chalandri with the focal depth measured at 7.9 kilometers The Euro-Mediterranean Institute reported this tremor at a magnitude of 2.2 on the Richter scale The newly launched Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort under the ownership and management of ZEUS International Hotels and Resorts recently introduced its much-anticipated ultra-luxury leisure and wellness experiences Nestled in the captivating landscapes of Chalkidiki this 5-star property promises to redefine luxury hospitality by offering unique experiences inspired by the surrounding natural elements Situated amidst the serene Agia Paraskevi village Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort blends seamlessly with the tranquillity of its natural environment the hotel caters to both business and leisure travellers providing an all-inclusive experience that combines opulence with serenity Ajul indulges guests with five outdoor pools set amidst nature’s beauty ensuring a blissful and revitalizing experience Surrounded by lush greenery and the Mediterranean sun guests can breathe in the sweet aroma of blossoming flowers while enjoying handcrafted signature cocktails at the Ananas pool bar the Thimari restaurant presents Mediterranean delicacies with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea and the picturesque natural landscape The resort also offers suites and villas with private pools seamlessly integrated into the hotel’s sublime garden oasis providing the perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories with loved ones The region of Agia Paraskevi has been known since ancient times for its healing properties, derived from its unique composition of natural elements. Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort invites guests to experience rejuvenation and relaxation at its state-of-the-art Aurora Spa where highly trained experts perform treatments inspired by these natural elements From detoxifying Cretan Massages with local herbs to invigorating Black Lava treatments which utilizes natural oils infused with red grape extract from the Kavala region every spa treatment promises a one-of-a-kind experience Guests can also savour moments of calmness in the world-class indoor heated pool offering mesmerizing views of the sea and an ultimate sense of serenity providing a comprehensive rejuvenating experience guests are treated to a delightful array of gastronomic experiences across three signature restaurants showcasing local Mediterranean and international cuisines Whether dining beachside with a personally crafted picnic or al fresco at the cosy MEET ‘N’ EAT food square the hotel serves freshly prepared gourmet bites crafted with local ingredients the hotel’s Happy Place Sweet Corner promises fun for all ages and custom cake orders are welcomed to commemorate special occasions with a memorable sweet treat With its lush surroundings and proximity to the Aegean Sea, Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort offers a wealth of breathtaking outdoor activities. Accompanied by expert guides, guests can explore the verdant greenery and wildlife through activities such as guided trekking, and mountain biking excursions, and even enjoy the resort’s own Adventure Park with a climbing wall and rope swings For avid adventurers and fitness enthusiasts the resort presents an array of water sports and hosts under-the-greek-sky yoga sessions as well as providing an open-air sports hub with two tennis courts Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort truly offers something for everyone to enjoy Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort proudly belongs to the Registry Collection Hotel by Wyndham in Europe, managed by ZEUS International Hotels and Resorts Renowned for their exceptional services and original guest experiences ZEUS brings its expertise and commitment to excellence in every aspect of the resort’s operations ensuring guests enjoy a memorable stay with the highest standard of service CEO of Zeus International Hotels & Resorts “We are thrilled to welcome guests to experience the unparalleled luxury and tranquillity of Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort Our team has worked tirelessly to create an exceptional haven that combines modern comforts with authentic Greek hospitality We look forward to providing our guests with unforgettable memories and an experience that surpasses their expectations.” Salon Privé Magazine on Google News Salon Privé Magazine is operated and managed by Salon Privé Group Ltd registered under Company Number 12126898 with VAT Number 410499115 Cookie Policy | Privacy Policy | Terms | About Us HTML Sitemap The situation with the fires in northeastern Attica remains difficult as the front is burning uncontrollably with the Fire Brigade giving a titanic battle with the flames the flames are still in Thrakomakedones and Varybombi The air assets started operating very early in the morning The ground forces were pursuing throughout the night the difficult task of limiting the fire until the air assets were available again a 112 alert message was sent for the evacuation of the areas of Agia Skepi The night was a nightmare for the inhabitants of Varybombi and Thrakomakedones as the big fire that has been burning since Thursday See Also: Volunteer firefighter dead according to the information of the Fire Brigade 720 firefighters are operating with 40 groups of ground units 80 firefighters from France and 16 from Israel provide assistance as ground units assistance is provided by the Hellenic Army with infantry units as well as water tankers and heavy equipment from local government