St. George Day

 Red Cross on White

Today is the feast day of a favorite Christian martyr, St. George. He is celebrated widely throughout the world and is a patron saint of many countries and cities, including Great Britain, Bulgaria, Venice, Genoa, Portugal, Ethiopia, Serbia, Russia, and Georgia. You can see his image all over the world, on coins, as statues, in liturgical wares, as architectural ornamentation, in storybooks, and in holiday celebrations. 

While he is depicted as an 11th century knight by many in the west, in Orthodox countries he is depicted more like what he was, a Roman officer. George was born into a wealthy and high-ranking family. His father died when he was young. His mother was a Christian and raised him to be one. He lived in the Near East. He was murdered for his faith under Diocletian in about A.D. 303. His tomb was in Lydda in Roman Palestine (now Lod, Israel). 

His story was developed over the centuries, especially in the Middle Ages, adding the dragon-slaying event. Unchanged is his reputation for virtue, holiness, and a strong faith under persecution, a testimony worth remembering and emulating. 

Balkans 9

 Evening in Zagreb

We found our hotel, and found it exceedingly hot. We then found a restaurant, situated in a vaulted cellar, with exquisite food. 

Then we wandered around the night streets. The grand city church had lost its towers in a recent earthquake, so they are being reconstructed. People take their church culture seriously. 

Note the array of odd museums in this city. One would want to come back and visit them all. 

The next morning, a flower market in the city square. 

Saint George

Then on to the national park. 

Balkans 8

 On to Zagreb

Croatia was our next goal. The evening before, we had local cuisine by a roaring fire. Very tasty. 

The next morning, after breakfast we said goodbye to the Ethno village.

Then we had a long drive to Zagreb, passing Orthodox churches in every town.

This one is in Zagreb, where we parked.

Balkans 7

 Ethno Village

Another little log church was either under construction or being heavily renovated. It was hexagonal, with an entrance “hall,” and a cupola. The only furnishings were a large gold chandelier, an icon stand, and a few small icons.

Facing the church was this fountain.

The wall construction. 

Other views

To be continued…..

Balkans 6

 Ethno Village

This little setting had two tiny Orthodox churches. Wonderful construction, painted all over with Bible stories and saints, and with typical gold furnishings. Here is the first.

Iconostasis 

The special icon as one enters

The elaborate ceiling 

Ceiling

And modern-day people incorporated into the decor 

Across from the church was this small souvenir shop.

Typical wood shingles 

To be continued….